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.
DAELIN HAYES VISIT OFF
Last night, 247Sports.com had the news first that the scheduled in-home visit between Ohio State and Daelin Hayes Thursday night would be cancelled and not rescheduled. I wanted to do a little bit of digging before commenting on the change of plans, so here's what I have been able to find out.
Prior to the start of the Buckeyes' game against Michigan State, Hayes actually informed the coaching staff of his intention to join Ohio State's recruiting class, but since that day contact between the two sides has waned and the buzz of that visit wore off.
Thursday night's visit was going to be Tony Alford, who–as we've discussed–has been recruiting Hayes for a couple of years now and is the closest member of the Ohio State staff to him along with Urban Meyer. Alford, sensing that things had begun to shift asked the four-star linebacker this week to be up front with the Buckeyes about their chances and to let them know if a visit would be wasting their time.
Shortly thereafter, the visit was canceled and even though I am not a math major, I can put two and two together and get Hayes = Notre Dame.
BUCKEYES STILL MAKE STOP IN MICHIGAN
Although Tony Alford isn't going to be seeing Daelin Hayes, the Buckeyes are still making their rounds in Michigan Thursday.
Flag planting really hard in TSUN! #bringingtheBuckeyeBeattoMotown! #receptionhereisawesome! #thankstogreatcoachesandplayers!
— Kerry Coombs (@OsuCoachCoombs) December 3, 2015
Kerry Coombs has been an incredibly active recruiter in Michigan for Ohio State in the last four years and he and Zach Smith were both in Detroit Thursday. Donnie Corley, the four-star standout wide receiver from The Motor City being their primary target.
Thursday, Corley was named Michigan's 2015 High School Football Player of the Year and in preparation for the Buckeyes' visit, he was representing the Scarlet and Gray with his apparel choice.
Congrats to Donnie Corley, the 2015 Michigan High School Football Player of the Year! @Hit_Squad9 @DetKingFootball pic.twitter.com/EbGTlTQBvh
— Jared Purcell (@JaredPurcellDET) December 3, 2015
A decision from Corley, one of the six finalists for US Army Player of the Year, is expected next, a decision that his father says he'd prefer not be made until a return trip to Columbus happens. That is not going to happen this weekend and unless the Martin Luther King Jr. prospect pushes back his decision date to allow for an official visit next weekend (when a number of Ohio State commitments will make their officials) it's almost inconceivable to think he'll land anywhere but Michigan State at this point.
LAWRENCE STILL FEELING OHIO STATE?
Later Wednesday night, Ohio State 2016 defensive tackle target Rashard Lawrence tweeted that he'd be visited by the Buckeyes yesterday afternoon.
Great visit with The Buckeyes
— Rashard Lawrence (@Rashard_99) December 3, 2015
Lawrence, normally radio silent about his recruitment on Twitter, has been right at the top of the Buckeyes' big board for months, but he's never gone so far as to name them a leader. His actions though, multiple trips to Columbus since the summer, indicate a sincere interest in the Ohio State program.
The potential for a coaching change at LSU definitely would have helped the Buckeyes' cause with Lawrence but the decision to retain Les Miles is likely to result in the five-star staying close to him and signing with the Tigers.
WAYNE DAVIS AMONG THOSE HONORED AS GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Thursday, the fine folks at Gatorade released their annual list of players selected for their state's Player of the Year, one of the country's most prestigious individual prep awards.
Ohio State commitment Wayne Davis was one of the honorees, the only Buckeye commitment to earn the accolade. Awarded because of on-field exploits and off-the-field and classroom work, Davis' year has been memorable.
Davis has recorded 43 tackles through 13 games and intercepted six passes, returning five for touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns. The Conference 17 Player of the Year, Davis is a two-time First Team All-State selection...Davis has maintained a 3.37 GPA...He has volunteered locally as a mentor for younger children at the Berkley Community Center.
In New Jersey, Westwood's Jordan Fuller, one of the Buckeyes' most important outstanding targets in 2016, was named the winner.
Ohio's winner, Cincinnati Elder offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer, is committed to Notre Dame.
