Signed: Calvin Simpson-Hunt major recruiting win for Ohio State

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 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Calvin Simpson-Hunt has signed with the Buckeyes.

COLUMBUS — Calvin Simpson-Hunt originally wasn’t going to end up at Ohio State.

The Texas native was going to stay in-state and head to Texas Tech to have an outstanding career with the Red Raiders.

But those plans changed in late June when he opted for more of a scarlet hue instead of red and essentially flipped to Ohio State.

Now that commitment is official as Simpson-Hunt has signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State.

What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Lettermen Row breaks it down.

Who is Calvin Simpson-Hunt?

Calvin Simpson-Hunt is a 5-foot-11.5, 187-pound cornerback who committed to Ohio State on June 30. Simpson-Hunt originally committed to Texas Tech in November 2021, but rescinded his verbal and chose Ohio State.

On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 83 overall, No. 7 cornerback, No. 16 Texas

On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 37 overall, No. 3 cornerback, No. 6 Texas

Hometown: Waxahachie, Texas

High School: Waxahachie

Simpson-Hunt is one of the fastest prospects in the Buckeyes 2023 class, and it’s more impressive when you think that he has to play backward.

He ran a 10.65-second 100-meter dash and a 22.12-second 200-meter dash in his junior year. That’s the kind of speed that kills, and the Buckeyes want that type of player in their defense. Not only does he possess that elite speed, but Simpson-Hunt is one of the more physical cornerbacks in the 2023 cycle and excels in press-man situations.

Sounds like something that Ohio State in its 4-2-5 defense wants to have its cornerbacks able to do.

Simpson-Hunt is joined by cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr in the Buckeyes’ 2023 cornerback haul and provides both depth and competition to a room that needs it.

How did Simpson-Hunt end up at Ohio State?

Sometimes all it takes is a gut feeling and knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

Academics were high up on Simpson-Hunt’s lists of importance and the campus setting. Ohio State provided both things he was looking for, and of course, the opportunity to develop as a football player.

“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.”

Calvin Simpson-Hunt Scouting Report

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.