Ohio State’s top defensive tackle target in the 2024 class has narrowed down his recruitment.
Five-star Justin Scott put out a top eight list Sunday that includes Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Colorado, Oregon, Miami, Alabama and Michigan.
BREAKING: Elite DL Justin Scott is down to 8 Schools!
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 9, 2023
The 65 315 DL from Chicago, IL is ranked as the No. 16 Player in the 24 Class (No. 2 DL)https://t.co/SQv9sOWrU8 pic.twitter.com/G0py4814gr
Scott received an offer from Ohio State earlier this fall, then took a gameday visit to Columbus on Oct. 1 for the Rutgers game. Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Scott is considered the 18th-best prospect and fourth-ranked defensive lineman in the 2024 class.
“Just the relationship with (special teams coordinator Parker) Fleming and (defensive line) coach (Larry) Johnson and also, coach (Ryan) Day and just being able to be coached by one of the best defensive line coaches to ever coach in college football (in) coach Larry Johnson,” Scott told On3 about his relationship with Ohio State. “Just to be able to be developed how they did with Chase Young and all their d-linemen (stands out).”
Per On3, Scott has set official visits with Colorado, Alabama, Miami and USC. He has not set his fifth visit, but he stopped short of naming those four leaders for him, considering he hasn’t visited Alabama or Colorado yet. Scott will take his officials in the spring or summer and plans to commit before the start of his senior season.
Miles Lockhart to make official visit to OSU
One of Ohio State’s cornerback targets for the 2024 class is planning to return to Ohio State for another visit. Four-star Arizona cornerback Miles Lockhart told Eleven Warriors he plans on making one of his official visits to Ohio State, though he’s unsure of an exact date at this point.
Lockhart was offered by OSU over the summer after a recruiting camp and most recently took a game visit to Columbus on Nov. 26 for the Michigan game.
“The game was a great experience, even with the outcome, I really enjoyed my time there,” Lockhart told Eleven Warriors after his visit. “The fans from both teams were loud and up the whole game so you could feel that different type of energy. I got to talk with Tim Walton and he told me that they are obviously very disappointed right now, but they gotta move on and go on to the next.”
In 13 games for Basha High School (Chandler, Arizona) this season, Lockhart racked up 69 tackles (2.5 for loss), four interceptions and 19 pass deflections.
Kirby Smart advocates for spring football in all states
For years, Ohio high school coaches and athletes alike have advocated for the opportunity to run spring football practices. Ryan Day himself has spoken several times advocating for Ohio high school football players to have the same opportunities that prospects in other states do.
In all, 16 states nationwide – but not Ohio – allow high schools to have fully-padded spring practices. In the days leading up to the national championship game, Georgia’s Kirby Smart was asked about the benefits of high school football players receiving extra instruction. He said players from states with spring football are more prepared to acclimate to the college game.
For my Ohio followers:
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) January 8, 2023
Kirby Smart: "I've always said that states that have spring football practice, your kids leave high school football one year ahead of the states that don't."
“I've always said that states that have spring football practice, your kids leave high school football one year ahead of the states that don't,” Smart said.
There doesn’t appear to be any indication that change is coming anytime soon to the Ohio prep ranks, but it remains one of the most debated issues in Ohio high school football circles.
Peyton Woodyard goes to Georgia
One of Ohio State’s top safety targets for the 2024 class is off the board. Four-star California prospect Peyton Woodyard announced his commitment on Saturday at the All-American Bowl to Georgia, which beat out Texas, Ohio State and four other schools.
Lets work.. pic.twitter.com/4kVs77Gtaa
— Peyton Woodyard (@peypey_wood) January 7, 2023
Ohio State has one safety committed to its 2024 class in Garrett Stover. Other safeties who hold offers from the Buckeyes in the 2024 class are KJ Bolden, Jaylen Heyward, Corian Gipson and Vaboue Toure.
