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?
Ohio State secured a pledge this evening from one of the top players in the country when Kennedale, Texas, five-star linebacker Baron Browning announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.
Let's take a look at what Browning — the No. 9 prospect overall in the Class of 2017 — brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has all of the physical tools to thrive at the college level, and if he reaches his full potential, he will be Ohio State's next All-American linebacker. He's that good.
Browning's instincts in pass coverage and his ability to stop the run are apparent, as he recorded 183 tackles, 7 forced fumbles, 4 sacks and one interception in his two years as a full-time starter for the Wildcats. He also had two fumble returns for a touchdown.
It's unlikely Browning steps into a starting role as a true freshman, of course, but he will have an opportunity to contribute on special teams right away.
IN THE CLASS
The second-best outside linebacker in the Class of 2017, Browning replaces the recently departed Antjuan Simmons as Ohio State's lone linebacker commit. He becomes the Buckeyes' highest-ranked recruit, supplanting five-star offensive tackle Josh Myers (No. 10) for that honor.
A one-time Baylor commit, Browning reopened his recruitment in mid-February. And while it's unclear whether the sexual assault scandal that rocked the program had anything to do with his decision, Browning seemingly moved forward without keeping the Bears under consideration.
Ohio State took a lead in his recruitment following an unofficial visit and in-home visit from defensive coordinator Luke Fickell and co-offensive coordinator Tim Beck in May. But things quickly began to trend toward Texas over the summer, as Browning skipped Friday Night Lights in Columbus for Under The Lights in Austin.
Browning took official visits to Alabama, Florida State, Michigan and UCLA this fall, and many believed the Crimson Tide did enough to secure his commitment on Nov. 29. Browning postponed his decision, however, following his trip to Ohio State last weekend.
Following an in-home visit from Meyer, Fickell, Beck and co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, Browning made the call to Ohio State this afternoon.
THE INTANGIBLES
With more than 40 scholarship offers to his name, Browning is one of the most sought-after recruits in the Class of 2017. For Ohio State to go into Texas and nab a player of Browning's magnitude is significant, even if the Longhorns aren't among the nation's elite at the moment.
The same could be said for overtaking heavily favored Alabama, who many believed had the upper hand in Browning's recruitment following his official visit in October.
It mostly speaks to the relationship Browning formed with Meyer and Beck, specifically, who has become an integral part of the Buckeyes' recruiting efforts in the Lone Star State since being hired in January 2015.
The pair faced an uphill battle when Browning stepped on campus last weekend, but were able convince Browning and his family that Ohio State offered the best chance at early playing time and a fast track to the National Football League.
