4-star running back from Cleveland Heights (Ohio) Marquis Davis It has been a priority for Ohio State's 2025 recruiting class for more than 18 months.
Running backs coach Tony Alford has been scouting Davis since the fall of 2022, and the relationship between the two has only deepened since the scouting began. Davis holds offers from programs across the Big Ten, as well as the likes of Notre Dame and Kentucky.
But, of course, it's the in-state Buckeyes who are setting the tone for his recruiting efforts. On Tuesday, OSU recruiter Matt Parker recorded a favorable prediction for Ohio State on the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM).
The Buckeyes have now had him over six times, making him one of their top priorities at the position in 2025, if not their top priority.
“I'm really excited about this,” said Davis, the No. 102 overall prospect and No. 7 running back on On3. lettermen row Last week, he got candid about Ohio State. But perhaps his biggest thought is that he feels the Buckeyes are no longer scouting him, and I don't mean that in a bad way,” Parker wrote in explaining his nomination. ing.
Connection with Buckeyes running back coach Tony Alford is a big factor.
His relationship with Alford is one of the biggest relationships he has built through his recruiting career. Davis knows you can honestly always ask questions and discuss anything.
“We had a lot of fun conversations and it wasn't just about football anymore,” Davis said. “[Ohio State] It's pretty high on my list. I like what they are doing and support it. Coach Alford and I have a good bond and we know each other's positions. It gets straight to the point and doesn't say too much. ”
This fall, Davis was named Gatorade High School Player of the Year in Ohio.
He had a prolific season with the Tigers this fall, rushing for 2,087 yards and 32 touchdowns on 217 carries in the regular season. This was a good 9.6 yards per carry and 208.7 yards per game. Davis only played in two of the Tigers' three playoff games, but was still impressive. He ran for 318 yards on 38 carries and scored three touchdowns.
