Could a Florida recruiting hurricane be heading toward the Ohio State football program?

On Apr 11, 2022

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State football program has targeted the state of Florida hard with 44 offers for the next two classes, and that persistence could be paying off big for the Buckeyes in 2023.

Traditionally, Ohio State has been active in the Sunshine State with two multiple-commit classes since 2018, including that year’s five-commit haul. With a commitment from four-star safety Cedrick Hawkins already set, Could the Buckeyes be on a similar path in 2023?

Here’s a look at some of the latest moves out of Florida.

South Florida Express stops in Columbus for massive recruiting weekend

The South Florida Express, the nation’s elite 7-on-7 team, has been gaining steam with Ohio State over the past couple months. A group of prospects visited last weekend, further strengthening that connection.

One of their strongest relationships on the trail, the Buckeyes remain in great shape with 2023 wide receiver Carnell Tate as he dwells on a top five of Ohio State, Georgia, Tennesse, Notre Dame and Alabama. He has two Crystal Balls forecasting him to Columbus.

The Buckeyes have made a massive impact on 2023 American Heritage running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who saw Crystal Balls come rolling in for Ohio State after his visit last weekend. He will commit on Tuesday, deciding between the Buckeyes, Penn State, Michigan and Miami. Ohio State is viewed as the heavy favorite.

Daemon Fagan, a 2023 American Heritage defensive back, put Ohio State in his top eight back in February and has also connected well with the staff, including new safeties coach Perry Eliano. Fagan’s top schools are rounded out with Penn State, Miami, N.C. State, Georgia, LSU, Florida State and Central Florida.

Top-ranked 2024 wide receiver Jeremiah Smith picked up his third Crystal Ball to the Buckeyes following a visit to Ohio State last week. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Chaminade-Madonna Prep prospect holds 26 offers as he prepares for his junior season. He played on the same high school team as 2022 Ohio State CB commit Ryan Turner.

Cormani McClain, the nation’s top-ranked cornerback in 2023, was unable to make his trip to Columbus due to a last-minute flight cancellation. That will likely hurt Ohio State’s chances of landing the No. 3 overall prospect in the class, according to the 247sports composite rankings. The Buckeyes have made his top five, along with Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Miami.

Finally, there is the top-ranked wide receiver Brandon Inniss. This seems to be OSU receivers coach Brian Hartline’s toughest task of the class, but he is making serious strides. Getting Inniss back on campus last weekend with his Florida 7-on-7 and American Heritage High School teammates was a win.

After starting on the outside looking in, the Buckeyes have appeared to pull even with perceived leader USC. Expect the Buckeyes to give Inniss even more to think about, especially if Fletcher commits on Tuesday.

5-star 2023 RB Richard Young taps his top seven

OSU — 5-star running back Richard Young of Lehigh Senior High School in FloridaStephen Means, Cleveland.com

Five-star RB Richard Young continues to build a strong relationship with the Buckeyes, and reaffirmed his interest with a top seven list featuring Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

After he made multiple visits to Columbus, Ohio State remains in good shape with the 5-foot-11, 200-pound product out of Lehigh High School. Young is the nation’s No. 2 RB in the 2023 class, according to the latest 247sports.com composite rankings. He rushed for 1,755 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Young’s movement could play a major role in what else happens in Florida, as he is best friends with Inniss, who leads the talented crop of South Florida Express 7-on-7 recruits.

Alabama and Georgia still seem to be the Buckeyes’ toughest competition here, with Texas A&M entering the fray as a potential dark horse after stringing together a historic 2022 recruiting class. Miami, Florida State and Clemson were notables to miss his latest cut.

4-star In-state OL puts Ohio State in top three

In-state offensive lineman Austin Siereveld has narrowed his list of six schools down to a final three.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder out of Lakota East High School in Middletown dropped his three finalists on Wednesday evening, including the Buckeyes with the prestigious company of Alabama and Notre Dame.

Siereveld is the No. 20 interior offensive lineman and the No. 347 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the 247sports composite rankings.

Siereveld has been slowly trending toward Ohio State in a recruitment that seems destined for Columbus. He was offered by the Buckeyes after his unofficial gameday visit against Penn State back in October and proceeded to weather the departure of offensive line coach Greg Studrawa and the hiring of Justin Frye. Siereveld and Frye connected quickly and took their relationship to the next level with his visit on March 22.

That was a key moment in the recruitment, though Siereveld has said he would like to take official visits to both his other two finalists.

4-star QB pegs Ohio State in top six; commitment set for Tuesday

2021 HS Football Playoffs- Fort Payne at Briarwood Christian — 2023 quarterback Christopher Vizzina will commit on Tuesday, choosing between Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, Ole Miss and Auburn. Vasha Hunt

Quarterback Christopher Vizzina has announced he will make his decision on Tuesday, choosing between a top six of Notre Dame, Clemson, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Auburn and Georgia. Ohio State joined in late, offering him a scholarship on March 12.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound product out of Briarwood Christian High School in Alabama is the No. 7 QB and nation’s No. 52 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the 247sports composite rankings.

Vizzina has six Crystal Balls to Clemson and is expected to choose the Tigers.

The dual-threat Elite 11 finalist tallied 2,247 passing yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions last season. He also racked up 122 carries for 649 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.