re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

Ohio recruiting rankings, Vol. 2: Listing the best prospects from the Buckeye State

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No. 8 • 4-star WR Joseph Scates (6-3, 175), Dayton Dunbar — uncommitted

Joseph “JoJo” Scates may be the most physically talented wide receiver in the Midwest in the Class of 2018, but like Thomas, his teammate at Dunbar, Scates’ off-the-field issues impact his recruitment more than his abilities. A former Michigan State verbal, Scates has every tool in the toolbox to be a major college receiver.

That, of course, is if he can stay out of his own way. Alabama remains near the top of his list, but West Virginia holds the majority of his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. When he pulls it all together, Scates has the natural instincts to be a big-time player at the next level. He runs, he jumps, he catches nearly everything and he does it all with a smooth, almost easy knack for it. He’s this high in our rankings because his ceiling in the right system — one that develops him on and off the field — is very, very high.

Previous ranking: No. 6

Why he moved: Like Tavion Thomas, Scates physical talents remain unquestioned. He’s just simply not facing anyone that challenges him and it’s hard to know exactly how that translates to the next level. Combine those questions with academic concerns and other off-field issues, and you see major college teams slowing down in their recruiting of Scates.

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Man I wish this kid didn't have his off the field issues. He's a monster on the field.