5-Star Linebacker Names Ohio State His Favorite

Five-star prospect Raekwon McMillan visited Ohio State this past weekend, and it’s safe to say that the visit went well.  Hanging around past Buckeyes greats throughout the weekend, McMillan made it clear who his current leader is. 

"I'm still working on the top five, but after this trip it is clear that Ohio State is my favorite,” McMillan told Jeremy Birmingham of BuckeyeGrove.com.

The 6’3" linebacker from Georgia is as physically dominating as any player you’ll find in the country.  It’s not just Ohio State giving McMillan the love, though.  Since November, Raekwon has also visited Florida, Alabama, and Clemson.  All four of those teams finished in the top 11 of last season’s final AP Poll.  

A factor that seems to be a key in McMillan’s decision is the chance to receive early playing time as soon as he steps on campus.  With no proven leader at linebacker on this year’s squad, aside from Ryan Shazier, McMillan’s wish could become a reality.  However, that’s not to overlook the two monsters the Buckeyes were able to haul in for 2013, Mike Mitchell and Trey Johnson.

This summer, McMillan will showcase his skills at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta.  As if this kid's stock hasn’t blown up already, it could continue to rise when he goes up against some of the nation’s best prospects.

Ohio State may be the favorite, but this race is far from over.  Alabama should continue to be a factor, as well as Clemson.  Don't count Georgia out, either.  The home state team always makes a surge toward the end, and with a player like McMillan, he’ll definitely feel the pressure from the locals to stay home.

Regardless, as we stand today, Urban Meyer and Luke Fickell have put the Buckeyes in a great position to have an outstanding linebacker list once again in 2014.  With fellow linebacker prospect Dante Booker arriving in Columbus within the next few days, another name has a chance to be added to the list by the end of the weekend.

Here are some highlights of McMillan during his junior year.