With just over a week to go before National Signing Day, Ohio State just landed a commitment from a highly-touted wide receiver prospect from the other side of the country.
Chris Olave, a standout at California’s Mission Hills High School and a 4-star recruit in the 247 Composite, announced his commitment to the Buckeyes on Sunday. He is the fourth 4-star wide receiver in OSU’s 2018 class, joining L’Christian “Blue” Smith, Kamryn Babb, and Cameron Brown.
Olave received a scholarship offer from Ohio State relatively late in the recruiting process on October 7. He made an official visit to Columbus for the Buckeyes’ 48-3 win over Michigan State, and it soon became apparent that he was a serious target for the coaching staff. Buckeye assistants flew cross-country to visit his school twice in January. He ultimately picked the Buckeyes over other finalists including UCLA, Utah, and USC.
Olave had to sit out his junior season after transferring high schools, which played a role in delaying his recruitment. That ruling was so contentious, it sparked a reform effort to get the California Interscholastic Federation’s rules changed. However, even without stepping on the gridiron for a year, his elite speed (10.8 seconds in the 100-meter dash) helped draw attention.
He is listed a 6-foot-1 and 170 lbs, making him a possible candidate to take a redshirt season to add weight.
Olave is the 24th commitment in Ohio State’s 2018 class. His addition puts the Buckeyes at 87 scholarship players on the roster at the moment. OSU will need to get down to the NCAA-mandated limit of 85 before the start of fall camp.
Here was Olave’s tweet announcing his decision.
Dear God, Thank You. Committed. #Zone6 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/xH3W5dXsGo
— Chris Olave (@chrisolave_) January 29, 2018
You can watch his 2015-2016 highlight reel below.
[Header image courtesy Mighty1090.com]
Harbaugh wanted this kid too. He couldn’t get past UCLA. Meyer then swoops in & takes him. An unbelievable job of recruiting!!! Meyer is the best!! I don’t now if you noticed, but the QB looked damn good to me. I don’t know if he can block but a red shirt might be in order. Needs to gain weight. We have the man to take of that.
Why would he commit during HQ?