The Hurry Up is your nightcap of Ohio State recruiting news, catching you up on the day’s events with an ear on the ground for what’s next.
OK...SO THE THING...
Bill Greene of Scout.com reported moments ago that Buckeyes' commit George Hill took a visit to Pittsburgh and was offered by the Panthers and new coach Pat Narduzzi.
Ohio State commit George Hill visited Pittsburgh yesterday and was offered by the Panthers. Four-star from Hubbard. http://t.co/6zHhpcyJHW
— Bill Greene (@BillBankGreene) August 7, 2015
The other day there was a little discussion here about some things happening that could lead to another thing happening and this is one element of the thing.
I have avoided talking directly about Hill, but I will say that I am not sold he ends up at Michigan State and this specific trip is why. I mentioned Narduzzi's history of developing defensive backs being interesting to Hill back in April and I think they're still a potential candidate to land him along with the Spartans if (to be politically correct) a departure from Ohio State's class happens.
A(J) ROSE IS JUST AS SWEET?
One of the intriguing storylines of late July's Friday Night Lights was the appearance and performance of Kentucky commit AJ Rose, one of Ohio's most talented athletes for 2016. While the Buckeyes did not extend a scholarship offer to the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder from Garfield Heights High School, he once again impressed the Ohio State coaching staff with his size, frame and versatility.
With the events of this past week – one decommitment and a belief that another could come down the line – I can't help but wonder if Rose is a player that might end up finding his way into the 2016 class for the Buckeyes while others are finding their way out.
Why Rose? As I mentioned, his versatility and athleticism, combined with his work-ethic, have made him an attractive option to Ohio State for months. If he can go out and put some game tape together that affirms the Buckeyes' assessment of him, I think a September or October offer could be in the works.
TYJON LINDSEY BLOWING UP, BUCKEYES COMING SOON?
A little over a month ago we introduced you to Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) 2017 wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey, a five-star talent from the talent-rich Nevada program. The country's third-ranked receiver told 11W then that he'd been hoping to hear from the Buckeyes about a potential scholarship offer, thinking he was a good fit for the offense in Columbus.
"I haven't yet heard from the Buckeyes...But I want to," Lindsey shared. "At (Gorman) they get the athletes the ball quick and rely on them to do something with it, so yes it is (similar to the Buckeyes)."
In recent days, a pair of big programs have identified Lindsey as a player fit for their program; both Oregon and Texas A&M have extended him an offer this week. Oregon has been one team linked to Lindsey in recent months but the Aggies have to be considered a threat, especially as they may be the frontrunner for Bishop Gorman's five-star quarterback Tate Martell.
Sources close to the Buckeyes indicated to me that they could be throwing their hat into the ring for Lindsey sometime soon as well.
DAMAR HAMLIN PREDICTIONS ALL OVER THE PLACE
In the world of recruiting, the old adage is "watch what they do, not what they say." When it comes to what he does, it's pretty clear that Damar Hamlin is fond of the Buckeyes. You don't visit a school, even if it's relatively "close" proximity-wise, seven times in a year unless they're one you're seriously considering. In recent weeks, there have been a number of recruiting analysts from different networks prognosticating on Hamlin's future with varying results but with one commonality: they don't think it will be Ohio State. Here's one example of that, from Scout.com's Brian Dohn.
Last week, following his visit to Notre Dame, 247Sports.com analyst Tom Loy suggested that Notre Dame, Penn State and Pitt were tussling for Hamlin, but that he was confident he would not end up a Buckeye.
I think it's truly a Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh battle for Hamlin and Ford. I don't believe Ohio State is going to land either of them, from everything I've picked up, and I do think they will end up at the same school. However, I don't think either of them know where they want to go yet.
For Hamlin, official visits will be key. All three will hold a spot for him, so he doesn't need to rush his decision. I could be wrong, but I genuinely believe OSU is trailing for Hamlin.
So why does Ohio State lead the way for Hamlin on the ol' crystal ball?
Because generally, actions speak louder than words, and Hamlin's relationships with Ohio State's coaching staff, current players and future players are all excellent.
I've still got Hamlin to Ohio State, and as he knows the Buckeyes are going to hold a spot for him until he's ready – and as long as Andrew Pryts and Jordan Fuller aren't committed and potentially clogging up the depth chart – I'm keeping it that way.
