It seems as if Urban Meyer’s recruiting classes are improving throughout each class. There are high expectations for the 2016 and 2017 classes, and the expectations are the same, if not higher for the 2018 class. The Buckeyes have already went out and offered several high school freshman, including players like Ricky Slade, Tyreke Johnson, Zamir White, and Joey Gatewood. Along side these young offensive play-makers is the only current offensive line offer for the 2018 class, coming from Will Lawrence.
This early in the recruiting process, there are no position rankings out for the 2018 class, but the pile of over twenty offers speaks for itself for the 6’4, 280 lbs offensive tackle from Memphis, Tennessee. Yes, over twenty offers, as a freshman in high school. Lawrence first started his journey partaking in camps at several schools such as Ohio State, Tennessee, and Baylor. His first offer came from Cincinnati back just a littler less than a year ago in June.
Lawrence earned a Buckeye offer, which was his seventh, back in December. Now with over twenty offers, its clear the recruiting process has already started to get going early for Lawrence; he has gathered offers from top programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, LSU, Tennessee, and more. “So far, the recruiting process has been great. I have learned a lot about how important is to keep working hard and sending out film to coaches. Really just hard work and dedication throughout it all.” Lawrence said.
Lawrence is looking to release a list of favorite schools in about a year, once he is able to visit more schools. “I’ve only visited Auburn and Alabama in the last so many months. I want to start visiting a lot more schools which will help determine that.” Lawrence said.
As for Ohio State: Back in June, Lawrence was able to get out to Columbus for camp. “Last year at the camp was fun. The day of, I went on a visit to see facilities. The camp was great, I learned a lot and I had a great time.” Lawrence explained.
“Coach Johnson told me over the phone that I had an offer from Ohio State, which was really exciting.”
Coaches are seeing many great attributes in Lawrence’s game, a main reason as to why he has so many offers in just one season of high school football. “I think programs really like my pass protection and love my kick. I do need to work on finishing back. Right now, kicking back in the pocket is definitely my strengths.”
As for next season, Lawrence wants to gather ten wins, win every playoff game, and win a state championship. A commitment date is estimated in the spring of his junior year, which has a good chance of changing since there is so much time left to alter his decisions. So early in the process it is hard to get a feel for where Lawrence is favoring. He is still in the early steps of getting out to, and hearing from schools. Look for the Buckeyes to keep on him hard throughout these next couple of years.
Watch some highlights here.
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