Analyzing impact as 2023 wide receiver Bryson Rodgers commits to Ohio State

COLUMBUS — Ohio State’s ace recruiter has done it again as the Buckeyes secured a commitment from four-star 2023 wide receiver Bryson Rodgers on Sunday.

The Florida product is the first piece in what will be another talented receiver haul for Brian Hartline.

The news comes just one day after the annual Ohio State spring scrimmage. Bryson Rodgers was one of a number of talented prospects that flocked to Columbus for the event. He’s now commitment No. 8 for Ryan Day’s 2023 recruiting class.

Hartline has once again zeroed in on several of the country’s top wideouts in what’s expected to be a three or four-man class at the position. Rodgers – who hails from Zephyrhills, Florida and attends nearby Wiregrass Ranch High School – had been in Columbus back in March before making the return trip this weekend. He’s rated as the nation’s No. 28 wideout and No. 171 prospect and has been courted by the likes of Alabama, Florida, and Florida State.

What do Ohio State fans need to know about Bryson Rodgers now that he’s made his college decision?

Lettermen Row is breaking down his choice and what it means for the Buckeyes, the Big Ten and the national recruiting scene in the Class of 2023.

What Bryson Rodgers gives Ohio State on field

At 6-foot-1 and 173 pounds, Rodgers is another wideout that really fits the mold of what Brian Hartline looks for at receiver. He’s got excellent short-area quickness and has no problem getting open off the line of scrimmage. He shows excellent body-control and an ability to make tough catches in traffic.

Rodgers will, like most high school receivers, continue to develop his frame. Getting stronger and more ready for the physical Big Ten is where Bryson Rodgers will spend a majority of his focus before arriving at Ohio State.

By the time Rodgers is called up to be a regular contributor for Ohio State he should have a year or two with the Buckeyes weight program under his belt. That’s the only piece he’s missing right now.

If there’s an Ohio State comparison that I see for Rodgers it may be Brian Robiskie. He’s not as tall as Robiskie but the combination of speed and smooth is where I see the connection.

What pickup means for Ohio State 2023 recruiting class

Ohio State signing a handful of the nation’s best wideouts has been a common theme of late. No one in the country has outperformed Brian Hartline on the recruiting trail, and there’s no reason to expect differently this time around.

Rodgers is the first wide receiver pledge for the 2023 class, and the list of priority targets has really started taking shape over the last few months. Hartline is likely to take two more before next February’s national signing day and the final number could be as high as four if all the right pieces fall into place.

IMG Academy’s Carnell Tate has been a top-of-the-board target for the better part of a year now. The Chicago native had once looked like an Ohio State vs. Notre Dame battle, but Tennessee has emerged as the primary threat in that recruitment. Florida’s Brandon Inniss is another priority target and the Buckeyes, Trojans, and Crimson Tide seem to be in the lead group. North Carolina’s Noah Rogers joined Bryson Rodgers in Columbus this weekend. Listed as the country’s No. 5 wideout, his recruitment should come down to Ohio State and NC State.

How Bryson Rodgers impacts 2023 recruiting rankings

Brian Hartline has continued to identify players he likes regardless of their national ranking. And when he offers them? The young assistant coach he goes all in. That was the case for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kyion Grayes in recent years and Bryson Rodgers fits that bill. His commitment moved Ohio State into the No. 4-spot in the Class of 2023 ahead of Alabama, a lead that was increased by the subsequent addition of his friend Dijon Johnson.

Ohio State has a small lead over Penn State as the Big Ten’s top-ranked 2023 class.