Three-star offensive tackle Brady Taylor (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Ready) said throughout his recruitment that an Ohio State offer would not immediately result in a commitment. That offer did not come until January -- six months after he committed to Virginia Tech.
As a Columbus native, though, Taylor could not ignore the Buckeyes’ late attempt to flip him. He took an official visit this past weekend and was back on campus Monday morning to meet with coach Urban Meyer. That's when the 52nd-ranked player in Ohio committed to Ohio State.
Taylor reported his commitment in a text message to ESPN.com.
Ranked No. 75 nationally among offensive tackles, Taylor was planning an official visit to Virginia Tech for this coming weekend, but that will no longer take place. Contributing to Taylor’s flip was the Hokies’ loss of offensive line coach Jeff Grimes, who departed last week for the same position at LSU. Taylor said last week he was upset to hear Grimes was leaving and that it would be a factor in his final decision.
For Ohio State, Taylor provides the final piece of the offensive line puzzle. Coming into the 2014 class, the offensive line was priority No. 1, and the staff’s desire was to sign five offensive linemen this cycle. The Buckeyes wrapped up four commitments at the position early but struggled to land a fifth commitment. Having missed on a few prospects, the Buckeyes offered Taylor.
The Buckeyes will have significant holes to fill on the line in 2015, which allows for Taylor to develop and possibly redshirt. At 6-foot-4 and 267 pounds, Taylor likely won’t be ready to contribute until at least 2015.
