The Hurry Up: Layne Adds Big Offer, Richardson Talks Buckeyes In-Depth and Zach Sandwisch Talk

LAYNE ADDS BAMA OFFER, TALKS BUCKEYES

Ohio's top 2016 wide receiver, Justin Layne, added a big offer late last night. 

Just got offered from Alabama #blessed

— - JLXIII (@JustinLayne0) March 18, 2015

Offered by the Buckeyes in October, Layne says he's trying to sort through what has turned into a pretty great situation for him, despite the fact that many believed he'd be a Buckeye commit early in the process.

"It feels great, getting noticed this way," Layne told 11W. "I'm truly blessed to be in this position. I'm just trying to enjoy the whole thing and decide what's best for me. There's nothing specific that is 'holding me back' from committing to Ohio State, I just need to be sure of what's best for me."

Layne's high school teammate at Cleveland Benedictine, Jerome Baker, signed with Ohio State this past February after initially committing to Florida, so the concept of a Bengals' star choosing another school isn't that wild. Michigan State is the one program that most are concerned about stealing Layne. The Spartans offered the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder and Layne is scheduled to visit East Lansing next weekend. He says a Buckeye visit is in the works, but he's unsure as to when that will happen exactly.

"I plan on making a trip [to Ohio State] soon," Layne added. "I'm not sure on a date yet."

RICHARDSON "WANTS TO BE GREAT"

Ja'Vonte Richardson could be Ohio's best 2017 wide receiver, and judging by the Maple Heights' standout's Twitter account, he's not resting on his Rivals 100 laurels.

I just wanna be GREAT

— JRich8TSA (@Jigg_Starter) March 18, 2015

The 6-foot-3, 200 pound junior-to-be certainly has the size and speed combination to be a big-time prospect, and after talking with him a bit, it seems he has an attitude to match.

"I don't really care how an offense uses me," Richardson told 11W. "Just use me. I think I have an advantage most of the time, whether it's size or speed or skill. I can make the big plays and third-down catches. I want to be counted on by my team."

Despite growing up in the Cleveland area, Richardson said he identifies his game with two NFL players from Cincinnati.

"I think AJ Green and Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco," he said. "I don't know if that will upset some Cleveland people (laughs) but that's who I watch and try to relate my game to."

Ohio State has not yet offered Richardson, but they've already tapped into the budding talent at Maple Heights in 2016 — Kierre Hawkins lines up opposite Richardson — and he thinks he'll make a visit to Columbus with his committed teammate soon.

"I've been talking to Kierre about the next time he goes there for a visit," Richardson added. "I'm also planning on going there with my training squad, Raw Talent."

As far as a college choice, Richardson is trying to find a good fit for him skills. He admits that as a freshman he didn't get off to the best start academically but that things are on track now. 

"I really just want to get into a school where I can play as a freshman," Richardson continued. "I want to try and make things happen. I messed up my freshman year of high school and learned my lesson. I've been on the Honor Roll all year and it's going great. Education has to be a priority."

SANDWISCH COMMITS TO WEST VIRGINIA, IMPACT FOR BUCKEYES

In last night's Hurry Up I talked a little bit about Toledo Central Catholic linebacker Zach Sandwisch, who I have currently "crystal balled" to Ohio State. In the story, I mentioned that I would not be surprised if Sandwisch committed to West Virginia, but that I felt he'd wait a bit longer before doing so. 

Just committed to WVU! #BLESSED #LetsGoMountaineers

— Zach Sandwisch (@ZSandwisch13) March 18, 2015

Oops. 

Now, my prognostication that Sandwisch ends up a Buckeye is based on a number of elements, but the primary ones are this: he's from Ohio. He's really talented. I think Ohio State will make him an offer at some point. Those three factors are enough to predict that anyone will be a Buckeye, so that's what made me pick Ohio State for the Toledo linebacker.

That said, after talking to a few different people today, I wouldn't expect Sandwisch to be the guy who — now that he's committed — openly campaigns for a Buckeye offer, I would suspect he'll handle things much like Alex Stump did in last year's cycle. If the Buckeyes are interested, he'll listen, but it will be on them to make a move. 

I believe that Sandwisch — again, much like I believed Stump last year — is Ohio's most underrated prospect in 2016. I think that if he'd not missed most of his sophomore season with injury and half of his junior season because of transfer regulations, he'd have already earned his Buckeye offer and all this would be moot, but this is where we are today. I personally would have offered him following last December's state championship game against Joe Burrow and Athens but I'm not the guy in charge of that decision, so again – moot.

West Virginia is by no means a backup plan for Sandwisch. He and his family loved Morgantown and they believe the opportunity to play early at West Virginia is legitimate and Zach's kind of a country boy at heart, so the "fit" is a good one. What will be interesting is whether or not a Buckeye offer — if it comes — is enough to change his mind. I'm not writing that possibility off, but I will say that after talking to a number of people today I'm not all convinced it's a sure thing.

One interesting side note here? Don't expect Sandwisch's commitment to West Virginia to help Ohio State's pursuit of Brendan Ferns. In fact, it could be another piece of a slowly developing Mountaineer-shaped puzzle for Ferns.