Four-star running back Mark Fletcher decommits from Ohio State
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has a lot of forward momentum on the recruiting trail as it relates to defensive prospects.
The Buckeyes, however, just lost one of its longest committed prospects as four-star Fort Lauderdale (Fla) American Heritage running back Mark Fletcher decommitted from Ohio State on Wednesday.
Fletcher announced the news via Twitter.
“First off, I would like to thank The Ohio State University, Coach Tony Alford, and Ryan Day for offering me the privilege of playing football at the next level.
However, after long conversations discussing the best opportunities for me and my family, I have decided to decommit from The Ohio State University and reopen my recruitment.
Please respect my decision.“
Fletcher is the No. 17 rated running back in the country and is a top 300 player according to On3. He was the only running back committed to Ohio State after the Buckeyes saw some of their primary targets choose elsewhere.
Fletcher has recently visited two in-state programs in the last few weeks. He attended the Miami-Florida State game on Nov. 5 and was also present for Florida-South Carolina on Nov. 12.
“They’re never going to stop until I sign that paper,” Fletcher told CaneSport about Miami’s pursuit of him. “They just want me there, they want me to be a program changer and they believe I can do that.”
With Fletcher seemingly out of the picture, for now, at least, Ohio State and running back coach Tony Alford will have to seriously pursue other options as the early national signing day rapidly approaches.
As much as a decommit hurts for a program, the Buckeyes have their schedule on their side. Ohio State hosts Michigan next Saturday in what will be one of the biggest games — if not the biggest game — of the season.
Ohio State has offered eight running backs in the 2023 cycle and all are currently committed to other programs. The Buckeyes have been persistent in their effort to flip four-star running back Justice Haynes from Alabama.
Continue to follow Lettermen Row for up-to-date coverage on Mark Fletcher, the running back search and how the 2023 class can now close out.
