The future stars of Ohio State football officially begin their college careers, as standouts from all over the country put pens to their National Letters of Intent.
Ohio State's interior line has been one of the team's greatest strengths in 2019, and its recent history at center has been especially strong. Four-star New Jersey center Luke Wypler appears to be next in line for Greg Studrawa and Co.
Luke Wypler Officially a Buckeye @LukeWypler#GoBucks #XXclusive pic.twitter.com/bpQryNmmv6
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 18, 2019
The Wypler File
- Class: 2020
- Size: 6-foot-4, 285 pounds
- Pos: Center
- School: St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, NJ)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★
- Composite Rank: 2 (Center)
Hailing from St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey, Wypler became the Buckeyes fifth 2020 commitment way back in July of 2018. Ever since that time, the country's No. 2 center prospect has had a relatively quiet recruitment.
Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes extended an offer in March of 2018, but it was Greg Schiano and his New Jersey ties that proved to be a pivotal part of the Wypler recruitment. The new Rutgers' head coach had a long-standing relationship with the 6-foot-4, 285-pounder that helped to bring the talented lineman to Columbus.
Leading up to his decision, there actually was a bit of intrigue as Ohio State and Stanford were the top contenders. Programs like Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Penn State were also in hot pursuit, but it was the Buckeyes who ultimately won out over the Cardinal.
COMMITTED TO THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!! #Gobucks #THEOHIOST pic.twitter.com/yawNeZAKmY
— Wypler (@LukeWypler) July 7, 2018
After signing four players in the 2019 class, an offensive line reload was a lingering need for 2020. Wypler has played tackle and interior line at his high school, but he's expected to play center or guard at Ohio State. He joins five other talented line prospects to help make up one of the country's top classes in the trenches.
Following an uncharacteristically poor defensive showing in 2018, Greg Schiano was relieved of his duties last January. Despite the connection, Wypler has remained firm in his commitment and will arrive in January as an early enrollee.
Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis will both be redshirt juniors in 2020, but Jonah Jackson's departure will open things up for some competition at left guard. Wypler's early arrival could give him the opportunity to help provide some depth as a true freshman next season.
Having played tackle and center in high school, his versatility should prove beneficial; though it should come at center or guard. With Luke Wypler and Harry Miller both waiting in the wings, the future of the interior line continues to be in great hands.
