re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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Top Ohio State recruiting targets: 9 names to know

9. Micah Parsons • Defensive end • Harrisburg, Pa. • Harrisburg

A former Penn State commit, Parsons has been pro-Ohio State for a long time, thanks to his relationship with defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. Though Parsons would prefer to play in a 3-4 defense, the Buckeyes remain one of his top choices. The 5-star prospect and No. 5 overall recruit in the Class of 2018 is expected to decide near National Signing Day on Feb. 7. He made an official visit to Ohio State on Sept. 9.

8. Tommy Togiai • Defensive tackle • Pocatello, Idaho • Highland

Togiai may be the Buckeyes’ top remaining defensive tackle prospect after a three-day visit to Columbus in June. He’s coming off his official visit to Ohio State, and Ohio State has put itself in a good position to land the nation’s ninth-ranked DT. He will make trips to USC and Washington, at least.

7. Rasheed Walker • Tackle • Waldorf, Md. • North Point

With the pickup of Pope last week, a new name makes its way into our top 10 and it’s Rasheed Walker. The country’s 11th-ranked tackle has remained a target for Ohio State the last few months, though 100 percent of his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions have him headed to Penn State. Despite the odds, it’s never wise to count out Johnson when he’s recruiting in Maryland.

6. Anthony Cook • Defensive back • Houston • Lamar

Cook potentially could be swapped out with Tyson Campbell. But I’m going with the Houston 5-star defensive back because he’s been into the Buckeyes for so long. Ohio State will have a to-the-wire fight with the Texas Longhorns and LSU Tigers to land the No. 2-ranked cornerback in the class, but an official visit last Saturday could be the thing to put it ahead for good.

5. Jayson Oweh • Defensive end • Blairstown, N.J. • Blair Academy

For a player who no one had heard of in January, it’s remarkable to consider the spot Oweh is in now. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end has skyrocketed up the Ohio State recruiting board and is one of the highest-priority players remaining. Penn State and Notre Dame are involved, but a Jan. 4 decision is likely to come down to the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. Oweh was one of a handful of players who made an official visit to Ohio State on Sept. 9.

4. Nicholas Petit-Frere • Tackle • Tampa, Fla. • Berkeley Prep

Ohio State will hope to add at least two more tackles, and Petit-Frere is one of the names they have high on their recruiting board. It’s always tough to land Florida’s best talents, but an inviting depth chart in Columbus could help the Buckeyes here. The Tampa product is ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country. Petit-Frere moves up the list this week as the need for two more offensive tackles in the Class of 2018 is apparent.

3. Tyreke Smith • Defensive end • Cleveland Heights, Ohio • Cleveland Heights

Another Ohio prospect who has the Buckeyes in a battle. A former basketball player from California, Smith has shot up nationally. He’s proved himself time after time this spring and summer at recruiting combines against the best of the best. This is a must-get for the Buckeyes and, once again, they’re fighting Penn State, Notre Dame and others for his commitment. Smith will make his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 4.

2. Kamryn Babb • Wide receiver • St. Louis • Christian Brothers College

Like Austin Mack in 2016 and Trevon Grimes in 2017, Babb has been the top wideout on Ohio State’s board for much of the 2018 recruiting cycle. There’s no reason for that to change anytime soon. Babb is a smooth route runner who catches everything thrown his way. The Buckeyes are in a good position to land him, but until he makes his announcement, expect LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and others to keep trying to sway the country’s No. 6 wide receiver.

Unfortunately, Babb tore his ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss his senior season.

1. Jackson Carman • Tackle • Fairfield, Ohio • Fairfield

A must-get for Ohio State from nearby Fairfield, Carman has had Buckeyes fans sweating since announcing that Clemson was his top school following a spring visit to South Carolina. The Buckeyes have worked overtime on Carman to keep him home, but Southern California also has made its way into the conversation. A decision is expected around December, and Carman is going to keep everyone guessing until then. This one is getting interesting as Carman has been a vocal dissenter about the Buckeyes’ offensive struggles, and some wonder if he’s leaning elsewhere.

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