Pete Werner to Ohio State: Buckeyes Land 4-Star LB

The Ohio State Buckeyes added linebacker Pete Werner to their 2017 recruiting class Sunday after the 4-star linebacker committed to the school, according to the Indianapolis Star's Kyle Neddenriep. 

Scout ranks Werner as the No. 21 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 266 player overall.

ESPN's Tom VanHaaren shared a photo of Werner with Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer:

Werner described joining Ohio State as an "unreal feeling" that he "can't explain with words," per 247Sports' Steve Wiltfong.

He's the second outside linebacker to pledge his future to the Buckeyes. Meyer also added Baron Browning, whom Scout ranks as the second-best outside linebacker in 2017.

Werner had originally committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish but walked back that decision on Nov. 29 and opened his recruitment back up.

The timing of Werner's commitment is great for Ohio State with a dead period for recruiting beginning Monday and running until Jan. 11. The NCAA mandates that coaches are unable to visit a recruit or have face-to-face contact during the dead period.

Werner is a solid all-around linebacker who can contribute against the run and pass. He possesses the intelligence to quickly diagnose a play and react, which, combined with his strong tackling, will serve him well on a defense in which he might be asked to play—at least in a backup role—immediately.

Jerome Baker is a sophomore, while Chris Worley is a junior. Although Werner likely won't have a starting place as soon as he arrives in Columbus, Meyer hasn't been shy about using inexperienced players in high-pressure situations.

In a few years, Werner could emerge as one of the most integral players in the Buckeyes' front seven.