Harrison staying home

Ohio State is putting the finishing touches on its 2016 recruiting class this morning with the Buckeyes adding some local flavor on Signing Day in Columbus (Ohio) Walnut Ridge athlete Malik Harrison. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound prospect gave the Buckeyes his pledge and signature on Wednesday morning over Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and many others.

"I picked Ohio State because it's close to home and it's just a great place to go," said Harrison. "I'm going to Ohio State for my future to be bright both on and off the field."

A strong senior season for Harrison led to an offer from the Buckeyes, who had been scouting him for well over a year. Harrison then made an official visit to Ohio State the first available weekend in January. Additional trips had been scheduled to Michigan State and Syracuse but were cancelled shortly after the Ohio State visit as things began to trend heavily towards the Buckeyes.

"At first it was fun, but then when it was crunch time it started getting stressful," Harrison said of the process. My family just helped me throughout the whole thing and we made our decision."

Harrison was initially recruited as a linebacker by Ohio State with co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell taking charge of his recruitment. Harrison may get his first look at offense, but that is yet to be determined.

"We talked about receiver or linebacker," he said. "I'd prefer wide receiver. I just think I'd be a threat out there."

Either way, becoming part of the Ohio State program will fulfill a lifelong dream for Harrison.

"When I was a little boy, I always watched Ohio State," he said. "I would always tell my Dad that when I go to college that I want to be a Buckeye."