Sting Factor: The Andrew Chatfield decommitment from Ohio State

The Situation: Florida-based prospect Andrew Chatfield chose Ohio State over a long list of scholarship offers and did so after what seemed like a short, fast-moving recruitment. He visited Ohio State along with his high school teammates before he had an offer from Buckeyes. Ohio State never felt overly secure when it came to retaining Chatfield, so Monday’s news didn’t shock many in Columbus. The fact that Chatfield has recently been mulling an offer from in-state Florida can’t be ignored.

STING FACTORS: Adam Anderson | James Cook | Chris Steele | Cameron Latu

If this were any other position, the sting might be higher for Ohio State. But with Brenton Cox in the fold already and the Buckeyes either leading or very much in the mix for Tyreke Smith, Jayson Oweh and Micah Parsons, this is the one position where they can best withstand a decommitment. Where this may hurt Ohio State the most is in its pursuit of the rest of the American Heritage crew. Ohio State is actively trying to flip four-star defensive tackle Nesta Silvera from Miami, and Rivals100 cornerback prospects Tyson Campbell and Patrick Surtain are both players that Ohio State covets as much as anyone left on the board. Having one fewer ally and one fewer voice in the ears of those prospects championing their cause probably won't help the efforts on that front. - Mark Givler of BuckeyeGrove.com

Sting score: 3

This isn’t exactly a crushing blow. Ohio State is going to finish with a fine crop of edge rushers and linebackers in this class. It may be an indicator that teammates Tyson Campbell and Nesta Silvera, both of whom Ohio State is targeting, plan to pass on the Buckeyes. That is speculation at best, even if neither looked particularly likely to land in Columbus. Chatfield is a fine player that could have helped Ohio State, but his skill set is not at all irreplaceable for a blueblood program with plenty of time until Signing Day. - Rivals.com Southeast analyst Rob Cassidy

Sting Score: 4

I'd give this a six or so. Ohio State will be fine, as it can always attract top talent, but losing a top prospect from Florida hurts because of the momentum it can continue to gain in that area. - Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell

Sting score: 6

What’s next: Chatfield’s timing is interesting. Florida has been pressing for Chatfield in recent weeks, and most think the Gators will eventually land his high school teammates Anthony Schwartz and Tyson Campbell, both four-star prospects. This could be part of a package deal that would make Gators fans giddy. The three are by no means locks to UF, but logic says things may very well be trending in that direction.