2023 Recruit Hillman Picks Michigan Before Ohio State Visit

Versatile Notre Dame signee was recently released from National Letter of Intent

Author:
Buckeyes Now Staff
Mar 19, 2023 1:53 PM EDT

In this story:

Ohio State wasn't quite done with the class of 2023, targeting former Notre Dame signee Brandyn Hillman after he jumped back on the market.

The Virginia native was to visit Michigan this weekend and try to lock in a trip to Ohio State sometime thereafter -- but that may no longer be the case.

Following the official visit in Ann Arbor, Hillman made a public commitment to Jim Harbaugh's program.

The Buckeyes hadn't courted the Virginia native during the traditional open periods of the cycle, but it has been consistent since jumping in with an offer. A trip to Columbus would have been Hillman's first as a recruit.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Hillman has the ability to play skill positions on offense and defense but perhaps safeties coach Perry Eliano's involvement points to a secondary spot available should Hillman reciprocate the interest in Ohio State. The Irish expected him in the secondary, too, for what it's worth.

Hillman, who entered his senior season without FBS offers, is an explosive athlete regardless of position. He emerged as a Power Five prospect early in the 2022 season at Portsmouth (Va.) Churchland just a few months after posting the highest testing score at the Elite 11 Washington D.C. Regional in the spring.

As both a junior and a senior, largely focused on the quarterback position, Hillman rushed and passed for more than 1,000 yards, landing him Class 4, Region A Player of the Year honors each campaign as an upperclassman. He also played on defense and punted in high school en route to scoring 22 touchdowns as a senior.

Ohio State signed several safety projections in the class of 2023, including Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu and Cedrick Hawkins. Of the trio, Hawkins could work as a nickel type while Hartford has classic field safety traits.