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.
FLIPPING HIS CHOICE?
The last time Cleveland St. Ignatius linebacker Tommy Eichenberg visited Ohio State was back in April for the Buckeyes' spring game. He's since committed to Boston College, a decision he made this past June, with offers from Duke, Iowa and Kentucky on the table.
But Wednesday's offer could change his entire decision.
Thankful to receive an offer from The Ohio State University! #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/NKx4aFtbpz
— Tommy Eichenberg (@tommyike41) September 26, 2018
The three-star recruit, listed at 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, announced on Twitter that he had received an offer from Ohio State. If nothing else, the offer shows that the Buckeyes still think they have a shot at who's considered to be the states' 14th-best all-around prospect at any position.
It's also noteworthy to mention the fact that after the Buckeyes offered, crystal ball predictions went from 100 percent in Boston College's favor to a 53 percent chance Eichenberg chooses to flip his decision and become a Buckeye.
And if Eichenberg receives an offer from Notre Dame, where his older brother Liam attends, things could get even more interesting. Eichenberg made a visit to the Irish this past April.
Upon Eichenberg's commitment to Boston College, St. Ignatius defensive coordinator Ryan Franzinger talked to Joe Ginley of ignatiuswildcats.com about Eichenberg.
"I don't think there's a part of his game that's really lacking. He has a great toughness," Franzinger said. "He plays equally well in the box as outside in pass coverage. His height helps him in pass coverage, which you saw in a few games. He's equally talented versus the run and pass."
Maybe one day, Eichenberg will be playing for Ohio State linebackers coach Bill Davis. As of now, that prophecy is looking more and more probable.
FINDING THE BEST FIT
In yesterday's Hurry Up, you saw where Western Hills (Ky.) running back Wandale Robinson announced his decision to visit Ohio State on Oct. 6. And while Ohio State has stiff competition with Alabama and Kentucky, amongst of a host of others, to land Robinson, multiple recruiting analysts have a good feeling Robinson ultimately lands in Columbus.
From Marc Givler of Buckeye Grove ($):
I think Ohio State is the safest pick right now for Wandale Robinson. Could be a very good few weeks for the Buckeyes in recruiting offensive skill guys.
From Jeremy Birmingham at Lettermen Row:
He’s long contended that he wanted to have an announcement made in late September or early October, though, so it’s nothing but good news for Ohio State that they’re getting the last real crack at him and getting a chance to do so with a fully-armed and operational coaching staff.
In the last 24 hours, crystal ball predictions have jumped from a 44 percent chance to a 67 percent chance that Robinson chooses the Buckeyes. That's not a coincidence.
BIG TALENT IN HAPPY VALLEY
According to the Morning Call's Mark Wogenrich, former Penn State tight end Jesse James once told coach James Franklin, "If you come to the Whiteout, you're committing."
The question, for this weekend at least, now becomes "Committing to where?"
The Nittany Lions are expected to entertain more than 100 recruits this weekend and their families, including many who are also being looked at by Ohio State's coaching staff. Some names include the nation's top 2020 recruit Bryan Bresee (Damascus, Md.), Landon Tengwall (Olney, Md.) and Brenton Strange (Parkersburg, W. Va.), David Bell (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Makari Paige (West Bloomfield, Mich.).
The biggest visit, however, will be that of Zach Harrison, the nation's #4 overall recruit out of Olentangy Orange. Harrison will be there in an unofficial capacity, as he has already used all his official visits. It remains to be seen, however, if he will be checking out his other favorites once again after this one.
To be clear, the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions are battling both on and off the field ... which should lead to good times, right?
As for the on the field action, two Ohio State commits don't have any doubt as to who wins Saturday night's primetime, top-10 matchup.
2020 IMG Academy safety Lejond Cavazos didn't mince words, saying ""I think Ohio State is going to win again, obviously. And Urban is back, why wouldn’t we?"
2019 Whitehaven tight end Cormontae Hamilton was less to the point but still agreed with Cavazos' prediction, saying "I think it’s going to be a very hard fought game. Neither team will just lay down and I think it’s a 90 percent chance that Ohio State will win because of the 'dog' they have in them to never let up and keep fighting."
We've got just over 48 hours to see if they're right.
