The Hurry Up is your nightly dose of updates from the Ohio State football recruiting trail, keeping tabs on the latest from commits and targets from around the country.
FOR WHOM DAVID BELL TOLLS
Ohio State has offers out to more than two dozen wide receivers right now, but there's no doubt Indianapolis Warren Central four-star wide receiver David Bell is at or near the top of the list.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Bell — who is considered the 13th-best receiver and No. 73 prospect overall in the Class of 2019 — grew up a fan of the program, and was ecstatic when the Buckeyes offered him a scholarship in early December.
"It meant a lot to me," Bell told Eleven Warriors. "It has been an offer I have been wanting for a long time.
Bell has been to campus a handful of times over the last year, including Friday Night Lights back in July, so he's quite familiar with the staff — and vice versa.
"The coaches are amazing and the vibe there is unreal," Bell said, noting he talks with wide receivers coach Zach Smith almost every day. "He is always sending me helpful tips for this upcoming season."
It doesn't seem as if Bell needs much instruction, though, as he's hauled in 155 catches for 2,925 yards and 33 scores in his three-year varsity career with the Warriors. And that's a big reason why he's among the Midwest's most-coveted prospects, with nearly 20 offers from programs such as Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Penn State and Vanderbilt, as well.
Bell plans to return to campus this spring, although he's yet to determine if it'll be in an official or unofficial capacity. Just don't expect him to commit to the Buckeyes just yet, as he wants to check out schools like Florida, LSU, Ole Miss and USC before making a decision on his future.
ONE FINAL IMPRESSION
Earlier this week, Minneapolis Edina Senior four-star offensive tackle Quinn Carroll named a Top 6 of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin. He told Eleven Warriors shortly thereafter the Buckeyes will receive one of his five official visits this spring before he makes a decision this summer — though no dates are set in stone just yet.
The 6-foot-6, 295-pound Carroll is considered the 10th-best offensive tackle and No. 57 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, as he was named first-team all-state after leading the Hornets to the state playoffs last season. Ohio State offered him a scholarship during his first visit for Junior Day last January, and he attended the Buckeyes' 31-16 loss to Oklahoma in September. He's grown particularly close to head coach Urban Meyer and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa in the meantime.
"Coach Stud and I have a good relationship," Carroll said.
Carroll grew up rooting for the Fighting Irish, which is why the program remains the favorite to land his pledge despite the recent departure of offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. Family connections with the Golden Gophers and Hokies that make them an intriguing option, as well.
Carroll's father, Jay, played tight end at Minnesota, while his brother, Collin, was a long snapper at Virginia Tech. Neither school necessarily has the prestige of the other programs on his list, but both can surely pitch the idea of creating a lasting family legacy.
PASSIONATELY SMASHING EVERY EXPECTATION
Though Ohio State's players headed home for a week of spring break following Thursday's practice, the coaching staff remains in Columbus in order to host prospects for unofficial visits. And on Friday, it was Atlanta Marist School three-star safety Kyle Hamilton who made his first-ever trip to Columbus.
The 6-foot-3, 188-pound Hamilton — who confirmed the visit to Eleven Warriors — is considered the 69th-best safety and No. 921 prospect overall in the Class of 2019, as he recorded 30 tackles and four interceptions to lead the War Eagles to the state championship game last season. He's seen his stock skyrocket since the Buckeyes offered him a scholarship on Feb. 21, with Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan and Stanford joining the likes of Clemson, Northwestern, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt in the race to land his services.
"It means a lot," Hamilton said. "Obviously, Ohio State is one of the biggest and best programs in the country. I am honored to be considered to play on one of the most dominant football teams around."
I'll have more on Hamilton's visits in an upcoming edition of The Hurry Up.
