On Friday, three-star Connecticut offensive lineman Miles Walker became Ohio State’s fourth offensive lineman commitment in the 2023 recruiting class.
Over the past couple of years, Walker had quite the journey to get to where he is today, transforming his body into what’s now a 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame that led to a heap of college offers last spring. But none of them felt more right for him than Ohio State.
Eleven Warriors caught up with Walker’s high school coach, Wayne McGillicuddy on Sunday to get more information on Walker’s recruitment process and what he’ll bring to the Buckeyes in his collegiate career.
This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity.
Q: How exciting was it to see Miles put his recruitment to bed and commit to Ohio State, a place that he felt was best for himself?
Wayne McGillicuddy: It was phenomenal. It was a great process and it was one of those that I tried to fully stay out of it and let him make the best decision. He’s extremely excited and at the end of the day, he feels like he made the decision that’s best for him academically, athletically and socially. He’s really excited.
Q: From what he’s told you of his process, what was the deciding factor of why he ended up going with Ohio State?
McGillicuddy: It was just a feeling he got leaving campus. When he left he said he felt a little bit different leaving. I think a huge factor is the history of coach (Justin) Frye and how he develops offense linemen. I think that was definitely interesting to him. I think those were the two reasons he made that decision.
Q: I know you’ve spoken with coach Frye, any insight you’d be able to share of what his developmental pitch was to Miles?
McGillicuddy: It was just one of those things where he talked about his history and what he’s done with guys. Giving information about some of the guys he’s helped coach and place. Honestly, at the end of the day, he didn’t really talk much about himself, it was more of Miles doing his homework and coach Frye’s history speaking for itself.
Q: How special was his commitment for you considering Miles’ journey over the past three years where he lost excess weight, then bulks back up to 285, then a few months later he ends up committing to one of the best programs in college football?
McGillicuddy: It’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of him. There’s a lot of kids out there who work hard and do everything right, and Miles has definitely done that. I’m very happy his hard work has paid off. Miles is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever been around. He’s someone who understands how to fuel his body right at 17-18 years old, bulk up and put muscle on the right way. It’s not often you hear a 17-18 year old go into detail about what he’s going to eat, how much he can eat and the research he’s done, he’s put in all the hard work. I’m just glad it all paid off.
Q: As purely an offensive tackle prospect, what are his best attributes on the field?
McGillicuddy: On the field, he’s extremely athletic, he has really good hips and he can bend. He gets off the ball quickly and has heavy hands so when he punches people, you can hear it across the field. Like I said, the athleticism is through the roof. He’ll rarely make the same mistake twice, he hates it when he makes the same mistake twice. The will to want to be good and do everything the right way is what’s going to help set him up to be very successful.
Q: What area would you like to see him grow the most in over the next year and perhaps over the next two to three years?
McGillicuddy: Honestly, right where he is, I think he’s in a really good spot. There’s going to be a huge change in his film from last year to this year. Last year he played at 245 and he’ll be playing at 285 this year. His strength is already significantly different. To be honest, right now, I don’t know where he needs to improve because he’s improved in so many areas that I’m just excited he gets to be a Bruin for one more year before he goes off and becomes a Buckeye.
Q: What’s Miles like off the field? What kind of person is he like to be around and what’s his leadership style?
McGillicuddy: He’s very kept to the vest. He doesn’t show much emotion. He’s someone that will work hard and show you how to work hard. His leadership is he’ll show someone how to be a leader. He’s not really a big yeller, not someone that’s going to scream at anyone. He’s more of a guy that wants to grab his hard hat, his lunch pale and go to work.
