Already signed and on campus, 2013 defensive back Eli Apple (recently changed from Woodard) is a standout defensive back recruit who could challenge for early playing time on a team in need of corner-backs. The best player in New Jersey for the year, Apple has great speed (4.5) and size (6’0” 185lbs) coming out of Eastern Regional High School. He attended camp at Ohio State prior to his junior year and earned a scholarship from the coaches for his performance during the summer camp.
He also camped at Purdue, Notre Dame and Rutgers that summer, earning two more offers. Alabama came with an offer early during his junior season but Ohio State remained high on his list. His interest really grew when Urban Meyer was hired to coach the Buckeyes for the next 7 years. In February last year, Apple officially visited OSU with his family with only Ohio State, Notre Dame and Alabama still under consideration. On the 16th of the month he committed to be a Buckeye in 2013.
Apple made it to the NJ state championship in his senior year but failed to win the title in a 30-27 loss. He played on both defense and offense with 64 yards receiving during the title game.
At Ohio State he will compete for the position opposite Bradley Roby after the graduation of starting back Travis Howard. If he doesn’t win the cornerback position outright as a freshman he could see the field on special teams or in the nickel position.