Can the Buckeyes Pull Another Elite Receiver Out of Texas?

CROWLEY, Texas — Ohio State has had a lot of success in recruiting Texas over the years, including pulling five-star wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of the Lonestar State. Now the Buckeyes have their sights set on another elite receiver prospect in Crowley (Texas) star Tay Ellis.

The 6-foot, 175-pound prospect has some interesting ties to the state of Ohio.

“My Grandpa’s side of the family is all from Ohio,” Ellis explained. “My grandfather is from Columbus and all of (that part of the family) is from Columbus, Akron, different parts of Ohio. My mom is from Illinois so most of my family is from up north.”

His family from Ohio isn’t shy about expressing their opinions on where Ellis should take his talents in college.

“I hear pressure every day,” he laughed. “I hear things about Ohio State every day. Ohio State fans are probably one of the biggest (fanbases) in the country. They have a large alumni base and my Grandpa and everyone that’s from up north, they love Ohio State. They have blankets, lock screens, everything you can name, they have it.”

But beyond the family ties, Ellis sees a lot to like about the program in Columbus, starting with wide receivers coach/offensive coordinator Brian Hartline.

“Coach Hartline, I know if I go there he’s going to be there,” Ellis said. “He’s been there like the whole time and they invest in coach Hartline. I believe in him, Buckeye Nation believes in him.”

Ellis, who camped with the Buckeyes last summer, is eyeing a return trip to Columbus around June 12th to workout with Hartline once again.

Hear more from Ellis on his relationships at Ohio State, budding friendships with Ohio State wide receiver commit Jamier Brown and Chris Henry Jr., and more from our Southern Swing interview.