>>RELATED: 6 things to know about Ohio State football this offseason
The latest to join the fray is Parker Braun, a two-time All-ACC guard from Georgia Tech.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior-to-be told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution both academics and athletics have led him to decide to finish his career elsewhere.
With head coach Paul Johnson retiring, the Yellow Jackets will be installing an offense new coach Geoff Collins has described as “NFL-based” to replace Johnson’s triple-option attack.
Since Braun would have had to learn a new offense whether or not he stayed at Tech, his next step on the educational ladder might have as much or more influence in his decision to move on.
Per the ACJ, graduate school options came up first when the three-time academic All-ACC selection asked about finding a new place.
He'll graduate in May with a degree in literature, media and communication. He wanted to pursue a master's in a liberal-arts field, and his choices at Tech were not to his liking. Braun said he'd like to study anthropology and has an idea of becoming a community-college professor when his football career is complete.
Braun was a 247Sports Composite three-star prospect at Hallsville High School in Texas three years ago.
He had a strong offer list that included Ohio State, and he told the AJC he is working on scheduling a visit to Columbus.
Braun has already been to the University of Florida, is planning to visit the University of Texas and potentially Auburn as well.
Five-star Ohio State early enrollees looking to be next Buckeye stars (sooner or later) https://t.co/6p9z7cH2Og
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) February 21, 2019
Seeing a need to bulk up, Braun said the strength program would be a main factor along with grad school programs and the coaching staff in picking his next destination.
Since he is on the small side for a typical offensive guard in today’s college football, Braun said playing center would be a consideration at his new school.
That certainly would not hurt his value to Ohio State, where left tackle Thayer Munford is the only returning full-year starter.
Wyatt Davis, a sophomore who started the last two games at right guard for the injured Demetrius Knox, is a presumed starter while the No. 1 contender for left guard appears to be senior Brandon Bowen, a starter two years ago before suffering a broken leg.
Josh Myers, a third-year sophomore from Miamisburg, is penciled in to replace All-American center Michael Jordan while senior Josh Alabi should get the first crack at replacing Isaiah Prince at right tackle.
ICYMI: Miamisburg’s Josh Myers preparing for major role at Ohio State in 2019. We also spoke briefly about how rarely throwing the ball in high school builds character. https://t.co/Xv4DvqIrcs
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) January 24, 2019
Behind that group, junior Gavin Cupp is the only one of seven scholarship players who is not a redshirt or true freshman.
Previously, Ohio State has hosted Rutgers transfer Jonah Jackson, and R.J. Proctor is planning a visit during the first weekend in March according to a report by BuckeyeGrove.com.
Proctor started 11 games over the past two seasons at Virginia. He visited Texas last weekend and is also being pursued by Florida State, Oklahoma and Houston.
Jackson, who is also considering Oklahoma, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick last season.
About the Author
