Buckeyes Prepare For Spring Game and Draw A Big-Time Defensive Commitment

As preparations continue for the spring game this weekend, the Buckeyes continue to make large splashes on the recruiting trail.

It's 143 days until the Indiana game on Sept. 2 that will kick off the 2023 regular season for the Buckeyes but this week they prepare for the spring game.

As preparations continue for this weekend, the Buckeyes continue to make large splashes on the recruiting trail.

The offensive side of the ball has seen some recent success as the Buckeyes recruiting team has had some hits, including five-star receiver Mylan Graham as Brian Hartline continues to get things done on the recruiting trail.

And now Ohio State lands a big-time defensive recruit in Lovejoy (TX) linebacker Payton Pierce. The 6-2, 230-pound product from the Dallas area was also in the running for the Longhorns, Fighting Irish and Sooners.

Pierce is the 21st-rated linebacker nationally and the 38th-rated player from Texas. 

This is a good sign for the Buckeyes as they finally hit on an out-of-state elite recruit on the defensive side of the ball, as we typically see success in recruiting offense, but the defense seems to take a back seat.

And let's keep in mind these are verbal commitments, and mean virtually nothing until signing day, but it's great for bragging rights for fans.

Graham is the second five-star recruit they've added to the class of 2024 (Jeremiah Smith), as Hartline, who although he has taken over offensive coordinator duties for Ohio State, continues to rack up big-time receiver recruits in Columbus. 

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