Ohio State landed one of their priority in-state targets on Saturday afternoon, when Cleveland Glenville cornerbackBryce West made his verbal commitment to the Big Ten power.
It was a massive recruiting win for the Buckeyes, as West’s other finalist, Michigan, is obviously Ohio State’s biggest rival. Not only will they not have to face the 6-foot and 185 pound corner, they’ll have him blanketing opposing receivers.
The pipeline from Glenville to Columbus remains strong and West is consider one of the best prospects in the country, ranking as the 49th overall player and 4th corner in the country according to the 247Sports composite.
After watching his junior film, it’s easy to see why he holds such a high ranking. Find out below what to expect from West when he arrives to Ohio State.
Ball skills
Bryce West commits to OSU 🌰 pic.twitter.com/AUSSzCFpMu
— Buckeyes Network (@BuckeyesNetwork) June 24, 2023
Scout’s view
This is something that the current crop of Buckeye corners were lacking this past season, but when West enrolls, that will change. The corner had four interceptions during his junior season, showing great hands and big time closing speed. West makes great breaks when balls are thrown his way.
Athleticism
Four star CB Bryce West with a nice play on the ball in the EZ. Massive target for Michigan and Ohio Sthttps://t.co/HhyZ8uPNFC pic.twitter.com/T35SiQxEiV
— Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) June 16, 2023
Scout’s view
West’s closing speed is just the tip of the iceberg regarding his athleticism. He’s got great hip movement, which is a key trait for a cornerback. His film showed West hitting a top speed of 22.2 MPH, which is extremely fast.
IQ
Glenville's @bryvonny is THAT DUDE!
He led his team to a 15-0 record last season and the school's first-ever state title. pic.twitter.com/ec7UcPb9uq
— Zack Poff (@Zack_Poff_MP) February 9, 2023
Scout’s view
It’s not just about how fast West can run when tracking balls, it’s about how he puts himself into the position to do so. He reads plays extremely well, he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. That’s not a coincidence, it’s the fact that West understands the game so well.
Versatility
Just watch me work💯 @AllenTrieu @SWiltfong247 @Rivals_Clint @ChadSimmons_ 2022 State Champions pic.twitter.com/Vz97Z8x0US
— 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗰𝗲† (@bryvonny) December 4, 2022
Scout’s view
Not just a cover corner, West can play on the back end of a defense also. Safety is not his natural position, but it gives the Buckeyes another looks if they try and confuse quarterbacks. Not only position versatility, it’s scheme versatility as well, as West can play man and zone at high levels.
Overview
Go Bucks🌰🌰 https://t.co/TBLfsVITWp
— 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗰𝗲† (@bryvonny) June 24, 2023
What to expect
There is no doubt in my mind that West can arrive on campus and have a Denzel Burke-list impact as a true freshman. The need for elite corners on this roster is there and over the past two recruiting cycles, the Buckeyes are looking like they are reloading. As long as West can pick up defensive coordinator Jim Knowles scheme quickly, he will see the field fast. Ohio State got an elite corner in Bryce West.
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