Is Double-Digit 5-Star Commits a Legit Possibility for Ohio State?

Back in December 2013, high school freshman Danny Clark set things off for Ohio State's 2017 class. 

Little did the 3-star, pro-style quarterback realize then that he would jump-start the nation's premier class as we inch closer to national signing day in February.

It's a signing day that head coach Urban Meyer, his coaching staff and fans worldwide are anticipating to have high expectations. The class currently has 16 commitments, the latest being 4-star talents in defensive end Chase Young and cornerback Amir Riep last week.

Of those 16 pledges, three are 5-star prospects in offensive linemen Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis and cornerback Shaun Wade. The bad news for other teams: That 5-star trio could be joined by a few more 5-star players by February.

Can you imagine the Buckeyes with double-digit 5-star prospects? Nothing is a gimme in recruiting...but there's a strong possibility that it could happen.

Let's do the math. Myers, Davis and Wade are three 5-star commits. Among the 5-star targets considering the Buckeyes are wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, running back Cam Akers, linebacker Baron Browning and cornerbacks Jeffrey Okudah and Darnay Holmes.

Credit: Student Sports

It's very hit-and-miss that Ohio State will land all five of these athletes, but to say it's impossible is blatant ignorance—particularly with the outstanding closing ability Meyer possesses as a recruiter. Okudah talked to Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani about why the Buckeyes are one of his leaders as he gets closer to making a verbal commitment.

"[It's] just the relationships they have formed with the people around me," Okudah said. "That helps a lot because it makes the decision more comfortable with the people around me. That's really key in my recruiting."

Let's say Meyer lands this half-dozen of uncommitted targets. That would give the Buckeyes a total of eight 5-star commits. Add to the mix that young quarterback Tate Martell and running back J.K. Dobbins are high 4-star Ohio State commits who could be a few big regular-season plays away from earning that fifth star. They also could earn their stripes at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January.

Credit: Student Sports

If that happens, along with the aforementioned, that would put Ohio State's 5-star count at 10. And this doesn't count the potential rise in the upcoming months of high 4-star targets like offensive tackle Trey Smith, defensive tackle Jay Tufele and wide receivers and Trevon Grimes and Tyjon Lindsey. And Martell told Bleacher Report at The Opening that another 5-star, wide receiver Joseph Lewis, would be a personal target of his.

"I feel like I've gravitated toward Tyjon and Trevon a lot," Martell told Bleacher Report while at The Opening. "I think we're in a good position to land both of them, but we'll see how it turns out.

"Hopefully we'll try to go after Joseph. He's such a good receiver. ... He's a baller, and obviously, I'd love to play with him at Ohio State. He's someone you would much rather play with than play against."

Few classes can say they ended a recruiting cycle with more 5-stars than 3- or 4-stars. This could be Ohio State's year.

Best-case scenario, the Buckeyes could have their best recruiting class ever even if it misses on two or three of these top-ranked athletes. But to see them in contention for them all has to be a scary sight for competitors.

Not so scary for those rooting for the scarlet and gray.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles