Ohio State football recruiting: 4-star RB Mark Fletcher pledges to Buckeyes

Ohio State picked up a bruiser on the 2023 football recruiting trail.

Ohio State just added its first important offensive skill player to its 2023 football recruiting class as four-star running back Mark Fletcher committed to the Buckeyes.

Fletcher picked Ohio State over Miami, Michigan, Penn State, and Alabama.

Listed as 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Fletcher brings a powerful frame that has already earned repeated comparisons to two-time NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry.

Recruiting services rate Fletcher as a top 10 running back nationally and a top 150 player overall, irrespective of position. He has rushed for over 2,500 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in three varsity seasons.

Ohio State moved up to the No. 6 position in the national football recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports, while the On3 Consensus Team Rankings put the Buckeyes in the No. 4 position behind Georgia, Notre Dame, and current 2023 leader USC.

"A big, physically imposing back that has produced for three straight years at one of South Florida's top NFL factories," 247 analyst Andrew Ivins said in his scouting report.

"Should be viewed as a throwback running back that thrives in short-yardage situations and can make an impact on third downs as a pass blocker or pass catcher."

2023 Ohio State football recruits

Luke Montgomery
4-star OT | 6-5, 270

Ty Lockwood
4-star TE | 6-5, 225

Joshua Padilla
4-star IOL | 6-4, 265

Mark Fletcher
4-star RB | 6-1, 225

Malik Hartford
4-star DB | 6-2, 175

Cedrick Hawkins
4-star DB | 6-0, 175

Will Smith
3-star DL | 6-3, 260

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