Ohio State Needs 5-Stars Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell to Boost 2015 Class

Despite being one of the nation's top programs with one of the best recruiters in college football at the helm, Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class is off to a slow start.

The Buckeyes' three-member class, which boasts a pair of 4-star cornerbacks and a 4-star quarterback, currently ranks No. 57, behind programs such as Texas-San Antonio, Florida Atlantic and Tulane.

Commitments from 5-star prospects Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell, however, would change that very quickly.

That possibility was raised when Cornell, a 6'4", 260-pound defensive end out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, sent this tweet out while on a visit to Ohio State this past weekend:

Cornell was in town for the Nike Camp and had a great time visiting with the Buckeyes and two of his "favorite coaches" in Meyer and defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

"I have a very good connection with both of them," Cornell said, according to Jordan Wagner of Eleven Warriors. "When I was here, it felt like family. It was love here. I like the facilities here and the academics are a high point."

The visit had Cornell dreaming of playing with Ohio's top high school recruit.

Hilliard is also very high on Ohio State. The 6'2", 230-pound outside linebacker recently named a top five of Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Notre Dame and Alabama. He was also in Columbus for the Nike Camp and had the opportunity to visit with the staff and take in the facilities at Ohio State.

Credit: 247 Sports

The Cincinnati product is very familiar with the Buckeyes. Speaking with Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com, Hilliard said that he has befriended players on the Ohio State roster and even knows some of the university professors. 

In what looks like good news for Buckeyes fans, Hilliard is nearing his decision.

"When I make a decision I want it to be 100 percent, because I don't want to decommit," Hilliard said, according to Lesmerises. "I want it to be my decision, hopefully in late June to early July."

The recruiting experts affiliated with 247 Sports' Crystal Ball feature have Ohio State as sizable favorites over Michigan and Iowa.

Landing both Hilliard and Cornell would give Ohio State two elite defensive prospects, but the Buckeyes wouldn't need to wait very long for them to make an impact.

According to Lesmerises' feature, Hilliard wants to make his decision early so he has time to recruit other players to the school of his choice. 

Cornell is already warm to the idea of joining forces with Hilliard. If Ohio State can get them in the fold, Meyer's slow recruiting start will fade very quickly.

All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

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