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.
MORE ON KMET'S DECISION
I mentioned a bit yesterday about Illinois tight end Cole Kmet, who visited Ohio State this past weekend. I had a chance to talk a bit more with Kmet about his upcoming college decision as well as a source close to the Buckeyes about where things stand.
Kmet admits quite easily that there's only two schools he's considering at this point – Ohio State and Notre Dame – and that he feels he really can't make a bad choice.
"Notre Dame and Ohio State are both very different but both appeal to me in their own ways," Kmet told Eleven Warriors. "Ohio State is much bigger than Notre Dame is, but I think they both have great game-day atmospheres and both have very good fan bases."
One of the key areas of focus for Kmet and his family? The academic opportunities each school presents. Living closer to South Bend, Kmet has had a few chances to see what Notre Dame has to offer, but he says his parents have no questions about Ohio State in that regard.
"My parents know that wherever I decide to go that I will succeed so they definitely think I can succeed at Ohio State," the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder said. "They have had multiple talks with the coaches about the academic side of things and they both feel very comfortable about it. Ohio State has a lot to offer academically."
The country's sixth-ranked tight end said there's no more questions from him about his two choices; it's all about comfort now.
"I know what each school has to offer," Kmet said. "I just have to pick a place where I feel most comfortable with."
That's where things stand from the player's point of view, so what about the Buckeyes' point of view?
As it stands, there's guarded optimism surrounding Ohio State's chances. The Buckeyes feel that they've done a great job creating and maintaining relationships with Kmet and his family. The belief right now is that Kmet could choose them but there is worry that the lack of production from the tight end position, combined with his proximity to South Bend and Catholic upbringing, might be enough to sway him toward the Irish despite Brock Wright having already committed to Notre Dame.
My gut says Kmet picks the Irish, but it's not a slam dunk.
DONNIE CORLEY'S SWEATSHIRT CHOICES CATCHES THE EYE
Full disclaimer: the clothing worn by an uncommitted recruit at any time and any place does not matter. Still, it's interesting when one of your top targets, who lives in the home state of two of your biggest rivals and is being recruited heavily by each, dons Buckeye garb. That's what happened last night and was caught on national TV.
Donnie Corley, the standout wide receiver and defensive back for Detroit's Martin Luther King Jr., wore a Buckeye sweatshirt to the Detroit Lions game against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
Need a little more insight into why Corley is so heavily recruited? Check out some of this past weekend's highlights as King knocked off rival Cass Tech.
EWELL TALKS ABOUT HIS VISIT
Norfolk, Va.'s Darnell Ewell has had Ohio State as his favorite school for some time now and after his first ever visit to Columbus, nothing has changed.
"They are still the top school," Ewell told 11W. "I felt comfortable there; comfortable with the coaches, and the team members. I just had a lot of fun visiting. It exceeded my expectations."
The Buckeyes have offered the 6-foot-3, 300-pounder and it's been Zach Smith who has really made getting to know Ewell a priority. The pair had a chance to catch up Saturday during the pregame festivities.
"It's amazing to get that kind of personal attention," Ewell said. "I've talked to Zach Smith a lot and we really have a bond."
It wasn't just Smith's attention that caught Ewell's, the Buckeyes made him feel like he belonged there.
"I liked how they had someone personally there with me making sure I was OK the most," Ewell added. "They really told me a lot of history about the school. Overall, everything just made me felt like I was at home."
MACK HIGHLIGHTS FROM SIX TOUCHDOWN PERFORMANCE
Ohio State wide receiver commitment Austin Mack had a decent night this past Friday night.
From Sunday's Prep Tracker:
The Bishop Luers wide receiver accounted for 447 total yards and six touchdowns in a 43-38 loss to Carroll. He rushed for 132 yards and four scores, caught four passes for 151 yards and a touchdown and amassed 164 return yards – including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Pretty good, eh? Here's what the game looked like, courtesy of Scout.com:
