As our sister site, Bearcat Insider, reported this morning, Clayton (Ohio) Northmont cornerback Kurt Coleman committed to the Buckeyes earlier today.
Coleman (5-11, 180, 4.39) becomes the fourth commitment in OSU’s class that figures to number as many as 20 signees by February. He was rated as Ohio’s 11th-best prospect in the May edition of Ohio High magazine. However, since that ranking came out, he was listed as the 10th-best prospect in the entire Midwest by Scout.com.
“I came over to Ohio State about 9 a.m. today,” Coleman told Bucknuts.com. “I got to talk with (athletic director) Gene Smith. Then, at 10 o’clock I got to meet with Coach Tressel and (defensive backs coaches Paul) Haynes and (Tim) Beckman. I committed at that time.”
Coleman said Ohio State was among his first offers. He picked the Buckeyes over Iowa and Kansas State.
“They offered me in early March,” Coleman said. “Tennessee, Iowa, Kansas State, Boston College and almost all of the Big Ten schools had offered me.”
He talked about why he selected OSU.
“Probably just the tradition and the academics there,” Coleman said. “It’s just family. I liked the coaches and the academics. It’s also important for me to be near my family.”
Coleman had 91 tackles and 10 interceptions on defense as a junior for Northmont, which went 9-1 but missed the Division I playoffs in a competitive region. He took back two of the picks for touchdowns and two others returned for touchdowns were called back. Offensively, he had seven touchdowns among his 16 receptions.
“I feel I can lock anyone down,” Coleman said. “I feel I go out and compete every time I step on the field. I feel I do a good job of reacting to the ball.”
Ohio High recruiting editor Duane Long has been impressed with Coleman’s progress.
“He played some corner last year, but mostly safety,” Long said. “It looks like he will get a look at corner. This kid has a big frame and very long arms. He could be special.”
Coleman holds a 3.0 GPA.
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Kurt Coleman Video