Kemp, Texas, three-star wide receiver Elijah Gardiner has committed to Ohio State, giving us a reminder of how quickly things can change on the recruiting trail.
He announced his decision on Twitter this afternoon following an official visit, his first-ever to Columbus.
Thanks to all the schools that have recruited me but my family and I have decided to further my career at The Ohio State University. pic.twitter.com/ZHhSS9asOd
— Eli (@elijahgardiner) January 30, 2017
The Gardiner File
- Class: 2017
- Size: 6-foot-5, 185 pounds
- Pos: WR
- School: Kemp (TX)
- Composite Rating: ★★★
- Composite Rank: 170 (WR)
The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Gardiner committed to Missouri in November and didn't appear on Ohio State's radar until Tyjon Lindsey reopened his recruitment earlier this month. In need of a third receiver to complement Trevon Grimes and Jaylen Harris, the staff reached to Gardiner and four-stars James Robinson and Oliver Martin, among others.
Head coach Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson visited Gardiner in Texas earlier this week, at which time they convinced him to take an official visit. He was originally scheduled to visit Texas, which offered earlier in the week, but Ohio State's need at the position is far greater than the Longhorns'.
The visit was mostly for the two sides to get to know each other, but with National Signing Day just around the corner, the Buckeyes had to be proactive with an offer. Shortly after it was extended, Gardiner made the flip.
Gardiner becomes the 20th member of Ohio State's Select '17 recruiting class, joining the aforementioned Grimes and Harris in Zone 6.
Eleven Warriors will have more on Gardiner's pledge soon.
