Ohio State on edge of No. 1 recruiting class

Ohio State has signed the Big Ten's top-rated class every year under Urban Meyer.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Ohio State’s bid to land the No. 1 recruiting class in college football is on the goal line.

The Buckeyes have a slight edge on Georgia for the top spot heading into Wednesday’s second national signing day. But unlike previous years, most of the action in the recruiting world already has come and gone.

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Twenty-two of Ohio State’s 24 commits signed national letters of intent during December’s early window, and eight of them already are enrolled and taking part in team activities. Twenty of Georgia’s 22 commits have signed.

Among Ohio State's commits is Toledo's top player, Dallas Gant of St. John's Jesuit. Gant is already enrolled at OSU.

The debate between OSU and Georgia has a measure of quality versus quantity. According to 247Sports.com composite rankings, the Bulldogs landed more five-star players (six) than any other program in the country, yet sit just behind OSU.

Ohio State signed two five-star players, but 11 of their class of 2018 recruits are ranked inside the national top 100. Further, the Buckeyes also signed defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson, Jr., the highest rated junior college prospect at any position.

The Buckeyes know they will sign three more players this time, with Cleveland defensive end Tyreke Smith, New Jersey defensive tackle Tyler Friday, and California receiver Chris Olave.

A high-profile commitment for either team could change which program finishes with the highest-rated class.

For the Buckeyes, their biggest target — figuratively and literally — is Florida offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, a five-star prospect. A number of major programs have courted Petit-Frere, who has 29 scholarship offers.

OSU is among the favorites to sign the 6-foot-6, 272-pound Petit-Frere, rated as the top offensive tackle in his class. The Buckeyes put on the full-court press for Petit-Frere, sending defensive coordinator Greg Schiano and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa to visit him in January and hosting him for a visit Friday.

Petit-Frere, who also is considering Michigan among other schools, is scheduled to make his college decision at 10 a.m.

Even if Georgia takes the lead, Ohio State is assured to finish no worse than second nationally. The Buckeyes also will finish with the Big Ten’s top-rated class for the seventh straight year under coach Urban Meyer.

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at: npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz.