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.
Jordan has “legit track speed”
When Ohio State offered sophomore Ryan (Texas) High School star cornerback Austin Jordan on Oct. 22, the Buckeyes knew exactly what they were doing.
At the time, they had only offered two defensive backs in the 2022 class – Mater Dei (Calif.) High’s Domani Jackson and Liberty Christian (Texas) High’s Cristian Driver.
Wow! After a great talk with Ohio state coach I am beyond blessed and honored to receive my 3rd offer from Ohio State university #gobuckeyes pic.twitter.com/7vdCAQ4XDr
— Austin Jordan (@Austiiinj2) October 22, 2019
They got in on Jordan early, however, becoming the young standout’s third overall offer, and it was expected that would lead to a bit of a domino effect. It did, as 12 more programs have since come calling with offers, giving him an early offers sheet that includes Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and USC.
"When I received the offer (from Ohio State), it really opened my eyes and made me want to to work even harder. Ohio State is a very successful team in college football," Jordan told Eleven Warriors, saying that the Buckeyes' offer led to other schools showing more interest in him.
The fact that the three main Texas programs have already offered is at least a little noteworthy, as Jordan has become one of the sophomore cycle’s top players already. His Ohio State recruitment was started by former Buckeye assistant Mike Yurcich – who is now at Texas – and continued with former assistant Jeff Hafley, who visited Denton, Texas, a couple times to check out Jordan and some other players.
“(He’s a) long, physical corner. Good cover guy,” Ryan football head coach David Henigan told Eleven Warriors. “Legit track speed that translates to football. I think the sky is the limit. Great kid. Hard worker. Loves to compete. Loves football. High ceiling.”
It’s hard for Henigan to give too much of an update on Jordan’s recruitment, as it’s still so early on in the process for his talented cornerback. But Jordan will certainly be a key player to keep an eye on out of Texas.
Dickerson hasn't heard from Coombs
About two weeks ago, we detailed for you the recruitment of Westside (Neb.) High School four-star cornerback Avante Dickerson and where Dickerson stands with the Buckeyes.
The top-ranked player in the Cornhusker State’s 2021 class and No. 8-ranked junior cornerback in the nation – a top-90 recruit overall – had not yet talked to Kerry Coombs, which was an indicator that Dickerson was lower on Ohio State's board than other junior cornerbacks like Tony Grimes, Jakailin Johnson, Jordan Hancock and Andre Turrentine.
Coombs and Dickerson have still not yet spoken.
“He hasn't spoken to Coombs as of yet. Only (Matt) Barnes,” Westside head coach Brett Froendt told Eleven Warriors. “No OSU coach has been to Westside.”
Meanwhile, the other two programs in Dickerson’s top three schools have been forming strong relationships with him. LSU coaches have visited Westside twice and Nebraska defensive backs coach Travis Fisher has formed a great relationship with Dickerson.
Dickerson and Froendt have talked about what stands out about Ohio State and LSU.
“(Their) reputation as top-tier programs and churning out NFL talent,” Froendt said when asked what the two have discussed about those programs. “But they have the best talent coming in, which in the end makes it more difficult getting on the field. He's aware of only one CB taken the last two recruiting classes – according to websites – for OSU so that's a plus.” (Ryan Watts, who is listed as a safety by 247Sports, is set to play cornerback along with Lejond Cavazos in Ohio State's recruiting class of 2020, and Cameron Martinez, listed as an athlete, could also end up at cornerback.)
Froendt says “relationships with the coaching staffs are important to Avante,” but that “in the end, staying close to home is not a priority” for Dickerson.
In the coming weeks and months, more information will become clear about Dickerson, Ohio State’s interest in him and where the dominoes are falling. Wherever he ends up, even if not in Columbus, Dickerson will bring plenty of talent.
“Avante's skill set is purely at corner,” Froendt said. “Great hips, eyes and mobility. His discipline and ability to play different techniques makes him special. Although he has to keep working on his strength, he has no problem being physical.
“He's a great kid. Humble, very coachable and admired by his teammates. Not only for his skill and gifts, but how he carries himself and supports his teammates. He's quiet, but he leads through one-on-one affirmations and support. None of the attention he has received has went to his head, and he spends no time talking about it around the team. Awesome kid.”
Ford to visit
Lutheran North (Mo.) High School defensive end Travion Ford visited Ohio State last March, and approximately a year later, the 2021 standout will be coming back to Columbus.
Ill be @OhioStateFB March 6th Cant wait @ryandaytime @R2X_Rushmen1 @ANU_NIKE22 #GoBucks #DevelopedHere #Buckeyes #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/ILO9UqRBMX
— Travion Ford (@Tre_Got_Skills) February 21, 2020
Ford is one of 19 defensive ends holding Buckeye offers for the class of 2021. Ranked as the No. 6 weakside defensive end in the nation, No. 123 overall prospect and No. 3 recruit in the state of Missouri, Ford is one of the Buckeyes' top priorities in the junior cycle.
Getting Ford on campus is a big step for Ohio State as it looks to fill one of its biggest needs in the 2021 class.
