Columbus (Ohio) Gahanna Lincoln Top247 junior defensive end/outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has committed to Ohio State.
Cooper actually committed to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes staff while in person at the Rutgers game. The family went public with the decision Friday. "It was really hard to keep it a secret," Cooper said. He didn't want his recruitment to be a distraction to his team as the playoffs were approaching. "Rumors were going around my school and then everyone at my school knew. I decided to let it out. "It feels great, it feels amazing, definitely a relief off my shoulders." Rated by the 247Sports Composite as the nation's No. 13 weak-side defensive end and No. 169 prospect overall, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Cooper earned his Buckeyes scholarship at Friday Night Lights in July. He chose to stay in-state over offers from Kentucky and Notre Dame among others. "What made Ohio State right for me that it's right here at home, I grew up an Ohio State fan, the coaches are great, I found a connection and I feel I have a good relationship with the people." Cooper becomes commit No. 4 for Ohio State in 2016, joining fellow in-state prospects in Top100 running back George Hill, Top247 offensive lineman Tyler Gerald and receiver/tight end Kierre Hawkins. "It means everything, being here and growing up here, it definitely means a lot," Cooper said. "I think our class is going to be amazing. I'm really excited to come in here and these other guys are talented and work hard as well." "I just look forward to getting better as a player, getting bigger, getting stronger, getting faster, anything I can improve on. "I'm glad I'm a Buckeye."
