Ohio State’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class added another elite defensive back over the weekend as Olney (Md.) Good Counsel safety Faheem Delane announced his pledge to the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-1 1/2, 210-pound Delane chose the Big Ten powerhouse over Maryland, Virginia Tech, LSU and Oregon among others.
“It was a big weekend,” Delane’s father Jafau said.
“Obviously the fact of the room itself. Caleb Downs, we love the fact that a lot of seniors are coming back or guys that could’ve left chose to come back. Instantly for a father, I know football, coached football, leadership is going to be huge for him. Being an early-enrollee he can tap in for the semifinals and possibly the championship game with all the leadership. For me that was a separator. Get developed, a lot of the development really happens with the players and mentality. Out of all the other schools, I felt they had the best room, the best locker room.”
Delane took several visits to Ohio State during his process.
“Obviously the coaches, we like the scheme and what they can do for him but when all said and done it’s going to be the players making those plays and as an incoming guy I like that he has leadership in the room.”
This was the Delane’s second time going through the process with his older brother Mansoor playing at Virginia Tech.
Buckeyes setting the pace for On300 defensive lineman
Matthews (NC) Weddington On300 defensive lineman Trajen Odom was back in Columbus after visiting a few weeks ago.
He says Ohio State has set the standard moving forward.
“The experience was even better than the last,” Odom said. “Enjoyed every aspect of the visit. The surrounding class that is being built really excites me and the true brotherhood within the program also excites me.”
Ohio State now has to hold off Oregon and USC who get the official visits the next two weekends.
OSU an intriguing option for top Indiana prospect
The On3 Industry’s top-ranked prospect in the Hoosier State in Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central’s edge rusher Damien Shanklin made it to Ohio State for his official visit.
LSU, Tennessee and Alabama are a few of the other contenders.
“It was good,” Shanklin said. “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.”
Shanklin’s decision date is set for Aug. 29.
Notes from the weekend
Still like my On3 RPM in favor of Ohio State for Washington (DC) Riverdale Baptist four-star offensive lineman Jayvon McFadden.
Ohio State at the very least has tightened the race with Alabama for Carmel (Calif.) High On300 offensive lineman Jackson Lloyd. There are people that spent time with Lloyd and his family over the weekend that like the Buckeyes chances.
Roswell (Ga.) High offensive lineman Andrew Stargel raved about the weekend.
“My experience in Columbus was definitely an unforgettable weekend,” Stargel said. His commitment date is set for July 4. “I’m excited for what Ohio State is building and also excited for the development aspect that they offer.”
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