Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
Ohio State's success on the field often leads to some surprises in the recruiting game and there may not be a bigger one in recent memory than the commitment of Las Vegas (Bishop Gorman) four-star Haskell Garrett.
How will he impact the Buckeyes? Let's check it out.
ON THE FIELD
Garrett is a space-eating, powerplug of a defensive tackle at 6-foot-2 and 280-pounds. As a player that's only halfway through his junior year of high school, he stands to get bigger, stronger and faster before college and that is a scary prospect for offensive lineman.
"This kid is explosive," one source close to the Buckeyes said of the country's fourth-ranked defensive tackle. "He can use his hands really well, he's got great leverage and is a quality kid off the field."
A classic three-technique, Garrett is a perfect fit for what Larry Johnson's defensive does along the line, capable of stopping the run and creating havoc as a pass-rusher.
IN THE CLASS
The 11th commitment for Ohio State's rapidly filling 2017 class, Garrett is the second defensive tackle, joining Cincinnati's Jerron Cage. With only one 2016 signee at tackle, that a position that is a major need for the Buckeyes and they're addressing it quickly.
The Buckeyes would likely prefer to take three defensive tackles in their class, and having two in the fold early means that the coaching staff can lock in and lock up whomever their top remaining target is from a group that includes Fred Hansard, Dayln Wade-Perry, Aubrey Solomon, Darnell Ewell and more.
Garrett's commitment gives the top-ranked 2017 Buckeyes' recruiting class a bit more cushion over Alabama. He's the eighth four-star commitment for Urban Meyer's group.
THE INTANGIBLES
To put it bluntly, there's not much to dislike about Haskell Garrett and the impact of this commitment.
"The kid has all the intangibles," the aforementioned source said. "We really like the kid, but we just didn't expect this."
It's rare that a player of this caliber catches the Buckeyes' staff off-guard, but Garrett's commitment came out of the blue, literally. He was offered only last Tuesday, a testament to the power of Ohio State's brand the impressive recruiting efforts that the Buckeyes, led by Zach Smith, have quickly put together in Las Vegas.
Bishop Gorman is one of the country's premier football programs and Garrett's commitment could certainly open the door for more of an impact on the West Coast. He's close with a pair of five-stars, quarterback Tate Martell and wide receiver Tyjon Lindsey, as well as a number of other big-time prospects from that usually untapped area of the country.
