Ohio State’s Chances at Landing Its Top 3 National Signing Day Targets

Ohio State’s 2014 recruiting efforts will come to a close on February 5 when a number of its top targets announce their collegiate decisions.

The Buckeyes have already secured commitments from 22 outstanding prospects. With graduating seniors and early departures to the NFL, Urban Meyer has three or four more spots remaining in this year’s class.

How will things wind down for the Buckeyes?

Three of Meyer’s top targets, all of which are rated 5-star prospects, are still undecided. Here are Ohio State’s chances of landing those three targets.

John “Juju” Smith

After allowing 268 passing yards per game in 2013 and ranking 110th in pass defense, the Buckeyes need all of the help they can get in the secondary. Ohio State already has three outstanding defensive backs in Damon Webb, Marshon Lattimore and Erick Smith, but Meyer would gladly welcome John “Juju” Smith to the fold.

The 6’1″, 200-pound safety out of Long Beach, Calif., has offers from most of the top programs in the country, and Ohio State is still listed as a contender for his services, according to his 247Sports profile. USC and Notre Dame, though, have a considerable lead.

Chances of landing Smith: Five percent

Malik McDowell

Arguably the strongest position group at Ohio State is the defensive line, but that hasn’t stopped Meyer from going after some of the top defensive linemen in the country.

The Buckeyes already have a pair of defensive end prospects…

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