Today’s Topic: How Will Ohio State Pitch Kendall Milton This Weekend?
This weekend, 5-star running back Kendall Milton will be taking his official visit to Ohio State. It will be one of at least four official visits Milton will take.
Two weeks ago, Milton released a final four of Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, and Georgia.
The No. 3 running back in the nation, Milton is from Clovis, California, where he plays for Buchanan High School. As a junior last season, Milton (6-2 220) rushed for 1,337 yards on 174 attempts (7.7 ypc) and scored 27 touchdowns. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,514 yards on 175 carries (8.7 ypc) with 23 touchdowns.
Based on his four finalists, Ohio State won’t have to worry about competing against a local school when they try to convince Milton that OSU is the place for him.
Pitching running backs has changed over the years. It used to be that a tailback wanted to see proof that there would be 20 carries per game headed his way. Now, however, they are seeing the benefit of sharing carries. All four schools have employed split loads of late, but Ohio State can also show Milton the 2017 season where JK Dobbins took over and was the main backfield workhorse. This may also be the case this season.
Whatever Milton’s preference when it comes to carries, the Buckeyes can show him something that would fit his liking.
Depth chart is always something else to consider, but if a running back is down to Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, there are more important things in mind than depth chart. With a list like this, it is understood that there will be competition from all angles, and that likely includes another running back in the 2020 class.
All four schools will give Milton the kind of exposure that a player requires when the ultimate goal is the NFL. Ohio State has also shown that they will rely on younger players when the need arises. In 2016, it was redshirt freshman Mike Weber rushing for 1,000 yards. The next year it was true freshman JK Dobbins.
They can show Milton that the best players play, but also that they prepare players as early as possible to be called upon.
Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford is also part of the draw for any running back. Just ask his players.
The one area that has made a difference more than any other in Ohio State’s recruiting over the last four years has been the focus on life after football for the players. And that will be a significant portion of Milton’s visit.
Along with the various possible paths of study available at Ohio State, there is also a plan put in place that goes beyond just a degree.
Urban Meyer began his Real Life Wednesdays program because he wanted his players to get more than just a degree from Ohio State. He wanted them leaving with a career, be it in football or banking or insurance or marketing. The various job fairs and connections through these efforts has been a draw with some of the top players in the nation. Other schools are now following suit, but for now they are playing catch up.
Ryan Day has continued Real Life Wednesdays and is also doing a pretty good job of continuing the recruiting standard set by Urban Meyer.
Landing a player the caliber of Kendall Milton would be a significant step in keeping the Ohio State machine rolling in the proper direction.
