Ohio State is adding to its already No. 1-ranked 2025 recruiting class as the Buckeyes received a commitment from a three-star running back West Isaiah.
He is the second running back to commit to Ohio State in the 2025 cycle, joining Bo Jackson.
West, who was born in New Jersey but attends St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, was in Columbus this weekend for his official visit to the Buckeyes.
He’d known for some time that Ohio State was where he wanted to be, thanks to the strong relationships he built with the head coach.h Ryan Dia, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly It is Carlos Locklyn (“Bus blockade”).
“I chose Ohio State because of the people within the program,” West told Rivals. “The brotherhood is real and there is a consistent pursuit of excellence throughout the building. I believe that Coach Lock can develop me into an elite wing, and with Coach Kelly being added to the staff, I think I will fit in very well. in attack. I knew it was Ohio State after my unofficial visit in May.
West felt the bonds he created with Locklyn, Day, Kelly and the rest of the OSU staff were stronger than with any other program. This is the team he believes will develop him best on and off the field, and for good reason.
“I have an easy relationship with everyone,” West noted. “Of course, Coach Lock, he texts me every day. The relationship between me and Coach Day is also good, and he’s a really easy guy to talk to. Coach Kelly loves me. I’m excited to work with all of them. .”
Another thing about the Ohio State program that caught West’s attention is the energy of the players and coaches and the overall atmosphere in Columbus.
“One thing that stands out to me is the energy these guys bring to everything they do,” West said. “They are jumping, screaming and playing dodgeball before practice against the coaches on Fridays, and that energy is maintained throughout practice.”
In addition to Ohio State, West has received scholarship offers from Boston College, Connecticut, Kentucky, State of Michigan, Minnesota, North Caroline, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia Technology, Wisconsin, West Virginia and more.
However, Ohio State is the only school he’s decided to take an official visit to, and he had a great time in Columbus over the weekend.
“My visit was great,” West said. “I had a lot of good food, spent time with some players and got closer to the team. As for what I saw, I got to see most of the facilities and campus and we discussed plans for me on my (next) unofficial (visit).”
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound West feels like he can bring a lot to the Buckeyes once he arrives on campus. He is a willing runner between the tackles and accelerates at the line, but he can also get to the edge and show off his speed. Additionally, he can be difficult to bring down, breaking many tackles and fighting for extra yards. West also prides himself on being a strong receiver on defense.
“I would say I’m a versatile defender – acceleration combined with power and quick feet,” West said when describing his game. “I have good hands and spend a lot of time working at receiver, which allows me to be versatile, which makes me a threat all over the field.”
The chance to attend a program and university as prestigious as Ohio State is not something West takes lightly. He is grateful for the opportunity.
“This opportunity is a blessing and I intend to make the most of it,” West said. “My parents taught me that nothing is given to anyone, so we have to accept it. Go, Bucks!”
