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.
PUT IN MY CRYSTAL BALL
Sometimes a player can go from completely off the radar to a commit in a matter of weeks, which is why you should pay close attention to Butler, Pennsylvania, three-star offensive guard Jake Kradel. He was on campus for an unofficial visit two weekends ago, and on Wednesday afternoon, became the latest prospect to earn an offer from Ohio State.
Extremely Blessed to have received an offer from The Ohio State University!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/85JC3BXiAa
— Jake Kradel (@JakeKradel) April 5, 2017
"It means a lot," Kradel told Eleven Warriors. "I have always liked Ohio State and followed them throughout the years. Seeing how that program operates is just amazing. The culture they got there is unreal."
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Kradel is considered the 40th-best offensive guard and No. 886 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, but Ohio State would like to use him at center. He holds more than 20 other offers from programs such as Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh and Virginia, but said this one is a game changer.
"They have been in the Top 5, but definitely with an offer like my top school," Kradel said.
Kradel hopes to make it back to campus within the month and plans to make a decision on his future by June.
SCARY THOUGHTS
It's crazy to think in a two-year span, Ohio State could potentially add Chase Young, Haskell Garrett, Jerron Cage, Taron Vincent, Micah Parsons and Clemmons, North Carolina, West Forsyth five-star defensive end K.J. Henry, who included the Buckeyes in his Top 10 on Wednesday night alongside Alabama, Clemson, Charlotte, Georgia, Louisville, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.
When the praises go up, the Blessings come down - @chancetherapper (No interviews) pic.twitter.com/aYIe2ODoIi
— The KJ Henry (@ywd_ballislife) April 5, 2017
"I think with Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Ohio State, I just feel very comfortable when I'm on those campuses and talking to those coaches," Henry told Yahoo Sports. "The plans that they individually have for me, I see myself being very successful with those plans. It's no surprise that these schools made my top ten."
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Henry is considered the second-best weak-side defensive end and No. 20 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, having recorded 17 sacks and six blocked punts. He attended last season's win over Michigan, and will likely take an official visit with his family this fall before making his decision and enrolling early at the school of his choice in January.
For those about to ask, too, Henry is probably the first five-star prospect to ever include Charlotte among his top schools. But that's because his dad, Keith, is the 49ers' running backs coach.
ALREADY HAVE THE RAPPORT
In yesterday's edition of The Hurry Up, we mentioned how Alpharetta, Georgia, three-star cornerback Jaycee Horn would be visiting Ohio State for the Spring Game on April 15. If it weren't for his Junior Prom, Horn's good friend, Milledgeville, Georgia, Baldwin three-star wide receiver Jatavious Harris might be coming with him.
The two have had extensive conversations about playing together in college, which is why Harris hopes to catch the attention of the Buckeyes' staff sooner rather than later.
Me & @jayceehorn_10 will be attending the same college
— Jatavious Harris (@screamtaaye) April 5, 2017
"We met one weekend when I was in Atlanta with my uncle working out and we started hanging and going to camps and stuff together and we got closer," he told Eleven Warriors. "Me, Jaycee and Emory [Jones] are on the same 7-versus-7 team.”
The 6-foot-3, 184-pound Harris is considered the 116th-best wideout and No. 672 prospect overall in the Class of 2018. He holds more than two dozen offers from programs such as Florida, Louisville, Miami, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina and Tennessee, but his relationship with Horn and Jones alone should probably be enough for the staff to reach out.
"It would definitely mean a lot to me,” he said, explaining how his speed and ability to stretch the field helps him stand out.
ONE TO WATCH
Columbus Northland has treated the Ohio State basketball program well, as former Viking Jared Sullinger helped the Buckeyes to the Final Four in 2012.
The school could provide a significant boost to the football program in 2019, too, if running back John Branham Jr. continues on his path toward being one of the top-rated players in his class.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Branham is not yet ranked by any major recruiting sites, but holds an offer from Ohio University and has received significant interest from programs like Cincinnati, Louisville, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin. He works out with former Buckeyes Braxton Miller and Mike Thomas, as well as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end James Harrison, which will certainly help his recruitment down the road.
“[Ohio State running backs Coach Tony Alford] told my coach they haven't seen anyone in high school out lift them,” Branham told Eleven Warriors. “However, for me — and I think most athletes — you want to be judged on your skill and ability.”
Branham is very impressive on the football field, rushing for over 700 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in only five games last season. But he also plays center field on the baseball team and runs track, so he hasn't had the time to put a ton of thought into where he wants to play his college ball.
"For me, it's all about being wanted. If a school really wants me and has a staff that will be there for at least as long as I'm there, I'm good," Branham said. "The biggest thing for me is just doing what they say they will do because they will hold me to the same standard."
His younger brother, Kalil, also plays football. They make quite the team on the football field.
"Kalil is more natural. Everything comes easy to him," Branham said. "But [my] dad says I have a killer instinct because I had to work hard for everything."
Sounds like someone who would do well at Ohio State.
