Five-star Catawissa, Pennsylvania wide receiver Julian Fleming has set a commitment date and laid out his finalists.
He tweeted the news Friday evening.
May 31… pic.twitter.com/wOnPtFALcL
— ?0J4? (@julian_040) May 10, 2019
Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson, Penn State, and Alabama are Fleming’s final five and he will be making his decision known on May 31.
Fleming is the No. 1 receiver in the 2020 class per the 247Sports Composite and the No. 6 player overall.
He took a visit to Ohio State this spring, and from that point it seems the Buckeyes have been picking up steam in his recruitment.
For the longest time, Penn State was seen as the favorite. Then Clemson began to get talked about. Now, however, Crystal Balls are trending Ohio State’s way.
So far, 17 predictions have been cast.
Here is where things stand at the moment.
The Buckeyes have received four of the five projections this month.
Two months ago, Penn State was holding 75% of the predictions.
As a junior, Fleming caught 78 passes for 1,524 yards and 22 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he caught 69 passes for 1,462 yards and 20 touchdowns. Even as a freshman he was productive, catching 36 passes for 956 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Last July, Fleming tweeted out a top six of Virginia Tech, Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and Clemson.
Then on Christmas Day, he tweeted out his latest cut down, but the numbers actually increased. This time Fleming released a top 10, and joining Ohio State were Alabama, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Michigan, Southern California, Clemson, LSU, Florida, and Penn State.
In February, he released what is expected to be his final top six.
Thank you✌? pic.twitter.com/EhUsBaXuzv
— ?0J4? (@julian_040) February 17, 2019
As a player, Julian Fleming is a strong receiver who is explosive after the catch. You can also see his explosion in his basketball highlights below. At 6-foot-3, he can dunk the ball with ease while standing underneath the basket.
Here is 247Sports’ evaluation.
Terrific combination of size, strength and leaping ability. Easily separates. Speed and physicality make him elite after the catch, and ball skills are exceptional. A game-changer on special teams as well with another gear once he sees the seam or daylight to the end zone. A difference-maker in the red zone. There may be a few receivers faster but nobody nationally with the tool bag Fleming has at the position. Also a standout basketball player, a scoring machine playing above the rim who also dominates on the glass. An elite long jumper in track. An instant impact player and projected future first round draft pick.
The Buckeyes already have two receivers committed in the 2020 recruiting class, and both are 4-star prospects. Gee Scott Jr, out of Sammamish, Washington, is the No. 14 receiver and the No. 74 player overall. Rockwall, Texas prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the No. 30 receiver and the No. 156 player overall.
Julian Fleming Highlights
Football
Basketball.
Reminds me of David Boston.
Even if he did commit we would be recruiting this kid like he was uncommitted right up until signing day…so while him selecting another school would hurt, him committing to us means little to nothing.
It means osu is in the lead-now. It’s better to be the lead dog, at least the scenery changes once in a while. It’s better than chasing all of those other asses.