Buckeyes extend new offer to 2022 offensive lineman, host duo of 2023 prospects

COLUMBUS — Quinn Ewers needed to get back to Ohio State.

Ohio State’s 2022 quarterback commit was in Columbus last weekend for Buckeye Bash 2.0, spending time with his future teammates and trying to help the Buckeyes win over some more prospects. But he headed north again this weekend, allowing him to interact with the coaching staff again and build on the relationships he created during the dead period.

He also brought along his top wideout at Southlake (Texas) Carroll, 2022 receiver Landon Samson. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound receiver was impressive in his workout with wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. And while he still hasn’t received an offer, Ohio State could extend one in the coming weeks.

Samson also got Ewers to try on an Ohio State uniform; the quarterback chose not to last week because he wanted to wait until he enrolled.

Ohio State hosted a handful of top-tier prospects over the weekend. Along with interactions with the coaching staff and professors, recruits and their families took tours of campus and the Horseshoe. And the visitors snagged some photos in Ohio State uniforms.

Lettermen Row is breaking down who was in Columbus over the weekend and what went down:

2022 uncommitted prospects take official visit with Buckeyes

Strengthening their relationship with Jihaad Campbell was one of the Buckeyes’ top priorities this weekend. The recruitment of the four-star edge rusher was recently not going anywhere until it was. Something changed, and now adding the versatile defender is a focus for Ohio State.

Four-star offensive lineman Carson Hinzman headed to Columbus without an offer from Ohio State, but he is leaving with one. The Wisconsin native had enough interest in the Buckeyes to take the time to visit, even though Iowa, Notre Dame and Penn State were already recruiting him hard. An agile and smart lineman, his 6-foot-4 and 280-pound frame has room to grown.

Ernest Cooper is keeping his list of official visits private. So when he tweeted out a few pictures on Sunday of his visit, it wasn’t shocking to see he had stopped by Ohio State. A 4-star defensive lineman, he released a top-five list in April consisting of Stanford, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas A&M and the Buckeyes. He’s already taken a trip to Texas A&M, but Stanford is considered the team to beat.

Gavin Sawchuk plans to make a summertime decision. The No. 2 running back in the country took an official at Ohio State this weekend, spending time with running backs coach Tony Alford. Ohio State has been linked with 4-star running back Dallan Hayden for months, but Sawchuk is thought to be on a similar skill level.

Ohio State is in the top three for Austin Jordan along with Texas and Oklahoma. A defensive back, part of the trip was for the Buckeyes to determine if Jordan is more of a cornerback or safety.

One of Greg Studrawa favorite offensive lineman in the 2022 class took his official visit with Ohio State this weekend. The No. 1 recruit in Wisconsin, Joe Brunner has the athleticism to be moved around on the line. He’s already taken a trip to Wisconsin and has an upcoming visit with Notre Dame. Staying in the race for Brunner was on the check-list for the Buckeyes over the weekend.

Jaylen Early — a teammate of 5-star defensive end Omari Abor — spent the weekend in Columbus. The 4-star offensive lineman  really likes what he’s seen from Ohio State. Abor visited last weekend and is a must-get for the Buckeyes. There’s not too much pressure in landing Early, though.

Duo of 2023 prospects take unofficials

Class of 2023 Joenel Aguero athlete stopped by Ohio State for an unofficial. The top-50 recruit holds an offer from the Buckeyes and is a stellar safety with the ability to play at wide receiver, too. Currently at the IMG Academy, he’s from Lynn, Mass., and is ranked as the No. 8 prospect coming out of Florida.

Rodney Gallagher spent time with the Buckeyes coaching staff on Friday. The 6-foot, 160-pound wide receiver doesn’t hold an offer from Ohio State yet. The 4-star is also standout on the basketball court. He holds offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Michigan.

The majority of the activities have ended. Now the Ohio State coaching staff will wait to see if its efforts paid off.