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.
A LATE MOVE
College prospects typically go through the recruiting process only once, which is why I’m a strong believer in taking as many visits as you can before you sign on the dotted line.
Whether you’re committed to a school or not, it’s important to make sure you’re 100 percent in your decision. And that’s exactly what Washington D.C. Woodson four-star cornerback Noah Boykin is doing this weekend by visiting both Ohio State and Penn State despite recently listing Florida, Maryland, Notre Dame and Virginia as his Top 4.
The news was first reported by 247Sports' Bill Kurelic and since confirmed by Eleven Warriors.
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Boykin — who is considered the 34th-best cornerback and No. 360 prospect overall in the Class of 2018 — is currently en route to State College, where he’ll spend all day Saturday before traveling to Columbus for a visit that will last through Monday. This isn’t his first time on campus, either, as he attended a one-day camp last summer.
Boykin actually committed to the Terrapins in July, but backed off that pledge following an official visit to Gainesville last weekend. The Gators are considered the favorite in his recruitment at this point in time.
Defensive line coach and area recruiter Larry Johnson is leading the Buckeyes’ pursuit of Boykin, as the program considers bringing on another cornerback this cycle, with fellow D.C. resident and Virginia three-star commit D.J. Brown landing an offer from the staff last week.
While all signs continue to point to Florida being his eventual landing spot — as rumors of a flip to the Gators have been floating around for weeks — I won’t entirely rule out the Buckeyes or Nittany Lions. He’s used up all of his official visits, which means he has some sincere interest since he and his family are paying for this trip out of their own pocket.
ONLY A MATTER OF TIME?
Ohio State offensive coordinator Ryan Day spent Thursday in New England, at which time he extended a offer to Oakdale, Connecticut, St. Thomas More four-star defensive tackle Tre Williams.
Blessed to received an offer from my dream school The Ohio State University...All glory to god!!! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/hdk6cdSsuP
— TGroovy (@TreWilliams56) January 26, 2018
“It means a lot, especially since it was the school I grew up liking the most,” Williams said, noting he became a fan because of the scarlet on the Buckeyes' uniforms. “As I got older, I started liking the program and the rich tradition Ohio State had. Then coach [Urban] Meyer got there and coach [Larry Johnson] got there, and the things he was able to do with the defensive line were crazy.”
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Williams is considered the sixth-best defensive tackle and No. 52 prospect overall in the Class of 2020, as he recorded eight sacks in only six games for the Cancellors this season. He holds more than a dozen offers from programs such as Boston College, Michigan, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Texas A&M and Virginia Tech.
Williams has never been to campus, but plans to make his first trip this summer.
BEST IN THE NATION
Day was also in Millis, Massachusetts yesterday, where he offered a scholarship to four-star offensive tackle Kevin Pyne.
Extremely honored to receive an offer from Ohio State #rollbucks pic.twitter.com/VzUyTBV5qO
— kevin pyne (@kevinpyne75) January 26, 2018
The 6-foot-9, 275-pound Pyne is considered the top-rated offensive tackle and No. 2 prospect overall in the Class or 2020, trailing only Maryland four-star defensive end Bryan Bresee in the rankings. He holds more than a dozen offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin.
LIFE-LONG DREAM FULFILLED
When Massillon Washington wide receiver Austin Kutscher landed a preferred walk-on offer from Ohio State earlier this month, he told Eleven Warriors he planned on accepting — it was just a matter of getting the financial aid situation worked out. He finally made it official on Friday when he announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.
COMMITTED TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY! Cant wait to be a Buckeye! SU #GoBucks #shhhh pic.twitter.com/VgZCpzLwJL
— Austin Kutscher (@AustinKutscher) January 26, 2018
“It's a huge opportunity, and it's been a goal and dream of mine ever since I was a little kid,” Kutscher said. “I have been a Buckeyes fan my whole life, and I worked really hard to get this opportunity in the classroom and on the field.”
The 6-foot-1, 186-pound Kutscher was named second-team all-district as a senior after he hauled in 93 catches for 1,350 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also recorded 39 tackles and one forced fumble as a free safety to help the Tigers to the Divison II state semifinals.
Kutscher chose the walk-on offer from Ohio State offer double-digit scholarship offers from programs like Ashland, Malone, Saginaw Valley State, Walsh and Wheeling Jesuit.
“I can't wait to get down there and start working,” Kutscher said.
