Today was the nicest day of the year so far in Columbus and Jacksonville (Ill.) offensive lineman Gabe Megginson took in the sights and sounds of Ohio State. A visitor to last summer's "Friday Night Lights" camp, the 6-foot-5, 295 pound Megginson visited Ohio State with his mother.
Offered in mid-February, Megginson and his family are in the middle of a road trip that will take them to Ohio State, Penn State, North Carolina State. A planned stop at Louisville won't end up happening on this trip. The Buckeyes' Chris Ash has been the lead recruiting for Megginson up to this point.
"The best part of today was just seeing all the tradition," Megginson told 11W. "The team has so much confidence and the work ethic of the staff and players really stood out to me."
Ohio State took five offensive lineman in 2014, but they're working hard to secure three to four more in 2015. Megginson is one they're interested in and today they showed him that by putting their "big dogs" on the case.
"I spent most of the day with (Ohio State offensive line coach) Warinner and Mark Pantoni," he said. "I got to sit in on a meeting and watch practice."
Of course, a college choice is more than just about football. Megginson and his family checked out all that Ohio State could offer.
"We saw how Ohio State's student-athletes handle their lives day-to-day," he said. "Me and my family really enjoyed everything."
Currently Megginson lists no leaders, but the Buckeyes made an impression today that could carry them through the next few weeks. Although Megginson doesn't have a planned decision date, he hopes to decide by the summer and the Buckeyes are right in the thick of things for the Illinois' fourth-ranked player.
