But OSU hadn’t offered him at that time. That all changed in the last couple days.
McCray couldn’t be contacted for confirmation.
However, teammate Reon Dawson, who verbally committed to Illinois on Wednesday, did say that McCray received the Buckeyes’ offer. So did T-M coach Maurice Douglass to WHIO-TV.
Another teammate, cornerback Cameron Burrows, also weighed in. Burrows already has verbally committed to OSU. He tweeted about McCray on Friday: S/O to my dude @BIGPLAYMCCRAY_9 for just getting an offer from The Ohio State University #BuckeyeNation show him love.
If McCray should flip to OSU from Michigan, he’ll be the first recruit that Wolverines coach Brady Hoke will have lost to new OSU coach Urban Meyer. But McCray wouldn’t be the first to flip for Meyer.
Offensive lineman Taylor Decker of Vandalia Butler sided with OSU after verbally committing to Notre Dame. Also, defensive end Se’Von Pittman of Canton McKinley flipped from Michigan State to OSU.
McCray, 6-4, 230 pounds who doubles as a tight end, also has OSU history on his side. His father, Michael, was a linebacker and OSU captain.
McCray and Burrows were among those who participated in the Columbus Nike Football Training Camp at Ohio Dominican earlier this month. McCray was the linebacker MVP.
Flipping — verbally committing to one school and signing with another — has become more common among recruits.
Here’s what McCray had to say to the Dayton Daily News after he visited Ann Arbor, Mich., and committed: “I feel a great connection between me and Michigan. They have everything I’m looking for — the family atmosphere, the winning program, a lot of history and a bright future.”
National signing day for the Class of 2013 is Feb. 6.
Extra points
Wayne offensive lineman Lovell Peterson has not received an offer from OSU, but that doesn’t mean he won’t.
“They want to see him at camp and see how he does his stuff,” Warriors coach Jay Minton said. “They want to see that.”
Peterson was listed at 6-3, 275, but he lost nearly 40 pounds last season after being diagnosed with walking pneumonia. He didn’t miss a game.
Minton expects more offers to roll Peterson’s way should he have a great senior season.
“He hasn’t gotten the offers — not yet — that we thought,” said Minton.
Peterson and teammates Jesse Bray (WR), Javon Harrison (QB), Jarrod Hardrick (DB) and Cole Newsome (OL) all are headed to a football camp at the University of Kentucky this weekend. The Wildcats already have signed Miamisburg lineman Zach Myers.
“They’re making a big effort to come up to this area,” Minton said. “They know it’s a hotbed for athletes.”
• Springboro junior offensive lineman Sean Welsh seems to get a daily new invitation this spring. Among those to offer are Cincinnati, Iowa, Kentucky and Miami (Fla.).
• Chaminade Julienne junior linebacker Darrien Howard’s stock also is rising. He hasn’t landed an OSU offer, but could after a good summer-camp showing.
About the Author