2023 In-State Safety Malik Hartford Signs With Ohio State

The Buckeyes have secured a signature from one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in the country.

HARTFORD PROFILE

Hometown: West Chester, Ohio

High School: Lakota West

Size: 6-foot-3, 175 pounds

Composite Ranking: ★★★★

Commitment Date: April 6, 2022

The Ohio co-defensive player of the year has been waiting to become a Buckeye his entire life. The kid from West Chester, OH is bringing his hard hat and the boom to Columbus to get to work.  Welcome to The Brotherhood Malik Hartford#CHO23N | @MalikHartford pic.twitter.com/HRJqa2m8Je

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 21, 2022

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Recruitment Recap: Perry Eliano’s first order of business upon being named the safeties coach at Ohio State was to further his relationship with Malik Hartford, who he initially offered during his time as the cornerbacks coach at Cincinnati.

It was no surprise, then, that Hartford picked up an offer from the Buckeyes during an unofficial visit in late January, which gave him a chance to spend time with Eliano, head coach Ryan Day and first-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Hartford subsequently included Ohio State in his top seven schools alongside Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and West Virginia in February, then returned to campus for a spring practice in March.

He also took unofficial visits that month with the Fighting Irish, Spartans and Wolverines, which helped him come to a decision in April. He then shut down his recruitment once he picked the Buckeyes, attending several games this seaso

Evaluation: "Hartford has the prototypical frame and length that coaches look for at the safety position with room to grow in once he gets into the Buckeyes’ strength and conditioning program. He’s an instinctual player who is skillful in coverage and isn’t afraid to come downhill and make a tackle.

"Whether he’s lined up deep or near the line of scrimmage, Hartford reads and reacts to the play in an instant. There isn’t any hesitation or wasted movement, and that coupled with his acceleration helps him make plays from sideline to sideline. Once he adds the weight, Hartford will be a perfect fit in Knowles' three-safety scheme."

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