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.
TOP PRIORITY
Less than an hour ago, Ohio State landed a commitment from Avon, Indiana, four-star running back Sampson James. He was wrapping up a two-day visit with his coach, Mark Bless, and younger brother, Nathaniel, when he announced his decision.
“Just the people there,” James told 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong. “Great people. A lot of people that care for each other. Just outstanding coaches they have and the tradition they have there, they really develop their guys, they prepare you for life.
The 6-foot-1, 211-pound James is considered the eighth-best running back and No. 142 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, but he was undoubtedly the Buckeyes' top target at the position — even ahead of guys like IMG Academy five-stars Trey Sanders and Noah Cain and Virginia four-star Devyn Ford.
“I feel like their brand is world wide. Huge brand," James said. "It will be amazing to play in front of that many people and just get to represent them. I just feel like it’s a great opportunity. They’re going to develop me and have a career for me after football. They have a lot of connections there.”
This was the second trip to Columbus for James, whom running backs coach Tony Alford offered a scholarship shortly before he attended the Buckeyes’ 48-3 win over the Spartans in November. Alford and head coach Urban Meyer have only built upon that relationship ever since, which is why Ohio State is the odds-on favorite to land James’ pledge — though a decision wasn't necessarily expected on Monday evening.
TEAMMATES AGAIN
If it weren’t for Huber Heights Wayne, the Ohio State football program wouldn’t be where it is today. In fact, I’d argue former Warriors five-star quarterback Braxton Miller almost single-handedly kept the Buckeyes afloat during the transition from head coach Jim Tressel to Luke Fickell to Urban Meyer.
Kids at Wayne like Buckeyes four-star wide receiver signee L’Christian “Blue” Smith and three-star cornerback target Justin Harris spent their childhood watching Miller dominate on Friday nights and a Saturday afternoons. And while the former is already living out his dream of playing for the Scarlet and Gray, the latter hopes to one day follow in Miller’s footsteps, as well.
“I grew up rooting for the big ‘O’,” Harris told Eleven Warriors. “My family are big Ohio State fans, so I had no choice.”
The 6-foot, 182-pound Harris is considered the 46th-best cornerback and No. 567 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, as he recorded 25 tackles, 10 pass break ups and two interceptions to help the Warriors to the state playoffs last season. He holds nearly a dozen offers from programs such as Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Minnesota and Pittsburgh, but continues to build a strong relationship with the aforementioned Meyer and executive director for football relations Tim Hinton.
“My connection with Ohio State has grown tremendously from my freshman year to now,” Harris said.
Harris was last on campus for a one-day camp last June, and hopes a return trip this spring coupled with a stellar senior season leads to an offer from the Buckeyes.
“The experience was unbelievable,” Harris said. “I can honestly say I love the culture that Ohio State has and brings to its players.”
RANKING DOESN'T REFLECT TALENT
Though he was overshadowed by a number of big-name visitors during Ohio State’s one-day camps last summer, Clayton Northmont three-star linebacker Jestin Jacobs was one of the most impressive prospects in attendance. Now, he’s set to make his first trip back to campus since.
“I am planning on going to a spring practice,” Jacobs told Eleven Warriors, noting he hasn’t set a specific date just yet.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Jacobs is considered the 43rd-best outside linebacker and No. 598 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, as he recorded 74 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, six pass break ups, four sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception last season to lead the Thunderbolts to the state playoffs for the first time in four years. He holds nearly two dozen offers from programs such as Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Northwestern, Pittsburgh and Purdue.
Jacobs worked directly with linebackers coach Bill Davis and former assistant Ryan Crow during the camp. He’s maintained contact with the aforementioned Hinton and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson in the meantime.
Like Harris, an offer from the Buckeyes would be a dream come true for Jacobs.
“It would mean a lot,” he said. “Ohio State is one of my dream schools.”
BACK ON TOP
Though he once called Ohio State’s offer the one he was “looking for,” Memphis Christian Brothers four-star defensive end Bill Norton pledged his services to Georgia on Sunday evening.
Committed to the University of Georgia #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/EgPRlr98S2
— Bill Norton (@willienorton33) March 18, 2018
The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Norton is considered the 11th-best strong-side defensive end and No. 128 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, and his commitment pushed the Bulldogs back to the top of the 247Sports Composite Recruiting Rankings.
Norton visited Columbus for the first and only time last July, as he worked directly with defensive line coach Larry Johnson during Friday Night Lights.
“I love how all the coaches tried to get players better fundamentally,” he said.
“They are actually taking the time to get to know me and talk to me about things other than just football.”
Norton then attended the win over Maryland in October, at which time the staff extended an offer. But a pair of trips to Athens in the meantime swung the tide heavily in Georgia’s favor as he eyed a spring decision.
The Buckeyes, meanwhile, remain in pursuit of several defensive ends higher on their priority chart, including five-star Zach Harrison and Nolan Smith II and four-stars Marcus Hicks, Ani Izuchukwu, Noah Potter and Brandon Smith.
