Jordan Battle has long been one of the top-rated commitments in Ohio State's 2019 recruiting class. In fact, the St. Thomas Aquinas four-star had been the highest rated defensive pledge for some time now; dating all the way back to his commitment on June 29.
That commitment is no more and the Buckeyes will need to find someone to replace the prized defender.
BREAKING: #Alabama flips Ohio State pledge to kickoff the #EarlySigningPeriod https://t.co/SKKdqAXbSJ pic.twitter.com/M6goKviWbh
— Hank South (@HankSouth247) December 19, 2018
It's been a long few months and the Urban Meyer suspension and retirement have caused some doubt surrounding Battle's recruitment. He took an early official visit to Ohio State back in June, but since that time has made trips to Miami, Oklahoma, and most recently Alabama. Due to his team's playoff run, getting back to Columbus has proven difficult.
Several programs have been involved, but this is a recruitment that really came down to the Buckeyes and Crimson Tide. The Ohio State staff visited with Battle last Thursday but this one may have been a lost cause before the meeting ever took place.
He had an incredible senior season in helping to lead the Raiders all the way to the Class 7A state championship game. St. Thomas Aquinas fell just short last Friday night in the title game against Lakeland. He checks in at 6-foot-1 and about 190 pounds and is rated as the country's No. 77 overall player and No. 6 safety prospect.
There's no other way to put it: this is a big loss for Ryan Day and Ohio State's 2019 recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes may now turn to a player like Aliquippa, Pennsylvania's Marlin "MJ" Devonshire. The three-star corner is also considering West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Indiana. He's expected to sign in February.
