Will 5-Star RB Kareem Walker Become the Face of Ohio State's 2016 Class?

It was halftime of Ohio State's demolition of Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship when Kareem Walker—a 5-star standout and 2016's No. 1 running back—announced his surprising commitment to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.

Now, with Ohio State's recruiting efforts taking shape, it appears that Walker is emerging as the leader of the Buckeyes' 2016 class.

That's a major role for any recruiting class, but it's particularly important at Ohio State. Coming off their national title victory, the Buckeyes are taking aim at Alabama's stronghold atop the recruiting mountain.

To do that, they need someone to step up. Last year, when Ohio State's '15 class got off to a slow start, 5-star linebacker Justin Hilliard changed everything when he committed and became the voice for Meyer on the front line.

Walker, who's rated as the nation's No. 7 prospect overall, looks primed to take the reins in a similar fashion. Last week, he shared on Twitter that he reached out to most of the members in Ohio State's '16 class. 

This development—and, in fact, his commitment to Ohio State—seemed so unlikely a few months ago.

Back in November, Walker told Alex Gleitman of 247Sports that he planned to take his time during the recruiting process and announce his decision on national signing day in February 2016. 

“I’m going to make a decision on national signing day,” Walker said, according to Gleitman. “All of the juniors, Class of 2016, on my team, we made a pact that none of us were going to commit until national signing day, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

What changed during the ensuing two months? Why did Walker pull the trigger and give his verbal pledge so early?

For Walker, there has always been a comfort level with Ohio State. He's been to the campus numerous times and is frequently visited by the Buckeyes' coaching staff.

He had built a strong relationship with former running backs coach Stan Drayton, who recently left Ohio State to take the same position with the Chicago Bears. But the Buckeyes replaced Drayton by hiring Tony Alford from Notre Dame, a coach whom Walker was already familiar and comfortable with.

But above all, Walker sees himself thriving in Ohio State's offense, which has been fueled by standout running backs Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliott over the last three seasons.

“I think I fit their offense well and they like to run the ball,” Walker said, via Gleitman.

As Jeremy Birmingham of Eleven Warriors pointed out, Walker hasn't just touched base with the current members of Ohio State's class. The star running back has also reached out to Nate Craig-Meyers, the nation's No. 1 wide receiver and current Auburn commit, and Jarrett Guarantano, the Buckeyes' top quarterback target.

There are still 11 months to go before national signing day, but Ohio State has already sealed the nation's top running back. Fittingly, if Walker does emerge as the leader of the group, he may help Meyer and the Buckeyes sign the No. 1 recruiting class.

All recruiting rankings and information via 247Sports.

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