The Drought is Over
Caleb Downs scores Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
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.
BUCKEYES OFFER EVANS
Out of Ohio State's six current class of 2020 commits, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) safety Lejond Cavazos is the only to be recruited on the defensive side of the ball.
But if the Buckeyes come by a stroke of luck, Lee County (Sanford, N.C.) weak-side defensive end Desmond Evans will join Cavazos at some point. Evans announced his offer from Ohio State via Twitter Saturday morning, saying "I am extremely blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University."
I am extremely blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University pic.twitter.com/KIIG54N6zP
— Desmond Evans (@desevans10) October 20, 2018
Evans is ranked as North Carolina's top overall prospect and the nation's second-best at his position. Nationally, the 6-foot-6, 238-pound end is ranked as the 29th best recruit.
According to 247Sports, Evans has 16 offers from schools such as Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Penn State. Through eight games with Lee County, where the school is 8-0, Evans has tallied 40 tackles, 17 for a loss, six sacks and 13 quarterback hurries.
HICKMAN SUFFERS SEASON-ENDING INJURY
This weekend has been quite the emotional roller coaster for 2019 Ohio State commit Ronnie Hickman. Friday, Hickman received an All-American jersey, meaning he'd have the chance to play in the All-American Bowl on Jan. 5, 2019 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
From USA Today Sports:
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I grew up watching this very prestigious event, and to see the players that came through this, it’s amazing for me to be a part of the tradition.”
Hickman, who plays safety on defense for DePaul Catholic (Wayne, N.J.), said he tries to take after Ramsey’s play style. The Jacksonville Jaguars player is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, a physical player who’s not afraid to trash talk his opponents.
“He’s really aggressive on defense,” Hickman said. “I kind of like that, how he plays with that edge and that chip on his shoulder.”
But then, Hickman was made aware of devastating news, putting a halt to any type of chance to play in San Antonio. Sunday, it was reported that Hickman learned of an ACL tear, ending his senior season much too early.
From Andrew Koob of NJ.com:
Hickman, who was presented with his All-American Game jersey before DePaul's game against Don Bosco Friday, was sporting a large brace on his right knee throughout the day and was in street clothes in the Spartans' 59-28 loss. McKenna also confirmed that Hickman will not participate in the All-American game.
Offensively this season, Hickman totaled 609 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 26 catches while also rushing for 23 yards and a score, which were all totaled in the St. Peter's game. Defensively he recorded 19 tackles, one for a loss, while breaking up five passes and forcing a fumble. He's also returned a punt for a touchdown, doing so against Seton Hall Prep in DePaul's second game of the season.
He finishes his scholastic career with 1,418 receiving yards and 22 total touchdowns (19 receiving) on 70 catches over the course of two seasons on offense. Defensively Hickman totaled 71 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 19 games in three seasons as a defensive back.
Hickman ends his senior year with 26 catches for 609 yards and nine touchdowns alongside 19 tackles and five pass breakups. The four-star safety committed to Ohio State in April and is considered the 11th-best overall safety in the nation.
ALFORD PAYING CROWLEY A VISIT
It's been two weeks since the decommitment of running back Sampson James. What's that mean? Well ... the Buckeyes are hot on the trail of other running backs, including but not limited to Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.) Marcus Crowley.
Crowley, who is already committed to Miami (FL), received an offer from Ohio State on Oct. 11. He then quickly scheduled an official visit to Columbus on Nov. 3 when the Buckeyes host Nebraska. Now, Tony Alford has scheduled a visit to Jacksonville to see Crowley during Ohio State's bye week. Alford is expected to land in the sunshine state on Monday.
While Crowley committed to the Hurricanes this past December, now almost a year ago, there's something to be said about his recent contact with Ohio State's coaching staff. A flip could be in the fold and if it is, Ohio State replaces the hole in its '19 recruiting class that James left. Crowley is a three-star back that's considered the 35th-best back in the nation.
