A top Ohio State linebacker target in the 2024 class had a productive visit to Columbus last weekend.
Four-star Virginia prospect Kristopher Jones told Eleven Warriors he enjoyed his experience in Columbus despite the Michigan loss as the Buckeyes continue to catch the 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker’s eye.
Had a Great time this weekend in ColumbusThank you to all the coaches and staff for having me #GoBucks #BuckeyesNation #DevelopedHere @TAscension pic.twitter.com/bDdUh6q1bf
— Kristopher C Jones (@bigkris4422) November 28, 2022
“My visit to Ohio State was great,” Jones said. “It was my third time up there, and every time, they impress me.”
While on his visit, Jones said he had a productive conversation with OSU’s coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
“I mostly talked to coach Koy McFarland throughout the trip, and I talked to coach Jim Knowles (on Sunday),” Jones said. “He told me with the athletic ability I have and the system he has in place, I could make an immediate impact on the defense.”
Jones is considered the 85th-best prospect nationally and ninth-ranked linebacker in 2024 per 247Sports’ composite rankings. Asked if he has a spring visit planned to Columbus, Jones said he wasn’t sure because he may use the spring to visit other schools he hasn’t had an opportunity to visit yet, and he’s been to Ohio State three times. Jones said he expects to start narrowing down his recruitment and drop a top schools list “soon.”
Montgomery gets in-home visit from Frye and Day
Ohio State’s most prominent peer recruiter in the 2023 class received an in-home visit from Ryan Day and Justin Frye Tuesday evening. Four-star Ohio offensive tackle Luke Montgomery, who has been to nearly every home game this season, posted a photo with his two future coaches on social media.
Great home visit with my future coaches! Go Bucks @CoachJFrye @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/bAloFHu42r
— Luke Montgomery (@lukeMonty8) November 30, 2022
The in-home visit confused some because this year, the NCAA instituted a four-day recruiting dead period after the regular season ends to allow time for college coaches to have frank conversations with players on their current roster before the transfer portal window opens. Montgomery’s in-home visit was permitted because the Findlay native is an early enrollee to Ohio State.
Im an early enroll that has paid for admission and is a Buckeye now. Its not against NCAA protocol.
— Luke Montgomery (@lukeMonty8) November 30, 2022
But when the dead period officially lifts Friday, Ohio State coaches will be out on the road recruiting multiple prospects as the Buckeyes try to put a bow on their 2023 signing class before the Early Signing Period on Dec. 21.
Moore enjoys return trip to Columbus
For the first time since committing to Ohio State, four-star Indiana 2024 offensive tackle Ian Moore was back at OSU for a gameday visit.
Moore, making his third trip to Columbus this season after attending the Notre Dame and the Wisconsin games earlier this year, talked with Justin Frye in pregame warmups and several other Ohio State commits. Despite the loss to Michigan, Moore said he had an excellent time at his future school.
“I thought they played a great game,” Moore said. “There were just some things that were rough in the second half. I still had an amazing time, and I’m still a Buckeye through and through. It hurts a little, but I know we’ll bounce back.”
Moore, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound prospect considered the 59th-best player nationally in 2024, helped lead New Palestine High School (New Palestine, Indiana) to a 12-1 season this year. He finished his campaign with an 87% blocking average, only allowing one sack the entire season. Defensively, he racked up 11 solo tackles and two sacks.
