Ohio State ‘might be in front’ for 4-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot following official visit

Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood Academy four-star EDGE Marquise Lightfoot spent this weekend on an official visit to Ohio State. Following the trip, he is feeling good about his interest in the Buckeyes.

“This official visit solidified where Ohio State stands,” Lightfoot said. “I would say it showed me everything I needed to see cause Ohio State, from what I’ve seen on social media, on TV, watching them play, it always has been a dream to play for a big team. Ohio State has showed me exactly what I should be looking for and who I should be playing with.”

According to Lightfoot, “Ohio State might be in front” following his time in Columbus. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound pass rusher is also planning to officially visit Illinois, Miami and USC.

Ohio State has impressed Lightfoot for multiple reasons, including their mentality. The No. 3 player in Illinois has noticed the Buckeyes’ intensity during practice, how the players train hard and the coaches’ high expectations.

“This visit was really about me seeing what Columbus has to offer,” said Lightfoot, the No. 60 overall prospect and No. 5 EDGE in the 2024 On300. “My first visit in my recruitment… coach (Larry) Johnson and Ryan Day, they both showed me that I was a priority and how they were going to develop me into a better player and take me from Point A to Point B. My end goal is in their favor, so we’re all working towards the same thing and that’s what really matters when I’m looking for a school.”

Larry Johnson is a key reason for Lightfoot’s interest in Ohio State

Lightfoot continued to feel like a top target to Day and Johnson this weekend. Spending time with Johnson was a high point of his visit, especially since the Ohio State assistant has placed many of his former players in the NFL.

While meeting with Johnson, Lightfoot broke down film with him and discussed the strongest parts of his game, as well as where he could improve. The four-star shared that Johnson likes how he plays and his motor.

“That is my end goal, making it to the league, no matter how or what my path may consist of,” Lightfoot said. “He showed me how they pass their legacies at Ohio State, how Nick (Bosa) and Joey (Bosa) passed it to Chase (Young) and how he believes that Chase Young will be passing it to the next person and the next person will be passing it to the next person. Larry Johnson believes in his skill and all he wants is for his players to believe in him.”

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