It’s been an up-and-down recruiting year for Ohio State football. Between commitments, decommitments and flips, it has been a roller coaster for Buckeye fans’ emotions.
Despite the drama leading to the early signing period, OSU still landed a top-10 class. That may be a down year by Ohio State standards, but it’s not a bad haul. However, there were some glaring omissions that needed to be addressed.
After Mark Fletcher backed off his commitment and signed with the Miami Hurricanes, the Buckeyes had no running backs in the 2023 class. That was until Christmas Eve when Ryan Day received an early Christmas gift when Massillon Washington High School running back Willtrell Hartson accepted a preferred walk-on spot with the Buckeyes.
A three-star prospect, Hartson had offers from mid-majors such as Army, Buffalo and Central Michigan and one Power Five school, Boston College.
I’m 100% committed I’m staying home can’t wait to be apart of the brotherhood. @CoachTonyAlford @ryandaytime @OhioStateFB 🌰⭕️#gobucks pic.twitter.com/ydUdmvJSlO
— Willtrell Hartson (@x_trell4) December 24, 2022
Coming from one of the most recognizable high school programs in the state, Hartson has had a decorated career. He holds the single-game rushing record with 324 yards, the single-season rushing record with over 2,000 yards and others.
Thanks Massillon for everything y’all have done for me. Couldn’t have done it with out my Offense OL blessed to be MVP and through the Roof offensive player of the year #GoTigers @MTigerFB @DaMilqFootball 🐅🟠⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/xo1ke1vyiy
— Willtrell Hartson (@x_trell4) December 16, 2022
The kid seems like a hard worker and may just be that gritty kind of back that Ohio State fans love to root for. Remember, Miyan Williams was a three-star guy and almost an afterthought when he signed with the Buckeyes in 2020. Hartson could be that same kind of diamond in the rough.
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