Togiai hoping to start a trend

SAN ANTONIO - One of the bigger recruiting wins for Ohio State in the 2018 class was landing Pocatello (ID) Highland defensive tackle Tommy Togiai. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound prospect kept a low profile during his recruiting process, but struggled internally for months between staying out West or taking the plunge to go far away from home and head to Columbus.

"It was back and forth between Washington and Ohio State," Togiai told BuckeyeGrove.com this week at Army Bowl practice. "I sat down with my family and we talked about it. At the end of the day, we decided that Ohio State was going to be the best place for me."

Togiai committed to Ohio State in December during an in-home visit with Buckeyes' defensive line coach Larry Johnson and head coach Urban Meyer.

"I decided that I wanted to commit there probably about two or three weeks before that in-home visit," Togiai recalled. "My mom thought it would be a cool idea to have them there and tell them in person."

It was a surprise commitment for the coaches with the family video-taping the reaction. Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson immediately started running around the room hugging family members.

"It was an incredible moment," Togiai said. "It was great that my sister could get that on camera. To see the reaction, the way coach Johnson reacted, it just tells you a lot about what kind of guy he is."

Ohio State has finished runner-up to many players from Togiai's part of the country under Urban Meyer. From Porter Gustin, to Palaie Gaoteote, to Jay Tufele, the Buckeyes have typically ended up the bridesmaid under similar circumstances. Togiai took note of that and wanted to be trend-setter.

"I think that was a factor too," Togiai explained. "Coach J even mentioned it too, that I could start a trend and have other guys from the West Coast see that I could be successful out East or across the country. You don't have to stay out West, you can actually branch out and make a name out there. I wanted to start that trend. It will be hard being away from family, but I'm excited to get out there and be a part of the brotherhood and a great program."

But ultimately, it was another example of relationships winning out. Togiai's relationship with Johnson was the driving force.

"It was huge," he said. "He is a great genuine guy that I just built a strong relationship with. I knew that I wanted to be coached by him."

Togiai will report to Ohio State next week after playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday.