Florida Star Justice Fitzpatrick Emerging as Key Target for the Buckeyes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — One of the big priorities on the recruiting trail for Ohio State right now is solidifying the cornerback position. The Buckeyes will get word from one top target in a few days when Jordan Thomas makes his decision.

But down in Florida, another key target is emerging is St. Thomas Aquinas star Justice Fitzpatrick. The four-star prospect recently made his first visit to Columbus and things look like they could be moving quickly between Fitzpatrick and the Buckeyes.

“I definitely really liked Ohio State,” Fitzpatrick told BuckeyeHuddle.com this week. “They were definitely a really competitive team. They have a lot of talent. I loved the way their coaches coached and they’ve definitely been on me a lot about seeing me being able to fit with those group of guys, so I’m honored by that.”

Ohio State offered Fitzpatrick early in the process but it has really been in the last few months where things have started to click.

“Their interest has picked up a lot,” Fitzpatrick explained. “The more they pushed, the more I became interested. They really showed their efforts, coach Walton has really showed a lot of effort and a lot of love.”

Fitzpatrick is the younger brother of NFL star Minkah Fitzpatrick, but has made his own name with a tremendous high school career. That has led many of the nation’s top programs to pursue the big, athletic cornerback prospect.

“As of now I have (official visits scheduled to) Miami, Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, and Texas,” he stated.

Fitzpatrick made multiple references to the head coach being an important factor in his decision-making process. He was able to sit down with Buckeye head coach Ryan Day on his recent visit.

“I definitely think he’s a great guy,” he started. “A real upfront man. A guy who is a man of his word. I loved that when I was at practice he was out there coaching the guys. He wasn’t just your typical head coach, he was out there running around and doing what he needed to do.”

Hear more insight from Fitzpatrick on the Buckeyes, his decision timeline and more from our one-on-one interview as part of our Southern Swing recruiting tour.