Ohio State opened its 2022 recruiting in a big way, earning a pledge from one of the hottest names in the class.
Dublin Coffman sophomore Seth Shumate announced via Twitter that he wouldn't need a lengthy recruiting process to decide where he'll ply his trade after high school.
I would like to make it official: following my high school career, I will pursue my academic and athletic goals at The Ohio State University at 184/197. The coaching staff, training partners, and opportunity that The Ohio State has to offer are second to none. pic.twitter.com/fAXBiAksWT
— Seth S. (@ShumateSeth126) August 20, 2019
Shumate, the defending Ohio high school champ at 195 pounds – a title he won as a freshman, no less – made a big splash in Fargo this summer, winning the 195-pound Cadet National Championship in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.
“A couple things I did well on the mat (last) week were hand-fighting hard and keeping my feet moving at all times so my opponents were always off their game and confused,” Shumate said after his Fargo dominance. “It made things easier to come out with a win. Also, I listened to every word my coaches told me and did whatever they told me to do and that really makes a difference."
His showing at Cadet Nationals earned a lot of attention from potential college coaches, but he said via Twitter he didn't need to mull his options for long.
This is not a traditional approach to the recruiting process, but I was born to be a buckeye, I would also like to take time to first thank God, thank my parents, family, coaches, and everyone who has ever supported me.
— Seth S. (@ShumateSeth126) August 20, 2019
Shumate is ranked No. 3 overall in the Class of 2022 according to FloWrestling, and he finished his freshman campaign as No. 3 in the country at 195 pounds.
Flo noted that Ohio State is also heavily recruiting fellow Ohioans Victor Voinovich and Paddy Gallagher, and that Shumate projects to be a successor to fellow Buckeye natives Kollin Moore at 197 or Gavin Hoffman at 184. Ohio State head coach Tom Ryan is laser focused on keeping as much of that in-state talent at home as he can.
The Buckeye State loaded with talent. Lets keep the most disciplined, passionate, intelligent, hard working men home. The Jennings center & Buckeye Nation loves passion. pic.twitter.com/F5UweEv72E
— Thomas Ryan (@Buckeye158) July 20, 2019
