Four-star cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt commits to Ohio State
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is adding a versatile defensive back to its class: Calvin Simpson-Hunt committed to the Buckeyes on Thursday.
The four-star Waxahachie (Texas) native picked the Buckeyes after decommiting from Texas Tech, where he had been locked into that class since November, earlier in the day.
Simpson-Hunt joins four-star cornerbacks Dijon Johnson and Kayin Lee as Ohio State cornerback commitments, and he is the first player from Texas to join the Buckeyes class of 2023. Ohio State now has 15 commitments in its class that seems to be filling up quickly, especially after the massive visit weekends in June.
After committing to the Red Raiders last football season, Simpson-Hunt impressed coaches around the country with electrifying track times and film to back up his elite speed. He ran a 10.65-second 100-meter dash and a 22.12-second 200-meter dash, creating buzz.
Ohio State offered the No. 107 player in the country on May 4. Just a month later, he was on campus for an official visit during the June 17 weekend.
“They’ve got a huge influence in football and that’s a good thing that I’d like to see and check out for the football experience while I’m there,” Simpson-Hunt told On3 prior to his Ohio State visit. “I realize in college, football, you’re going to be doing that a lot.”
Simpson-Hunt moved quickly following that visit. After officially visiting Texas Tech on June 24, he decided to open his recruitment — and quickly close it back down.
And now, he’s in the top-ranked class in the country, giving Tim Walton and the Buckeyes defensive coaching staff another big win on the recruiting trail during his first summer as the cornerbacks coach.
Calvin Simpson-Hunt scouting report from On3
Pure cover corner with size and top-end athleticism. One of the best press-man corners in the 2023 cycle. Surrendered just 3 catches as a junior. Possesses long arms which allow for him to initiate contact with ease and consistently go up and play the ball at its highest point. Has a developed build at around 5-foot-11.5, 190 pounds. A patient corner who is rarely beat off the line of scrimmage. Has the recovery speed to get back in phase if needed. Ran a blistering 10.65 second 100 meter time as a junior and posted a 22.12 second mark in the 200 meters in 2021. A physical and willing downhill player who can make tackles in the backfield. Looks to have a high ceiling and with the upside to push as one of the top corners in the cycle when all is said and done.
