Malik Hooker may have only started one year at safety for Ohio State, but the impact he made in Columbus will not soon be forgotten.
The New Castle, Pennsylvania, native finished his redshirt sophomore season with 84 tackles, seven interceptions, 5.5 tackles for a loss and a school-record three interceptions returned for a touchdown. He was then drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, giving the Buckeyes a record-tying three defensive backs selected among the first 32 picks.
Hooker's rapid ascension from a three-star athlete to a first-round pick makes his brother, Marcus, a potentially intriguing option at cornerback. And after a stellar performance in front of defensive coordinator Greg Schiano and assistant coordinator Kerry Coombs at Friday Night Lights this past weekend, the younger Hooker finally earned an offer from the Buckeyes.
I'm extremely blessed to receive a offer from The Ohio State University!! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/i4uaAsZkFm
— Marcus Hooker (@marcushooker23) July 27, 2017
"I was told to come to the camp and give it my all," the younger Hooker told Eleven Warriors. "I felt like I had to show the coaches what I can do and not let them regret their decision."
The 6-foot, 185-pound Hooker is considered the 52nd-best cornerback and No. 587 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, as he recorded 44 tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack and one interception the Hurricanes last season. He also holds offers from Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Toledo and West Virginia.
Given his brother's success in Columbus, you have to imagine Ohio State becomes the instant favorite to land his pledge.
