Ohio State cornerbacks coach Tim Walton was already impressed with four-star 2024 Arizona cornerback Miles Lockhart’s film long before he extended an offer to him last month.
But before Walton was comfortable giving him a scholarship offer, he needed to see firsthand how fast Lockhart was and how big he was in person. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound prospect checked all the boxes for Walton when he camped with OSU on June 21, running a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and excelling in individual drills.
Ran a 4.47 at the Ohio State camp yesterday ! pic.twitter.com/5NvBbLty7F
— Miles Lockhart (@MilesLockhart1) June 22, 2022
“It was a great experience,” Lockhart told Eleven Warriors of camping with OSU. “Just being able to be coached by coach Walton and coach Eliano. I got a taste of how they run things there. It was a great experience and a great workout.
“I asked (Walton) about the techniques that he likes. I usually used what’s called a peer-step technique and he explained to me a different technique and why he used it and why it’s more effective. I’ve started implementing that into my game now.”
After camping with OSU, Lockhart and his family went into Ryan Day’s office, where he was given an offer by OSU. Lockhart currently holds 18 Division I offers.
“It was crazy going into his office,” he said. “It was surreal. It was cool to go in and have a conversation with him in front of my family. That was a special experience for sure.”
WOW.AGTG after a great camp & visit, and an even better conversation with @CoachTimWalton and @ryandaytime I am beyond blessed to have EARNED an offer from THE OHIO STATE !! #gobucks pic.twitter.com/nlA1WKrUei
— Miles Lockhart (@MilesLockhart1) June 21, 2022
The day before he camped, Lockhart toured OSU’s campus and the city of Columbus, both of which he called top-notch. Lockhart said he’s hoping to attend one of OSU’s games in the fall against either Notre Dame, Rutgers or Michigan. He added he hopes to have his recruitment narrowed down by the time he enters his senior season, but the Buckeyes are going to be in a strong position with Lockhart right until the end.
“It’s the top one to be completely honest,” Lockhart said of Ohio State, admitting the Buckeyes are currently his top choice. “It’s hard to compete with Ohio State, I’ve said that multiple times. There’s a brotherhood there and a winning tradition. Coach Walton was telling us how Ohio State won the Rose Bowl and went 11-2 last year and the whole city was mad they didn’t make it to the national championship. It’s like you have to win there. That winning tradition is something that I think makes the whole environment special.”
Babalade to announce commitment July 31
One of Ohio State’s 2023 offensive tackle targets has set a decision date. Four-star Maryland product Oluwatosin Babalade will make his commitment on July 31, likely choosing from Ohio State, North Carolina, Rutgers, South Carolina and Maryland, all of whom he took official visits to earlier this summer.
July 31 !!! #home ???
— Oluwatosin Babalade (@_Bigtree23) July 3, 2022
With Miles Walker joining OSU’s class Friday, OSU will likely wait to hear an answer from top target Olaus Alinen before potentially pivoting to Babalade, considering there’s likely only one offensive tackle spot remaining in the current class. Should Alinen opt elsewhere, everything remains a possibility for Justin Frye and company, ranging from ramping up his pursuit of Babalade to re-engaging with the likes of Samson Okunlola and Monroe Freeling.
Social media reaction from Miles Walker’s commitment
As mentioned above, in case you missed it earlier, Ohio State picked up its fourth offensive lineman commitment in the current cycle by adding three-star prospect Miles Walker.
Following Walker’s commitment, plenty of Ohio State’s football staff and fellow commits chimed in on social media to welcome the 6-foot-6, 285-pound prospect to Columbus. There may be more reactions ahead this weekend too if the Buckeyes can seal the deal with four-star defensive lineman Jason Moore, who has a commitment date set for Sunday evening.
Live look at @CoachJFrye BM pic.twitter.com/QICUgGY7Ps
— Mike Sollenne (@CoachSollenne) July 8, 2022
BM#CHO23N #DevelopedHere pic.twitter.com/5bo0QasmJ1
— Sam McGrath (@CoachMcGrath22) July 8, 2022
— Austin Siereveld (@SiereveldAustin) July 8, 2022
Welcome https://t.co/bsYAkIlsBL
— Carnell Tate (@carnelltate_) July 8, 2022
BOOOOM! pic.twitter.com/yvLcRtDOW8
— Zach Grant (@CoachGrantOSU) July 8, 2022
Big BM!!! Great day to be a Buckeye!! #CHO23N pic.twitter.com/igcdhoYaBd
— Koy McFarland (@CoachKMcFarland) July 8, 2022
BM#CHO23N#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/tIyim195XW
— Perry Eliano (@Coach_Eliano) July 8, 2022
— Luke Montgomery (@lukeMonty8) July 8, 2022
