Baron Browning commits to Ohio State

After seemingly leading for months for five-star linebacker Baron Browning, Ohio State was able to hold off Alabama, UCLA, and others to secure the nation's top linebacker prospect on Thursday night.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect out of Kennedale (Texas) committed to the Buckeyes on the heels of in-home visits with Ohio State and Alabama and becomes commitment No. 16 in the 2017 class.

Ohio State moved into a strong position with Browning way back in the spring and seemingly held a lead through the summer and into the fall. A late push by Alabama coming out of a mid-October official visit was held off and Ohio State recaptured momentum over the weekend when Browning made his official visit to Columbus.

Ohio State is not done in the state of Texas yet, however. With the nation's top linebacker on board, the Buckeyes will continue to chase the nation's top defensive tackle, Houston (Texas) Episcopal product Marvin Wilson as well as Browning's close friend, five-star defensive back Jeff Okudah.

Stay tuned to BuckeyeGrove.com for more on Browning's pledge to Ohio State.