The Hurry Up is your nightly dose of updates from the Ohio State football recruiting trail, keeping tabs on the latest from commits and targets from around the country.
ANY OTHER YEAR
There's no doubt in my mind Warren G. Harding quarterback Lynn Bowden is one of the most talented athletes in the state, and he showed as much in a playoff win over Chardon on Friday night. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound senior rushed for 370 yards and six touchdowns on 24 attempts and threw for 106 yards and another score to lead the Raiders to a 49-31 victory.
Here's an EASY vote in Ohio. Forget Trump or Hillary.Lynn Bowden needs to be Mr. Football. Went for 370 yds and 6TD's last night.@H_Huncho pic.twitter.com/qYf5h07sBo
— Bill Greene (@BillBankGreene) November 12, 2016
Lynn Bowden was back at it again last night! @H_Huncho. Peep the block . pic.twitter.com/8effwgBjms
— D-Rich TV (@drichtv) November 12, 2016
I've been asked why an athlete like Bowden, who has repeatedly called Ohio State his dream school and is held in the same regard at Harding as running back Maurice Clarett, doesn't have an offer from the Buckeyes.
The answer isn't simple, though.
Bowden's alleged character issues have been a concern for a number of schools, including Ohio State, which is why Clarett — who we all know had his fair share of off-the-field problems — has become his advisor. Bowden spoke about their relationship after the game on Friday.
“I don't care what anybody things about him,” Bowden told the Youngstown Vindicator. “To me, Maurice Clarett is a good person. He didn't always make good decisions, but we all make mistakes. That's something I need to learn from. I'm sure he would appreciate me saying that.”
Rumors aside, Bowden will undoubtedly shine in college. He was once committed to Indiana and holds offers from schools like Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Tennessee and West Virginia. But the fact of the matter is Ohio State doesn't have the room for him in its current class.
COOLING DOWN
It seemed this summer as if it were only a matter of time before Ohio State extended an offer to St. Louis, Missouri, Chaminade Prep four-star defensive tackle Trevor Trout. But several months later, the 6-foot-4, 295-pounder told Eleven Warriors the Buckeyes haven't been in contact for some time.
Trout is considered the 11th-best defensive tackle and the No. 121 prospect in the Class of 2018, holding offers from schools such as Iowa, LSU, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Tennessee and UCLA. He believes he must work on his speed and change of direction to receive more attention, but is confident in his overall abilities.
“If a school wants me, they will come get me,” Trout said, identifying Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Michigan and USC as offers he also covets.
HIS SECOND HOME
With his vast head of hair, Springfield defensive tackle Isaiah Gibson has been easy to spot at several Ohio State games this season. He attended wins over Rutgers and Nebraska, as well as the hard-fought loss at Penn State.
At last Saturday's prime time tilt with the Cornhuskers, Gibson met with head coach Urban Meyer, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs.
“[The visit] was good, and the win was even better,” Gibson told Eleven Warriors.
The 6-foot-2, 263-pound sophomore is not yet ranked by any major recruiting sites, but currently holds offers from Bowling Green, Kentucky and Rutgers. Schools like Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State have also begun to show interest.
“It means a lot, but I'm just thankful that I get this opportunity this young,” Gibson said, also noting his appreciation for his coach, Mo Douglass. “Without him, it wouldn't be possible.”
Gibson was recently invited to participate in the U.S. Army All-American combine this January.
TAKE BACK THE STATE
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Imhotep Charter has produced a number of FBS prospects over the last few years, most notably Florida State tight end Naseir Upshur. And while Ohio State doesn't recruit the state like it once did, the Buckeyes have already offered one Panther this season in four-star safety Isheem Young.
Another junior, running back Antwon Keys, is hoping Ohio State takes notice, as well.
“I'd love to play there,” Keys told Eleven Warriors. “I'll definitely have to play at the best level I can to my fullest potential [to get an offer]. I'm dedicated to this sport, so I'll only keep working to become a better player. It's always something you can get better at. Nobody's perfect.”
The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder is not yet ranked by any recruiting sites and doesn't hold any offers, but schools such as Delaware, Pittsburgh, Princeton and Villanova have all shown interest in recent months.
“Right about now, I'll keep working and see what colleges are interested in me,” Keys said. “Then I'll choose the best one for me.”
An honor roll student, he hopes to major in sports management when he gets to college.
“Grades come first. That's my priority,” Keys said. “I work hard on and off the field.”
