Meyer Flips Another, Taylor Decker joins 2012 Buckeyes

Something that Buckeye fans have not seen before is becoming commonplace these days as Urban Meyer continues to poach recruits from other schools. Offensive tackle Taylor Decker joins future teammates Se'Von Pittman (Michigan State) and Tommy Schutt (Penn State) as the third member of this class to have pledged elsewhere before switching to the Buckeyes. It may not end here, either, as the Buckeyes are currently targeting other players who are or once were committed elsewhere in Camren Williams and Armani Reeves, who are both considered soft verbals to Penn State.

Decker pulled the trigger on his switch on Sunday after his official visit to Columbus this past weekend. He had a chance to sit down with Urban Meyer and discuss Meyer's philosophy and where he would fit in with Ohio State in the future. Decker is a big, strong offensive lineman, which the Buckeyes were in desperate need of with the departure of the "Brew Crew" and the recent struggles to bring in top linemen from across the country. Decker was recruited to Notre Dame by Ed Warinner and had also forged a close bond with Tim Hinton, Ohio State's new recruiting coordinator.. Hiring these coaches away from Notre Dame had to have played an important role in landing Decker, even though he insisted they were not the only reason he chose Notre Dame in the first place.

Decker was not originally offered by the previous staff, which left many Buckeye fans wondering why? He is a highly regarded prospect from the state of Ohio and was never even considered by Jim Tressel or Luke Fickell. That was all fixed with the hiring of Urban Meyer, who made it a point to go out and find quality offensive linemen, especially ones from the state of Ohio. Decker received his offer, although he said he remained 100% committed to Notre Dame at the time, and then decided to take an official to Ohio State last weekend.

Dave Berk over at Scout had a chance to speak with Decker after his commitment, and the reasons behind his change were not all about Meyer and his staff. "I would say there were several things in my decision,” said Decker. “The first was academics. Notre Dame is a very prestigious school and would provide me a great education. However, when I made my commitment I knew Notre Dame did not have my major and that bothered me." Decker plans on becoming a sports medicine and exercise major.

Learn more about the newest Buckeye, Taylor Decker, after the jump.

School

Butler HS
Vandalia, OH

Measurements
Ht: 6'8"
Wt: 288 lbs.
40: 5.0 secs.
Vertical: 28"
Bench: 225 lbs.
Shuttle: N/A

Stats and Rankings

Decker brings an immediate help to a depleted offensive line. He brings a strong, tough and sometimes mean attitude to the football field. He continues to work on his footwork and blocking and with the addition of size that he has gained he will be a force to be reckoned with when he steps foot onto the field at Ohio State. Decker is a top 25 kid in state, and a top 30 at his position according to most recruiting sources.

Rivals 250: 4 Stars

Scout 300: 4 Stars

ESPN 150: 3 Stars

Positives

- Brings and immediate help to the offensive line numbers that were struggling the past few seasons under Tressel. He will probably red-shirt next season and learn Meyer's new system of the spread, but should be a huge player in his second year.

- Big, tough and athletic. He has the size and athleticism to play tackle at Ohio State, but could also play guard if needed. He has added bulk in the past year as he went from around 260 lbs. to near 300 currently. Getting him into the weight room at Ohio State will do nothing but continue to develop his already strong body.

- Keeping the in-state prospects in state. Decker had been a Notre Dame commitment for quite some time, and did not even have an offer from Ohio State until just recently. Meyer has set out to keep the great talent from the state from leaving as well as picking and choosing from the pool of nationwide kids out there. Consider this a win in getting a top quality lineman back into the fold for the Buckeyes.

Questions

- Could he start right away? Highly doubtful, the Buckeyes line seems set next year, and barring and major injuries I don't see Decker setting foot on the field in year one. He will take some time to learn the spread formation under Meyer and his new offensive coordinator Tom Herman. I see him red-shirting and possibly seeing the field in his second year.

- What is next for Ohio State on the offensive line recruiting trail? Kyle Dodson and Jordan Diamond seem to still be in play and Dodson seems to be headed anywhere but Wisconsin. The newest name on the radar was also a visitor last weekend at that is Joey O'Connor from the state of Colorado. He received his offer while on his visit and most believe that it is only a matter of time before he becomes a Buckeye.

Free Film

Click above to watch the twentieth member of the Ohio State Buckeye recruiting class.