Signed: In-state linebacker Garrett Stover bolsters depth, brings unique skill set
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2024 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Garrett Stover has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has secured one of its longest-committed prospects. Garrett Stover has signed his Letter of Intent to Ohio State.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Garrett Stover?
Garrett Stover is a four-star linebacker from Sunbury, Ohio, and played at Big Walnut High School. He committed to the Buckeyes on Nov. 21, 2022. Stover, the younger cousin of current Ohio State tight end Cade Stover, only truly considered Ohio State in the recruiting process.
On3 Industry Rankings: No. 106 overall, No. 8 LB, No. 4 Ohio
On3 Ranking: No. 151 overall, No. 7 LB, No. 7 Ohio
Hometown: Sunbury, Ohio
High School: Big Walnut
Garrett Stover is one of the more athletic linebackers in the 2024 cycle. He predominantly played safety growing up and was always one of the fastest athletes on the field at any given time. His potential as a linebacker, however, was noticed at an Ohio State camp in June 2022. Stover switched from safety to Will linebacker his junior season and then from Will to Mike his senior season.
Stover is one of two linebackers in the Buckeyes’ 2024 class. He and Payton Pierce round out the haul for Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis.
How did Stover end up at Ohio State?
The moment Ohio State head coach Ryan Day extended the offer to Garrett Stover, the expectation was he’d commit soon.
He’s a Central Ohio kid, grew up a Buckeye fan and for the last few years has taken an exceptional personal interest in the program. Stover did wait, however, before making his decision. He visited for nearly every home game in 2022, but also visited Notre Dame in 2022 for the Clemson game.
A few weeks after that, however, he pulled the trigger and hasn’t looked back since.
“I love everything about Ohio State and it has everything I want,” Stover told Lettermen Row. “It’s home for me and my heart’s a Buckeye.”
Stover has been one of the largest peer recruiters for the Buckeyes in the 2024 cycle.
He will be an early enrollee and on campus in January following the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.
