According to a report from David Goricki of The Detroit News, Clarkston, Mich., four-star offensive guard Rocco Spindler will make his college decision on Aug. 8. He’ll choose among finalists LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State.
Clarkston star and Michigan target Rocco Spindler says no to IMG Academy, sets commitment date —https://t.co/nd1pTJVJi7 pic.twitter.com/IezQRtX697
— Detroit News Sports (@detnews_sports) July 9, 2020
The 6-5, 315-pound Spindler – who is considered the third-best offensive guard and No. 50 prospect overall in the class of 2021 – was adamant about taking all five official visits before making an announcement, but the NCAA’s recent decision to extend the recruiting dead period through the end of August has changed his thinking. He’ll instead rely on his past visits and virtual meetings with coaches to decide between the schools.
The Buckeyes have been among the leaders in Spindler’s recruitment thanks to his relationship with co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, which dates back to Mattison’s time as the Wolverines’ defensive line coach and when Spindler was unsure if his future was along the offensive or defensive side of the ball. He’s even made a couple trips to campus over the last year, most recently for the 28-17 win over the Nittany Lions in November.
The Tigers have also made a push in recent weeks after Spindler’s teammate, four-star offensive tackle Garrett Dellinger, committed to LSU in late June. That said, the Michigan native is widely expected to pick either the Fighting Irish and home-state Wolverines, with both programs holding 50 percent of the 247Sports crystal ball predictions.
Spindler, who notably turned down the opportunity to play his senior season at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, will graduate early and then enroll at the school of his choice in January.
Ohio State, meanwhile, already holds commitments from Bellaire (Texas) Episcopal four-star guard Donovan Jackson and Richfield (Ohio) Revere four-star tackle Ben Christman, and the staff hopes to add two more lineman to the fold this cycle. Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass four-star guard Jager Burton is one of the few remaining interior targets, while Fairfax (Va.) Robinson Secondary five-star Tristan Leigh has emerged as the top target at the tackle position.
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