Four-Star Safety Malik Hartford commits to Ohio State

Four-star safety Malik Hartford of West Chester (OH) Lakota West High has announced his commitment to Ohio State on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-3, 180 pounder chose the Buckeyes over Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Cincinnati.

Hartford went in-depth on his decision to ultimately choose Ohio State.

“I chose Ohio State because of the overall program, Hartford said. “I want to win championships and I have that opportunity at Ohio State. They are great at developing players which will help me get to my goal of playing in the NFL.”

Strong relationship with coaching staff

“I have a great relationship with pretty much all of the coaches but I’m definitely closest with coach Eliano,” Hartford said. “He’s a great coach and even better guy. He wants the best for me both on and off the field, and I love that about him.”

Ohio State’s plan for Malik Hartford

“They see me fitting at any of the safety positions,” Hartford said. “They love my length and versatility and plan to put me in a position where I can utilize that the most.”

Malik Hartford ranks as the No. 189 player in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that accounts for all major recruiting sites. He also ranks as the No. 15 safety, and the fourth-best player in Ohio.

He joins Ohio State’s Top 5 class in the 2023 team rankings alongside Luke Montgomery, Ty Lockwood, Will Smith Jr., and others.