Three-star 2025 offensive lineman Andrew Stargel’s first visit to Ohio State last weekend more than lived up to his expectations.
A few weeks after offensive line coach Justin Frye offered Stargel a scholarship to OSU, the Georgia prospect reciprocated that interest by making it a priority to take an unofficial visit to campus to grow his relationship with the coaching staff more before official visits get underway.
“It was great,” Stargel told Eleven Warriors. “Just a bunch of coaches who are real and great people. I’m really excited to go back. That’s a place that could develop me and turn me into a better player and a better man. I loved the facilities and seeing that trophy room. It’s unbelievable. They’ve got all the tradition and all that type of stuff.”
Had a great time with @OhioStateFB !!@CoachJFrye @CoachSollenne @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/CpQzVIxV9C
— Andrew Stargel 3 (@astargel34) May 11, 2024
Stargel came to campus with his mother on Friday morning, then left the next day. But in his 24 hours on campus, the Georgia product had a productive visit, which included an hourlong meeting with Frye.
“We just went through a bunch of my film. He would tell me what I need to do and what to fix. He was helping me out and coaching me up. He gave me advice on how to limit my wasted movement. He would tell me like ‘Instead of taking two steps right there, you only need to take one.’ It’s really the little things.”
Stargel also spoke with Ryan Day on the trip.
“He made sure to tell me that they have a plan for me and they can develop me,” Stargel said. “Coach Day was great, he was very easy to talk to. He’s definitely someone I’d love to play for.”
The Georgia prospect didn’t waste any time setting up a return trip to Columbus, as he’ll be back at OSU on June 7 for an official visit.
“I’m looking forward to having a great time on my official. I’m looking forward to growing closer relationships with the coaching staff and meeting some of the players possibly. I can’t wait to see the rest of the facilities and where I’ll be staying if I were to commit to OSU.”
Ohio State is hoping to take at least three offensive linemen in the 2025 class, but is open to taking more if it can land multiple high-end targets.
Stargel has played right tackle for the past three seasons at Roswell High School, but he will start at left tackle this season. His collegiate future is likely not at offensive tackle, though.
The 6-foot-4, 284-pound Stargel could provide a stable presence as an interior offensive lineman, as Frye sees Stargel as either a center or guard at the next level.
Stargel has also set up official visits to UCF and Kentucky and is considering taking a trip to NC State. He’s set a commitment date for July 4, which not only is America’s birthday, but Stargel’s as well.
“I would say Ohio State is definitely in my top five for sure,” Stargel said. “(The biggest thing with these visits) will definitely be relationships. That’s a huge thing for me. And also development. Who can develop me as a man and as a player? It’s about who’s going to treat my family and I with respect and take care of me while I’m away from home.”
