Nation's No. 1 OG Recruit David Dawson Names Top 4: Which Team Has the Edge?

David Dawson is a four-star offensive guard prospect who is considered to be the No.1 overall recruit at his position according to ESPN Recruiting Nation, and he has narrowed his list of schools that he's interested in.

Remember, Dawson was formerly a Michigan commitment, but he just recently decommited from the Wolverines program and is now searching for a new program.

He's now easily become one of the more coveted recruits in the class of 2013, and Brad Bournival of ESPN.com is reporting that Dawson has narrowed his list to a lucky top four:

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He now has a top four of Alabama, Florida, LSU and Ohio State. With that in mind, BuckeyeNation looked at the four universities and has come up with the order it thinks the 6'4", 282-pound Dawson might lean toward.

The ESPN 150 senior—he’s ranked 87th overall—has said he’s planning on taking official visits and will let the process play out before making a final choice.

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Those are four marquee programs to choose from, and each school is definitely has their own advantages when it comes to recruiting.

Alabama has coach Nick Saban, and they are the defending national champions. They are also known for fielding some stellar offensive lines. Florida has a great recruiter in head coach Will Muschamp, and the Gators currently find themselves at 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the BCS standings.

LSU is always a legitimate contender in the SEC, if not nationally, and coach Les Miles is one of the best. Then there's Ohio State with new head coach Urban Meyer.

As far as the powerhouse that has the edge for Dawson though, I'd give the early lead to Ohio State.

Dawson plays at Cass Tech, which is in Detroit, so OSU wins the proximity argument without a shadow of a doubt.

"Dawson was enamored with the Buckeyes’ offer back in July and sees an opportunity to play sooner rather than later," Bournival said. "It’s rather interesting to hear he’s aiming to make an appearance at the Ohio State-Michigan game."

Early playing time is a huge draw for elite recruits. Meyers' current 2013 class only features two offensive lineman, one of them being four-star tackle Evan Lisle and the other three-star guard Timothy Gardner.

Dawson could be the elite offensive lineman recruit for Meyer and the Buckeyes, and he wouldn't have to travel as far to attend OSU. He'll be closer to friends and family, he'll be playing for a team with a legitimate shot at competing and winning in the Big Ten and he'll be playing for a coach with two national championships under his belt.

The potential of a third championship for Meyer is there at Ohio State, and Dawson could be a huge part of that equation.

I believe the proximity to home gives Ohio State a huge advantage, and if they needed another one, it would be the potential for playing time.

There are four great programs in the running for the talented offensive guard, but I believe when all is said and done, Ohio State will have the edge.