The Hurry-Up: Maryland 2025 DL Trent Wilson Eager to Build Relationship with Larry Johnson, Ohio State Offers 2024 DB's Jaylen McClain and Cai Bates

By Garrick Hodge on March 2, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Jaylen McClain
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A fast-rising defensive line prospect in the 2025 class is eagerly anticipating his upcoming Ohio State visit.

Maryland defensive lineman Trent Wilson confirmed to Eleven Warriors he plans on visiting Columbus on March 25 and is excited to see what the Buckeyes have to offer. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Wilson hasn’t had much contact with OSU as of yet, as his visit will be his first opportunity to meet the majority of the coaching staff. 

“I’m excited to meet coach (Larry) Johnson,” Wilson told Eleven Warriors. “They say he’s the guru of defensive linemen in college football right now. I’m looking forward to meeting most of Ohio State’s coaching staff. Hopefully, they give me a warm welcome and treat me like family.” 

Wilson, a defensive lineman who transferred to Maryland powerhouse St. Frances Academy after playing for St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) his sophomore year has racked up 21 offers thus far. Some of his offers include the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. 

Wilson hopes he can add an OSU offer to his sheet in the near future. 

“That would be a big jump in my recruitment,” Wilson said about a potential OSU offer. “Ohio State, that’s a great offer to have for your offer list. I’d be glad and very thankful if they’re interested in me. 

While his size indicates he’s more likely to play defensive tackle in college, Wilson insists he can thrive in any spot on the defensive line. 

“My best ability is my power and speed ratio, I can do both at the same time and I’m a balanced D-lineman,” Wilson said. “I can play the run or the pass.” 

Jaylen McClain picks up an OSU offer

Ohio State has added another safety to its 2024 recruiting board. Four-star New Jersey prospect Jaylen McClain picked up an OSU offer Thursday, with the opportunity being presented by safeties coach Perry Eliano. 

McClain is considered the 258th-best prospect and 23rd-ranked safety in the 2024 class per 247Sports’ composite rankings and has picked up 34 Division I offers. In early February, McClain listed a top 10 consisting of Notre Dame, Penn State, USC, Oregon, Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers, Stanford, Tennessee and Georgia. With OSU offering, the Buckeyes should be in the mix for McClain moving forward. 

The 6-foot, 185-pound prospect is a two-way player for Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, New Jersey), lining up at wide receiver offensively. OSU is focused on his capabilities as a defensive back, though. Last season, McClain racked up 83 tackles with a sack and interception. Offensively, he totaled five receptions for 22 yards and five carries for 17 yards and a touchdown. 

Bates gets Buckeyes offer

McClain wasn't the only 2024 defensive back to pick up an offer on Thursday. Three-star Florida prospect Cai Bates earned an OSU offer after speaking with cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. 

Bates is considered the 620th-best prospect in the 2024 class and has 24 Division I offers, including Alabama, Florida State, Illinois, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, NC State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Wake Forest and West Virginia.

Last season for Edgerwater High School (Orlando, Florida), Bates recorded four pass deflections and four interceptions. As a wide receiver, Bates caught 17 passes for 241 yards and a touchdown. 

Nave adds March 25 visit

One of Ohio State’s offensive line targets for the 2024 class has added another visit to Columbus to his spring schedule. Three-star Toledo prospect Marc Nave Jr. told Eleven Warriors Thursday he plans on visiting OSU Tuesday for the Buckeyes’ first spring practice but also hopes to attend OSU’s practice on March 25. 

Nave earned an offer from OSU on Jan. 31.

“It felt crazy to me,” Nave told Eleven Warriors in February of receiving his offer. “I still can’t believe it. You know, me just growing up being a Buckeye fan, that was something I dreamed of. Playing for Ohio State in the state that I'm from and, you know, it’s not just one of the biggest programs in Ohio, but in the country. It was surreal to receive an offer from them.” 

Nave grew up a big OSU fan, and he made no reservations about which team is currently the favorite to land his commitment. 

“Obviously, Ohio State is at the top of my list right now,” Nave said.

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