Defensive specialist Malik Barrow has just committed to playing for Ohio State. It was a decision that became clear to him following his meeting with Coach Urban Meyer which also including his parents. He's going to Columbus for college to tick off everything on his checklist: brilliant coaches, a competitive football program, and an excellent school. He is extremely pleased with his choice.

Barrow watched the Buckeyes play a Spring football game with his family to celebrate his decision but it wasn't his first time on the campus. He went to OSU last year during summer to participate in a training camp. It was there that the coaching staff first saw his skills up-close. Both parties must have liked what they saw as they are now together for good. Barrow is a nationally ranked defensive end who never fails to frustrate his opponents. At Ohio State, he will be playing defensive tackle.

One of the things that OSU coaches liked is his remarkable ability to run across the defensive line and do damage to the opposing team's offense. It's something that is rare in players so he had the edge over other prospects. His large frame of 6'3" and 260 lbs. makes him the perfect person to take over the role Michael Bennet played, who is set to graduate soon. His explosiveness is excellent and this will only get better as he gets more guidance.

It wasn't a walk in park to acquire Barrow. There were lots of other schools expressing their interest in him like all top talents. Among them were Georgia Tech, Penn State, Duke, Miami and Michigan State. The recent visit to the campus was set up not only to solidify his commitment to the team but also to give his parents peace of mind that their son is going to a good school. The family's thumbs up sealed the deal.