The Hurry Up is your nightly dose of updates from the Ohio State football recruiting trail, keeping tabs on the latest from commits and targets from around the country.
A ROAD I'VE TRAVELED WELL
The eight-hour drive from Virginia Beach to Columbus and back — or vice versa — is one I've traveled so many times I've lost track. Maybe Bishop Sullivan five-star linebacker Teradja Mitchell, who is scheduled to take an unofficial visit to Ohio State on April 8, will one day say the same thing.
Visiting Ohio State soon
— Teradja Mitchell (@WhosThatNumber7) March 15, 2017
It will be the second visit for Mitchell, who attended last year's double-overtime win over Michigan.
“Last time I visited, it was only for The Game. This time, I plan on checking out everything,” Mitchell told Eleven Warriors. “The two major things is talking with the coaches and seeing how I can fit in their system, and I want to check the business program out.”
The 6-foot-2, 232-pound Mitchell is considered the second-best inside linebacker and No. 18 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, having recorded 106 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions for the Crusaders last season. He lists a Top 11 of Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, USC and Virginia Tech.
Though Luke Fickell was Ohio State's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach when Mitchell was last on campus, he said Bill Davis has filled his shoes seamlessly and he's not concerned with his lack of collegiate experience.
“Coach Davis and I have developed a good relationship,” Mitchell said. “His NFL experience outweighs that by far.”
Like so many kids from the 757, Mitchell seems to be Seminole in the making. But Ohio State can certainly find themselves in the conversation with a great visit next month.
ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
If Ohio State misses out on Mitchell, Tucker, Georgia, three-star linebacker Michael Harris would love nothing more than to take his place. The Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-2. 213-pounder a scholarship one week ago today, and he's been walking on air ever since.
“That’s my favorite college. I’ve been preaching about that school since I was in diapers,” Harris told DawgNation's Jeff Sentrell. “[Head coach Urban Meyer] says I'm their guy. I hope to fit into their program. I would decide on my birthday (Friday), but I’ll decide after I take the SAT/ACT just so I know I’m straight and can get into any college I want to. I want to be qualified first.”
Harris is considered the 15th-best inside linebacker in the Class of 2018 and holds 18 offers from programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss and South Carolina. But once he earns the necessary test scores, there's no doubt in his mind he'll commit to Ohio State.
“One-hundred percent,” Harris said. “I’d love to go to Alabama, Georgia, Auburn. Those are nice schools. But growing up? The Ohio State is my school. It’s where I want to go. It’s cold up there, but I’m not worried.”
Harris, who recorded 122 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and five pass breakups to help Lovejoy to the second round of the state playoffs last year before transferring to Tucker this offseason, has not yet visited Columbus. But when it does, he'll certainly be on commitment watch.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Ohio State dipped into Texas late in the 2017 recruiting class to pull three-star wide receiver Elijah Gardiner away from Missouri, and could certainly be looking at a similar situation with Euless Trinity three-star defensive end Izaih Filikitonga. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson reached out to him earlier this week.
“[They're] really interested in me and want me to go visit up there,” Filikitonga told Eleven Warriors.
The 6-foot-2, 237-pound Filikitonga is considered the 49th-best weakside defensive end and No. 704 prospect overall in the Class of 2018. He holds offers from Colorado State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Utah and Utah State, but is intrigued by Ohio State's interest.
“It's just an amazing program,” Filikitonga said.
KENTUCKY THOROUGHBRED
Spring break is obviously the perfect opportunity for recruits to see prospective schools, seeing as they don't have to worry about classes or their own football season interfering with the trip. Among those set to come to Columbus for a practice in the coming weeks is Georgetown, Kentucky, Scott County four-star offensive tackle Bryan Hudson.
“Hopefully during spring break (in two weeks) and to a camp in June,” Hudson told Eleven Warriors. “I am really excited to see another practice and just get a chance to talk to the coaches again. Also to see the facilities again and get to know how they coach.”
The 6-foot-5, 292-pound Hudson is considered the 11th-best offense tackle and No. 91 prospect overall in the Class of 2019. He holds offers from Kentucky, Louisville and Rutgers, but said an offer from Ohio State would be huge.
“I was always a fan of Ohio State,” Hudson said. “Growing up in Kentucky, I've always liked them, UK and UofL.”
Hudson was last on campus for last year's rain-soaked win over Tulsa, so he hopes the weather cooperates this time.
