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?
Ohio State landed a commitment this afternoon from arguably one of the most underrated prospects in the country as Kemp, Texas, three-star receiver Elijah Gardiner flipped his commitment from Missouri.
Let's take a look at what Gardiner — the 170th-best receiver and No. 1,204 prospect overall in the Class of 2017 — brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
Gardiner has the potential to become a big-time playmaker in Columbus, but must first add muscle to his lanky 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame in order to hold up against physical defensive backs at the next level.
A state qualifier in the long jump and as the anchor leg of the 4x400-meter relay, he too often relied upon his superior athleticism and elite speed to out-run and/or out-jump defenders. As a result, he must continue to polish his route-running.
Gardiner's ability to make difficult catches look effortless and his vision with the ball in his hands scream deep-threat. But with a renewed focus on the details, he could develop into an intriguing option across the middle of the field.
Gardiner finished his senior season with 542 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, despite having a quarterback who completed roughly 50 percent of his passes.
IN THE CLASS
Ohio State seemed set at wide receiver just two weeks ago, as it held commitments from Trevon Grimes and Tyjon Lindsey and awaited a decision from Jaylen Harris. But Lindsey reopened his recruitment out of nowhere, leaving the Buckeyes to find another wideout with only three weeks left until National Signing Day.
The staff pinpointed a few targets, including four-stars James Robinson and Oliver Martin, but Gardiner seemed to stand out for all of the reasons mentioned above. Not to mention, he stayed out of trouble on his official visit.
Gardiner fills the scholarship — more or less — vacated by Lindsey and becomes the 20th member of Ohio State's second-ranked recruiting class.
THE INTANGIBLES
This is exactly why Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is vehemently against an early signing period. With one in place, he wouldn't have been able to swoop in at the last minute and steal Gardiner away from Missouri.
Gardiner's case is unique in the fact that he wasn't even on the staff's radar until two weeks ago, but the point remains the same. Just ask defensive tackle Robert Landers, who flipped from West Virginia after he finally earned an offer from the Buckeyes.
“The one thing about Ohio State,” Landers said, “it's hard to say no to them.”
That even goes for a kid like Gardiner, who grew up 45 minutes from Dallas and had no connection to the Buckeyes until Meyer and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson stopped by his high school earlier this month.
