When you put together a class like the one that Ohio State is assembling in 2018, other schools are not going to stand by and just watch. The Buckeyes are in a situation right now where other programs are coming after many of their commits, including four-star Owasso (Okla.) safety Josh Proctor.
Proctor committed to Ohio State in a bit of a surprise back in the spring and since then has visited Columbus (Ohio) multiple times. But this weekend he made a trip to Oklahoma as the Sooners have been turning up the heat in recent weeks to get the big-time in-state defensive back on campus.
Despite the surge from the local power, Proctor remains a member of the Ohio State class.
"I'm still solid (to Ohio State)," Proctor said. "(Oklahoma is) after me, but I'm locked in."
It appears the Buckeyes have survived, at least for now, the weekend official visit to Oklahoma. Proctor stated before the visit to Norman that he was trying to get back up to Columbus at the end of the month and that is still in the plans.
"I took my official visit for the OU game, but I plan on going back (to Ohio State) when they play Penn State," he stated.
Much of the credit for Proctor's commitment to Ohio State goes to Buckeyes' defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. The two continue to build on their relationship and are talking frequently.
"I talk to coach Schiano (the most)," he explained. "Ohio State just tells me to keep playing well, to go get the state championship, and to be ready work when you get here."
On the field, Proctor is in the midst of a tremendous senior season. Whether it's on defense, offense, or special teams, he seems to be making a big play or two each week. Friday night was no different. On his only offensive snap of the game, he took a jet sweep 49-yards for a touchdown. Owasso blew out Putnam North to get back on track after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Tulsa Union.
"We just had to come out here and play our game," he said afterwards. "We wanted to minimize mistakes and be a better team than we were last week."
The difference in Proctor as a senior from his junior season is noticeable. He is a more explosive athlete that is making more big plays.
"I think my build," he said, of the biggest difference. "I was tiny last year. I put on some weight, maybe 10-15 pounds. I'm 197 right now."
