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]