Ever since he had to cancel his visit to Ohio State in early September because a noon kickoff wouldn't work with his schedule, Payton Kirkland has been trying to reschedule another visit to Columbus.
Unfortunately for the four-star 2023 offensive tackle, that visit doesn’t appear likely to happen in the fall.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to make it,” Kirkland told Eleven Warriors earlier this week.
Instead, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle from Florida will try to visit OSU in 2022.
“I’m probably going to get back in the spring,” Kirkland said.
Kirkland is rated as the No. 123 prospect nationally and the ninth-best tackle according to 247Sports’ composite rankings for the recruiting class of 2023. The Dr. Phillips High School (Orlando, Florida) standout has around 45 Division I offers to this point, a sheet that includes Ohio State, Florida, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
Harris leaning toward December commitment
Five-star 2023 cornerback AJ Harris has made two possible commitment dates public: Dec. 13, his mother’s birthday, or Jan. 11, his own birthday.
Harris told On3 this week he’s leaning toward the former, assuming he can complete his visits with Clemson, North Carolina and Notre Dame before then.
“I am leaning more towards committing December 13, on my mother’s birthday, than I am waiting for January 11,” Harris told On3. “I am not big on this recruiting process, so if I am ready to commit in December, I want to go ahead and make my decision.
“It is hard to talk to all the different schools, handle school, and things like that, so I am thinking a lot about going ahead and committing in December.”
Harris visited Ohio State on Oct. 9 when the Buckeyes hosted Maryland. His father, Daniel Harris, said the family was very impressed by what they saw from OSU.
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Alabama resident is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect and the third-best cornerback in the 2023 class.
Rice picks UNC
Zach Rice, the No. 1 offensive tackle in 2022, will not be attending Ohio State. Rice committed to North Carolina Thursday evening, choosing the Tar Heels over OSU, Alabama, Virginia and Notre Dame.
BREAKING: Five-Star OT Zach Rice has Committed to the University of North Carolina!
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 22, 2021
With the addition of Rice, UNC now holds a Top 10 Class in the 2022 Team Rankings
More Here (FREE): https://t.co/eKymAdtGu3 pic.twitter.com/qpSkim6njO
Rice is ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2022 class. With the commitment of offensive tackle Avery Henry on Wednesday, OSU has three offensive linemen committed for the 2022 cycle. The Buckeyes would like to add another; the Buckeyes’ top remaining targets are Earnest Greene, Kam Dewberry and Carson Hinzman.
Stover visits OSU
Garrett Stover, the cousin of current Ohio State tight end Cade Stover, took a visit as a recruit to Ohio Stadium on Oct. 9 for Ohio State’s contest with Maryland. The gameday visit was the first to any school for Stover, a 2024 safety at Big Walnut High School.
“I loved the experience, because I got to talk with coaches, players, and see what the culture was like,” Stover told Eleven Warriors. “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity that my family and I got to go see OSU and see Cade compete.”
Even though it’s extremely early in his recruitment, as he does not yet hold any offers, Garrett has talked to his cousin multiple times about the process.
“He has told me to be ready and compete my tail off,” Stover said of talking to his cousin.
Stover said he has no further visits planned for the remainder of the fall and just hopes to improve his craft.
In case you don’t feel old
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) wide receivers coach Desmond Tardy decided to have some fun with 2023 Ohio State priority wide receiver target Carnell Tate earlier this week. In a video challenge, Tate was asked to finish the lyrics to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. It didn’t go well.
In the spirit of Halloween I thought Id do a lil finish these lyrics game with our players. 99% failure rate to the song Thriller by Michael Jackson heres @carnelltate_ the rest are on my IG pic.twitter.com/R5CTeUihDO
— D Tardy (@D_Tardy7) October 21, 2021
