Priority linebacker target includes Ohio State in final schools, commitment date set
COLUMBUS — Ohio State and its January recruiting efforts are starting to show in ways other than commitments.
The Buckeyes hit the recruiting trail hard throughout the winter contact period and one of their top prospects has set the finish line in sight. Four-star Port Saint Lucie (Fla) Vero Beach linebacker Tarvos ‘TJ’ Alford has announced his final six schools and Ohio State made the cut.
Miami, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State and UCF round out the list.
Alford has also set his commitment date for March 30, his late grandfather’s birthday.
The 6-foot-2, 204-pound prospect is the No. 46 overall prospect, the No. 8 linebacker and the No. 4 Florida prospect according to On3. The On3 Industry Rankings are adjusted to No. 59, No. 9 and No. 8, respectively.
On3 is on par with three other recruiting services in its evaluation for Alford.
Ohio State is trending in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for Alford’s pledge at 89 percent. Florida (five percent), Miami (2.2 percent) and South Carolina (<1 percent) round out the leaderboard on the Recruiting Prediction Machine algorithm.
The Buckeyes are the leaders because of two predictions placed into the Recruiting Prediction Machine. Ohio State insider Matt Parker placed a prediction on Jan. 14 at a confidence level of 65 percent. Florida inside Corey Bender placed a prediction on Jan. 23 at a confidence level of 60 percent.
Should the Buckeyes land Alford in their No. 2 2025 class, he would be the second linebacker in the class. Three-star Akron (Ohio) Archbishop Hoban linebacker Eli Lee committed to Ohio State on October 25.
Ohio State has seven commits to its 2025 class. Five-star Houston (Texas) North Shore cornerback Devin Sanchez and four-star Bellefontaine (Ohio) quarterback Tavien St. Clair highlight the class so far.
The Buckeyes will host TJ Alford in the spring.
TJ Alford Scouting Report via On3
One of the most physically imposing prospects regardless of position in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Measured in at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds with a freakish 6-foot-10 wingspan during summer campus visits. Easy sideline to sideline speed, closes to the ball extremely quickly. Has tested very well during the spring camp circuit. Impressive long speed on the track as well running 23.88 in the 200m as a sophomore and a strong 11.67 100m during his freshman track and field season. Striker as a tackler, violent player. Comfortable as a space defender, especially in zone coverage. High upside prospect who should develop into an enforcer at the next level.
