Bellefontaine junior quarterback Tavien St. Clair has committed to play football at Ohio State.
St. Clair shared the news with Ryan Day and the rest of the Buckeyes’ staff Tuesday afternoon after a one-day camp at OSU.
The story broke after St. Clair told his BHS teammates following a 7-on-7 tournament Wednesday at Ohio State.
The record-setting quarterback became Ohio State’s priority after an impressive spring season of camps and showcases.
St. Clair dazzled at the Elite 11 Regional Camp in Massillon in April, then shined at the Under Armour Next Camp at Fortress Obetz (near Columbus) in early May.
He also transformed his body.
Last fall, St. Clair was 6’3” and 180 lbs. Now, he’s 6’4” and 213 lbs.
Ohio State took notice of his offseason growth on and off the field.
The Bucks offered St. Clair after watching a workout at BHS on May 24th.
St. Clair has been sought by the nation’s elite programs, including Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee, and Florida. He has 25 offers across the country.
The four-star recruit was offered by Alabama, LSU, and Michigan earlier this month.
St. Clair reflected on choosing the Buckeyes.
“It feels great to commit, especially to Ohio State because it’s what you dream of as a football player growing up in Ohio.
“I chose Ohio State because of the tradition and the development at the QB position. It just feels like the right decision, especially being 50 minutes away.
“My timeline jumped up early after the great visit last Thursday (June 15th) and the coaches’ confidence in me being the best possible future quarterback for Ohio State. It feels right to commit right now because I can help recruit the Class of 2025.
“Finally, it’s been fun to get national attention and see so many of the top programs in the country this summer. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Longtime Bellefontaine head football coach Jason Brown reacted to St. Clair committing to Ohio State.
“It’s surreal and humbling at the same time to see Tavien commit to OSU. It’s an amazing opportunity, and he’s earned it from day one here at BHS. It couldn’t happen to a better kid or family.
“He’s a special player and person because of his family and his faith. He’s handled it with grace, humility, and a daily commitment to WE over me and the brotherhood of Chieftain Football.
“As a player, Tavien has a special skill set. His arm strength, high football IQ, and athleticism in and out of the pocket make him a phenomenal player.
“Finally, Ohio State’s track record of quarterback development in the last few years has been astounding, coupled with the great privilege of joining one of the most storied programs in the history of college football.
“Obviously, we’re all excited that he’ll be close enough to home that we’ll be able to see him, support him, and help him on his journey in whatever way he needs.”
Last fall, St. Clair had a spectacular season. He passed for 2,453 yards and 25 touchdowns. Both tallies are single-season school records. St. Clair also completed 71 percent of his passes. He was named Second-Team All Ohio.
Tavien also holds school records for career passing yards (4,175), passing yards in a game (412), and touchdown passes in a game (7).
St. Clair plans to study sports management at Ohio State.
He also heavily considered Alabama, Tennessee, LSU, and Michigan.
Tavien’s parents are Marcus and Patricia St. Clair.