Ohio State Football Recruiting 2017: 5 must-have recruits for Buckeyes

Oct 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer talks with his team during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Nick Bosa (97) celebrates his sack with teammate Dre’Mont Jones (86) during the first overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jay Tufele, 5-star DT (South Jordan, Utah)

Not often do you hear about recruits from Utah being considered the top at their respective position groups, but five-star defensive tackle Jay Tufele is breaking the mold. He is one of two top defensive tackles Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes are still going strong after and it would be quite the steal if the staff could lure him away from Utah.

Tufele may want to stay close to home for college so his family can see him play, but the draw of playing at a big-time program like Ohio State, competing for national titles right away has to be intriguing. That and Meyer is in desperate need for more defensive tackles. He is ranked the No. 14 overall recruit and second-best defensive tackle.

In fact, one of the top remaining needs for the Buckeyes 2017 class is defensive tackle, along with wide receiver which was addressed earlier.

The five-star defensive tackle took his official visit to Columbus back in November and the Buckeyes are the only Midwest team currently in the running for his commitment. He has a presumed top-three of USC, Utah and Ohio State. Since his official, the staff has remained in constant contact with him and has paid him two visits in the past week.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, the school who many believe is his current leader — Utah — will be getting his final official visit before signing day.

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