Ohio State shifts focus from split to fully locked in on Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has recruited linebackers very well in the 2024 cycle.

The Buckeyes have a pair of four stars in the class with Garrett Stover and Payton Pierce. That duo has been the foundation for this defensive class in the 2024 cycle. Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and graduate assistant James Laurinaitis still have their eyes set on one more linebacker in the class, however.

There were two, but four-star Nashville (Tenn.) Lipscomb Academy prospect Edwin Spillman committed to Tennessee on Friday. For Knowles, Laurinaitis and the rest of the Buckeyes, the last ‘take’ is one of the country’s best: Four-star Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco talent Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.

In the latest episode of the Lettermen Lounge, hosts Spencer Holbrook and Matt Parker break down the late shift for Ohio State. The conversation starts there and the Buckeyes are all in with over two days left to go in Viliamu-Asa’s recruitment.

Ohio State has recruited Viliamu-Asa from the end of his freshman season and it’s still there as the No. 8 linebacker in the On3 Industry Rankings heads to his final year at Bosco.

With Spillman committed to Tennessee, the shift in focus goes from split to 100 percent locked in on Viliamu-Asa days before he commits.

Is this going to have any bearing on the 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker’s decision? Probably not. He knows what Ohio State is and what it isn’t.

It’s still a tight race between Ohio State, Notre Dame and USC ahead of Viliamu-Asa’s decision on Sunday. Lettermen Row sources have confirmed that neither of the three schools has been told a decision as of today.

The addition of Viliamu-Asa would be a massive get for Ohio State, especially with Spillman committed to the Volunteers.

He will make his announcement Sunday evening at 5 on a live stream.

Any other options?

Ohio State has offered 13 linebackers and four remain uncommitted.

Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa of course is one of them, but the other three are Justin Williams, Kris Jones and Devin Smith.

Williams will commit on July 24 and it’s either Georgia or Oregon. Jones doesn’t have a timetable yet, but Ohio State is out of the picture with Georgia as the major front-runner. Smith doesn’t have an announced commitment date, but he does have a final five list: Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU and South Carolina. The Buckeyes entered the race a little late in Smith’s recruitment, but still offered him on March 29.

The post Ohio State shifts focus from split to fully locked in on Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa appeared first on On3.