Ohio State is going to have to wait a little longer than expected to find out if it will land the highest-rated football recruit in the state since Ted Ginn.
Zach Harrison, a 5-star defensive end from Olentangy Orange High School in suburban Columbus, just said that he will not announce his decision on August 14 as expected.
Harrison told Clay Hall of ABC 6 that he was torn between Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.
“All three schools that are left, I want to go to all three really badly. So I’ve got to figure out what sets them apart and what’s really important to me,” Harrison said.
As Hall reported, “Harrison has delayed announcing his decision on his birthday next month.”
Harrison is ranked the No. 4 player overall in the nation, the highest a Buckeye State recruit has been slotted since Ginn was pegged the 2nd-best in the country in 2004.
That has led to a lot of talk that Harrison was a “must get” for Urban Meyer and his staff.
For much of his recruitment, it seemed like Harrison was destined to take the short trip down Route 23 to play his college ball for the Buckeyes. His Crystal Ball read 100 percent to Ohio State as recently as mid-June.
However, that changed after he made official visits to Ohio State and Michigan during the same week.
Harrison has been extremely reserved throughout his recruitment, but in July he told reporters that he was ‘more confused than ever’ about where he would commit to.
There was some question about how torn he really was, but the delayed announcement now has to be a big concern for everyone inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Harrison is a remarkable prospect who possesses an almost unprecedented combination of size and speed.
He’s 6-foot-5 and 225 lbs, but ran a 10.82 in the 100-meter dash at a track meet in April. That is less than half a second slower than the all-time Ohio High School record, set by former Buckeye running back Brandon Saine (10.38) in 2006.
His highlight reel (embedded below) shows exactly why he’s considered one of the best players in the nation. Harrison is big and strong enough to overpower smaller blockers, and fast enough to zip past bigger opponents to bring down the quarterback.
He also showcases his athleticism on offense, including on plays where he splits out wide and beats a defensive back downfield for a long touchdown reception. He also shows great hands, reeling in a one-handed catch as an inline tight end.
Wherever he ends up, Harrison will likely be an immediate impact player in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes, Wolverines, and Nittany Lions will all just have to wait a little longer than expected to find out where that will be.
