Being pursued by a former longtime NFL linebacker led Archbishop Hoban junior Eli Lee to believe Ohio State would be the right choice for him.
A three-star inside linebacker for the Knights , Lee announced Wednesday night on social media he has committed to play for the Buckeyes.
"I've been an Ohio State fan my whole life, but just since the beginning when I've talked with them it's just always seemed like the right fit for me and the right place to be," Lee told the Beacon Journal by phone. "When that offer came, it was great. I talked to other schools and everything, but no one really compared to them when it came to how I felt towards them."
Connecting with James Laurinaitis , a graduate assistant coach who works with Ohio State's linebackers, played a substantial role in Lee's decision.
"I've been very flattered," Lee said. "You can't ask for much better than that to be your linebackers coach in college. He played in the NFL for eight years [2009-16], played for Ohio State. The fact that he's shown me interest is just a blessing."
Lee, 6 feet, 3 inches and 215 pounds, received a scholarship offer from Ohio State on Oct. 4, so things have escalated quickly since then. An unofficial visit Saturday to Ohio State's 20-12 victory over Penn State sealed the deal in Lee's mind.
"That game visit was really the deciding factor for me, to be honest with you," Lee said. "I just really wanted to see the coaches, how everything would go, how the game worked, how the coaches really were in game. I was close to the sideline. I could really see everything, and that's really my last evaluation point that I wanted."
Lee chose Ohio State's offer over five others: West Virginia, Iowa State, Akron, Massachusetts and Toledo.
In Hoban's nine 2023 regular-season games, Lee compiled 117 tackles, with 19 for loss and 8½ sacks, to go along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two tackles for safeties and a 6-yard interception return for a touchdown. His pick six occurred last week in Hoban's 14-7 loss to St. Edward.
On Sept. 29, Ohio State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jim Knowles attended Hoban's 57-7 win over Walsh Jesuit .
Lee explained Laurinaitis, Knowles and Buckeyes defensive quality control coach Sam McGrath have made him feel like a priority.
"They just really want me there," he said, "and it's just been really exciting."
Lee said his family is thrilled with his college selection. He has a strong football pedigree, with his father, Ben, and uncle Tommy Lee each owning a Division VI state title with Mogadore, circa 1996 and 2002, respectively.
"I'm glad I have them," Lee said of his family. "They've helped me through everything. They've obviously raised me. They've pushed me. They've gotten me to all my workouts. They've been a major, major part in what's happened."
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Top-seeded Hoban (8-1) will open the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II playoffs by hosting No. 16 Ellet (3-7) at 7 p.m. Friday at Dowed Field.
Hoban has two other players — sophomore cornerback Elbert Hill and sophomore offensive tackle Sam Greer — with Ohio State offers.
"I need them to come with me," Lee said. "I'll be pushing for it."
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Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Hoban 3-star linebacker Eli Lee commits to Ohio State football
