Better Know a Buckeye: Da'Von Hamilton

The 23rd installment of this year's Better Know a Buckeye series profiles Da'Von Hamilton, a defensive tackle prospect from Pickerington. Hamilton, like the subject of last week's feature, was another late defensive line addition to this recruiting class. He committed to Ohio State just a week before signing day. Further, he is also another flip from a flagship program from a neighboring state. Hamilton was formerly committed to Kentucky like Alex Stump. In fact, Hamilton was committed to multiple schools before selecting and signing with Ohio State.

I discuss Hamilton's recruitment below, highlighting the multiple commitments he had before pledging to Ohio State on January 26 of this year. After recapping his commitment to Ohio State, I provide a scouting report of what he may add to the defensive line rotation during his time at Ohio State. I conclude with a projection of a possible redshirt this year and a highlight film for the reader to watch.

HIS RECRUITMENT

Ohio State fans may have first heard of Hamilton in December of last year. At that time, fans learned that he had scheduled an official visit to Ohio State in two weeks (which was later pushed to late January). The Pickerington Central product was even in attendance for the Michigan game in 2014. This may have been the first time his name in connection with a possible offer. At this time, Ohio State's coaches were looking for late additions to the defensive line in this recruiting class.

Hamilton had quite an eventful recruitment before Ohio State fans learned of him, even if he reported just five total offers. In June of last year, he committed to the Ohio Bobcats over in-state MAC rival Toledo. Three weeks later, he switched his commitment to Pitt. The Panthers offered Hamilton after a solid performance at the Best of the Midwest combine. For the next four months, he seemed to be ACC-bound.

This changed in October when Kentucky extended a scholarship to Hamilton. Kentucky had become quite popular among Ohio high school football players for its courtship of Ohio prospects. Further, Kentucky' message was simple; he could play in the vaunted SEC. Courted by Vince Marrow and intrigued by the message, Hamilton took an official visit to Kentucky for the Mississippi State game.

A month later, Ohio State contacted Hamilton to encourage him to attend the Michigan game. Hamilton thought he might have an Ohio State offer coming his way, which he would likely accept on the spot. Torn between an offer from Kentucky and the possibility of an offer from Ohio State, Hamilton no longer saw his future leading him to Pittsburgh. He decommitted from Pitt on November 24th, five days before the Ohio State-Michigan game.

While Hamilton enjoyed the Michigan game and tentatively scheduled an official visit for the 12th of December, he left the game without a firm idea if an offer was coming his way. He did know he had an offer from Kentucky, though. An in-home visit from Vince Marrow on December 4th, Kentucky's ace assistant for recruiting Ohio, encouraged Hamilton to commit to the Wildcats.

Just eight days before signing day, Urban Meyer and his staff felt a need at defensive line that they did not think would be satisfied with offers they had already sent through the recruiting cycle. Under these conditions, Hamilton took an official visit to Ohio State and received a scholarship offer. That Kentucky quickly courted Warren G. Hardin's Javon Provitt, who committed the day Hamilton received his offer, gave a strong indication of what Hamilton would do next.

HIS COMMITMENT

On January 26 of this year, Da'Von Hamilton secured his spot in Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class as its 24th member. In detailing his commitment, Hamilton praised the atmosphere of Ohio State football and expressed excitement about being coached by Larry Johnson.

A source close Eleven Warriors offered additional context about Hamilton's recruitment and commitment.

"We've always liked Hamilton's game," a source at Ohio State shared. "We just had to evaluate closely and make sure that the numbers would work out before offered. He's a talented kid and we think he's a guy who will embrace the grind and the program."

WHERE HE EXCELS

Hamilton listed only five offers that I could find (Ohio State, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Ohio, and Toledo). This can possibly be explained by reference to his development in high school. Hamilton was not in great football shape as an underclassmen and only turned the corner in the summer before his senior year. It was indeed the Best of the Midwest combine in June that got him an offer from Pitt. Hamilton turned a corner his senior year en route to Division I first-team and Central District defensive player of the year honors. His best football is ahead of him.

Hamilton is largely all-potential right now and that is not necessarily a bad thing. His frame should excite Ohio State fans. Listed at 6-3 and around 280 pounds by recruiting services, Ohio State lists him at 6-4 and 300 pounds. The extra inch notwithstanding, Hamilton carries the frame to excel at defensive tackle.

In terms of actual football talent, Hamilton does have a nice first step and shows he can get skinny between blockers. Larry Johnson may enjoy getting Hamilton to his full potential.

MUST WORK ON

Hamilton should maximize his time in the strength and conditioning program this summer and fall camp. Having the "frame" to play defensive tackle also means a prospect will have to be mindful about maintaining a good football weight. Further, Hamilton is not particularly strong at the moment. He will be wise to take the grind seriously under Mickey Marotti.

Hamilton has a good first step and can get skinny between gaps, but his penchant to stand up at the point of attack is worrisome at this stage. Hamilton needs to play much lower than he currently does.

While I think he may grow into a solid addition to Ohio State's defensive tackle corp, Hamilton may not be the kind of defensive tackle that can dominate games in the trenches. If schemed right, he will not have to be. Good linebacker play can be the focal point if Hamilton can occupy two blockers with his frame. Still, Ohio State fans should think of Hamilton in that light.

REDSHIRT?

I think this is a comfortable projection of a redshirt in 2015. The hope is Hamilton embraces the grind (as coaches think he will) with an eye toward a redshirt freshman year in 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS