Will Ohio State Convince 5-Star OL Tommy Kraemer to Flip from Notre Dame?

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has already assembled an incredible 2016 recruiting class loaded with elite talent, but the Buckeyes still have a "wish list" in place leading up to national signing day.

You could certainly make a strong case that Tommy Kraemer tops that collection of targets. The in-state offensive lineman continues to put himself in the conversation as one of America's most impressive blockers, highlighted by a dominant performance at The Opening regional held May 31 in Columbus, Ohio.

Kraemer, a 5-star prospect from Elder High School in Cincinnati, earned an invitation to The Opening finals in Oregon this July after overpowering opponents on Ohio State's practice field.

"Kraemer has a rare 5-star body type. He's long, big and powerful," 247Sports scouting director Barton Simmons noted afterward. "His one-on-one reps showcased outstanding feet and movement skills at that size."

He consistently stifled some of the region's premier defenders during drills:

Meyer and the Buckeyes would love to make Kraemer a regular around Ohio State facilities following his latest visit to campus, but an early commitment to Notre Dame has the defending national champions facing an uphill battle.

The Fighting Irish secured a foundational member for the 2016 class last season, landing Kraemer's pledge in early October. He follows the footsteps of former Elder High School star Kyle Rudolph, who became one of college football's top tight ends in South Bend.

"I've been a big fan of Notre Dame my entire life," Kraemer told Bleacher Report. "The education there just means so much for the future. It's not a four-year decision, it's a 40-year decision."

He also cited a strong rapport with the coaching staff as motivation to commit midway through his junior campaign.

"I have a great relationship with [offensive line coach Harry] Hiestand," Kraemer said. "We talk all the time and I really feel like he can get the most out of me."

So is he shutting the door on other opportunities?

"I'm solid to Notre Dame and I'm not going to change," Kraemer said. "I don't really expect Ohio State to back off, though."

Though Meyer remains focused on uncommitted talents like fellow Cincinnati standout Prince Sammons, Florida defensive end Nick Bosa and Maryland offensive lineman Jauan Williams, there will always be room for Kraemer on the Buckeyes bandwagon. 

Ohio State currently claims 16 commitments in a class that rates second nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings. The group features an FBS-best 13 prospects labeled at least a 4-star talent.

"We have something really good going on. With all the talent coming in with this class, we have a chance to do something big here," 4-star defensive end Jonathon Cooper said.

The Columbus native is Ohio State's top-ranked 2016 defender. His battles against Kraemer at The Opening regional provided a compelling storyline throughout the afternoon.

The two traded reps during an event they both otherwise owned.

"Going against Tommy made me a better player, and I think it made him a better player too," Cooper said. "If he were to come here and we got to work against each other every day, I think we could both make each other really good players."

Credit: 247Sports

While he drew praise from several defensive counterparts, Kraemer also caught the eye of some offensive playmakers. Demario McCall, one of three highly rated running backs pledged to Ohio State, could see himself doing damage with the lanes Kraemer is capable of creating for teammates.

"Any running back would want to run behind him. He's a guy who would definitely fit in here," McCall said.

Even Matt Burrell, a newly enrolled Ohio State offensive lineman, couldn't help but notice Kraemer's efforts in Columbus. The 4-star 2015 signee watched from the sideline as he went to work rep after rep.

The Buckeyes aren't exactly lacking young talent up front, especially with top-rated 2017 offensive tackle Josh Myers already on board. Meyer has an outstanding corps of incoming and freshly arrived blockers who figure to make a difference in Big Ten action for years to come.

Class	Name	Size	Rating
2015	Isaiah Prince	6'6", 272 lbs.	4-star
2015	Matt Burrell	6'4", 321 lbs.	4-star
2015	Kevin Feder	6'9", 305 lbs.	3-star
2015	Branden Bowen	6'7", 330 lbs.	3-star
2015	Mirko Jurkovic	6'5", 275 lbs.	3-star
2015	Grant Schmidt	6'6", 275 lbs.	3-star
2016	Michael Jordan	6'6", 285 lbs.	4-star
2016	Tyler Gerald	6'5", 300 lbs.	4-star
2016	Jack Wohlabaugh	6'3", 280 lbs.	3-star
2017	Josh Myers	6'6", 290 lbs.	5-star

The program's aforementioned depth along the offensive line could ultimately serve as a deterrent for players looking to make an immediate impact in college. Regardless, Ohio State operates with a mantra that encourages prospects to compete against—and alongside—the best of their peers in Columbus.

Kraemer fits the bill as a a high-caliber recruit who carries the confidence and physical tools to contribute as a collegiate underclassman.

"Coaches definitely like my physicality. I like hitting people a lot," he said.

Notre Dame is in excellent shape with Kraemer right now, and Irish coaches are clearly going out of their way to make sure he feels like a primary priority in South Bend. Still, here in the relatively early stages of a lengthy and unpredictable recruiting cycle, expect Ohio State to keep pushing for a potential flip.

If he remains steadfast in his pledge to Notre Dame, it won't be for a lack of trying on behalf of Buckeyes commits.

"We're definitely still working on him," Cooper said. "We still have the whole trip in Oregon [for The Opening finals] and there are a lot of [Ohio State commits] out there."

Kraemer could find himself taking on more sales pitches than pass-rushers this summer. You'll be hard-pressed to find a program better equipped to serve them up than the reigning national champs, who play less than two hours away from his hometown.

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.