Where Ohio State Turns After Missing on 4-Star Rashad Roundtree

After a successful visit last weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes coaching staff envisioned the possibility of highly touted defensive back prospect Rashad Roundtree making plays in the secondary.

Unfortunately, that dream will not become a reality, as the Evans, Georgia, product decided to stay instate, committing to the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday morning, per Rivals’ Woody Wommack:

Aside from the Buckeyes and Bulldogs, the Lakeside High standout was also coveted by schools such as Alabama, Auburn and Clemson, among others. His size, speed and tackling ability made him one of the more exciting recruits in the class.

A 4-star prospect, according to 247Sports, Roundtree becomes the 10th 4-star recruit for Georgia. He’ll join three other defensive backs in a class that is shaping up to becoming one of the best in the nation, ranking No. 3 in 247Sports’ football recruiting team rankings.

Although Ohio State was high on Roundtree, the school already boasts an impressive crop of defensive backs. 

Among the 20 commits, the Buckeyes boast five cornerbacks and one safety. That list is highlighted by 4-star prospects Eric Glover-Williams and Jamel Dean.

Now, priority No. 1 for the school should be in solidifying these commitments.

If there is any flip-flopping, the Ohio State coaching staff will hope it comes from rival Michigan’s own backyard. More specifically, 4-star cornerback and Wolverines commit Brian Cole.

As luck would have it, the Saginaw, Michigan, product plans to visit Columbus in the near future.

“Yes, he will visit Ohio State in December,” said his father Brian Cole Sr., via 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic (subscription required). “I’m not sure which weekend, but he will visit in December.”

Although Cole committed to Michigan back on July 26, he has kept his recruitment open. He took an official visit to Wisconsin on Oct. 11 and still has visits with Purdue and Nebraska forthcoming.

At 6'2", 190 pounds, Cole has the size and the skill that the Buckeyes covet in the secondary. Not to mention, who doesn’t like stealing from your hated rivals?

Another target for Ohio State is 4-star cornerback Garrett Taylor. Ironically, he was also a Michigan commit up until decommitting on Oct. 27.

Like Cole, Taylor also plans to visit Columbus. The St. Christopher’s School standout has an official visit set for Nov. 22.

Earlier this week, Taylor listed a new top five that consists of LSU, Miami, Penn State and Virginia Tech, along with the Buckeyes, via Scout’s Michael Clark.

However, it might be a couple months before Ohio State hears anything concrete from Taylor.

“I’ll be taking a few officials in December and maybe one in January,” he said, per Clark’s report. “After that, I’ll sit down with my family and talk things over and hopefully have it done by late January.”

Taylor would be a huge get for the Buckeyes, as the 6'1", 195-pounder has tremendous instincts and can stop on the dime to make a play. This is someone that could put an already talented Ohio State secondary over the top.

All in all, it should be a very interesting next couple of months for the Buckeyes.

All stats, recruiting information and rankings used in this article are courtesy of cfbstats.com and 247Sports.

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