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 secured a commitment form four-star safety Josh Proctor during the second half of its spring scrimmage on Saturday. The country's No. 87 prospect hails from Owasso, Oklahoma and the crystal ball still reads 100 percent in favor of the in-state Sooners.
Let's take a look at what Proctor — the No. 7 safety in America — brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Proctor will bring some nice length to the Buckeye secondary. His film shows a defender with solid ball skills but also one that doesn't shy away from contact. The Owasso safety's pass coverage skills should allow for him to roam the secondary or cover slot receivers. He's a former quarterback who still brings excitement when he's got the ball in his hands. Proctor is also one of the top performers on the Rams' basketball team.
He also holds offers from schools like Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Michigan. His pledge to the Buckeyes is certainly a blow to the Sooners, who had been the perceived favorite for some time. The four-star has family members that played for Oklahoma. Tom Herman and the Longhorns offered in January and were trying to establish a relationship as well.
Last month he earned an invite to the Under Armour All-America Game thanks to a solid camp showing in Dallas.
IN THE CLASS
Coming off the incredible group of 2017 defensive backs, Ohio State won't need to prioritize the position quite as much during the current cycle. The commitment of Proctor gives Greg Schiano yet another one of the nation's top safety prospect. The Oklahoma native will team up with California's Jaiden Woodbey in the future Buckeye backfield. The two already appear to have developed a bit of a bond.
Just like that... 2 best safeties in the nation to Columbus #Shhhhh18 pic.twitter.com/63jmlxqtur
— DUBSKI (@JaidenWoodbey6) April 15, 2017
The expectation is for the staff to bring in around five defensive backs for 2018, and the addition of Proctor means they may be done at the safety position. The focus now likely turns Anthony Cook, Houston Griffith, and the other cornerback targets.
THE INTANGIBLES
Proctor recently indicated that he was in no hurry to make a decision. However, he's long discussed the importance of relationships with the coaching staffs, and clearly the Buckeyes checked all the necessary boxes with that.
This weekend's visit is the four-star's third trip to Columbus in the last calendar year. He never publicly declared a leader, but the trips to Ohio probably should have been a bit more telling. Then again, Proctor doesn't exactly talk a lot and this weekend's visit was a surprise to many.
As with pretty much any recruit in this day and age, the Ohio State staff will look to continue cultivating the relationship before he ultimately arrives in Columbus.
