Buckeyes taking close look at local guard

With Ohio State assistant Chris Jent looking on, class of 2019 Pickerington (Ohio) Central guard Jeremiah Francis turned in a strong performance in a winning effort on Friday night at rival Gahanna Lincoln. Francis knocked down a couple of early threes and controlled the pace of the game from his point guard position in a big win for Central.

"I didn't really understand this rivalry last year, I was just a freshman," said Francis after the game. "But then I played in the games (last year) and we really went at it. We just have to keep working hard and embracing this rivalry and hopefully keep winning it."

Francis was a freshman starter for Central last season, but was not relied upon as heavily as he has been this year. This season, the sophomore has had to increase his production as well as his leadership.

"My confidence is really through the roof right now," he said. "Last year I had two senior leaders that helped me and now I can step into the leadership role. To be honest, I'm like the only guy with varsity minutes from last year. Sterling (Manley) was hurt and Adrian Nelson was hurt."

The Rivals100 product said he noticed Jent at the game on Friday night, undoubtedly there to watch him and fellow 2019 star Jordan Mitchell of Lincoln. Francis says he knows Jent well and has a great deal of respect for him.

"That's my man," Francis said of Jent. "I really like him, that's my favorite guy on that staff. I have a lot of respect for him, I love coach Jent."

Ohio State has not yet offered, but Francis says he hasn't felt slighted by the local program.

"They've really welcomed me into the program," Francis said. "It may not seem like it because they haven't offered me but they really have. They invite me to all of the big games so that I can come and watch. I watch JaQuan Lyle, Jae'sean Tate, but especially Lyle with how he runs that offense."

Francis has no shortage of other programs showing interest right now.

"I'm hearing from Indiana, Creighton, Purdue, West Virginia, Ohio U., Detroit, Nebraska, that's about it right now," he added.