As always, The Silver Inquiry is our chance to provide meaningful answers on the latest and greatest news surrounding Ohio State recruiting. This weeks questions consists of the latest recruiting news on 2023 defensive back AJ Harris as well some info on 2023 defensive line recruiting.

“I saw AJ Harris tweeting about starting an Alabama to Ohio State pipeline with another recruit. Do the Buckeyes have a legitimate shot here?”

I’m sure many Buckeye fans are feeling the same way in terms of AJ Harris’s Twitter exchange this week with fellow Alabama native and Ohio State target Tomarrion Parker. The two went back and fourth complementing the Ohio State fan base and saying they should start a pipeline to Columbus.

Now I do definitely believe the Buckeyes are legitimate players here as I have them sitting in the passenger seat his recruitment. I think the Buckeyes were definitely his top school when Kerry Coombs was still on the staff as he built an excellent relationship with both Harris and his family. The deciding factor at this point on where Harris will end up will likely be on how well of a relationship Perry Eliano and Tim Walton build with Harris.

At this point right now, Georgia is the leader but the door is definitely far from being closed on the Buckeyes. I’ve heard a lot of different info in terms of when we can expect Harris to make a commitment but at this time right now the longer this recruitment plays out, the better it is for the Buckeyes. If I had to put a percentage on the likelihood of the Buckeyes landing Harris I would say it’s pretty close to down the middle, with Georgia at 50% Ohio State at 40% and Clemson with a small outside shot at 10%.

Who do you think the Buckeyes are going to add on the defensive line in 2023?

I just want to start by saying the Buckeyes are not expected to have the type of defensive line haul that they have had in the past two cycles. I think the staff feels very confident in their chances to land some highly skilled players again this cycle but I would not expect it to be a top two defensive line haul but would put my reputation on the line to say it will definitely be a top five group. The Buckeyes are going to land Derrick LeBlanc when that recruitment wraps itself up. I’ve also got the Buckeyes landing AJ Hoffler in this cycle and again I do not think it’s a matter of if it happens rather than when is it going to happen. Then after that there is a lot of question marks.

I like the Buckeyes chances on landing Florida defensive tackle John Walker as I really think they only need to beat out Michigan and Florida in that recruitment. I think A’mauri Washington has been thought of as a guy who has been close to committing to the Buckeyes but has been advised to hold off until he takes  all of his visits.

There’s been a lot of smoke surrounding North Carolina, defensive lineman Keith Sampson and the Buckeyes. I definitely could see him joining the class if he is a take but I think a few other players will have to spurn the Buckeyes before that happens.

Of course, the Buckeyes already have a commitment from Dublin Coffman and legacy recruit Will Smith. Nothing will change there and I think the Buckeyes are set to land a combination of any of these four guys. Again, this will not end up as a top three haul in terms of groups around the country but there is certainly some high motored and quality recruits among that mix.