In the new era of College Football, it is never too early to start recruiting, and Ohio State proved that on May 13, offering someone who has never played a snap of high school football yet. Ohio State wide receiver coach Brian Hartline offered Eric McFarland, who will be attending IMG Academy in Florida next season. McFarland is the first and only recruit offered by the Buckeyes in the 2028 class.
McFarland Impressed Ohio State in 7-on-7 Camps
Exactly how does a player who hasn’t played a snap of high school football get an offer from a big-time college football program? Through an impressive spring camp season, at recruiting camps and 7-on-7 competitions.
McFarland is an athletic freak for his age and reportedly runs a 4.37 40-yard dash. He is listed at 5’8 170 pounds and has a 32.5-inch vertical.
Eric McFarland has also received scholarship offers from Florida State and Washington according to 247 Sports. He is not ranked in terms of stars as no one in the 2028 class is.
Ohio State Has Had Recent Success With IMG Academy Recruits
Ohio State is no stranger to recruiting prospects from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. In the 2023 recruiting cycle, Ohio State brought in 5-star wide receiver Carnell Tate, who is entering his second season as a Buckeye. Tate stepped foot on campus with a lot of hype and was able to break into the receiver rotation his freshman year. Now in his second year Tate is expected to be one of the Buckeyes starting outside wide receivers.
In the 2018 recruiting cycle the Buckeyes brought in Taron Vincent, a defensive tackle from IMG Academy. Vincent was a two year starter for the Buckeyes and is currently a free agent in the NFL after spending some time with the Los Angeles Rams.
Ohio State has another commitment from IMG Academy in the 2025 class, defensive linemen London Merritt.
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