Counter Intel is the smart Ohio State fan's look at recruiting action taking place within the Big Ten and top national programs.
Ty Simpson Picks Alabama
After being considered a Clemson lean for a very long time, there was some scuttlebutt over the last few weeks that five-star Tennessee quarterback Ty Simpson would actually end up in Tuscaloosa.
As it turns out, this was correct, as Simpson picked the Crimson Tide yesterday in a ceremony at his school.
Star Ty Simpson is coming to the Tide
— Barstool Bama National Champions (@BarstoolAlabama) February 26, 2021
The Goat Nick Saban never stops. pic.twitter.com/z3pI1byrLY
Simpson, recently bumped to a five-star just this week, is rated as the No. 27 overall player in the 2022 class, and the No. 3 pro-style quarterback. He is Alabama's fourth commit in their 2022 class, which now is rated as the No. 15 class in the country (although they surely won't end up outside of the top five, at the very worst).
As mentioned last week, it will be interesting to see where Clemson turns from here. They still have not offered Ohio State commit Quinn Ewers (and even if they do, it is unlikely he will flip). They did, however, offer the QB who beat Ewers in the Texas state championship game: Cade Klubnik.
WOW!! All glory to God! This one is special. I have built a great relationship with these coaches over the past 8 months. Blessed to receive an offer from Clemson University!!! Go Tigers! . pic.twitter.com/tD9m7s118P
— Cade Klubnik (@CadeKlubnikQB) February 26, 2021
Klubnik is rated as the No. 74 overall player in the 2022 class, and the No. 5 pro-style quarterback. He wouldn't be a bad consolation prize for Clemson.
Malaki Hamrick Stays In-State
Although Malaki Hamrick had an Ohio State offer, it was clear that his real interest was in staying close to home, and he pulled the trigger yesterday, committing to Mack Brown and a resurgent North Carolina program.
#Tarheelnation take a moment to welcome our newest committed Tar Heel @MalakiHamrick! Welcome HOME and welcome to the #CarolinaFamily! It truly is a #GDTBATH! #GoHeels #TARHE22TAKEOVER #ChapWay #LetsGetThisWork pic.twitter.com/f2kzawI0vW
— Brad Stone (@bradstone_1) February 26, 2021
Hamrick is rated as the No. 150 overall player, and the No. 12 outside linebacker. He is a big get for a North Carolina program that does not have a ton of momentum with the top in-state 2022 targets.
As to how this relates to Ohio State: the Buckeyes do have a trio of solid linebackers committed (C.J. Hicks, Dasan McCullough, and Gabe Powers), but the Buckeyes are looking to add one more to the class. Now, Hamrick is off the board. Ohio State is still looking at Jalon Walker, although he is a supposed Clemson lean, and Shawn Murphy. It will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes will fill that spot.
Jadarian Price Picks Notre Dame
Andrew wrote a piece this week discussing how Ohio State and Notre Dame were fighting for three running backs. Ohio State is looking to add one running back in this class after signing two in 2021, while Notre Dame is looking to add two. The Irish secured their first one this week, in four-star Jadarian Price.
COMMITTED! Happy Birthday Mom!@NDFootball #IGTBAYJ pic.twitter.com/nihgdd4TTe
— Jadarian (@Jadarian15) February 21, 2021
Price, who hails from Denison, Texas, is rated as the No. 212 overall player and the No. 23 running back.
As mentioned, Ohio State is looking to secure a commitment from one running back in this cycle. The most likely names mentioned at this point appear to be Dallan Hayden, Damari Alston (probably the top choice right now), and Nicholas Singleton, all of whom appear to be strongly considering Notre Dame. It will be interesting to see how Price's commitment impacts the decision of these backs, and if any end up with Ohio State.
