The Next Jack Tatum?

Nate Oliver, a safety, from Lakewood (Ohio) St. Ed’s, is one of the top defensive back prospect, in the Midwest, according to Scout.com. The 6-foot, 205-pounder, had scholarship offers from Pittsburgh, Michigan and Ohio State. Oliver decided to end his recruitment early and he gave Ohio State his verbal commitment.

“I’m verbally committed to Ohio State,” Nate Oliver said. “I had a few offers and I probably would’ve have gotten some more but Ohio State is where I wanted to be. I went to a few games last year and it’s just a comfort level.

“What I mean by comfort level is just the fact that I know so many of the players at Ohio State. There are a lot of guys on the team from Northeast Ohio and I played with them or against them.

“I literally grew up an Ohio State fan. It’s a family thing for me and a family atmosphere in Columbus. My dad and my uncle would take me to Ohio State games when I was a kid and they would also show me tapes of Jack Tatum and Eddie George.”

Oliver will be a three-year varsity starter in 2006. This past season, Oliver had 70 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two caused fumbles. He was named All-Ohio.

We asked Oliver what he brings to the table as a defensive back.

“I think I’m good at reading and reacting as a safety.” Oliver told Scout.com. “I like to come up and make a big hit. I think I’m pretty good at stopping the run. I’m more of a linebacker type safety, I can cover but I love to hit.”

There were several prospects that committed early in the process last year only to open things up after the summer to visit other schools. We asked Oliver just how committed he his to the Buckeyes.

“I’m solid to Ohio State.” Oliver said. “I know there will probably some schools that come in and they’ll offer me and want to test my commitment but I don’t plan on visiting any other school than Ohio State.”

Oliver says he’ll be in Columbus this weekend for Ohio State’s junior day and he also plans on camping this summer with the Bucks.