Buckeyes Add Longo, Zero in on Final Spots

In recruiting circles, it has been acknowledged all season that the state of Ohio is deep on the offensive line. The Buckeyes had already secured the commitments of two in-state players - Corey Linsley and Jack Mewhort - and are still hoping to get Glenville Marcus Hall. That left precious few spots for some very talented prospects.

At the top of that list was Sam Longo, a 6'5" tackle from Bellbrook. Longo is Buckeye legacy, as his father Gene played linebacker in the 80's at Ohio State. At times it seemed that Longo would squeezed out by the tremendous numbers in the '09 class. But after patiently waiting, Longo received an OSU offer. It took him just over a week to pull the trigger and become a Buckeye.

Longo certainly had other options; he reportedly had over 30 offers. That list included some impressive national powers, including Florida State, Nebraska and Miami (FL). Penn State, Boston College and Cincinnati were also active in his recruitment. Longo is a 3-star prospect for both Rivals and Scout, and the former recently named him the most athletic lineman in the entire class.

Longo's commitment almost certainly means the end of road for other Ohio linemen hoping for an offer. Nate Klatt just verballed to Michigan State, and Ryan Spiker is definitely looking elsewhere. With 24 commits in the fold, Ohio State fans probably have just 3, maybe 4 more verbals for the entire class.