Ohio State Football Recruiting: Securing Vonn Bell Crucial for Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to close out another successful recruiting season by acquiring 4-star safety Vonn Bell.

Ohio State ranks No. 4 in ESPN's recruiting class rankings, with Florida, Alabama and Notre Dame eclipsing the Buckeyes.

Among those who have already committed to the Buckeyes' program are 5-star corner back Eli Apple and 16 4-star recruits, including corner Gareon Conley, linebacker Trey Johnson and wide receiver Jalin Marshall (via ESPN).

So what better way to cap off the recruiting season by securing 4-star safety (h/t ESPN) and Scout.com's No. 2-ranked safety, Vonn Bell?

The 6'0", 190-pound safety has been linked to Alabama and Tennessee as well as the Buckeyes this season, visiting all three campuses in January, according to ESPN.

Kipp Adams of ESPN reports that Bell will wait until national signing day on Feb. 6 to make his decision public.

Having already secured 5-star CB Eli Apple and 4-star CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State could potentially own one of the best secondaries in the years to come if it can sign Bell.

Bell is an incredible athlete who possesses the size and speed to be a playmaker for the Buckeyes defense. The Georgia native is excellent against the run. He has great hands and is usually a favorite to win jump ball matchups with opposing wideouts.

Ohio State struggled defending the pass last season, ranking 76th in passing yards allowed per game.

With upperclassmen likely clearing the way following the 2013 season, Bell should have an early opportunity to play and could possibly even see the field this season.

Given the chance to boast one of the best secondaries in college football over the course of the next few years, Ohio State must convince Bell to become a Buckeye.

Follow @Pete_Schauer