So Sad: Ohio state lineman has set a huge set back going to face by the…
Ohio State Football Faces Recruiting Setback as Five-Star Defensive Lineman Flips Commitment
In a surprising turn of events, Ohio State University’s 2024 football recruiting class was dealt a blow as five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott announced his decision to flip his commitment from the Buckeyes to the University of Miami. The unexpected news sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, leaving Ohio State scrambling to fill the void before early signing day.
On3 was the first to report Scott’s change of heart, highlighting the shock and unexpected nature of the flip. Adding to the surprise, an accompanying graphic showed a pile of cash next to Scott, raising questions about the motives behind his decision.
Scott, who is ranked as the 12th-best player in the country according to 247Sports composite ratings, is now no longer a part of Ohio State’s 2024 class. With just a few weeks left until early signing day, the Buckeyes must act swiftly to find a suitable replacement and restore stability to their recruiting efforts.
Fortunately, the recruiting class still boasts the presence of another standout defensive lineman, Eddrick Houston. Houston, a five-star talent ranked 25th overall, remains a critical piece of the defensive haul. Additionally, Eric Mensah, a three-star defensive lineman ranked 820th overall, adds depth to the unit.
To address the void left by Scott’s departure, Ohio State has set its sights on several other targets. Carlon Jones (ranked 409th overall), Ernest Willor Jr. (ranked 112th overall), and Amaris Williams (ranked 88th overall) are among the top priorities for the Buckeyes along the defensive line.
Jones, who recently decommitted from Nebraska, will be visiting Columbus in the second weekend of December, while Willor, hailing from Towson, Maryland, has scheduled visits to Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Maryland before signing day. The Buckeyes have been actively pursuing Williams, hoping to lure him away from Florida.
With only two defensive linemen currently committed in the 2024 class, Ohio State is in dire need of at least one, if not two, additional recruits in this area. They have a limited timeframe to secure the necessary talent before signing day.
Despite this setback, Ohio State’s recruiting class is still highly regarded. Sitting at No. 2 in the 247Sports composite rankings, behind only Georgia, the Buckeyes maintain a strong average player rating of 93.02. While concerns may linger regarding defensive recruiting, the inclusion of Houston, as well as four-star cornerbacks Aaron Scott (45th overall) and Bryce West (53rd overall), adds strength to the class.
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However, the loss of a five-star player at a premier position undoubtedly leaves a void that needs to be addressed. The addition of one or two quality prospects along the defensive line could help cushion the impact of Justin Scott’s departure.
As Ohio State looks ahead to solidifying its class and preparing for signing day, concerns arise around defensive recruiting. Yet, with their track record of attracting top talent, there is optimism that the Buckeyes will find a way to bolster their defensive lineup and maintain their strong position in the college football landscape.
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Kamryn Babb Overcomes Numerous Setbacks For “Magical” Moment In Ohio Stadium
The fifth-year senior wide receiver overcame four ACL surgeries to catch his first career touchdown in Saturday’s 56-14 win over Indiana.
Ohio State wide receiver Kamryn Babb’s injury history has been well-documented, so when he caught an eight-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 56-14 win over Indiana, emotions flowed through the fifth-year senior and his teammates as they mobbed him on the sidelines.
“Where do we start with that?” head coach Ryan Day said after the game. “What happened today in the stadium was magical. That’s one of the reasons why college football is special. It’s one of the reasons why you coach, to see something like that happen.
“Hopefully there’s somebody out there that’s going through tough times that can see that as motivation to overcome because it’s one thing to see that moment right there, but it’s all the morning workouts he had, all the mornings waking up on crutches (that you don’t see).
“I’m just really happy for him, but selfishly proud to be a part of a moment like that. To see someone overcome such great obstacles in life. I just can’t say enough about it because there’ll be great wins and there’ll be great accomplishments here at Ohio State, but that’s as special as I’ve been around.”
Babb has torn his ACL four times throughout his career, including ahead of his senior season of high school, as well as his freshman, redshirt freshman and redshirt junior seasons with the Buckeyes. He then suffered another setback in preseason camp that sidelined him for the first nine game this fall.
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Still, the two-time team captain and recipient of Ohio State’s Block “O” jersey, which honors late All-American and national champion Bill Willis, never gave up. And when his number was called on Saturday, he made it count by hauling in the first reception – and first touchdown catch – of his college career.
“I don’t know if words can describe it, but if I had to say a word, (I’m) just thankful,” Babb said. “Just thankful, first and foremost, for Jesus Christ. He’s my rock, my Lord and my savior, but also thankful for my teammates … I’m also just thankful to have a family that supported me at times when I just felt like I couldn’t keep going.
“They would always speak into me, especially my pops. He’s always been there, he’s always been the main person that believes I’m the best receiver in the world. Having him behind me means so much, and my mom, my whole family and teammates, I couldn’t be more thankful to have as many people as I do around me.”
After hauling in the pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback C.J. Stroud, Babb dropped to his knees in prayer as his teammates rushed to celebrate the moment with him. That then spilled over to the sideline, as player after player waited to give him a hug, drawing a delay of game penalty on the point-after attempt.
Babb then made his way to his mom, who was sitting in the first row and had tears in her eyes as she embraced her son after perhaps the moment of the year in college football. At the minimum, it will be a moment they – or anyone in the stadium this afternoon – will never forget.
“In a moment like that, when you see so many people around you just wanting to hug you, it just kind of leans back on the brotherhood and what we really have,” Babb said. “It’s not just a word to us. It’s the guys in the locker room that make that possible, and the coaches that we have, as well.
“I’m grateful to be at this university and on this team. I tell people all the time I wouldn’t have changed a thing because the people make Ohio State what it is, so I’m just thankful to be a part of it.”
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