Top Targets Could Be Awaiting Fates As Buckeyes Enter Pivotal Week for 2018 Linebacker Recruiting

The Buckeyes have already landed two of their top targets at linebacker. Four-star Toledo native Dallas Gant hopped on board in May and Virginia Beach standout Teradja Mitchell followed suit less than two weeks ago. Needless to say, the position is off to a hot start for the 2018 class. 

It looks as though there's definitely one spot remaining, but there are a couple prospects the staff wouldn't say "no" to even if that meant stretching the final number to four.

With three targets scheduled to visit this week, we are about to learn a whole lot more. 

Today brings with it Ohio State's second one-day position camp of the summer. On Monday, news broke that four-star linebacker K'Vaughan Pope is expected to be in town. Pope is listed as an athlete by some services, but the Buckeye staff views the Dinwiddle, Virginia star as an outside linebacker. It will be his second trip to Columbus since April.

This visit is big for a number of reasons. 

Many seem to think it will be Ohio State or Florida for the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, and less than a week ago he told Eleven Warriors that he'd like to make a decision this week. The timing of the visit certainly could spell good news for the Buckeyes, but there's a chance the staff would like to see Pope work out a bit first.

He already has earned an invite to Nike's The Opening, and if he impresses today, then Ohio State could have its third linebacker commit for the 2018 class. 

Perhaps last week's Powerade 7-on-7 trophy tour was a sign of things to come? 

#OhioState Hmm... @Pop3Bad_81 @GeneralsFootbal @804football #PoweradeInvitational #TrophyTour pic.twitter.com/KlumbSzLZi

— Blazing 7 on 7 (@Blazing7on7) June 7, 2017

Let's get right to it: Solomon Tuliaupupu just sounds like a kid that is destined to be a Trojan.

The country's No. 3 linebacker hails from Santa Ana, California and he too is planning on making a return trip to Columbus this week. The plans still seem to be in the works, but the family is expected to be in town at some point this weekend for what will be yet another important visit. 

Southern Cal has become a bit of a Polynesian pipeline, so it's not a surprise that the Trojans hold about 90 percent of the crystal ball picks. The other lone pick, however, is in favor of the Buckeyes. 

USC already has a trio of linebackers committed – including Buckeye target Palaie Gaoteote – and is expected to eventually land four-star Merlin Robertson as well. Tuliaupupu doesn't have a timeline for a decision, and he also plans on checking out Georgia this week. 

This is a player the Buckeyes will chase all the way until signing day and would definitely stretch the linebacker class to four or perhaps even five if it absolutely came down to it. Teradja Mitchell is already in the fold, but Tuliaupupu is likely capable of playing any of the three linebacker spots.

Michael Harris of Tucker, Georgia has seemingly been on commitment watch ever since Ohio State offered back in March. Since that time, he's talked about making the trip to Columbus, but that has yet to take place. Harris projects as more of an interior backer, so the Mitchell commitment certainly didn't do him any favors. 

Still, it's easy to root for a prospect like Harris. The four-star grew up in Springfield, Ohio and has always been a fan of Ohio State. Even before receiving the coveted offer, he talked about his desire to be a Buckeye. Now, with the way linebacker recruiting is unfolding, he's going to have to impress the coaching staff this weekend. 

Harris is set to attend the June 17 camp. With a strong performance, he too could find a spot on the Ohio State commitment list. If things don't go as planned for the country's No. 11 inside linebacker, then Auburn or Georgia should expect some good news.  

Regardless of what goes down, Ohio State's linebacker picture should at least gain some clarity over the next several days.