Michigan State '16 OH WR - Justin Layne (Michigan State Verbal)

247Sports Top 100 prospect Justin Layne plans to attend #MichiganState and #PennState games FREE http://t.co/WewqFc2BN4

— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) October 1, 2014

 

Cleveland Benedictine Top100 2016 WR Justin Layne had a "great experience" at #MichiganState last night: http://t.co/29D5KhgZzG #Spartans

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) October 5, 2014

 

OHIO STATE OFFERS IN-STATE 2016 WIDE RECEIVER
In July, Cleveland Benedictine wide receiver Justin Layne went to Friday Night Lights with the Buckeyes with one thing on his mind: earning an offer from Ohio State. Unfortunately, a leg injury slowed him down and he didn't compete nearly as much as he, or the Buckeyes, would have liked. Despite offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Penn State, the home state Buckeyes still hadn't pulled the trigger: until today.

A high school teammate Jerome Baker, Layne is the country's 14th-ranked wide receiver for 2016 and his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame — combined with his 4.49 in the 40 — make him an intriguing talent. This past weekend, Layne visited Michigan State and now the Buckeyes are going to make a play for him. While that's likely just a coincidence, one source in Northeast Ohio says to not ignore the timing of that offer.

"Layne just came back from MSU, and today the Buckeyes offer," our source said. "I think that's interesting, don't you? Dantonio already 'stole' one when they landed Cam Chambers, and maybe Urban is trying to prevent that from happening again? I know they like Layne a lot, but they don't usually offer in-state guys in season. They're not evaluating them nearly as much during the year as they can during the summer before their junior or senior year."

 

Layne Picks Up Buckeye Offer - Recruiting - Scout http://t.co/1s6Vy8sdID

— OSUBasketballJunkie (@ScarletBuckeye2) October 10, 2014

 

Buckeyes in great position here........

Baker being a Buckeye will also help............

 

Things Happening For Layne - Recruiting - Scout http://t.co/mMcHrHY446

— OSUBasketballJunkie (@ScarletBuckeye2) October 13, 2014

 

Layne Calls Penn State 'Unbelievable' - Football Recruiting - Scout http://t.co/406OTbtflc

— OSUBasketballJunkie (@ScarletBuckeye2) October 27, 2014

 

#Buckeyes will be getting a visit from new commit Jerome Baker @Lastname_Baker and 2016 teammate Justin Layne (@JustinLayne0) this weekend.

— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) October 30, 2014

 

VIDEO: #MichiganState #PennState #OhioState stand out for 4* 2016 WR Justin Layne http://t.co/Y4QhQnJtDc
He visits #Buckeyes today

— Josh Helmholdt (@JoshHelmholdt) November 1, 2014

 

Cleveland (OH) Benedictine Jr WR Justin Layne stayed focused on championship run & not recruiting. http://t.co/mmMopXdv0D

— Dave Berk (@Dave_Berk) December 7, 2014

 

JUSTIN LAYNE // WIDE RECEIVER // CLEVELAND BENEDICTINE
Layne made an appearance in Columbus for the Friday Night Lights camp back in July, but due to a tweaked achilles, his night was pretty much over before it got started. There are several highly-touted WRs being targeted for 2016, and Layne is certainly atop the list when it comes to Ohio guys. Michigan State, Florida, Notre Dame, and a slew of other Midwest programs are chasing Layne, but can they snag him away from Ohio State? One thing to keep in mind here is Layne's relationship with current Ohio State commit Jerome Baker. The two are teammates and very good friends. Buckeye or No? Yes.

 

Layne Enjoys OSU Again - Football Recruiting - Scout http://t.co/sL8Vf7QXBq

— OSUBasketballJunkie (@ScarletBuckeye2) January 26, 2015

 

Justin Layne, Benedictine High School (Cleveland, OH) 6-3 180


Layne is a 4-star receiver from the same high school as 2015 OSU signee Jerome Baker. 247Sports rates him as the No. 18 receiver in the 2016 class. He holds offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Florida, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Miami (FL) and Penn State. The Buckeyes are at the top for Layne, and it would be a surprise if he does not end up committing to Ohio State before his senior season begins.

 

18. 4-Star Justin Layne

Credit: 247Sports
Height/Weight: 6'3"/180 lbs

High School: Benedictine (Cleveland, Ohio)

247Sports Ranking: No. 18 wide receiver; No. 95 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 84/100

Uncommitted: Offers include Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Penn State.

Justin Layne could eventually rejoin former high school teammate Jerome Baker—a 2015 Ohio State signee—in Columbus. The Buckeyes offered in October and later hosted him on campus for a Junior Day. Big Ten rivals Michigan State and Penn State appear to be Urban Meyer's primary competition at this point.



Bleacher Report Analysis

He translates to a possession receiver at the collegiate level, where his large frame and wide catch radius will provide a security blanket for the quarterback. Layne lacks top-end speed (12/15) but does display above-average agility (13/15) for an athlete his size.

His willingness to attack defenders and maintain blocks is a big plus in my book, and I know coaches love to see a young player wholeheartedly take on that task. Layne, who averaged 23 yards per catch and caught eight scores last regular season per Ryan Lewis of Cleveland.com, has the reliable hands (23/25) and blocking ability to become a mainstay in red-zone situations.

 

Benedictine (Cleveland, OH) 2016 WR and #Buckeyes target Justin Layne (@JustinLayne0) adds an offer from Alabama. #Bama #RTR

— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) March 18, 2015

 

Michigan State Impresses Ohio WR - Football Recruiting - Scout http://t.co/2ZB2LxryS4

— OSUBasketballJunkie (@ScarletBuckeye2) March 31, 2015