Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
With almost 40 scholarship offers to choose from, Ann Arbor's Antjuan Simmons chose the Buckeyes today in a surprise move that left many in the recruiting business "surprised."
What does the latest addition bring to the Buckeyes? Let's take a look.
ON THE FIELD
Similar to Jerome Baker in both his size and style, Simmons is a bruiser at linebacker who arrives with ill-intent. Need some proof? Here's one hit that made it viral last season.
This is Still my favorite play through high school so far pic.twitter.com/O6Q50ERsyy
— antjuan simmons (@_antjuan_) November 22, 2015
Of course, to be a big-time linebacker requires more than just highlight-reel hits, it requires instincts that put you in position quickly, whether it be in pass coverage or in stuffing the run and Simmons is well-suited for both.
"We're pumped about this one," a source close to the recruitment said. "He's fast and aggressive and will hit. He's not very tall, so that could be the only concern."
Simmons versatility, again like Baker, means a very real shot to contribute on special teams as a freshman, a role that is special and important for Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.
IN THE CLASS
Ohio State's top-ranked 2017 class may not get a huge boost in the rankings as Simmons is (somehow) still ranked as a three-star prospect, but with almost 40 offers to his name he's the most offered prospect in the Midwest and eventually the rankings will bear that out.
What Simmons brings is similar to the impact that Tuf Borland had on the 2016 class. There are not likely to be many linebackers in this group–Simmons could see one more guy added alongside of him–and to get a top target out of the way early is a big break for the Buckeyes.
The 12th commitment in the class, Simmons' pledge means the Buckeyes are likely more than halfway home in 2017.
THE INTANGIBLES
Simmons in the first player in the 2017 class from Michigan, meaning that for the fourth straight year the Buckeyes are on pace to sign at least one player from the state. Assuming he signs in February, he'd be the first player we can find from Ann Arbor to ever sign with Ohio State.
Anytime you're able to go into your rivals' backyard, and Pioneer is directly acrossed the street from the Big House, it's a huge win.
For the Buckeyes, it's another Kerry Coombs special.
The energetic assistant coach had spotlighted Simmons early in the process and once more he led the way for Ohio State inside of Michigan, but still to land a player from the high school that Jim Harbaugh once roamed the halls of? That's a major win.
The key moving forward is how to hold on to Simmons, and Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and others are certainly not going to bow out without a fight. That of course, is where relationships are the key and things between the Buckeyes and the two-way talent are only going to get tighter from this point forward.
