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Ohio State Football Recruiting: 5 must-have 2016 recruits for the Buckeyes

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer looks on during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer looks on during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes helmet prior to the game versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes helmet prior to the game versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Damar Hamlin, 4-star CB

Both of Ohio State’s current projected starters at the cornerback position for 2016 are juniors. Gareon Conley and Damon Webb are slotted to start as Conley is returning as a first-stringer and Webb is the lead candidate to replace star cornerback Eli Apple. Snagging a guy like Damar Hamlin late, assuming Ohio State also lands Fuller, could mean that a redshirt is headed his way.

Imagine Hamlin redshirts as a freshman and earns some solid playing time while both Conley and Webb are seniors. That could mean a huge uptick in his time on the field headed his way as a sophomore and junior.

The issue with Ohio State sending so many guys to the NFL early is that Urban Meyer has to scramble to figure out his team needs after the season ends and the kids make their decisions. Apple decided to go pro after his third year of eligibility and that has led Meyer to go all-in on Fuller and Hamlin. It seemed even before Apple made the decision that the Buckeyes would be the likely choice for the four-stars.

If Hamlin decides to stay close to home, he would likely pick Pitt and Pat Narduzzi — or even Penn State and James Franklin. If he wants to win a championship, or at least compete for a few, he should choose the Buckeyes.

Next: 4. Carlos Becker

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