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.
GARDNER SETS OFFICIAL VISIT
Ohio State has had some success at the always talent-loaded Florida high school of Cocoa in recent years. The Buckeyes signed Jamel Dean in the 2015 class and have a commitment from the Tigers' 2017 quarterback and star Bruce Judson.
In the 2016 class, the Buckeyes have maintained their effort to recruit Florida cornerback pledge Chauncey Gardner. Last week, Gardner released a list of potential official visits that included the Buckeyes as a possibility, but he wasn't sure if it'd be Ohio State or Florida State for the official. It appears he's made up his mind.
My Official Visit In Order pic.twitter.com/wzQRxR1jMA
— STICK TALK (@StillDat_) September 16, 2015
There's little chance that Gardner ends up anywhere other than Florida in my opinion, but the game day experience at Ohio State, especially against Michigan State in what could very well be a matchup of the country's top two-ranked teams, will be special.
Gardner is the country's eighth-ranked cornerback and 74th-ranked overall prospect in the 2016 class.
NEW 2017 DT OFFER COMING SOON?
In February I mentioned the name Aubrey Solomon, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound defensive tackle from Leesburg, Georgia high school Lee County. Solomon is the country's eighth-ranked 2017 defensive tackle and there's some scuttlebutt that an Ohio State offer could be heading his way soon.
From February:
Solomon has only two offers at the moment — from two SEC programs (Kentucky, Ole Miss) — but as an early four-star prospect and No. 79 in the 247Sports.com Top 247 for 2017, more are sure to be coming.
Solomon has added a number of big offers since that time, including Florida State and Georgia. The Buckeyes are continually looking for big-time defensive tackles and The Peach State has been a priority for Urban Meyer and his staff, especially in the 2017 cycle. Don't be surprised if this offer happens soon.
Lee County is the alma mater of Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Collier.
HANSARD DISCUSSES OHIO STATE
Another 2017 defensive tackle that has an Ohio State offer is Fred Hansard, a four-star prospect from Princeton, New Jersey's Hun School. Hansard is ranked one spot ahead of Solomon as the country's seventh-ranked defensive tackle.
He talked with with BleacherReport.com analyst Tyler Donahue about his recruitment, including the Buckeyes.
Hansard, rated seventh nationally among defensive tackles in 2017 composite rankings, has also spent multiple campus visits at in-state Rutgers. He plan [sic] to expand his Big Ten horizons soon, eyeing trips to Ohio State and Michigan.
"I can't wait to get to Ohio State. They're one of the schools that talks to me the most. It seems like they reach out every day." Hansard said. "I hope to be up there for a game, so I'm excited to meet the coaches and players."
His communication with the Buckeyes staff has included defensive line coach Larry Johnson, offensive coordinator Ed Warinner and head coach Urban Meyer.
With a touch of uncertainty around defensive tackle recruiting in 2016 – especially if Ohio State misses on Georgia's Antwuan Jackson – Hansard could be a top priority for 2017.
HARRIS VISITING THIS WEEKEND
One of the state's top 2017 prospects will check out the Buckeyes this weekend. Cleveland Heights' wide receiver Jaylen Harris, who earned an Ohio State offer this past June, will be in attendance when Northern Illinois comes to town.
"Yes sir," Harris told 11W. "I'll be at the game this weekend."
Harris and his Heights' teammates have started the season 0-3 and have an open date this weekend.
He's maintaining his optimism and is excited about the chance to improve. He says he's looking forward to the opportunity to see the Buckeyes in person.
