5-Star Offensive Lineman Damian Prince Visits Buckeyes Thursday

There’s no question that while Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes were reeling in the top recruiting class last February, the offensive line was the area that was not fully addressed. 

Not wanting a repeat for the 2014 class, coach Meyer hit the recruiting trail hard early in this year’s process and has received verbal commitments from two offensive linemen, Marcelys Jones and Kyle Trout—and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

On Thursday, June 20, another O-line prospect steps on campus—6’6", 300-pound 5-star lineman, via 247Sports, Damian Prince.

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Damian Prince will visit #OhioStatehttp://t.co/WZL7pvmPX8 RT @HeavyGleesh Ohio state visit tomorrow, its official!

— Alex Gleitman (@alexgleitman) June 19, 2013

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Prince is a Maryland native and holds offers from just about every top program in the country. 

While Ohio State is in the mix, it could be a fight all the way to the end alongside Alabama and Florida State.  Already holding an invite to one of the most prestigious summer camps in America—The Opening held in Oregon—Prince is just the player the Buckeyes need to ink once February comes around.

Getting Prince on campus is huge for Ohio State.  Coaches can make calls, visit schools and talk to parents but until a prospect takes the time to visit, there’s no serious shot. 

What does this mean for Ohio State?  The Buckeyes are a contender—a serious contender.

Though last year’s offensive line haul wasn’t what most preferred from a numbers standpoint, Meyer can pitch something a lot of top-tier programs cannot—a chance at early playing time. 

When dealing with such a highly touted prospect like Prince, kids start to see the path to the NFL. 

The best way to prove your draft stock while in college is to play early and often.  Prince would have that ability if he does in fact end up in scarlet and gray. 

Sure, national championships and bowl games are nice, but in more cases than not, they're not something top recruits base their "which school should I attend" decision on. 

Meyer has already imposed himself as arguably the top recruiter at the college level.  He knows what it takes to land a top prospect like Prince, and he’ll chase him all the way to signing day.  When Meyer is your coach, there is no reason why you should worry about recruiting.  The guy gets it. 

Prince is not a make-or-break player for the 2014 class, but he would certainly be a great get.  Meyer and his staff realize this is a big year to address the line, and they won’t be denied a player at the position they need most.