Starting with Alter standout Jeff Graham in 1987 up through Miamisburg five-star prospect Josh Myers this year, Ohio State has signed 60 players from the Dayton-Middletown-Springfield area in that time.
Which area high school has produced the most future Buckeyes? That would be Wayne, which has sent six players including long-time NFL defensive back Will Allen and two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player Braxton Miller to Columbus.
If Thomas, whose growing offer list also includes Alabama and Georgia (among others), ultimately were to sign with Ohio State, he would be the first to go from Dunbar Wolverine to Ohio State Buckeye since Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson in 1991.
RELATED: Ohio State wraps up another stellar recruiting class
The Bengals chose Wilkinson with the No. 1 pick in the 1995 NFL draft, making him one of 20 area players to go to Ohio State and hear their name called on draft day.
Including 2016 rookies Taylor Decker (Butler) and Jalin Marshall (Middletown), 22 have played in the NFL.
That list also includes Graham, an accomplished receiver who is now the head coach at Trotwood-Madison.
About the Author
