Ohio State Enters the Picture for Kentucky Running Back Targets

For a few weeks Kentucky appeared to be frontrunners for a couple of three-star running backs. Now Ohio State has entered the chat.

With Chris Rodriguez on his way out the door, along with a few others in the running back room, the Wildcats needed to reload with a couple of rushers. As a pair of kids decommitted, Kentucky closed in on two others, Trey Cornist and Jamarion Wilcox. “Not so fast my friend,” said Ohio State.

This week four-star tailback Mark Fletcher decommitted from the Buckeyes. Kentucky is feeling the domino effects as they search for a replacement in Columbus.

For a significant chunk of time, Clemson and UK were the two horses leading the race for Wilcox, with the Cats seen as the team to beat. A late riser in the recruiting ranks, the three-star prospect from Georgia has caught the eyes of big-time programs by rushing for 2,059 yards and 29 touchdowns on 229 carries during his senior campaign. This week he received a scholarship offer from Ohio State.

Beyond Blessed To Receive An Offer From THE Ohio State University !!! 🫶🏽🎯 @CoachTonyAlford @ryanday@SUMOROBINSON @SPaulding_FB @Mansell247 @adamgorney pic.twitter.com/yH7QKFfVKq

— //1// (@JamarionWilcox1) November 17, 2022

Closer to home, Ohio State was back at Winton Woods High School. It’s a frequent recruiting battleground between Kentucky and Ohio State, most recently when the Buckeyes won out for cornerback Jermaine Mathews. Now Trey Cornist is a top priority for Vince Marrow. According to 247 Sports, although he does not have an offer, Cornist has been in contact with the Buckeyes this week. The three-star rusher plans on visiting Michigan State this weekend.

Another thing is not working in Kentucky’s favor: each player has already used their official visit to Kentucky. However, there is one scenario that will make everyone happy.

Louisville’s top-ranked commitment Rueben Owens is in the Derby City this weekend. There’s whispers that he could be in Columbus next weekend when they host Michigan. There’s a world where Ohio State gets a 5-star running back, Kentucky gets its top two running back targets and the Cards are crying as their recruiting class falls apart. That’s what Michael Scott would call a win-win-win.