Ohio State’s annual Friday Night Lights recruiting extravaganza is without a doubt the premier recruiting event of the offseason, but that was only enhanced with the introduction of early official visits this year.
The Buckeyes hosted seven official visitors last weekend, including St. Louis Trinity Catholic four-star wide receiver Marcus Washington, who made the trip with his father.
“It was an amazing experience,” Washington told Eleven Warriors following Saturday’s practice at The Opening Finals in Frisco, Texas, noting how early official visits give prospects more one-on-one time with the coaching staff than regular game day visits. “I learned a lot about the school, the coaches and football. Learned a lot about the players, the hard work they actually do and why they’re always near the top of college football – if not already there. They’re always going to be good. They work the hardest. They develop the players a lot in the weight room and on the field. They always have a lot of national attention, and that stands out to me.”
The 6-foot-2, 193-pound Washington — who is considered the 10th-best wide receiver and No. 62 prospect overall in the Class of 2019 — has built a strong relationship with Ohio State wide receivers coach and area recruiter Zach Smith. The two instantly clicked when Smith extended a scholarship offer last spring, and Washington admits their relationship is better than any he has with any other position coach.
“We get along great,” Washington said. “I relate to him well. He sends me drills to do sometimes, but he not only talks to me about football, but the life outside of it. It means a lot to me because football comes to an end one day. Just knowing they’ve got my back outside of football is huge. Even if I don’t make it [to the National Football League], I know I can still go get a good job that pays me six figures and I can help my family out.”
Washington had been to Columbus before, as he attended Friday Night Lights last summer and then the game against Oklahoma in September. This visit was much different, however, as the staff went in-depth with where they see him fitting into the offensive scheme and highlighted the Buckeyes’ Real Life Wednesdays program.
“It was really hands on,” Washington said. “I learned about everything.”
Washington included Ohio State in his Top 6 back in May alongside Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oregon and Texas, and he hoped to announce his college decision on his birthday, Aug. 7. The month-long dead period — which runs through July 24 — has seemingly put a dent in those plans, however.
“That was the plan, but I haven’t been able to see all the schools in my Top 6,” Washington said, noting he wants to take a few more official visits this fall. “I’ll probably end up committing sometime during the season or after the season. I definitely like Ohio State, there’s no doubt about it, but I still have to weigh out my options and see what other schools have to offer. It’s one of the biggest decisions of my life, so I gotta make it right.”
Washington has never been to Athens, Austin, Eugene or Tallahassee, but will take an official visit with the Longhorns in late July and hopes to finalize plans with the other three schools in the coming weeks.
That said, Washington has discussed his new timeline with Smith, head coach Urban Meyer, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ryan Day and assistant wide receivers coach Keenan Bailey. They’re understanding of his decision, too, given he plans to return to campus for an unofficial visit in the fall — on his own expense.
“They fully understand because they understand it’s a big process,” Washington said. “Coach Meyer, especially. He was explaining how he just went through the process with his son, who is going to play baseball at Cincinnati. It’s a big decision in your life and you gotta make the right one.”
One thing that certainly works in the Buckeyes’ favor is their recent history of recruiting the Gateway City, as the staff signed John Burroughs School four-star running back Ezekiel Elliott in 2013 and Christian Brothers College four-star wide receivers Kamryn Babb and Cameron Brown last cycle — though the latter will start off his career at defensive back.
“They’ve pushed that a little bit,” Washington said. “I talk to Kamm and Cam talk a lot, even though we went to different schools. We sometimes worked out together and just message back on forth on Instagram and Twitter. They’re definitely in my ear about [joining them].”
Washington’s commitment — paired with a pledge from Cardinal Ritter Prep four-star wideout Jameson Williams — could effectively turn St. Louis into the Gateway to Columbus, but he’s simply not ready to make that a reality just yet. He’ll instead take a few more visits and make a final decision based on three key factors.
“Relationships with the coaches, how they’re going to use me, if they can get me to the league and just if they care for me outside of football,” Washington said. “Do they care for me outside of football? Are they going to make sure I’m straight if I don’t make it or if I get hurt?”
Given those factors, it’s hard to bet against Ohio State — even if Washington’s recruitment does go on a little longer than initially expected.
