Buckeyes making push for Florida star

A new favorite could be emerging for one of the Sunshine State’s top linemen.

Miami Edison’s Richard Clebert, a three-star defensive tackle ranked No. 39 in the nation by Rivals.com, says Ohio State has made a big impression on him this summer.

“I was really surprised by Ohio State,” he said. “I thought it would be pretty good even before I went up there, but that was the best camp I went to this summer. I really loved the facilities, especially the big stadium, and their coaches treated us the best.

“They said they really liked the way I played. They were looking at me as a lineman, but told me they thought I was also fast enough to play fullback. I ran a 4.8 for them. They said they love to have a big fullback. I don’t know how serious they were about that, but I’m open to anything as long as I get to play. They said they’d be watching to see how I do early this season. If I look good, I think they’re going to offer.”

Clebert (6-1, 275, 4.93) is also being scouted as a center or guard by some programs, including his childhood favorite, the Miami Hurricanes. They figure to be the team to beat if a scholarship offer materializes, but Ohio State has clearly made up a lot of ground. And it doesn’t hurt that the Buckeyes are heavily in the mix for one of his Edison teammates.

“I think Ohio State has Jacky Claude,” Clebert said of the four-star offensive tackle. “He really likes them a lot. It would be kind of cool to go play together.”

Clebert has scholarship offers from Florida, LSU, Iowa State, Kansas State, Rutgers, South Florida and Florida International. In addition to Ohio State and Miami, he attended camps at LSU, Florida and Rutgers (Florida event) this summer.

“LSU was another good one,” he said. “I thought their coaches were really cool. I love coach Fisher. That was the hardest camp I went to. It was hot as hell, and they worked us hard, but that was good. I learned a lot while I was there.

“I also know a couple of guys who go to LSU, so that would be another thing in their favor.”

Florida and Rutgers round out his current top five, but have some ground to make up on the first three.

Clebert is known as one of the most powerful players in Dade County. He owns a 425-pound bench press and set a Miami camp record with 36 reps of 185 pounds. He’s also solid in the academic department, sporting a 2.6 GPA and a 16 on the ACT.