Five-star tight end Jeremy Ruckert committed to Ohio State on Monday. He is rated the No. 1 tight end in the nation per the 247Sports Composite, and the No. 11 player overall by 247Sports.
He announced the commitment via an interesting video on Twitter.
5-star TE Jeremy Ruckert races to his commitment #BRCommitmentWeek ?? pic.twitter.com/Bc41A6COrJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 17, 2017
Ruckert (6-6 238) cut his list down to Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Notre Dame a couple of weeks ago. He has seen his ranking jump significantly following a dominating performance at The Opening in early July. At the prestigious camp and combine, Ruckert routinely showcased an ability to get open over the middle of the field during the 7-on-7 tournament.
As a sophomore, he caught 60 passes for 811 yards and seven touchdowns. As a junior this past season, he caught 58 passes for 807 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-State by USA Today, and also earned Third-Team All-State honors as a placekicker the past two seasons.
He is a talented athlete with strong hands who should be able to play right away. Ruckert can high-point a ball, or go down to the turf and get it. He has great body control for a tight end, and you can tell that he spent a part of his football life as a receiver before growing into his current position.
Ruckert is the fifth offensive skill position commit for the Buckeye in 2018. He joins quarterback Emory Jones, and running backs Master Teague, Brian Snead, and Jaelen Gill. Pairing Gill and Ruckert in opposing slots would seem to foreshadow a bright future for Ohio State’s intermediate passing game down the road.
The Buckeyes are likely still looking for another tight end in the 2018 class.
Jeremy Ruckert Highlights
[Jeremy Ruckert photo courtesy 247Sports.]
He is a big lean kid who has room to grow. Right now he is a skinny 250 that can easily hit 275 before he leaves. If he can block then he could be a star.
GREAT pick-up. Welcome home Jeremy
He will not be able to come in & start. He will have to work hard to improve his blocking on bigger players. That is why I hope he enrolls Early. Needs time in the weight room. A very good pick up. Reminds me a lot of Burrow.
I know what you are saying, but 5 star (if you place a lot of confidence in star ratings) essentially means that the player is ready to contribute immediately.
That said, I think you are correct about his need to add size and strength.
Great news. Go Bucks. Looking forward to seeing him in action in an explosive OSU O.