The Hurry-Up: Brandon Inniss Set to Visit Ohio State This Spring, Carson Hinzman Excited About Justin Frye Hire

By Garrick Hodge on January 10, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Brandon Inniss
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Ohio State has been in constant contact with five-star 2023 wide receiver Brandon Inniss ever since he came back on the market following his decommitment from Oklahoma in November.

The relationship the Buckeyes and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline have built with the top-rated receiver in the 2023 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings is already paying dividends. Inniss, who attended the All-American Bowl over the weekend because he was invited to participate in the 2023 contest, told Eleven Warriors Saturday he plans on taking another visit to Ohio State in the near future.

“I think I’m going to get back out there in the spring,” Inniss said. “Around that time, I’ll be back.” 

Ohio State has plenty of competition for the ninth-ranked player in the 2023 cycle. The 6-foot, 190-pound resident told Eleven Warriors he’s considering Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Florida State, Florida, and USC the heaviest as he reopens his recruitment. No decision is imminent, and Inniss is perfectly content slow-playing his decision.  

“It’s been fun so far,” Inniss said of his newly-opened recruitment. “I’m just taking it all in and waiting for the right time to commit. Which I think will be later in the year. I’m just enjoying it right now.”

Heavy competition aside, Ohio State is at least going to get another crack at landing the talented pass-catcher. Giving Hartline a promotion to passing game coordinator can only help the Buckeyes’ case, as Inniss was blown away by Hartline’s knowledge of the game when he visited OSU in June. 

“Coach Hartline is like no other coach," Inniss said. "He breaks down the game to you in a way that no other coach will. It’s amazing to see what their receivers do in and out every single year.” 

There’s also another in Ohio State might have with Inniss. Recent 2023 OSU safety commit Cedrick Hawkins and Inniss are friends, as the pair play together on the South Florida Express seven-on-seven team.

“That’s my guy, Ced,” Inniss said. “So I know what he’s going to bring to Ohio State. He’s a great kid.” 

Would Hawkins’ commitment make Inniss more likely to consider Ohio State than he did before? 

“I mean, we’ll see,” Inniss said with a wide smile. “It’s good to know somebody I know will be up there.” 

Ohio State wants to take two receivers in the 2023 class, so if you care to dream, think of a receiving corps with both Inniss and five-star wideout Carnell Tate in it. With Hartline’s success recruiting talented wideouts, that possibility can’t be discounted. 

Hinzman excited about Frye hire

Just two days after he committed to Ohio State last week, four-star Wisconsin offensive lineman Carson Hinzman received news that one of his lead recruiters, former offensive line coach Greg Studrawa, had been fired. 

Hinzman had said Tuesday, the day he committed, that he was joining a program for the school, not a coach. He backed up those words Thursday, as did four-star offensive lineman signee George Fitzpatrick, reaffirming his commitment to the Buckeyes and saying he still plans to sign on Feb. 2. Hinzman did wonder what direction OSU would take, though, in hiring a new offensive line coach. 

After learning that Ohio State would be hiring UCLA’s Justin Frye to replace Studrawa, Hinzman said he approves of the hire. 

“I’m really pumped for us to meet,” Hinzman told Eleven Warriors in a text Monday. “I’m excited to learn from him and carry the Ohio State legacy of linemen.” 

Meanwhile, 2022 four-star offensive lineman signee Tegra Tshabola told Eleven Warriors on Saturday that he couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that the Buckeyes moved on from Studrawa, though that was before it became certain that Ohio State would hire Frye.

“It’s definitely a tough one to take,” Tshabola said. “I mean, he played a big part in my commitment. I was looking forward to playing for coach Stud, but we’ll just have to see what happens next and take it step-by-step.” 

Tshabola remains committed to Ohio State and plans to arrive on campus in June.

“I’m signed, so I’m going,” he said Saturday. “Go Bucks.” 

Twitter reaction to Hero Kanu’s commitment

As you are probably aware by now, 2022 four-star defensive tackle Hero Kanu announced his commitment to Ohio State during Saturday's All-American Bowl, even though he had to do it over Zoom because he tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week.

Kanu silently signed during the early signing period but kept the announcement until Saturday, so Ohio State was able to officially welcome him to Columbus on its social media page the moment he committed. 

Others who welcomed Kanu to Ohio State on social media included two of the usual suspects, Larry Johnson and C.J. Hicks, among others.

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