From the time Luke Montgomery received his offer from Ohio State in February 2021, it seemed like he was destined to eventually become a Buckeye.
He waited nearly a year to end his recruitment, committing to Ohio State 364 days after receiving his offer. As soon as he committed to the Buckeyes on Feb. 17, however, Montgomery quickly became a leader of Ohio State’s 2023 recruiting class, serving as a vocal peer recruiter to encourage other top prospects in his class to join him in Columbus.
On Wednesday, Montgomery’s future as a Buckeye became officially official when he submitted his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State on the first day of the early signing period.
The Buckeyes are at their best when the best stay home. The kid from Findlay, OH is ready to protect the blindside and be a nightmare for opposing defensive lineman. Welcome to The Brotherhood Luke Montgomery#CHO23N | @lukeMonty8 pic.twitter.com/xaFfAYJZ5V
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 21, 2022
As the top-ranked prospect in the state of Ohio for the 2023 class, Montgomery was as must-get as any player in this year’s recruiting cycle. Ranked as the No. 52 overall prospect in the class, Montgomery is a versatile offensive lineman who could potentially end up playing any spot on the Buckeyes’ offensive front.
Montgomery primarily played as a left tackle at Findlay High School, where he demonstrated excellent feet for an offensive lineman paired with power and an excellent motor. While Montgomery has a gregarious personality off the field and is regularly seen with a smile on his face, he exhibits a mean streak on the field and will look to knock his opponents down.
Currently 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds, Montgomery is projected by some to be a guard or center at the next level. He’ll likely begin his Ohio State career at tackle, though, as the Buckeyes require immediate depth at the position and offensive line coach Justin Frye said last year that he likes to start all freshman offensive linemen at tackle before determining where they fit best.
“I’d like to play tackle, but I’m open to any of those positions for sure,” Montgomery said after his commitment. “Whatever gets me on the field the fastest. I’m pretty positive I can play tackle.”
The Montgomery File
- Class: 2023
- Size: 6-5/280
- Pos: OL
- School: Findlay (Findlay, Ohio)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: #52 (#3 IOL)
Montgomery will arrive at Ohio State in January as an early enrollee, allowing him to compete for an immediate spot on the two-deep during spring practices. He declared after his commitment that he hoped to start for the Buckeyes as soon as his freshman year.
He might more realistically need some time to hone his technique before he’s ready to start in the Big Ten, given that he’s only been playing on the offensive line for two seasons after starting his high school career as a tight end and defensive lineman. But Montgomery will come to Ohio State ready to work hard and push for playing time as quickly as he can.
“I’m just working on as much as I can, just being ready for when January comes when I'm actually here for forever,” Montgomery told Eleven Warriors after attending multiple Ohio State camps this summer. “I’m watching a lot of film, watching installments with them every time I can up here with the O-line and stuff, and I’m just learning a lot from them. It’s only gonna help me out in the long run.”
Montgomery was a staple on the sidelines at Ohio State games this season, and he typically spent his time there talking to other players the Buckeyes were recruited, telling them why they should become Buckeyes themselves. He’s someone who others seem to naturally gravitate around, and those qualities could eventually make him a team captain and leader of Ohio State’s offensive line.
