Could Ohio State Flip Maryland QB Commit Dwayne Haskins?

The Ohio State Buckeyes began searching for an alternative quarterback option in the 2016 recruiting class late this fall. Expect those efforts to increase following a commitment flip from Tristen Wallace on Sunday:

The 4-star Texas talent, who initially joined Ohio State's class in April, altered his collegiate plans during an official visit at Oregon. Wallace exhibits elite athleticism and rushing capabilities, augmenting those attributes with powerful—though largely unpolished—passing skills.

He's rated No. 13 nationally among athletes, and there has reportedly been some second-guessing about whether quarterback is truly his ideal landing spot. Ohio State offered him strictly at the position and he's expressed interest in playing elsewhere on the field, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Eleven Warriors.

Speculation about a potential parting of ways came to fruition during the weekend. While Wallace was in the Northwest, Ohio State welcomed another quarterback to campus.

Longtime Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins, a 4-star recruit and Elite 11 finalist, spent time in Columbus.

The 6'3", 198-pound prospect presents significantly different dynamics than Wallace behind center. He is among the purest throwers in this recruiting cycle, displaying excellent pocket mechanics and accuracy.

"

Plan is to win the #Heisman and a national championship... #GodsPlan

— Smooth♚™ (@dh_simba7) December 11, 2015"

The Bullis School (Potomac, Maryland) senior became a monumental building block for Maryland's recruiting class this spring. However, an underwhelming Terrapins campaign led to the midseason dismissal of head coach Randy Edsall.

A new Maryland regime led by former Michigan defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is sure to make Haskins a primary focus during the final stretch toward national signing day. Staff decisions—particularly the future of incumbent offensive coordinator Mike Locksley—should play a pivotal role in his evolving rapport with the program.

"This decision was based on my relationships with the coaching staffs of all 41 college programs that offered me a scholarship," Haskins told Bleacher Report following his commitment. "It came down to who I was most comfortable with. It was about joining a group of great people."

The Terps will attempt to retain trust with an in-state standout who emerged as a premier peer recruiter for the previous coaching staff.

Meanwhile, momentum seems to building for Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer.

The three-time national champion has produced several star college quarterbacks in his offensive scheme, including eventual first-round NFL picks Tim Tebow and Alex Smith. J.T. Barrett, Cardale Jones and Braxton Miller have each enjoyed moments in the spotlight at Ohio State.

Haskins, who stayed in Columbus with a large collection of current Buckeyes commits, has plenty to think about after his visit.

Birmingham reported that the trip couldn't have gone much better, "with a couple of different sources indicating that they were pretty confident that the Buckeyes would in fact be the eventual landing spot".

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That's a #B1G offensive line pic.twitter.com/4J8HJw50gj

— Smooth♚™ (@dh_simba7) December 12, 2015"

Haskins, rated No. 7 nationally among pro-style passers, appears to be the premier quarterback target for Ohio State at this stage. He previously told Bleacher Report that early enrollment is not the plan, so that would give both the Buckeyes and Terps until national signing day (Feb. 3) to finalize things.

Don't expect him to wait quite that long, though. Maryland's staff situation should be much clearer soon, and Ohio State would likely continue to expand its pursuit of passers if this recruitment drags on late.

Louisville pledge Tylin Oden and Auburn commit Woody Barrett are potential fallback options if Haskins decides to stick with his original plan. The Buckeyes now claim 25 percent of experts' commitment predictions in his 247Sports' Crystal Ball, spurred by six straight picks since Friday.

Haskins completed 59 percent of pass attempts this fall, according to Josh Stirn of 247Sports, tallying 20 touchdowns and four interceptions.

"I'm a game-changer whenever I have the ball in my hands, whether it's first down or third down," he told Bleacher Report during an offseason camp. "I'm going to get the job done. I don't make too many mistakes, and if I do make a mistake, there won't be one the next play. It's about making sure I capitalize on everything around me."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter @TDsTake.