Ohio State was long near the top of the long list of offers for Simeon Caldwell, but he had to get back to Columbus over the weekend to make sure he knew all he needed to with the defending national champs.
That included time with new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, which he got while in town this time around, and the updated Buckeye pitch was plenty for the blue-chip recruit to jump on board.
Caldwell announced his commitment Thursday and told Rivals he is all but certain to be cancelling the remainder of his visits in the process.
“I talked to him a few times over the phone, but I wanted to see how I fit in their system,” he said. “I really liked the plan that they have for me up there. My uncle is the DB coach up there, coach (Tim) Walton. But coach (Matt) Guerrieri, coach (Michael) Hunter, coach Patricia, I have a great relationship with all of those guys.
“I was ready to make the decision. Ohio State is home.”
The versatile defender, who has safety, linebacker and nickel experience to his name at Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles, confirmed plans to move around the defense at the collegiate level as well. He will enter the program as a safety, most likely.
“They said they’ll use me in a lot of different ways,” Caldwell said. “I’ll be in the box against the run, they’ll use me to defend the pass in coverage. A lot of different things to be able to utilize my versatility best. They’re B.I.A., best in America, for a reason.
“With that being said, Ohio State is gonna be the best place for me to develop in the future and succeed at the next level.”
Caldwell, the son of longtime NFL player and now pro coach Mike Caldwell, delivered the commitment news to Ryan Day’s program early in the week after some time to reflect on the trip.
“I decided that it was time,” he said. “I just feel like that’s home. A true home. They’ve always been one of my top schools, through and through. This visit solidified it. I’m happy where I’m at, I’m happy to commit.
“This is the right decision.”
Caldwell had official visits lined up to programs like Notre Dame, USC and Miami in addition to Ohio State. The return trip to Columbus is slated for June 20.
Seeing spring practice in person has the newest OSU pledge excited to make his own mark at the storied program.
“I think they’re getting one of the smartest players in the country,” Caldwell said. “I grew up around it my whole life. I feel like they’re also getting a fast, long, physical safety/linebacker, whatever. I’m a defensive athlete. I’ll play anything that they need me to and I can do it at a high level.
“For Buckeye nation, they’re coming off of a natty so just expect more in the future. I don’t plan on leaving without having a ring on my finger.”
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2025-04-03 09:30:12
