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.
VICTOR DELAYING DECISION
In June, 2016's eighth-ranked wide receiver, Binjimen Victor, was set to commit to Florida before he made a last-minute visit to Ohio State, which led to a delay in his decision. From that point forward, it's been the Buckeyes at the top of his list with a handful of schools (West Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida among them) working hard to overtake Ohio State.
Victor, who made official visits to Morgantown and Columbus during the season, was expected to make his college decision this Saturday during the Army All-American game but, as of yesterday, he's going to delay it again.
From Scout.com:
With two official visits remaining, to Tennessee and Florida, Victor decided there was still too much recruiting left to make a choice.
In the above video, he talked about how the departures of Jalin Marshall and Michael Thomas could impact him.
If the Buckeyes can land Donnie Corley this weekend, there are some who think they'll bow out of the Victor race all together, but it's hard to imagine passing up on a player of his caliber if he wants in. Expect a signing day decision from Victor.
CLARK JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS
After bursting on to the national scene as a freshman at Massillon Washington High School, the expectations and pressures that Danny Clark faced as a sophomore, combined with a dysfunctional coaching situation for the Tigers, caused many to question why he earned an Ohio State offer so early.
As a junior, now at Akron's Archbishop Hoban, Clark's game seems to be rounding into form and the highlight tape from his state championship season shows a lot of growth from the young quarterback.
Clark, 6-foot-4 and 230-pounds, broke Hoban's school record for passing touchdowns and yards in his first year with the Knights.
Don't be surprised if the offense at Hoban takes another big step next year as Clark gets more comfortable with the adjustments that coach Tim Tyrrell and offensive coordinator Drew Sarachman have made to his delivery and approach.
2018 RECEIVER HAS BUCKEYES IN EARLY TOP FIVE
Although we're clearly still trying to get a handle on potential 2016 and 2017 wide receivers, we've learned it's never too early to start talking about a recruit so let's examine the current "Top 5" of 2018 wide receiver Jermaine Eskridge Jr.
It was a extremely hard decision but here are my top 5 pic.twitter.com/TDesLzSQov
— The G.O.A.T (@Iam_Jermaine4) January 4, 2016
Eskridge, a 6-foot-3, 180-pounder from Tampa, has a Buckeyes' offer and, with two years left of high school, already has a commitment/decommitment under his belt. He committed to Kentucky in July and re-opened his recruitment in November.
He didn't play much as a sophomore because of issues with a transfer, but his offer list–Florida, Florida State, Michigan and other big names are among the 24 he claims–says a lot of big-time schools see a world of potential from the early four-star.
FULLER SEEING OPPORTUNITY?
Whenever these All-American games and/or major camps pop up, there's always a player or two that seems to see a serious uptick in "vibes" and this week, from talking to people in San Antonio and with respect to Ohio State, it's been Jordan Fuller giving off the Buckeye "vibe" in Texas.
As Eli Apple, Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell are all moving on to the NFL, it appears the Fuller has had his eyes opened a bit towards what Ohio State has to offer.
Fuller talked to Scout.com about his decision and upcoming visits. He'll visit Ohio State next weekend and Michigan the weekend of Jan. 22. Penn State could receive an official visit the final weekend of the month, but that's still up in the air.
Ohio State: "They win. They develop their players on and off the field. I like the coaching staff. I like the coaching staff at Penn State too, at all the schools actually."
When Fuller visits Michigan, he's expected to do so with Rashan Gary, and the Wolverines have obviously had a great deal of success in New Jersey this recruiting cycle. The question ultimately may come down to what position Fuller wants to play, because he says the Buckeyes see him as a cornerback.
"Ohio State wants me at corner, Michigan wants me at corner. It does a little bit -- it's in the back of my mind because I want to play corner, but I have to make the best decision for me."
At one point in the process, Ohio State was the clear leader for the four-star Fuller, but without a visit to the school until this late in the process, his recruitment appears wide open.
He's already made an official visit to Notre Dame and the Irish also remain in the mix, so stay tuned, this is another one that could come down to signing day.
MICHIGAN PLEDGE OFFERED
Class of 2016 athlete Chris Evans has made his affinity for the Buckeyes clear, as the four-star from Indianapolis camped at Ohio State last summer in hopes of earning an offer. That's a lot of work for someone who committed to Michigan in June.
It took a little time, but the Buckeyes extended an offer on Wednesday; an offer that could shake up his recruitment.
Ohio State is looking at Evans as a defensive back prospect, but the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder has made his mark on both sides of the ball in high school. This could definitely be a recruitment to watch, as Evans has even given Ohio State the dreaded "dream school" label.
247sports.com's Steve Wiltfong noted that an official visit to Columbus is very likely to take place ($). Jordan Fuller, Damar Hamlin, and Carlos Becker are also being pursued for the final defensive back spots.
