Of all the eye-popping numbers related to Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class, there is one that stands out a bit more than the rest.
The Buckeyes currently have commitments from seven five-star prospects in 247Sports’ composite rankings. In Urban Meyer’s previous five recruiting classes in Columbus, Ohio State signed a combined total of six.
There is the potential for that number to grow to eight, too, as the Buckeyes are heavily involved in the recruitment of the No. 3-ranked player in the 2017 class: five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson.
On paper, Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class is shaping up to be the best in the program’s history in the modern recruiting era. And it’s largely because of the ridiculous amount of talent at the top of the list.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the Buckeyes’ seven five-star prospects in the 2017 class, and look at what to expect from each during their first season in Columbus.
Jeffrey Okudah — Cornerback — Grand Prairie, Texas
The skinny: The highest-rated recruit in Ohio State’s 2017 class (No. 7 overall), Okudah is a long, athletic cornerback who could theoretically play safety at the college level, as well. He has everything you look for in a potential pro prospect coming out of high school and with 75 percent of the Buckeyes’ secondary departing early for the NFL, Okudah could certainly be a player Ohio State fans become familiar with as just a freshman.
Baron Browning — Linebacker — Kennedale, Texas
The skinny: Ohio State landing a commitment from Browning felt a lot like it did back in 2014 when the Buckeyes got a pledge from Raekwon McMillan. Top-ranked linebackers from out of state are big deals — especially when they’re built like Browning. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 229 pounds with athleticism described by many as ‘freakish,’ Browning could play a role similar to the one McMillan played as a freshman.
Josh Myers — Offensive Lineman — Miamisburg, Ohio
The skinny: Myers is classified by most recruiting services as a tackle, but he seems like a natural guard at the college level. He is listed at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds but comes from a high school program that utilized a very run-heavy offense. Myers doesn’t have a ton of pass blocking experience so that’s clearly what he’ll need to work on right away at Ohio State, but as one of four five-star early enrollees, he’ll have a head start on that. Myers may need a year to develop some of those pass blocking traits, but once he figures things out he should be a mainstay up front for the Buckeyes.
Shaun Wade — Cornerback — Jacksonville, Florida
The skinny: The last of Ohio State’s five-star early enrollees, Wade is another long, athletic defensive back who, like Okudah, could play either corner or safety in college. He’s coming in as a corner, though, and with Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley both off to the NFL, the Buckeyes have some holes to fill in their secondary. Wade was a big pull out of the south for Ohio State as it held off Alabama and Virginia Tech to land his services. And it certainly feels like there’s a good chance Wade gets on the field early.
Wyatt Davis — Offensive Lineman — Bellflower, California
The skinny: Davis is the 15th-ranked overall player in the 2017 class and the nation’s No. 1-rated guard prospect. With one guard spot open next season and questions about Ohio State’s depth up front, Davis could be in the mix when he arrives in June. It’s very rare for a true freshman to start on the offensive line — Michael Jordan was the exception this season, not the norm — but Davis seems like he could be a strong candidate to contend for early playing time as his stock rose throughout a standout senior year.
Chase Young — Defensive End — Hyattsville, Maryland
The skinny: Ohio State made it clear Young was its top choice at defensive end for the 2017 class and the five-star prospect from Maryland is going to be the only one the Buckeyes sign at his position this cycle. With Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Holmes all returning, in addition to Nick Bosa, Ohio State is loaded at defensive end next season. Young is certainly talented enough to possibly crack the rotation, though.
Trevon Grimes — Wide Receiver — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The skinny: Grimes is as polished a wide receiver prospect as Ohio State has signed in awhile and big things are expected when he arrives in Columbus. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Grimes suffered a torn ACL during his high school season, but the hope is he’ll be 100 percent ready to go by fall camp. The Buckeyes don’t have a ton of proven commodities returning to the wide receiver room, so if Grimes is healthy, he could make an impact early on in his career.
