Ohio State has made quite the impression on four-star 2024 defensive lineman Nigel Smith.
The Texas standout made the trek to Columbus last weekend for OSU’s spring game, and he was impressed that more than 60,000 Buckeye fans were in attendance.
“I had a great time there,” Smith told Eleven Warriors. “It was really fun. I loved the atmosphere and I loved the fans. I had a great time getting to meet the coaches again.”
This was Smith’s second visit to Ohio State, the first coming Nov. 20 when the 6-foot-5, 260-pound lineman made a gameday visit for the Michigan State game.
“Last time it was a gameday visit and I got to meet coaches and go over my film, stuff like that,” Smith said. “This time, I got to see a lot of the campus and dorms and things like that.”
Smith spent a good portion of his visit with defensive line coach Larry Johnson and also briefly spoke to Jim Knowles. The relationship between Smith and Johnson continues to blossom.
Ohio State always showing some love when I come through, will definitely be back! @ryandaytime @R2X_Rushmen1 #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/ICHWzGeU5r
— Nigel Smith (@NigelSmith_25) April 16, 2022
“He spoke with me about things to work on, we went over my film,” Smith said. “He spoke about how he obviously doesn’t offer too many guys and he’s only offered two defensive linemen so far (in my class), he thinks I can be that guy that’s the best in the nation. He wants to keep building a relationship with me and we went over some other football stuff.”
While still early in his recruitment process, Ohio State is in a good position with Smith moving forward.
“They’re on the higher side of my list so far,” Smith said of OSU. “I still haven’t checked out all the schools I want to check out yet, but (Ohio State) is definitely a good school.”
Smith said he is undecided on whether or not he will make another trip to OSU this summer, but regardless, he plans to attend the Buckeyes’ season opener against Notre Dame later this fall. He’s also starting to think about a commitment timeline and when he may start to narrow things down.
— Nigel Smith (@NigelSmith_25) April 16, 2022
“I’m graduating early, so I’ll start narrowing things down to like a top 12 or stuff like that after my junior football season, then we’ll pretty much go from there,” Smith said.
Lonergan puts OSU in Top 5
One of Ohio State’s top quarterback targets in the class of 2023 is getting closer to making a decision. Four-star Georgia quarterback Dylan Lonergan released a top five Friday consisting of Ohio State, Alabama, South Carolina, Stanford and Florida.
Down to 5.@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/sGRkPPcGVD
— Dylan Lonergan (@_dylanlonergan) April 22, 2022
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback recently visited OSU on April 8, and was impressed with what he saw from the Buckeyes.
“I really enjoyed being back up there,” Lonergan told Eleven Warriors earlier this month. “It was nice to see coach Day, coach Dennis and really meet the rest of the coaching staff. C.J. Stroud looked really good all throughout practice and was making throws all over the field. The offense is just great and is built right for a quarterback. It would be a great one to play in.”
The OSU visit was also Lonergan’s first chance to view the baseball facilities, which was instrumental in his recruiting since the Georgia product is determined to play both sports in college.
Lonergan said a college decision will likely come this summer after he’s taken all of his official visits. OSU is likely to be one of the five schools getting an official.
“Nothing is set for sure but I’m probably going to take one up there,” Lonergan said.
Gullette puts OSU in top 12
A linebacker with an Ohio State offer from the 2023 class has put the Buckeyes in his top 12. Four-star Texas linebacker Derion Gullette included OSU in a top 12 list Friday that also consisted of Texas, Notre Dame, Auburn, Oregon, USC, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, LSU, North Carolina and Miami.
Thank you to all the schools that have recruited me throughout this process. With that being said, this is where Im at in my recruitment! Still 100 percent open to any school ! pic.twitter.com/VWhcFf0Nda
— Derion Gullette (@DerionGullette) April 22, 2022
Gullette received his OSU offer on Dec. 2 and is considered the 343rd-best player and the 28th-rated edge player per 247Sports’ composite rankings. OSU would like to take two linebackers in the 2023 cycle, with top targets including Tackett Curtis, Arvell Reese, Jaiden Ausberry, Troy Bowles, Lewis Carter and Raul Aguirre.
