Signed: Safety Malik Hartford gives Buckeyes size in back end

The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Malik Hartford has signed with the Buckeyes.

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COLUMBUS — Ohio State just locked up Malik Hartford, the Buckeyes’ top-rated safety in its 2023 class.

The Lakota West product signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State.

What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.

Who is Malik Hartford?

Malik Hartford is a four-star safety from West Chester, Ohio, and he played his high school ball at Lakota West. He committed to the Buckeyes on April 6, 2022. Hartford held 22 offers, but he chose Ohio State and didn’t look back.

On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 150 overall, No. 10 S, No. 4 Ohio

On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 227 overall, No. 18 TE, No. 9 Ohio

Hometown: West Chester, Ohio

High school: Lakota West

Hartford’s 6-foot-3 frame lends itself well to defending the middle of the field. He’s not averse to contact, which helps him in the box — that said, he’ll certainly need to add some weight once he arrives on campus. Hartford could easily see special teams snaps as a freshman, especially considering his high-level play in that phase at Lakota West, where he blocked six kicks as a junior.

Hartford is one of three safeties in Ohio State’s 2023 class, along with four stars Cedrick Hawkins and Jayden Bonsu. More generally, he is part of an incoming group of Ohio State defensive backs that also includes four-star cornerbacks Jermaine Mathews, Calvin Simpson-Hunt and Kayin Lee.

How did Hartford end up at Ohio State?

Hartford took four unofficial visits to Ohio State in 2022, including two in the offseason: first in January, then in March. He then was on campus for the Iowa game and the Michigan game. His official visit was on June 24, just about three months after he pledged to the Buckeyes.

Hartford never took an official visit elsewhere.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, safeties coach Perry Eliano and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton made the trip to West Chester, Ohio — a suburb of Cincinnati — in late November for an in-home visit with Hartford.

While Eliano was still on staff at Cincinnati, he recruited Hartford. They maintained a relationship even after Eliano took the job at Ohio State, and that played a significant role in Hartford’s commitment.

“When I take a step back and think about it, it’s all kind of surreal,” Hartford told Lettermen Row. “[Ohio State] is a top program and who wouldn’t want to play for one of those top schools? I feel like after every visit I make it’s hard because every trip is a great experience. The coaches always make it a great experience.”

Malik Hartford Scouting Report (On3)

Active safety with the frame and on-field demeanor to develop into a physical presence over the middle of the field at the college level. Has very good stature, checking in at 6-foot-2.5, 175 pounds prior to his senior season. Lines up in a center field safety role for his high school, but also rolls into the box as a run defender at times. Shows good play speed and effort as a pursuit defender and can run down plays from the backside. Diagnoses and triggers quickly in defending runs and the quick game. Flies downhill with vigor. Willing to throw his body around and not afraid to dish out contact. Highly productive as a special teamer with six blocked kicks as a junior. Also saw some time at receiver. Will need to continue honing his coverage technique. Should see his tackling and striking power improve as he gets stronger.