Ohio State has its eyes set on flipping a Florida defensive lineman commit in the 2024 cycle.
The Buckeyes offered four-star North Carolina prospect Amaris Williams on Monday, as Ohio State would like to take at least one more defensive end in the current cycle. Williams, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound prospect, had been in contact with Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes throughout the fall.
Blessed to be offered a scholarship to Ohio State University @N_Murph @R2X_Rushmen1 ! pic.twitter.com/BQS6eC721c
— Amaris Williams (@AmarisWilliam13) October 2, 2023
The North Carolina native committed to Florida on June 17, and while he has vocalized his continued desire to play for the Gators publicly, Ohio State and Tennessee have both courted the top-160 prospect.
Per 247Sports’ composite rankings, Williams is considered the 157th-best player and the 21st-ranked defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle. He chose the Gators over the likes of Auburn, Penn State, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee and USC.
Getting Williams on campus for an official visit will be crucial if the Buckeyes hope to flip the Clinton High School (Clinton, North Carolina) standout and pair him with Eddrick Houston, Justin Scott and Eric Mensah in the 2024 class.
In five games this season, Williams has racked up 19 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
Blake Woodby sets commitment date, will visit OSU this week
One of Ohio State’s top cornerback targets in the 2025 class is nearing a decision. Coincidentally, he’s also planning on visiting Columbus this weekend.
Four-star Maryland defensive back Blake Woodby announced Sunday he’ll make his college decision on Oct. 14, with the Buckeyes seemingly getting his last gameday visit before he announces his decision. His other finalists include Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson.
I will be in Columbus this weekend !!! #BIA #SBG #AGTG @CoachTimWalton @CoachDuHart @Coach_Eliano pic.twitter.com/icleh3hJQU
— Blake Bobble Woodby (@blake_woodby) October 2, 2023
I Will be announcing my Commitment on October 14th. Where is home !!!? #SBG #AGTG @Hayesfawcett3
— Blake Bobble Woodby (@blake_woodby) October 1, 2023
Woodby is ranked the 79th prospect and the ninth-best cornerback in 2025. He will make his second visit to Ohio State overall and his first gameday experience. The St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland) product was offered by Ohio State in December and has since kept in close contact with secondary coach Tim Walton. Larry Johnson, who handles Maryland as his primary recruiting area for the Buckeyes, stopped at St. Frances Academy last week on the Buckeyes' bye week to check in on Woodby as well.
“I was a big Miami fan when I was younger, but as I started to understand football and the position I wanted to play, I realized Ohio State is DBU,” Woodby told Eleven Warriors after he was offered. “I want to play at the next level, and I want to watch the next level. I wanted to watch the best and they produce the best.
“Just growing up watching Ohio State and seeing all the guys they produce in the league as far as cornerbacks go, it’s just an ultimate level I want to reach one day. It means the world.”
The Buckeyes have an excellent chance to make a final impression on Woodby this weekend ahead of a decision, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt if the Ohio State secondary holds Taulia Tagovailoa, one of the Big Ten’s best passers, in check during Woodby's visit. Ohio State certainly has a chance to win this recruitment, and we’ll soon find out if the Buckeyes have done enough to land their second commitment in the 2025 class.
Tyler Redmond puts Buckeyes in his top five
Ohio State has also impressed another cornerback target in the 2025 class, as three-star Georgia prospect Tyler Redmond included the Buckeyes in his top five schools list released Sunday along with Texas A&M, North Carolina State, Tennessee and UCF.
TOP 5IVE @JeremyO_Johnson @ChadSimmons_ @MohrRecruiting @RivalsCorey @MiltonEagles_FB @I_Am_OD3 @dj_BluMajik @CoachBenReaves @Coach_Nez_ @CoachTimWalton @BMitchellNCS @CoachWilliams_7 @TJRushing20 @SteezoDsgn pic.twitter.com/4FKGVA850V
— Tyler(Ty)Redmond (@Tyler_Redmond23) October 1, 2023
While Redmond doesn’t have a commitment date set as of now, he told Eleven Warriors he plans on to visit Ohio State for the Penn State game on Oct. 21.
Braydon Alford, the son of Tony Alford, commits to Butler
Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford has seen countless recruits reach their dreams by committing to the Buckeyes in his Columbus tenure. Saturday, Alford saw his son, 2024 wide receiver Braydon Alford, fulfill his own dream by committing to play football at Butler.
Congrats!! Proud of you @AlfordBraydon . So many great things lie ahead for you son. Words cant describe how proud I am of you and I couldnt be more excited for you son. Love you Bray!! #TheButlerWay https://t.co/f3igI4b2hw
— Coach Tony Alford (@CoachTonyAlford) September 30, 2023
Alford has seen some pretty monumental commitments take place over the years, but this one has to be right at the top of the list.
