Ohio State will host yet another coveted target this weekend. Loganville Grayson five-star and On3 Sports No. 1 linebacker Tyler Atkinson tells On3 he’ll be in Columbus this weekend. The Georgia native will visit Ohio State and arrive on Thursday.
The Buckeyes have been a mainstay near the top of the list for Atkinson, who is also highly into other teams like the Georgia Bulldogs, Clemson Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Oregon Ducks, and USC Trojans. So, it’s wide open as to where Atkinson will end up, and every visit matters.
No. 1 LB Tyler Atkinson Set To Visit Ohio State This Weekend
Atkinson had a close eye on the Ohio State college football team’s national title run. He very much enjoyed the team’s win over Notre Dame in the National Championship game, which could have swayed him more to Ohio State over some other schools.
“This win showed resilience,” Atkinson said at the time. “I can relate after coming off a State Championship win at Grayson while being overlooked and counted out by many ourselves. As a team, you have to come together and play for each other and the program.”
“That is exactly what Ohio State did this year and in these playoffs. They were definitely AtkNup, which means believing in yourself with a never out-worked mindset. Big ups to OSU players and coaches,” Atkinson says.
Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, along with linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, assistant head coach Tim Walton, and co-defensive coordinator and secondary and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, went out to check out Atkinson in January to further scout his ability both on and off the field.
“It’s is always good to see Coach Day and all the coaches,” says Atkinson. “He put a big emphasis on me being part of the program and why. We all had a really good conversation. Coach Laurinaitis and Walton came by for an in-home visit which was an awesome time.”
The last time Atkinson visited Ohio State came for a home game for the Buckeyes back in November. To say he loved the environment and campus is an understatement. This was a massively successful visit for the Buckeyes.
“The environment is nuts, to say the least,” says Atkinson. “The fans are loyal in rain, sleet, or snow. I am really impressed at how the linebackers are playing and getting after it. The Buckeyes are showing me a lot of love here.”
In 13 games as a junior on the road to a State Championship, Atkinson picked up 166 tackles, including 32 for a loss. Atkinson also had 13 sacks and 46 quarterback hurries. To add to his impressive season, Atkinson also forced a fumble and picked off a pass.
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A three-year starter already, Atkinson had 475 career tackles, 79 of which came behind the line of scrimmage. He also had a very impressive 31.5 sacks so far. On3 Sports ranks Atkinson as the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect. Ohio State would love to add him to the nation’s No. 3 ranked recruiting class and continue their championship runs.
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