Top-100 EDGE Damien Shanklin moves up commitment date

After originally setting a September commitment date, Indianapolis Warren Central four-star EDGE Damien Shanklin announced earlier this month that he had moved his commitment up Aug. 29.

That date has now been pushed up once more. Shanklin tells On3 VP of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong that he will now come off the board next week on July 5. He will choose between Alabama, LSU and Ohio State.

Shanklin is the No. 86 overall prospect, No. 12 EDGE and top recruit from Indiana in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder took official visits to each of his finalists and Tennessee this month. The Tigers are currently trending for his pledge, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

“It was amazing,” Shanklin said of his May 31 OV to LSU. “I was able to sit down and chill with the staff and players and I also feel very bought in there. Literally talked to the whole staff this weekend because the bond is there and also enjoyed my time with the recruits. But everything was great about the visit. Nothing but positive energy.”

Shanklin followed up his trip to Baton Rouge with an OV to Ohio State the following weekend. Touted Buckeyes DL coach Larry Johnson is pushing to add another elite defender to OSU’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class.

“It was good,” Shanklin told On3 of the trip to Columbus. “Had a great time. The Buckeyes showed me what I expected. And I also love the brotherhood that the players have and also just how they are with each other. I had a great experience and also had an wonderful time talking to Coach Day and Coach Johnson. But knowing that development is key is also something I love about the visit.”

Alabama rounded out Shanklin’s June with an OV over the weekend. Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide delivered a memorable experience to the blue-chipper.

“I had an amazing time,” he said of his time in Tuscaloosa. “And I also loved everything about Alabama. They didn’t disappoint.”