Defensive End Andrew Chatfield Decommits from Ohio State | Now What?

Four-star Florida defensive end Andrew Chatfield (6-2 221) has decommitted from Ohio State. He announced the news Monday night via Twitter.

I just open my recruitment please respect my decision ??

— Andrew Chatfield™ ⛽️ (@Drew_Chatfield) August 8, 2017

Chatfield, who plays for American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, committed to the Buckeyes a little over two months ago. Within two weeks of his commitment, however, he was camping at the University of Miami, but the Hurricanes did not extend an offer. Last month, he camped at Florida and the Gators did offer.

In other words, this decommitment was not unexpected.

Now What?

So what do the Buckeyes do now?

They simply keep doing what they were already doing.

In fact, Chatfield’s decommitment could lead to an incredible defensive end haul for the Buckeyes now that they have a little extra room.

Five-star strongside defensive end Brenton Cox (6-5 247) is already committed. He is the No. 2 player at his position. Also, many consider Ohio State the leaders for 5-star prospect Micah Parsons (6-3 235), 4-star Tyreke Smith (6-3 260), and 4-star Jayson Oweh (6-5 236).

Parsons is the No. 1 weakside defensive end in the nation and the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2018 class per the 247Sports Composite. Smith is the No. 4 weakside defensive end, and Oweh is the No. 6 strongside end.

Four defensive ends in one class might seem like a lot (especially if you’re a quarterback), but since the Buckeyes only brought in one player at that position in 2017, they need to refill the tanks. Fortunately for Ohio State, that one player was Chase Young, who has already been receiving all kinds of positive reports from his teammates and coaches during camp.

In 2016, the Buckeyes signed a pair of 5-star defensive ends in Nick Bosa and Jonathon Cooper. When you consider that Ohio State will likely be losing three of their four starting defensive ends to the NFL after this season, there will be plenty of reps on the table in 2018. This will move Cooper and Young into a rotation with Bosa, and allow a freshman to play immediately — much like Bosa did in 2016.

So, again, now what for the Buckeyes after Andrew Chatfield’s decommitment?

Not much. Nothing changes. Ohio State was going after the nation’s best defensive ends regardless.

Same as it ever was.