Thanks to Michigan State, there’s been quite a bit of drama along the defensive line throughout signing day.
First there’s the ever-evolving situation involving five-star defensive end Malik McDowell. Prior to that, however, we began the day with a report that three-star New Jersey end Darius Slade, a Michigan State commitment, had decided to eschew signing with the Spartans until he got the chance to visit Ohio State.
A few hours later it was reported that MSU wouldn’t wait for Slade and had dropped its pursuit of the player. Now, it’s being reported that Slade has signed with the Buckeyes.
Sources say Darius Slade signed with #OhioState. He ONLY had 37 sacks in the last two seasons.
— Brad Bournival (@bbournival) February 5, 2014
For what it’s worth, Ohio State has yet to confirm Slade’s addition to its 2014 recruiting class.
Slade is a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, rated as the No. 19 player in the state of New Jersey at any position. He could become the first of two linemen OSU grabs at the expense of MSU as McDowell’s father could still be pushing his son to Columbus -- or, to be fair, Tallahassee as well.
(Photo credit: Rivals.com)
UPDATED 3:24 p.m. ET: Cleaning up this bit of business, Ohio State has confirmed Slade’s signing.
Ohio State just handed out list of 23-player class. Includes recent add Darius Slade pic.twitter.com/JUWVkYDH51
— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) February 5, 2014