The Ohio State Football team didn’t need to go far for it’s most recent commitment, as Akron Hoban linebacker, Eli Lee, made his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes on Wednesday evening.
The class of 2025 commitment number grew to four, and although it’s still very early in the cycle, the expectation is that the Buckeyes will once again have one of the top class in the country.
Lee is clearly now part of that and the skill set that he will bring with him to Columbus is impressive. His junior film has been updated, so let’s take a look into what kind of player Ohio State got in Lee.
Recognition
Eli Lee pick-six with 10:01 left in the first quarter gives @HobanFootball a 7-0 lead on St. Edward. pic.twitter.com/SCuDT3xlV7
— Matt Goul (@mgoul) October 20, 2023
Scout’s view
Instincts are a big part of being a linebacker, especially in the middle. You are tasked with reading the play correctly, which is something that Lee does exceptionally well. He’s able to diagnose if it’s a run or pass quickly and make the play.
3-down player
Eli Lee 33 on the tackle pic.twitter.com/A9kwx1UQRG
— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) October 20, 2023
Scout’s view
Part of the recognition plays into the fact that Lee won’t really have to leave the field on situational plays. The need for a linebacker, especially in today’s game, to be able to stay on the field for all downs is a big plus.
Good tackler
Eli Lee 33 with another tackle. pic.twitter.com/ROsj2xwMT3
— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) October 21, 2023
Scout’s view
Having a sure tackling linebacker is what many teams are looking for and the Buckeyes found one in Lee. His technique is very sound. He wraps and rolls when it’s a 1-on-1 situation and can hold up a ball carrier when he needs help. An extremely important trait in a linebacker.
Speed
Ohio State 2025 LB offer Eli Lee in warm ups pic.twitter.com/qsYXZUWe3s
— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) October 20, 2023
Scout’s view
Lee won’t be mistaken for a track star, but he has plenty of speed to cover from sideline to sideline. He will need to work on that as he prepares himself to arrive to Columbus, but the base of work is there.
Future outlook
I have decided to commit to THE Ohio State University! #AGTG #GoBucks🌰@OhioStateFB @markpantoni @JLaurinaitis55 @CoachJimKnowles @HobanFootball @Hoban_Strength @CoachMcGrath22 @614EditzDSGN @showcaseneohsfb pic.twitter.com/EwMCwCEXBl
— Eli Lee (@EliLee12) October 25, 2023
Scout’s view
Lee has all the potential to be a very good linebacker in the future, but at the current moment is a bit raw. He still has a full year of development before he arrives to campus, so he could close the gap in that time frame. I think the most realistic expectations would be for him to enter the program with a redshirt year, play special teams, and then be a contributor in year three.
