Former Buckeyes Make an Impact in Recruiting and Return to Ohio State
ICARO Media Group
In recent developments at Ohio State University, former Buckeyes have proven their abilities in recruiting and made successful returns to the school in different capacities.
One notable example is Brian Hartline, who has been serving as Ohio State's wide receivers coach for the past five seasons. Hartline has been instrumental in landing several highly sought-after recruits, including five-star prospects such as Jeremiah Smith, Chris Henry Jr., Julian Fleming, and Emeka Egbuka. His track record showcases his talent for identifying and attracting top talent to the program.
Tim Walton, the former Ohio State secondary coach, has also made significant contributions to recruiting. During his two seasons with the Buckeyes, Walton managed to secure commitments from five-star prospects Devin Sanchez, Na'eem Offord, and Aaron Scott Jr., among others. His ability to build relationships with recruits has undoubtedly played a role in Ohio State's success.
Joining the coaching staff more recently, James Laurinaitis has wasted no time in making an impact as Ohio State's linebackers coach. In just four months, Laurinaitis has already landed commitments from highly rated prospects such as five-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn and four-star recruits Tarvos Alford and Eli Lee. Alongside his coaching duties, Laurinaitis also played a key part in securing four-star linebacker Payton Pierce in the 2023 class.
The success of these former Buckeyes in recruiting speaks to their unique ability to relate to prospective players and sell the Ohio State program. While their status as former players is not the sole reason for their recruiting success, it undoubtedly adds an extra layer of connection and trust when recruiting the next generation of Buckeyes.
These accomplishments have led to questions about the effectiveness of other coaches within the program, such as offensive line coach Justin Frye. With the expectation of landing significant recruits, there is speculation that the Buckeyes may consider replacing Frye with an alumnus who has demonstrated a similar aptitude for recruiting.
In other news, former Ohio State basketball player Musa Jallow has returned to Columbus in a different capacity. After transferring to Charlotte following the 2020-21 season, Jallow has now taken on a career as an inpatient exercise psychologist at the Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital. Although his return is not related to basketball, Jallow expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received and continues to maintain ties with his former teammates.
Jallow, who recently attended a Buckeyes' basketball game, plans to apply to medical school in the near future. His experiences at the hospital have provided him with the opportunity to interact with a number of doctors who were avid Ohio State basketball fans during his playing days. Jallow's return to the Kingdom Summer League has been met with enthusiasm, as he reconnects with former teammates and relishes the chance to compete again.
Furthermore, Trent DiCicco, a graduate of Ohio State's men's lacrosse program, has been honored with the prestigious Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award. DiCicco's academic achievements, athletic prowess, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities earned him a $10,000 scholarship. His impact as a student-athlete at Ohio State, coupled with his off-field endeavors, including co-founding a fashion brand and volunteering in the community, have made him a standout recipient of the award.
DiCicco, a mechanical engineering major with a exceptional GPA, plans to pursue a master's degree in mechanical and systems engineering at Stanford University. His accomplishments add him to the esteemed list of Ohio State student-athletes who have received the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award.
These stories of former Buckeyes making a mark in recruiting and finding success outside the field of play highlight the continued impact of Ohio State's athletic programs. As the university continues to attract top-tier coaches and players, the future of the Buckeyes looks brighter than ever.
As Ohio State embraces the contributions of its alumni, it's evident that their knowledge, experience, and passion for the program are invaluable assets in shaping the next generation of Ohio State athletes.