Signed: Lathan Ransom

One of Ohio State's biggest out-of-state coups in this 2020 cycle was Tuscon (Ariz.) Salpointe Catholic star Lathan Ransom. The Rivals100 safety is one of the Buckeyes' top rated recruits in the class, but he was also one of the most competitive battles that the Buckeyes had to win.

While Ohio State recruited from a lead position for many of Wednesday's signees, it wasn't always that way with Ransom. Notre Dame, LSU, Texas, and many others were all vying for Ransom's services and it looked like the Fighting Irish and the Longhorns in particular held an early advantage.

A brief spring unofficial visit opened Ransom's eyes to Ohio State, however and solidified the Buckeyes' spot in his top five and in his official visit plans. The Buckeyes then knocked the June official visit out of the park, leading many to believe that they were now in the lead for the four-star prospect.

That proved to be accurate with Ransom joining the summer commitment parade for Ohio State. While Notre Dame and Texas never gave up on trying to flip Ransom, there was surprisingly little drama around him during the fall and winter. While there was some concern after Jeff Hafley accepted the Boston College job, Ransom placed those concerns to rest earlier this week by reaffirming with the Buckeyes.

Ransom is built like a throwback strong safety but covers ground like a modern day free safety, which is why Ohio State made him one of their top defensive priorities in the class. Ransom has tremendous instincts and feel for the position and showed the big-time range and playmaking ability throughout his senior season and also on the camp circuit at The Opening in July.

Ohio State's defense has really evolved into only playing one player that would be considered a true safety and that player needs to be strong in run support but also able to play as a single high safety. It's tough to find that skill set but Ransom has it and it wouldn't be surprising to see him work his way into playing time pretty early in his Ohio State career.