It’s going to be pretty hard to top last weekend’s Ohio State visit for four-star 2024 safety Garrett Stover.
Not only did the Ohio product fully take in the atmosphere of the blackout in OSU’s 52-21 win over Wisconsin, but he watched his cousin, Ohio State tight end Cade Stover, have a career night. In the win, Stover caught four passes for 51 yards and two touchdowns. This was on the heels of a three-catch, 81-yard performance against Toledo the week before.
Cade Stover entered the night with 0 career TDs.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 25, 2022
He has tonight, and the first quarter isn't even over.@cstov8 x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/U2HGY6w6yl
“I had another amazing visit to Ohio State and I know it’s the place to be,” the younger Stover told Eleven Warriors. “I was so happy for Cade and the way he performed. I’m glad he’s getting some action and making an impact, I can’t wait to watch him make more plays.”
Of course, the coveted defensive prospect was also there to gain additional info that might help him make an informed decision about his recruitment. It was Stover’s third visit of the fall to Ohio State, as he also attended the Notre Dame and Toledo games. He said he was impressed how the Buckeyes kept Wisconsin in check for the majority of the evening.
“The defense played great and I love how they fly around with energy and are excited for each other if someone makes a big play,” Stover said. “Coach Knowles definitely has something great going on there and when watching the game, it’s really hard not to wanna be a part of.”
The only visit to another school Stover has planned this fall is to Notre Dame for the Fighting Irish’s contest against Clemson on Nov. 5. But the Buckeyes are likely going to see a lot more of Stover this season.
“I’m gonna try to be at every home game, so I’m excited to watch them again,” Stover said.
Stover won’t be in attendance this weekend because of Big Walnut’s homecoming, but plans to be in attendance at Ohio State on Oct. 22 for the Iowa game and subsequent contents against Indiana and Michigan.
Preview of Ohio State’s upcoming recruiting weekend
While this weekend’s visitor list certainly isn’t as large as the Notre Dame and Wisconsin games, there are still several noteworthy recruits expected to make their way to Columbus for Saturday’s game against Rutgers.
After he was unable to attend last weekend’s Big Ten opener, five-star 2024 defensive lineman Justin Scott has rescheduled for this weekend and will make his first visit to OSU. Four-star 2024 wideout Jeremiah McClellan, who was offered by the Buckeyes earlier this month, is also making his first trip to Columbus. Two-way four-star 2024 prospect Kylan Fox, who received an offer after camping at Ohio State this summer, will also make his first game visit this weekend.
The Ohio State this weekend @brianhartline @ScottPingel10 @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB
— Jeremiah Mcclellan (@jay_mac2481) September 28, 2022
THE Ohio State University this weekend!! #GoBucks @ryandaytime @OSUCoachKDub @CoachM_Patrick @N_Murph @JeremyO_Johnson @ChadSimmons_ @Coach_FredM pic.twitter.com/aHBgF0fhfm
— Kylan Fox (@Kylan_Fox6) September 28, 2022
Ohio State made an offer to 2023 four-star defensive lineman Daevin Hobbs on Thursday, and it didn’t take long for Hobbs to show reciprocating interest, as he plans to be in Columbus for this weekend’s game against Rutgers, according to multiple reports. He’ll be attending the visit with his younger sister, Ella, who has an offer to play basketball at Ohio State.
Hobbs, a 6-foot-5, 262-pound prospect, could play either defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. His visit for this weekend will be an unofficial visit.
Two local prospects without OSU offers who will be in attendance this weekend are 2024 three-star tight end Gavin Grover and 2025 linebacker Maddox Arnold.
Excited to take a trip to the shoe this weekend! @OSUCoachKDub @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB @OHSBravesFB pic.twitter.com/25n9VG1QhP
— Gavin Grover (@GavinGrover87) September 29, 2022
Excited to be in the Shoe this weekend for the Rutgers game! @OhioStateFB #GoBucks @CoachKMcFarland @CoachJimKnowles pic.twitter.com/VpQ4aF2i4l
— Maddox Arnold (@MaddoxArnold_37) September 28, 2022
Montgomery continues to play role of peer recruiter
By now, it’s almost a surprise if 2023 four-star offensive line commit Luke Montgomery doesn’t attend an Ohio State home game.
Montgomery, the Buckeyes’ lead peer recruiter for the 2023 class, was back at Ohio Stadium on Saturday during OSU’s 52-21 win over Wisconsin. His peer recruiting went to another level then, as he spent a large portion of his visit hanging around 2023 five-star defensive end Keon Keeley, who was on his second visit to OSU in the month of September alone. The pair took photos with fans and signed autographs before taking in the game together.
Back In Black @keon_keeley Go Bucks pic.twitter.com/af8Vz77sr9
— Luke Montgomery (@lukeMonty8) September 24, 2022
Montgomery, who was officially honored as an All-American Bowl participant on Wednesday, made no secret about how much OSU would enjoy the presence of Keeley in its 2023 cycle.
Always watched this as a kid and had a dream of playing in it! A blessing it is https://t.co/nTgP4VKzn2
— Luke Montgomery (@lukeMonty8) September 29, 2022
“The atmosphere was amazing and the blackout was crazy,” Montgomery told Eleven Warriors. “Spending time with Keon was great. We need him, he’s an OSU fit if I’ve ever seen one.”
Montgomery wasn’t the only 2023 OSU commit who spent a decent amount of time with Keeley last weekend.
“The visit was good, I talked to Keon, asked him how he liked everything and he said it's between Ohio State and Alabama,” offensive lineman commit Joshua Padilla said. “I told him the culture here at Ohio State is one of a kind and told him why I came to Ohio State."
Keeley is expected to take his official visit to Alabama on Oct. 8. A decision may come in the coming weeks after that.
