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.
IGNORING THE OUTSIDE INFLUENCES
When Stockbridge, Georgia, five-star defensive end Brenton Cox committed to Ohio State in late April, it marked the end of a fierce recruiting battle between the Buckeyes and in-state Bulldogs. It was his relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson and the staff's ability to mold him into a top-flight NFL prospect that gave Ohio State the edge.
“I made the decision based on who can prepare me for the first round, Top 5 [of the draft],” Cox told Eleven Warriors earlier this week at The Opening Finals in Beaverton, Oregon. “I felt Ohio State could do that.”
It was long presumed the 6-foot-5, 247-pound Cox would land with Georgia because of it's proximity and his family's affinity for the program — and that's something that he admits still weighs on him from time to time.
“The more good times I have with my family, the more I want to stay at home — and we've been having a lot of good times lately,” Cox said. “I just gotta take that risk, that sacrifice, though, and in a few years we'll all be having a good time together.
“My dad actually wanted me to go to Georgia. He's a big Georgia fan. He's got it on his truck and everything,” he continued. “But my dad's not playing. I'm playing, so I had to make the decision based on me. He might have [those feelings] inside, but outside, he looks happy, so I'm good.”
In addition to Georgia, Alabama and LSU continue to recruit Cox. They reach out to him almost every other day, something that's expected for one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
“It hasn't really stopped,” Cox said. “But for me — in my mindset — I'm locked in with Ohio State.”
That said, Cox might take a few official visits this fall, be it to Athens, Baton Rouge or Tuscaloosa, citing their use of the 3-4 defensive compared to Ohio State's 4-3 scheme. He'll return to Columbus, though, for Friday Night Lights and either the Oklahoma or Penn State game this fall.
Cox, one of eight Ohio State commits to attend the prestigious camp this past weekend, was among the most dominant players at the event. His first step, ability to stay low to the ground and nasty spin move helped him dominate on his way to being named to the Final Five along the defensive line. But Cox called the opportunity to spend time with his future teammates his favorite part.
“It's been real valuable,” Cox said, explaining how this marked the first time he's met four-star cornerback Sevyn Banks and defensive end Andrew Chatfield. “We made a group chat way and have been talking way before this. I talk to them every time I see them.”
SPEAKING OF CHATFIELD
Fort Lauderdale American Heritage four-star defensive end Andrew Chatfield may have committed to Ohio State just days after he finally earned an offer from the aforementioned Johnson following an intrasquad scrimmage this spring. But, in all honesty, his pledge was a long time coming.
“They first talked to me at the beginning of August, and it was wonderful,” Chatfield told Eleven Warriors. “Talking with [wide receivers coach and area recruiter] Zach Smith about how the system works, what can get me to the first round and stuff like that. They had everything planned out for me, and I was like, 'Yeah. I really want to join this team.'”
The 6-foot-2, 221-pound Chatfield took his first trip to Columbus in mid-April, just days before the Spring Game. He was absolutely blown away.
“It felt like I could just be there all day. It was like family. They were bringing me in, giving me hugs and everything,” Chatfield said. “It's just awesome to see how many players they put in the first round and see how they develop their players.”
Johnson and assistant coordinator Kerry Coombs then, as mentioned, came to South Florida to watch him play in person. And that, plus his relationship with Smith, sealed the deal for the Buckeyes.
“They're kind of like fathers,” Chatfield said. “They tell me, 'Don't say the wrong things. Always think before what you do.' Anytime I want to come up, they said to come up. It's just like family, really.”
Chatfield, who is a bit lankier than I expected, held his own in one-on-one drills last weekend. He's built like a defensive back with skinny legs and a broad upper body, but should be able to put on some muscle once he gets to college to help him battle bigger linemen in the trenches.
It's something he's looking forward to, as the coaches have explained he'll primarily play at defensive end but drop back at linebacker in the dime package on occasion.
Four other Patriots attended The Opening, as well, including Ohio State targets four-star cornerback Tyson Campbell and Miami four-star defensive tackle commit Nesta Silvera. Chatfield would love to play with them at the next level, too, but hasn't been actively recruiting either. His lone message?
“Do whatever makes you happy,” Chatfield said. “I'm going to tell them Ohio State is where it's at — you know, big Columbus — but if you ain't messing with us like that, that's you. I love these boys, though.”
Arkansas, Florida, Florida State and LSU continue to recruit Chatfield, but he remains 100 percent committed to Ohio State. He hopes to get to campus for Friday Night Lights, but if not, he'll certainly take an official visit this fall.
KEEP ME IN MIND
Justin, Texas, Northwest four-star offensive tackle Darrell Simpson included Ohio State in his Top 8 on Thursday evening alongside Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and TCU.
Now there is 8, but commitment date coming soon...and then there will be 1... pic.twitter.com/u3zwjJWjfM
— Darrell Simpson (@king_simpson34) July 7, 2017
The 6-foot-7, 336-pound Simpson is considered the 12th-best offensive tackle and No. 153 prospect overall in the Class of 2018. The Sooners are the overwhelming favorite in his recruitment at this point in time.
Simpson was on campus for Ohio State's double-overtime win over Michigan last November and also attended the blowout at Oklahoma in September. The Buckeyes already hold a commitment from Tennessee four-star Max Wray and continue to chase Fairfield five-star Jackson Carman, though.
If Carman were to choose Clemson or USC, though, Simpson could certainly become a top target as his relationship with offensive line coach Greg Studrawa continues to grow day by day.
A LITTLE R AND R
After a busy week in Oregon, I'll be taking this weekend off. The Hurry Up will return on Monday.
