AKRON – Something about Bryce West’s gameday attire for Glenville in his season-opening game Thursday evening was all too noticeable.
Decked in a white uniform with red lettering and white pants, the four-star 2024 cornerback donned a pair of white and gray Ohio State gloves with Buckeye leaves surrounding the school’s logo. A curious choice, no?
“I think it went with the uniform, and I love Ohio State,” West told Eleven Warriors with a smile when asked why he chose to wear OSU gloves during the game Thursday. “I’m always open, but it definitely went with the uniform, so I decided to go with those.”
Since he was offered by Ohio State on Dec. 3, West has repeatedly said that Ohio State is his No. 1 school in his recruitment. Based on his decor, that still seems like it could be the case. West, who received a Georgia offer on Wednesday, wasn’t as forthcoming with outright claiming OSU as the favorite to land him as he has been in the past.
“We’re gonna see,” West said regarding if OSU is still No. 1 at the top of his list. “I’m just open right now.”
West just watched his high school teammate, four-star 2023 linebacker Arvell Reese, commit to Ohio State earlier this month – a decision that “excited” West. The pair have openly said they’d love to play together at the next level. But West doesn’t feel any pressure to commit to OSU any time soon, saying he has no decision timeline set at the moment. He’s not going to feel pressure from Reese to join him in Columbus.
“Nah, there ain’t no rush,” Reese said Thursday of West’s recruitment. “Bryce is going to do what he’s going to do. He’ll take his time. There’s no rush.”
West was a big contributor in Glenville’s 25-0 season-opening victory against St. Vincent-St. Mary Thursday, helping limit the Fighting Irish to 73 total yards on the evening and recording several pass break-ups and tackles.
Bryce West makes a third down stop by making a tackle on a crossing route that went for a minimal gain. pic.twitter.com/X64v8Q6HnO
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) August 18, 2022
Bryce West with a pass breakup for Glenville. pic.twitter.com/bkDi0oVSxT
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) August 19, 2022
Bryce West with another pass breakup for Glenville. pic.twitter.com/8WOe0xTFnw
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) August 19, 2022
“I felt like I had a great night,” West said. “I left a few things on the field, like a few tackles, and I dropped one pick. I feel like I could do better, and that’s what I’m going to work on, catching the ball and making a few more tackles and stuff.”
West has visited Ohio State numerous times and has already locked in his next visit. He’ll join Reese and a host of other big-time OSU commits and targets in attending the Buckeyes’ season opener.
“I’m going to the Notre Dame game on Sept. 3,” West said. “I went down there last year for the opener against Oregon. That atmosphere was really good. I’m happy to be back down there. The fans show a lot of love.”
Gause plans to attend OSU game this fall
A running back in the 2024 class with an Ohio State offer is planning on visiting OSU for a game sometime this fall. Florida running back Davion Gause told Eleven Warriors he plans on visiting Columbus this season but is still unsure of a date.
The 5-foot-11, 215-pound running back was offered by OSU running backs coach Tony Alford on June 13 after a breakout sophomore year where he ran for 1,844 yards with 17 rushing touchdowns on 251 carries. Gause is also a high school teammate of five-star 2024 wideout Jeremiah Smith at Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, Florida). Speaking of Smith …
Smith makes highlight-reel grab
Gause, Smith and fellow Chaminade-Madonna Prep teammate/five-star OSU wide receiver target Joshisa Trader all participated in a preseason scrimmage Thursday evening.
Each made impressive plays on the evening, but Smith probably pulled off the most highlight-worthy catch of the night.
Cut Different pic.twitter.com/tToWx888AY
— Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) August 19, 2022
Since pointing out when recruits where OSU attire seems to be a notable theme of this Hurry-Up, it’s worth mentioning Smith was donning an Ohio State sticker on his helmet in the scrimmage, as evidenced by the video below.
This duo has the chance to be special.
— Michael Yero (@MichaelYero) August 19, 2022
Five-star WR Jeremiah Smith and four-star WR Joshisa Trader combined for 3 touchdowns against Miami Palmetto.
(via QTR4.Jones / IG) pic.twitter.com/7FRwnZvOxP
Additional highlights of the trio from the scrimmage are linked below.
2024 Top247 ATH Joshisa Trader with the TD catch and then hits the Antonio Brown dance @joshisathe1
— 247Sports (@247Sports) August 18, 2022
( @Andrew_Ivins) pic.twitter.com/ITNp3zdPB8
Nice run by #ChaminadeMadonna HS (FL) 2024 RB Davion Gause (@daviongause7) vs #CardinalGibbons
— IG: @SleeperAthletes (@SleeperAth1etes) August 19, 2022
@ThaRealSleep pic.twitter.com/i8VOzLJ0Az
Jeremiah Smith with a score. https://t.co/qFlMNNHwnh pic.twitter.com/R875b6grKH
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) August 18, 2022
Just in case you needed more convincing about Jeremiah Smith being a five-star. @Jermiah_Smith1 @305Sportss
— Anthony Yero (@AnthonyYero1) August 19, 2022
(: @Jondelros)https://t.co/xIBo9BKTR0 pic.twitter.com/2QbPFlw5uY
3-yard TD catch by #ChaminadeMadonna HS (FL) 2024 WR Jeremiah Smith (@Jermiah_Smith1) from 2024 QB Cedrick Bailey (@Cedrickbailey11) during the #Lions game vs #Palmetto
— IG: @SleeperAthletes (@SleeperAth1etes) August 18, 2022
@ThaRealSleep pic.twitter.com/kNmP0pW1pb