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Welcome back for another edition of “A-Deck” at BuckeyeGrove.com, presented by Infinit Nutrition, where I’ll bring you thoughts, what I’m hearing, inside scoop, tidbits, and more for Ohio State recruiting and team coverage, every Wednesday.
Last week’s A-Deck provided scoop on a new running back target and a top defensive tackle, as well as shared a story from the trail.
This week, we talk with the newest Ohio State commit and look ahead to 2021 with today being National Signing Day for 2020 prospects.
HALL IS A BUCKEYE
Last weekend Ohio State picked up a commitment from Streetsboro (Oh.) 2021 defensive lineman Michael Hall. While this one wasn’t a surprise as far as the decision goes, it was a bit of a surprise as far as timing. A visit to Columbus over the weekend sealed the deal for the Scarlet and Gray though.
“My family and I came up with a list of questions we had to ask Coach [Ryan] Day,” Hall explained. “Throughout the day, sitting down to talk with him, he answered every question we had without us even asking. That really meant something to my family and me.”
Things just “felt right” for Hall while on campus, and he decided to pull the trigger. He said it was the genuine interest in his growth that was the difference in picking the Scarlet and Gray.
“I love how when you graduate from The Ohio State, you’re not just sent off and later forgotten about,” he stated. “They still help you along the way to become the best you can. I love the culture down there, as well as the fans.”
Now that he’s made a commitment, Hall said his recruitment is shut down and completely over.
“It feels great to get everything over and done with,” he said. “And to finally be able to strictly focus on my school work and training.”
Hall is currently ranked 75th nationally and 4th in the state of Ohio for 2021.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021
With the Class of 2020 having National Signing Day (Cam Martinez being the only player expected to sign with Ohio State today), focus officially shifts to the 2021 class.
Today, we’ll take a position-by-position look at what you can expect from the Buckeyes in the next cycle.
Quarterback-1: Ohio State has their guy in Kyle McCord and it would be surprising to see them take another in this class after landing two in 2020.
Runningback-2: After only landing Miyan Williams this cycle, it’s imperative that Ohio State inks two talented running backs in the 2021 class. They are in on a number of the country’s best players, including at least one (Corey Kiner) from inside the state of Ohio. It would be surprising if they failed to land some elite talent here in 2021.
Wide Receiver-3 to 4: The Bucks have pledges from Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jayden Ballard already, and would love to add Troy Stellato and/or Emeka Egbuka to that mix as well. After landing four pure studs this cycle, it may be hard to get more than just one more receiver to join Harrison and Ballard in “Zone 6”.
Tight End-1 to 2: Ohio State went with just one tight end in 2020 (Joe Royer) and it would not be surprising to see them go for two in 2021. They have a pledge from Sam Hart, so look for one more to enter the fold before Signing Day next year.
Offensive Line-4 to 5: It was a six-man offensive line class in 2020, and it could be four to five in 2021. Ben Christman and Donovan Jackson are in and make up what should be about half the group. Look for the Buckeyes to make their move on a number of top targets here in the coming months.
Defensive Line-5 to 6: It wouldn’t be surprising to see OSU take six defensive linemen, after a bit of a lighter class in 2020. Hall and Jack Sawyer are in already, with a number of interior and exterior players still on the board. I think this class needs a pure pass-rusher to line-up opposite Sawyer, as well as a couple more talents on the interior to join Hall, as they will lose a lot there the next two seasons.
Linebacker-2 to 3: Not a huge need this cycle, but Reid Carrico is in already and Jaylen Johnson could be primed to play the bullet position, so look for maybe just one more linebacker to join the fold, if it’s the right player. Ohio State can be very selective here.
Defensive Back-4 to 5: After landing three in 2020, expect this to be a larger defensive back class in 2021. Johnson could be considered a safety, but the primary goal will be to bring in at least three corners in this class, including a couple that could make an early impact for the program. If the one-high safety system holds under Coombs/Mattison, the need for safeties isn’t as dire as corner, but expect at least one to be brought in, if not two (or a swing corner/safety).
Special Teams-0 to 1: With Drue Chrisman graduating after this year, Ohio State could go after a punter, unless they feel current preferred walk-on Michael O’Shaughnessy can handle the job and eventually earn a scholarship. They do also lose Blake Haubeil at kicker, but the thought is that Jake Seibert will step in to handle those duties.
