In the days leading up to his commitment, Tarvos Alford continued to weigh his options.
Ohio State had been the favorite for the four-star linebacker from Florida for seemingly months ahead of his decision, but he continued to consider other schools in his top five until his announcement Saturday evening.
“I kinda knew before I set the commitment date (I wanted to go to Ohio State), but then I had some second thoughts about some other things,” Alford told Eleven Warriors. “But I eventually made up my mind the day of (my commitment).”
— Tarvos Tj Alford II (@TarvosAlford_II) March 31, 2024
Ultimately, the thing that drew Alford to Ohio State in the first place ultimately won out: James Laurinaitis and the opportunity to compete for a national championship.
“Really just because of the brotherhood there,” Alford said of why he wanted to commit to Ohio State. “Because of the relationship I have with coach Laurinaitis and the whole coaching staff and how I connect with the players there.”
Before he announced his commitment publicly, Alford called Laurinaitis, Ryan Day, Jim Knowles and other members of the Ohio State coaching staff. Upon hearing they’d land the top-65 prospect, the coaching staff cheered in celebration.
“They were happy, man,” Alford said. “They were jumping up and down. (Laurinaitis) was telling me he wanted me to be his first commit and his first All-American as a full-time linebacker coach. It made me feel great because when I come in he’ll be in his second year. He’ll still be getting adjusted to it just like I am. So I feel like we’re going to be learning the ropes together and he’ll be able to help me out.”
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker has long said he wants to compete in an environment that brings out the best in each player and knows he’ll have plenty of talented teammates around him in Columbus. He projects as a future Will linebacker for OSU.
“Really playing around a lot of great players,” Alford said of what excites him the most about playing for the Buckeyes. “We’ve already got the best 2025 class right now. There’s plenty of players that’ll be around me that can help make me better.”
Alford said he’s already started taking the role as a peer recruiter to help get other players in his class to Ohio State. The targets he’s talked to the most are offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., linebacker Riley Pettijohn, wide receiver Vernell Brown and running back Jordon Davison.
This is a piece @TarvosAlford_II named, The Journey and man it was nothing short of that. The destination was always appreciated but Im grateful to collab, befriend, and work with one who enjoys the moments along the way.
— Michael Fabian (@Mike_Fabian13) April 1, 2024
Heres to more memories to be made.#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/DjQ2iTGS54
Alford says he’ll plan on being an early enrollee in Columbus and has already set big goals for his first semester in college.
“I really want to get my black stripe off and get myself in that rotation early and go out there and make plays,” Alford said.
In his junior season at Vero Beach High School (Vero Beach, Florida), Alford racked up 114 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, an interception and six pass deflections. He has one final high school season before making his way to Columbus and Alford says his expectations for his senior year are higher than his junior year.
“My goals are to win state,” Alford said. “But I feel like that’s everyone’s goal. I want to get 130 tackles, a couple interceptions, 10 sacks and at least 20 tackles for loss. I’d also like to win the high school Butkus award.”
Alford will take his official visit to OSU on May 31. He says he still plans on taking official visits to other schools to play out the recruiting process in case there’s any changes with Ohio State’s staff, but he’s thrilled to have his commitment out of the way so he can focus on football.
“It’s great (to wrap it up),” Alford said. “The recruiting process, it’s a blessing of course, but it’s very stressful. I feel like I’ve let a lot of stress off my body after this commitment.”
