Four-star defensive lineman Tyler Friday (Ramsey, NJ/Don Bosco Prep) committed to Ohio State in a ceremony at his school on Friday, choosing the Buckeyes over Michigan. He also had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Nebraska, Penn State, North Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA, Wisconsin, and others.
The Wolverines had long been thought to be the leader for Friday’s services, but over the past month or so, it was Ohio State who began to make a significant move.
Friday (6-3 263) is ranked as the No. 4 defensive tackle in the 2018 class and the No. 86 overall player per the 247Sports Composite. He would have been the second-highest ranked player in Michigan’s recruiting class. He is the 12th-highest ranked commitment for the Buckeyes, and that’s not including defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson, who is the No. 1 junior college prospect in the nation.
Friday’s immediate defensive line future is more likely to be at defensive end because that is where the Buckeyes have a need. Rivals ranks him as their No. 4 strongside defensive end in the nation.
This past season, Friday tallied 25 tackles and three sacks playing inside and outside for Don Bosco. As a 3-4 defensive end, he displays good quickness and leverage against interior offensive linemen. As a 4-3 defensive end, he seals the edges well in the running game. He is also too strong for high school tight ends.
Friday joins at least four other defensive linemen in Ohio State’s recruiting class, and possibly five depending on where the 6-foot-7 and 250-pound Alex Williams ends up. Friday could join defensive end signee Tyreke Smith as edge rushers that the Buckeyes desperately needed in the 2018 class. And they may be adding another eventually in fellow New Jersey prospect Javontae Jean-Baptiste following an official visit in a couple of weeks.
The 2018 Ohio State recruiting class now stands at 23, but the Buckeyes are still looking to add another offensive tackle, as well as another edge rusher, and possibly another outside receiver.
Tyler Friday Highlights
[Tyler Friday photo courtesy 247Sports.com]
Great to know Friday will be playing for the Buckeyes on Saturdays to get ready to play on Sunday!
This is a crushing loss for Michigan!! One that will make the fan base start to question the recruiting ability of Harbaugh & his entire coaching staff. Two & half years of heavy recruiting & Meyer swoops in & takes him in 30 days. A lot of Michigan fans are running up a white flag & surrendering to Meyer & OSU. They are also starting to realize that coaching in the Big 10 is 3 or 4 times better now then when there savior came to town. Look for Michigan to start loosing recruits to Neb, Minn, Purdue. Frost at Neb. Will eat him up!! He was the best hire in the big 10 since Meyer!!! We have followed UCF & Frost for last few years, he is the real deal. Reminds me of another coach we had for a few years Urban Meyer. Keep an eye on Neb.
No sleepovers needed to get him. Go Bucks!
Kurt Mews. You said ALL that needs to be said. That wasn’t Michigan that you were referring too was it???
Very wise move! Instead of playing bowl games in Tampa, San Antonio or places like Memphis before or early in the day on January 1. He will play his collegiate Bowl games with titles like of Rose, Fiesta, Orange and Sugar and play later into January!