Not only does he have one of the best names in the entire recruiting industry, but Arizona prospect Bear Tenney is emerging as a priority tight end target for Ohio State in the 2025 recruiting class.
Tenney picked up his OSU offer from Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day on June 28, then made his first gameday visit on Sept. 3 for the Notre Dame game.
“It was the loudest atmosphere I’ve ever been in,” Tenney told Eleven Warriors. “I got to go into the locker room afterward.”
A game Ill never forget! The atmosphere was insane thanks for showing me and my family a great time! #GoBucks @OSUCoachKDub @CoachJFrye @ryandaytime @N_Murph @Coach_Cass @bzdebski @CoachKOHara @youngchase907 @brianhartline pic.twitter.com/ouBqBmcW69
— BEAR TENNEY (@BearTenney) September 4, 2022
While in attendance for the Buckeyes’ season-opening win, Tenney watched as Cade Stover was moved around all over the field and caught three passes for 14 yards.
“I loved how Ohio State used their tight end in the offense,” Tenney said. “They had him playing everywhere, in the slot, outside running routes or hand in the dirt. They really utilized him.”
The 6-foot-5, 226-pound Tenney said he appreciated the Buckeyes’ hospitality shown on the visit and had a chance to continue to expand his relationship with the Ohio State staff.
“Coach Kevin Wilson and coach Justin Frye were awesome and kept checking in with me and my family,” Tenney said. “They made a great impression on us. I can really tell they want me to be a part of their program.”
Tenney has wracked up 18 Division I offers, including Wisconsin, Washington, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, BYU, Colorado, Georgia, Louisville, Michigan State, Oregon, Tennessee and Utah, among others.
Ball enjoys OSU visit
As you might expect, there weren’t nearly as many recruiting visitors attending the Arkansas State game as there were for Notre Dame. Still, a few Ohio 2024 prospects with Division I offers made the trek to Columbus last weekend. One was Bloom-Carroll offensive lineman Jaden Ball.
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Ball said he enjoyed his visit to Ohio Stadium.
I will be at the THE Ohio State University on SaturdaySee you there @ryandaytime @CoachJFrye @OSUCoachKDub @DJRSwework #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/vbAwvSCUjz
— Jaden Ball (@_jadenball) September 8, 2022
"I really liked the hospitality and the whole atmosphere The Shoe gave off,” Ball told Eleven Warriors. “My favorite part was watching them warm up pregame on the field.”
Ball added he spoke with Ohio State high school relations director Ed Terwilliger and a graduate assistant coach during his visit. Three schools have offered Ball thus far, including Miami (OH), Akron and Campbell. Ball also camped with the Buckeyes in June.
Keeley “could see himself” at Ohio State, Florida or Alabama
One of Ohio State’s top remaining targets in the 2023 class is five-star Florida defensive end Keon Keeley, who was also in attendance for OSU’s game against Notre Dame.
Keeley visited Florida last weekend and plans to take an official visit to perceived front-runner Alabama on Oct. 7. The 6-foot-6, 242-pound prospect told On3 recently he could envision himself at all three schools.
“I could see myself at each of the schools,” Keeley told On3. “They’re all great universities, and I feel like they all have strength points in different areas, and they’re all great areas. Just being able to sort out those things will help me decide.”
Keeley added he had a successful official visit to Ohio State and had a productive conversation with defensive line coach Larry Johnson.
“He lays out the plan for you and lets you know that you can succeed if you follow the process and dream big,” Keeley said. “If you believe it, you could see it happen.”
