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.
OPPORTUNITY, TEXAS
We've discussed five-star prospects Jeffrey Okudah and Baron Browning a little bit the last few days, following the pairs visit to Ohio this past weekend. The Buckeyes' brand is big in Texas and they're in a position to land three of the top of that state's top six players.
How are they doing it? According to one source in Texas, they're doing it by building smart relationships.
"I think they've done a good job of spot recruiting and picking recruits that run in a particular circle," the source said. "There is a reason Browning and Okudah visited together."
So yes, knowing who is close with who matters, and it's not just the players themselves.
"(Ohio State) understands it's not just abut relationships with the kids," the source continued. "It's about relationships with people around the kids. While that may be true everywhere it's probably even more critical in the south. They build those relationships right away and that builds trust."
Point, Buckeyes.
ALEXANDER MARSHALL SETS DECISION DATE
One of the faster-rising prospects on the Ohio State board in recent weeks has been Andover, Massachusetts tight end Alexander Marshall. The Buckeyes will be visiting the 6-foot-7, 240-pounder this week and have made him a priority, but it may be too late.
Commitment coming June 12.. Truly a blessing to have all of the opportunities I've been granted
— Alexander Marshall (@A_marshall80) May 24, 2016
Marshall has not visited Ohio State yet, but the Buckeyes' staff has believed he'd be on campus this summer at some point, but if that's not real soon, it appears they'll fall short of gaining his commitment.
Urban Meyer's staff has not been entirely sure if they'd take a tight end in 2017 and that's a good part of the reason why they've lost ground in the Matt Dotson sweepstakes as well. Numbers are tight, but Ohio State will need to make a decision about whether or not they bring in another weapon for Ed Warinner soon or risk getting shut out.
NEW 2018 OFFER EXCITED TO TALK TO URBAN MEYER
While it's uncertain if the Buckeyes will take a tight end in 2017, it's a virtual certainty they will in 2018, and today they offered a new one in that class.
Extremely excited and blessed to receive an offer to play football at The Ohio State University #GoBucks #OSU pic.twitter.com/iHTUIu5zHG
— Ruck (@Jeremy_Ruckert1) May 24, 2016
Jeremy Ruckert, a 6-foot-5, 220-pounder from Lindenhurst, New York got his offer directly from Urban Meyer.
"I spoke to (Urban) Meyer," Ruckert said of his offer. "It was over the phone. It was a very humbling and very cool experience and an honor for it to be from him."
Alabama has offered. Florida State offered today. Ruckert is just getting started with all his college attention, but an offer from Ohio State is special and he's only heard from the Buckeyes for one day.
"Yesterday, I spoke with their recruiting coordinator and then I was told to call back this morning and talk with (Urban) Meyer," he said. "He ended (the phone call) with an offer. It was a very good conversation. It's Ohio State, and that's just so cool to begin with, but every year they're one of the top, if not the top team in college football. I know they do a great job with their tight ends and send a bunch of players to the draft which is appealing."
No decision is coming anytime soon but Ruckert is eager to start getting into his recruitment.
"I'm going to a bunch of camps this summer," Ruckert said. "I'm definitely thinking about visiting Ohio State. I'm gonna ride out this process as long as possible."
MARYLAND CONTINUES TO CHASE YOUNG
Ohio State's 2017 recruiting cycle has a lot of intrigue with numbers as names come on and off the "big board" with impressive speed.
One position that's not intriguing? Defensive end. In fact, here's a look at what is pretty much the list for the Buckeyes right now at the position.
1. Chase Young, Defensive End, Maryland
That's all.
The country's second-ranked defensive end, who plays at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, has a number of suitors but it's the Buckeyes and Alabama who are giving the biggest fight to the homestate Terrapins and new head coach D.J. Durkin right now. Durkin may have a secret weapon: the country's top-ranked defensive end, Joshua Kaindoh, who committed to Maryland last month.
From SBNation blog TestudoTimes:
In an interview with SB Nation's Bud Elliot after IMG Academy's spring game this weekend, the two said they are active in recruiting other prospects for the Terps.
"I need my boy Chase Young," Kaindoh said, while Spence added, "Anthony McFarland, I'm coming for you."
Young has been at Ohio State multiple times this year and has an excellent relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Sr.
