4-Star Linebacker Kyle Berger Verbally Commits to Ohio State

One recent battle between Ohio State and Michigan ended on Monday afternoon when Kyle Berger—an All-Ohio linebacker out of St. Ignatius High School—verbally committed to the Buckeyes over the Wolverines.

Berger—a 4-star prospect according to 247Sports.com—had Ohio State and Michigan neck-and-neck as recently as two weeks ago, but Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes were able to pull ahead and land the commitment.

The announcement came via Berger's Twitter Monday afternoon:

"

I have officially committed to The Ohio State University #BuckeyeNation #GoBucks no better feeling

— Kyle Berger 3⃣9⃣ (@K_Bergs) April 8, 2013"

"It's the perfect place for me," Berger said, according to 247Sports.com. "Unbelievable coaches, a great atmosphere, winning championships in the future, no better place."

This was huge for Meyer in his quest to secure the top high school talent in Ohio. Brady Hoke and the Wolverines have had success traveling south and recruiting in Ohio, but Meyer is beginning to flex his muscle. The Buckeyes have secured commitments from five Ohio prospects—offensive guard Marcelys Jones, offensive tackle Kyle Trout, athletes Parris Campbell and Sam Hubbard, and now Berger—all of whom are ranked 4-star recruits by 247sports.com.

Berger is a fantastic outside linebacker prospect. The soon-to-be senior racked up 44 tackles for loss during his junior campaign, including 10 sacks, and his speed on the perimeter creates havoc for opposing offenses.

Berger becomes the seventh member of an Ohio State recruiting class that could wind up being one of the best, if not the best, in the country next February.

For now, though, Meyer and the Buckeyes can rest easy with this off-the-field victory over Michigan.

David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.