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Eli Apple enrolled at Ohio State: Buckeyes get top cornerback recruit

The Buckeyes plucked an Apple out of New Jersey, and landed one of the best corners available.

Cornerback Eli Apple, out of Voorhees, NJ, has already enrolled at Ohio State University and will participate in Spring camp before his freshman season with the Buckeyes. Apple is rated as one of the top corners in the class of 2013 and garnered offers from top programs across the country.

The Buckeyes landed Apple over interest from Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Nebraska. He was a solid early commitment for Ohio State, as he pledged to Urban Meyer just after signing day in 2012. Apple was selected to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and “The Opening,” so he has spent time with the nation’s best.

Apple was a weapon on both sides of the ball for Eastern High School. He played wide receiver and wildcat quarterback on offense, while working as the top cornerback on the defense. The offensive experience gave him great ball skills, and he could be a playmaker should he get an opportunity with a turnover.

As for his defensive skills, he should be a great help in the run game. He is a solid tackler and has good recognition ability. He has a quick first step and at 6’0, has the size to tussle with most wide receivers. Apple Times his move on the receiver well, and shoot be excellent at breaking up passes.

With a GPA of 3.2, and a December graduation, Apple seems to be an academically-inclined individual and should have little trouble in the classroom.

The corner was originally known as Eli Woodard, but changed his last name to Apple to honor his stepfather, who raised the Buckeye from the age of two.

Ratings: 5-star by ESPN, 4-star by Scout, Rivals, and 247 Sports

Vitals: 6’0, 185

Other offers: Alabama, Boston College, Cal, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Wisconsin among others.

Twitter: @EliApple_9

Recruitment timeline:

Apple committed to the Buckeyes on 2/16/2012 and enrolled on 1/7/2013.

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