Ohio State's emerging star assistant lauded for his efforts in team's pursuit of elite defensive star on recruiting trail
The Ohio State Buckeyes don't allow themselves to dwell long when a top target opts to go elsewhere. Shortly after seeing Georgia talent Carter Luckie stay in-state, the Buckeyes emerged as a real threat to poach elite linebacker Xavier Griffin from the Peach State. After being committed to the USC Trojans for nearly a year, […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes don't allow themselves to dwell long when a top target opts to go elsewhere. Shortly after seeing Georgia talent Carter Luckie stay in-state, the Buckeyes emerged as a real threat to poach elite linebacker Xavier Griffin from the Peach State.
After being committed to the USC Trojans for nearly a year, it was surprising when five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin suddenly recommitted two weeks ago. Griffin will make his decision on June 29 after he makes his way to Alabama, Texas, and then Florida State.
This past weekend, Ohio State star assistant and burgeoning star recruiting James Laurinaitis drew major credit from Griffin himself.
Ohio State Insider Alex Gleitman thinks Laurinaitis' relationship building is paying off despite Alabama still be favored in the race for Griffin.
“I think this once was a little surprising to see Ohio State mentioned for the national audience, but James Laurinaitis has been doing a lot of work behind the scenes to try and get Ohio State into this one,” Gleitman told On3’s Josh Newberg.
The No. 2-ranked linebacker in the class would be a star for the Buckeyes to add. But it's a tough race going into the south and plucking someone away from the culture and pipeline.
The Buckeyes also hosted elite talents Felix Ojo and Savion Hiter last weekend, and the program is hopeful they can bring both five-stars in.
Andrew Ivins of 247Sports favorably compared Griffin to recent Alabama star linebacker and 2025 first-round pick Jihaad Campbell.
Multi-faceted defender with a top-flight testing profile that should offer both on- and off-ball linebacker as he can rush the passer and stack against the run while also dropping back into coverage. Lanky and lean at this stage, but should undergo a major physical transformation in the coming years as he’s on the younger side for the grade and equipped with larger features. Fires out of both a two- and three-point stance in the blink of an eye and will get around obstacles with his slick agility and lateral quickness. Possess true sideline-to-sideline range and will make stops in pursuit with his gap-closing burst. Must keep evolving and developing craft while improving play strength, but projects as a potential impact player in the Big Ten or SEC that can fit into a variety of different schemes with his athletic juice and alignment flex.
