With 17 commitments already, Ohio State looks poised to end Alabama's seven-year reign atop the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings.
Eventually landing a player such as Fort Lauderdale American Heritage five-star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who included the Buckeyes in his Top 6 on Wednesday evening alongside Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and LSU, would surely push that closer to reality.
Top 6...... Thanks to all the schools that have recruited me in this tough grueling process.... Very Blessed pic.twitter.com/zmBV5SsiHf
— PS2 (@SurtainJr) August 30, 2017
The 6-foot-2, 181-pound Surtain is considered the top-rated cornerback and No. 4 prospect overall in the Class of 2018, as he recorded 20 tackles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions to help the Patriots to their third state title in four years last season. He visited Columbus for the first and only time in mid-April, just days ahead of the Buckeyes' annual Spring Game, with his father and teammate, fellow five-star cornerback target Tyson Campbell.
Ohio State actually landed a commitment from four-star defensive end Andrew Chatfield out of American Heritage just a few weeks later, which many believed would help in their pursuit of Surtain and Campbell. But he's since reopened his recruitment and it's anticipated Florida gains his pledge sooner rather than later.
That said, the Buckeyes will certainly be in the running to get an official visit from the Patriots' duo this fall. The Seminoles and Tigers are considered the favorites, however, so they'll have a bit of ground to make up in the meantime.
How hard the staff pushes truly depends upon what happens with Houston five-star cornerback Anthony Cook, though. He's down to LSU, Ohio State and Texas, with a decision expected before Halloween.
