Ohio State HC Ryan Day, assistants visit 5-star CB commit Devin Sanchez

Ohio State has built one of the nation’s best recruiting classes On3 Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings, led by Houston (Texas) North Shore five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez.

Sanchez, the No. 2-ranked cornerback in the On300 for next year’s class, announced for the Buckeyes over Texas A&M, Alabama and a host of other on January 6.

“I knew after I took my first visit out to Ohio,” Sanchez told On3’s Sam Spiegelman earlier this month prior to his decision. “It was fun seeing what they do, and it all came to me after my visit for the Penn State game. I knew it was real when I didn’t go to Alabama and LSU weeks later. I thought to myself — what am I holding out for? Why wait?”

Sanchez is one of the cornerstones of the Buckeyes’ class, and on last week, cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and new safeties coach Matt Guerrieri all visited him at his school in Houston.

“Appreciate y’all for coming BIA!!! [Best in America},” he wrote on Twitter.

A week later, head coach Ryan Day rolled into North Shore with each of the three assistants as well to check on his top commit.

much love!! #THE25 BIA!!!! pic.twitter.com/0L2CJ6OAy7

— Devin Sanchez (@Devin2416) January 24, 2024

Next priority is adding other major targets

The 6-foot-2, 170-pounder is one of two top-20 commitments in the Buckeyes’ class alongside quarterback Tavien St. Clair, and he wants to keep building it.

“I’ve had the opportunity to get big-time Power 5 offers, and it’s fun to go through the process of talking to so many schools, so many coaches, and see how it goes,” Sanchez told Spiegelman. “I’m looking forward to getting more guys in my class, be the face of this class going to Ohio State. I’m taking a big step, a big responsibility, and I want to have fun, win that spot and continue my legacy, go three years and do what every kid dreams of — going in the first round.”

Sanchez excited about opportunities with the Buckeyes

Walton has made a strong impression on both Sanchez and his family. His resume and the way he runs a DB room were the difference.

“He’s probably one of the top defensive coaches out there, especially at the cornerback positon,” he started. “He’s the only cornerbacks coach in college football that’s had 10-plus years in league as a defensive coordinator. You don’t know too many coaches who have that. He’s coached big-time guys, he’s got guys like Jalen Ramsey on his resume, and over the past two years you’ve seen what he’s done with Davis (Igbinosun) and (Denzel) Burke.”

“Denzel is gonna be a first-round pick, and I want to be a part of that,” Sanchez added.