Latest recruiting news and notes around the Big Ten: DT Tufele set for Ohio State official visit
It is Ohio State-Michigan week, so which official visitor to Columbus this week could the Buckeyes wrestle away from a perceived Michigan lead? And which Wolverine prospect is in the midst of a great senior year?
Prospect of the week
Massillon (Ohio) Washington's Thayer Munford impressed us greatly over the offseason. At the Columbus Opening Regional and then again at Ohio State's Friday Night Lights event, he demonstrated improved quickness and technique and in the same big, strong frame he's always had. Becuase he had to sit out some games due to a transfer, we did not get to see him again until late in his senior year, but he impressed us in those games and he apparently impressed colleges as well. Miami (Fl) and Michigan State both offered recently, Iowa State had him up for an official visit and Ohio State will have him up this weekend and the Buckeyes could offer in time.
Visit of the week
Not surprisingly, Ohio State has an official visit roster filled with top prospects for their clash with Michigan. The most interesting one, in regards to that rivalry though, might be defensive tackle Jay Tufele. The Wolverines are also heavily pursuing the Bingham (Utah) South Jordan prospect and after an official visit to Ann Arbor, confidence is high that Michigan can land him. If the Buckeyes can pull him away, that's a double win for OSU.
Prospect on the rise
Speaking of Michigan and the state of Ohio, James Hudson, a Wolverine commit, has had an outstanding senior season for Toledo Central Catholic. He has been particularly good in his team's playoff run. He has been in the backfield quite a bit and has shown he can rush the passer from the inside, He looks quicker than he did a year ago and has actually played well on offense also.
Which two-loss team has the best chance to make the College Football Playoff?
Underclassman of the week
Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy Orange sophomore Zach Harrison is an athletic, 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end and defensive end who was offered by Notre Dame this week after previously being offered by Cincinnati. He has been recruited by Big Ten programs including nearby Ohio State as well. He has a high ceiling and it is likely every major program in the Midwest and many nationally will be after him in due time.
Commit watch
No decision dates are planned in the Midwest for the moment, but as senior seasons end, we should see more kids come to decisions in the next month. One prospect we get asked about a lot is Iowa City West wide receiver Oliver Martin. Martin had his outstanding high school career come to a close last week. He has not set a decision date, but the sense we have always gotten is that he is not a recruit who would like to drag the process out any further than it has to. He visits Iowa this weekend and schools like Michigan and Notre Dame are still in the race.
