Tyler Booker impressed by Ohio State 'authenticity' during official visit
COLUMBUS — Tyler Booker isn’t going to be impressed by much.
The country’s No. 5-ranked offensive tackle prospect is one of the country’s most traveled recruits, and he’s seen a couple of things. The Connecticut native and IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) 4-star lineman has been all over the country in the last few years. Heck, just this month he’s been to Florida, Georgia, Oregon and now Ohio State earlier this week.
So, when the 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman opens up about his impression of a football program, it’s worth a listen. He was quick and direct in his assessment of his official visit with the Buckeyes.
“The authenticity,” Tyler Booker told Lettermen Row. “That’s what stood out the most. If I had to put the visit into one word, that’s what it’d be. It’s authentic. The culture and their success, the proof is in the pudding.”
Booker spent time with Ryan Day and Greg Studrawa, of course, getting a good look at the Buckeyes offensive line room. He’s heard from others that Ohio State doesn’t produce NFL first-round talent at tackle. That’s important to him, so it was equally important to him to assess that for himself.
“I try to never take outside opinions to heart,” he said. “I really came into this visit to Ohio State with a clear mind, because I wanted to see it for myself. They have two guys right now that are probably going to be first-round picks at tackle next year. I know that I’ll have the opportunity there to reach everything I aspire to.”
Those aspirations aren’t just on the football field. The Buckeyes — and the city of Columbus — showed Booker what else is out there.
Tyler Booker found common ground with Ryan Day as a fellow Northeast native. (Tyler Booker/Twitter)
“They did a great job with their academic stuff, they have rigorous academic standards there,” he said. “Plus it was really cool to walk down the street with Paris and everyone knew who we were. They love their football players [in Columbus], and a bunch of people came up to us and showed us love. That was a cool surprise.”
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Ryan Day connected with Tyler Booker, partly because of their shared roots to the Northeast.
“He was really cool,” he said. “He’s a Northeast guy like me, and he really understands what makes Ohio State different. He was talking to me about how if I come in there I could really make a difference, especially with the class that they have. They’re going to win a national championship up there, that’s coming.Â
“As an offensive lineman, but also just as a player and leader, that’s something I’m looking at close. I want to be a part of something with guys that have the same goals I do.”Â
Originally, Tyler Booker had intended to settle down after the month of June and make a commitment. He’s taken four of his five official visits now, with the fifth scheduled at Alabama this weekend. But he’s not ready to shut things down.
He’ll slow down and take things into the fall. After waiting so long to make visits, it seems hasty to push a decision if he’s not ready.
“I had wanted to commit sometime in July, originally,” he said. “But after some thought and consideration, I’ll probably wait until the fall. I want to make visits and see some games. Plus, I want to know what these campuses are like when the students are there.”
