When Ohio State landed a commitment from California four-star safety Jaiden Woodbey in early February, I mentioned how there were bound to be some ups and downs in his recruitment. While he remains solid in his pledge to this day, Woodbey has talked about taking several official visits this fall to make sure Columbus is the right place for him.
Among those potential destinations, Oklahoma. The Sooners were among his four finalists — Nebraska and USC being the others — when he made the call to join the Buckeyes.
“I’m still a solid commit to Ohio State, but my parents want me to look at all my options,” Woodbey told reporters during a 7-versus-7 tournament last month. “Oklahoma has always been lingering around. I always wanted to just take a visit there and see what they’re talking about.”
Woodbey included Oklahoma among his top schools based on his relationship with head coach Bob Stoops. But with his sudden retirement this afternoon, you have to imagine those rumors of a flip will quiet — or at least shift back toward the Trojans, for whom his father played two decades ago.
Wow
— DUBSKI (@JaidenWoodbey6) June 7, 2017
Four-star safety commit Josh Proctor had a different reaction to the news on Wednesday afternoon. The Owasso, Oklahoma, native — you may recall — surprisingly picked the Buckeyes over the heavily favored Sooners at halftime of the Spring Game in April.
Can't wait for this pic.twitter.com/4wlkqBSe9Q
— Josh (@jproctor_2018) June 7, 2017
On the other side of the coin, Ohio State may make a few phone calls on the heels of Stoops' departure.
The Buckeyes already have an offer out to Oklahoma four-star running back commit T.J. Pledger — though the two sides haven't been in contact since his good friend Tyjon Lindsey decommitted from Ohio State in late January — and five-star offensive tackle Brey Walker is certainly worthy of an offer, as well.
Don't be shocked to see either back on the market sooner rather than later.
