Get to know Vero Beach, Fla., four-star linebacker Tarvos Alford, who signed with the Buckeyes on Wednesday.
Height, Weight: 6-2, 210
247Sports Composite Ranking: Alford is the nation’s 103rd-best prospect, eighth-best linebacker and 15th-best player out of Florida.
Commitment Date: Alford committed to Ohio State on March 30.
Other Offers: Auburn, Baylor, Colorado, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa State, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, SMU, Tennessee, Texas A&M.
How He Did In High School: Alford served as tackling and pass-rushing machine for Vero Beach his senior season, totaling 94 stops in 11 games (8 ½ per contest), along with 10½ tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hurries, four sacks, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery. He had an even better season as a junior, winning TC Palm’s Defensive Player of the Year award after totalling 114 tackles (12 for loss), six pass deflections, four sacks, three quarterback hurries and an interception while leading Vero Beach to the regional semifinals of Florida’s 4A playoffs.
Where He Fits For 2024: Alford’s physicality and aggressiveness at linebacker has impressed Ohio State’s staff, who have compared him to both former OSU linebackers Ryan Shazier and Jerome Baker in the past. James Laurinaitis seems to have found a good one in Alford, but Alford will still likely have to wait his chance for some playing time while playing behind a group of more experienced linebackers such as Arvell Reese, C.J. Hicks, Payton Pierce and Garrett Stover. Sonny Styles could also return to the fold for Jim Knowles’ unit, which could put Alford even further down the depth chart next season.
