Ohio State Football Recruiting: The Significance of Friday Night Lights Camp

When Urban Meyer arrived at Ohio State in November 2011, he brought along several traditions developed during his time at Bowling Green, Utah and, most notably, Florida. And while quick cals and circle drills have already found their respective places in Buckeye lore, perhaps none has excited fans as much as the annual Friday Night Lights camp.

Traditionally held on the final Friday before the start of fall camp, Friday Night Lights provides Meyer and his staff with one last weekend to fully focus on recruiting. Top prospects from all across the nation come to Columbus to work out at the camp under the bright lights of Ohio Stadium in an event that was originally developed during Meyer’s time with the Gators.

“Just to do something different and give campers a game-like atmosphere in the stadium,” Meyer explained of the camp. “Since we’re getting close to the season, it’s never very long. It’s only a couple hours. But we’re going to put them through a weight workout and then just try to get them a little feel for what college football’s all about.”

Open to the public—but not advertised, per NCAA rules—fans get in on the action, catching an early glimpse of the college football stars of tomorrow while inadvertently aiding Ohio State in its recruiting efforts. A packed house on a July Friday night can go a long way in the mind of a recruit, and the rabid, recruiting-obsessed Buckeyes fanbase has proven capable of providing just…

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