Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
Not long ago, the future of Ohio State's offensive line got even brighter with the commitment of 2017 five-star offensive lineman Wyatt Davis.
Let's take a deeper dive into what the 6-foot-5, 310-pounder's pledge means for the Buckeyes moving forward.
On The Field
The first thing that stands out about Davis when you watch his tape is his pure size and agility. Individuals that big should not be able to move that well, especially when they are moving to the second level of a defense.
Though he can sometimes play a tad too high, Davis' frame and strength allows him to overpower opponents once he gets his hands on them. That is usually their first — and eventually, only — mistake. Once Davis engages a defender, he has the unique ability to turn them around and get them out of position by shoving them where he pleases.
Plus, Davis always plays to the whistle regardless where the football goes on a play, something that had to catch Ohio State's eye in the recruitment process.
David spent most of his time at tackle at St. John Bosco, but also played guard and projects on the interior at the next level. He showed he has the balance and tenacity to pull and lead a runner through a hole, which the Braves do often. Basically, if they are running the ball, it is behind him.
Davis is also solid in pass protection, doing well to keep defenders and their hands away from his body.
Here is Davis against fellow Ohio State commit Haskell Garrett.
In The Class
Davis is the 14th commitment to Ohio State's 2017 recruiting haul, getting it back to the number it was when quarterback Tate Martell committed 12 days ago. It dipped to 13 when Todd Sibley decommitted and elected instead to head to Pittsburgh.
Davis joins two other highly-ranked offensive linemen in the class, five-star Josh Myers and four-star Jake Moretti. Both of those guys play tackle, however, so Davis fits as the likely lone interior lineman in the class. Ohio State has a horde of offensive tackles on the roster too, but if anything would happen to them Davis said he could fill in if needed.
"I feel I can play inside and outside, it doesn't matter," Davis told Bleacher Report in March. "I'm open to playing wherever, as long as I'm on the field playing."
After a recent slip to No. 2 behind Alabama in the 247Sports composite team rankings, Davis' pledge should push Ohio State's class back to the top. He is the third five-star commitment in this class, a ridiculous statistic that equals the number of five-star prospects pledged to the rest of the Big Ten and one fewer than have pledged to SEC schools for 2017.
We are still a long way from February, but Ohio State remains in excellent position to win its first recruiting national championship under Urban Meyer.
The Intangibles
As he showed on Twitter earlier this week, Martell hinted about knowing Davis' decision before the rest of us did. Also a California native, Martell and Davis have grown close, which can only be a good thing for Ohio State.
A terror on the gridiron, Davis is a terrific basketball player as well. He credits that to his quick first step and also shows how much he enjoys competing. Davis even played on the AAU circuit in the spring and summer. Bosco made it to the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 1AA Tournament with Davis roaming the paint as a defensive presence in the paint and force on the glass.
His father is Duane Davis, an actor who starred in the 1993 #banger The Program as Alvin Mack. Duane Davis shared tips with his son as he grew older and played more sports, but one resonated most and is applicable when you consider how he is on the football field.
"My dad's always taught me and my brother not to take crap from anyone," Wyatt Davis told Bleacher Report. "Being aggressive, that's something you have to find within your own. Ever since I was younger, that's how I've played. He told us to be aggressive, and I really took that to heart."
