Ohio State Buckeyes receive bad news on elite five-star target who they had a chance to flip
The Ohio State Buckeyes had another big month of June, and as it wraps up, it looks like the program will have added six new commitments during the month alone. Ohio State added linebacker Cincere Johnson, running back Favour Akih, offensive tackle Aaron Thomas, defensive tackle Cameron Brickle, defensive end Khary Wilder, and defensive tackle […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes had another big month of June, and as it wraps up, it looks like the program will have added six new commitments during the month alone.
Ohio State added linebacker Cincere Johnson, running back Favour Akih, offensive tackle Aaron Thomas, defensive tackle Cameron Brickle, defensive end Khary Wilder, and defensive tackle Damari Simeon.
However, the month hasn’t been all good news for the Buckeyes. Despite having the No. 5 recruiting class in the country, they just missed out on another top target.
Ohio State loses out on USC flip to Alabama
Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin, out of Gainesville (GA), decommitted from USC in May. The Buckeyes hosted him for an official visit to start June and were in serious contention alongside Texas and Florida State. But Griffin ultimately committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
When Ohio State secured Johnson’s commitment earlier this month, it may have effectively closed the door on adding Griffin. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, the No. 2 linebacker in the country is an elite prospect. The Buckeyes currently have two linebackers committed in this class: Johnson and three-star CJ Sanna from Olentangy (OH).
Position coach James Laurinaitis has done a terrific job recruiting linebackers early in his coaching tenure. Just last cycle, he landed top prospects Riley Pettijohn and Tarvos Alford. While missing on Griffin stings, the Buckeyes are still in great shape at the linebacker position.
