The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. You submit the questions, vote on them, and then we pass the top ones on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
In what turned out to be more than a year-long battle for his signature, Ohio State knocked off Michigan, Notre Dame and others for the services of Westwood, New Jersey's Jordan Fuller, a four-star athlete at Old Tappan High School.
The country's 130th-ranked player, whose brother Devin played at UCLA, chose the Buckeyes because he trust Ohio State's coaching staff.
“I chose Ohio State because I truly believe they push their players, for sure, but I also know they take care of them on and off the field,” Fuller said. “I know I will be developed. I will get stronger, I will get faster and I will improve my smarts for the game, and also I will be able to network with some very powerful people and set myself up for life after football. Really, it is the whole package.”
How did Ohio State's recruitment differ from your other tops schools? – Toad1204
JF: They differed from other schools on a few levels. There really isn't one thing that other schools have that Ohio state doesn't, and I was closer with the coaches on this coaching staff more than any other school, too. Also, the fact that (Urban) Meyer was so involved with my recruitment was big. He didn't only recruit me though, he developed relationships with my close family members which meant a lot.
You have the talent and versatility to play anywhere in the secondary. With that, do you have a preference between playing corner, nickel, or safety? And which players at those postions would you say you pattern your game after? – GameTime
JF: I definitely want to play corner. I enjoy playing safety and nickel, too, but corner is what I really love focusing on. I love watching Patrick Peterson, Richard Sherman, Joe Haden, and some college players, too. I like picking up small things they do.
Have you met anyone more energetic than Coach Coombs? What can he do to help you improve and strengthen your game? – Maka
JF: NEVER. That's what I love about him. I know he can and will do a lot to help improve my game, just by being so knowledgable about my position. Plus, his demand for excellence will push me to new heights.
What are your expectations your freshman year, what do you want to accomplish and how excited are you to play for Coach Coombs? – GWolkoff5
JF: I don't have any expectations besides getting better on the field and being the best teammate I can be while getting my education, really. Words can't describe how excited I am to get to work and learn under the best corners' coach in the country. I can't wait!
What separates you from the rest of the guys on the upcoming Buckeye squad? What is your motivation? – WezBuck28
JF: Having a brother that has gone to college (UCLA) for football helps a lot. I know what to expect for the most part. My motivation is to make my teammates say "Wow, I'm glad he's on my team."
What is your "go-to" late night food binge? – Seattle Linga
JF: Definitely Frosted Flakes. I stay away from it for the most part, but every once in a while, a nice big bowl hits the spot.
Can you tell us when the process began for you and can you describe your experience with it (was it good, bad, hectic, stressful, etc.), and at what point you knew Ohio State was the school for you? – TennBuckeye19
JF: The process began for me in 8th grade when Rutgers offered me a scholarship and the experience as a whole was great. I enjoyed seeing all these different schools and meeting so many different people. Also meeting fellow recruits on the way was cool, too. The only time it got stressful was the last few weeks of the recruiting process I'd say. I always felt like I knew Ohio State was the place for me after I visited in April of my junior year. It got cloudy a bit after that for some time, but after I official visited again two weeks before signing day, it solidified everything pretty much. The in-home visit helped, too.
How interested in college football are high school students in New Jersey? Do people watch college football or is it strictly pro football? Specifically, what is the New Jersey perspective on Ohio State? How did people at your school and in your neighborhood respond when you signed with the Buckeyes? – Ahh Saturday
JF: College football is big in New Jersey. Of course they love pro football teams, but college is more interesting to most. The New Jersey perspective on Ohio State is probably the same as anywhere. They know Ohio State is a top-tier program that produces tons of talent. People around my school and neighborhood were ecstatic and my entire community is really supportive. They love the Buckeyes.
Are you ready for the spotlight that shines on a college football team, let alone one as bright as it will be at Ohio State? – BuckeyeAirGuard78
JF: I'm ready. This is all I've wanted since I was a little kid. I can't wait to compete on the biggest stage of college football as a Buckeye.
Do you have a college major in mind at this point in time? – ScarletNGrey01
JF: I do not know for sure, but I'm leaning towards something in sports. I'll find something that fits my interests.
I'm just excited to get to work and develop long lasting relationships with my teammates and coaches, get my degree, and win a few national championships along the way in front of the best fans in the world.
I'm ready to go. Go Bucks!
