LB Baron Browning chooses Buckeyes over Crimson Tide, others

Linebacker Baron Browning, the No. 29-ranked prospect in the ESPN 300, committed to Ohio Stateon Thursday.

Browning chose the Buckeyes over the likes of Alabama, Florida State, UCLA, TCUand Michigan.

The No. 2-ranked outside linebacker (Kennedale High; Kennedale, Texas) took his official visit to Ohio State for its game against Michigan last Saturday. He was supposed to announce his commitment on Tuesday, but decided to push back the decision after the trip to Columbus. He then received an in-home visit from Ohio State coaches Urban Meyer, Greg Schiano, Luke Fickell and Tim Beck on Wednesday.

That in-home visit helped seal the deal for Browning and gave the Buckeyes 15 ESPN 300 commitments in the No. 2-ranked class overall. His commitment came only a day after the staff lost a commitment from ESPN 300 linebacker Antjuan Simmons, who recently took a visit to Michigan State.

Browning makes 16 total commitments for Ohio State in a class that could push back up to No. 1 if a few more big pieces jump on board.