Ohio State lands Eli Lee, getting commitment from in-state linebacker
AKRON, Ohio - The Ohio State defense added another piece for the future on Wednesday night with the commitment of Archbishop Hoban linebacker Eli Lee.
Lee, listed as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and the No. 15th ranked player in the state of Ohio in the junior class, received the offer a few weeks ago after Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles made the trip to Akron to watch Lee and others in Hoban's 57-7 win over Walsh Jesuit on Sept. 29.
Despite Ohio State being his dream school, Lee wasn't completely sure when he got the offer if he would commit to Ohio State because he wanted to do his due diligence in deciding his next stop.
"I wasn't 100 percent sure," Lee said. "I wanted to definitely take some time to think about it and see what else would happen. But I knew I didn't want to wait around very long."
Lee then went to Ohio State's game this past weekend against Penn State, where he stood on the sidelines with former Ohio State linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer and took in his first game from field level at Ohio Stadium.
"It was a great experience," Lee said. "I've obviously never been down there as a recruit on the field."
Also at the game, Lee had a chance to chat more with the Ohio State coaches who have led the recruiting process.
"Before the game, (assistant linebackers) coach (James) Laurinaitis and coach Knowles both talked to me for a little bit," Lee said. "We've been talking very often throughout this whole process. They've been on me since day one and they've they've really shown to me that they care and they really want me, so that meant a lot."
Being from Ohio, Lee also saw that other young players from Ohio on the Ohio State roster such as Sonny Styles and Jermaine Mathews have been able to see the field early in their careers and have an impact immediately.
"I definitely noticed that and that just honestly kind of motivated me," Lee said. "I want to be there early on, I want to get on the field early on, and I want to make my plays. That just motivated me to work harder so I could have those opportunities."
With the commitment now made, Lee can focus on trying to help Hoban win the state championship in Division II, a journey that begins on Friday night as the Knights host Akron Ellet in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs.
"It definitely helps me because I don't really have to think about it as much since my decision has already been made," Lee said. "Our main goal in the end is obviously to win the state championship. That's been the goal since day one."
On the Hoban team that is trying to win the state title, Lee has a couple of teammates who also hold offers from Ohio State in defensive back Elbert "Rock" Hill and offensive lineman Sam Greer. The duo are both part of the 2026 class, but Lee wants to see them on the same field as him in college.
"I'm definitely gonna try to get them to come with me," Lee said. "I know they are younger guys, but they better come with me."
-- Ryan Isley | ryan@scorebooklive.com | @sbliveoh
(Feature photo: Archbishop Hoban linebacker Eli Lee brings down the quarterback in Hoban's win over Frederick Douglass on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Photo credit: Jeff Harwell)
