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Hey y'all, I talked earlier with one of the biggest 2024 Cincinnati area products, four-star DE Elias Rudolph from Taft (OH). Rudolph released a top 10 on Christmas day of Cincinnati, Ohio State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan State, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Michigan and Pitt.
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First off, I'm gonna give it to you straight. I asked him if he liked the idea of playing close to home, in front of family and friends. Rudolph told me, "Not really. I just wanna get out of the city." So, that's not to say that Rudolph won't change his mind, because I've seen a lot of guys do that, once it really sinks in that they won't be home. But UC has that battle to fight. This will be anything but a gimme.
Rudolph does like UC itself. He told me he likes how the school is "elevating," since it will be in the Big 12 starting next summer. And he loves assistant coaches Kerry Coombs and Walter Stewart. Rudolph said he has a lot of respect for them and also believes they're honest with him.
No visits in the last few months, but he has one junior day set, Jan. 14 to Michigan State. He likes the Spartans a lot and said he's eager to see it for the first time and talk more with the coaches. The darkhorse to really watch here is Pittsburgh. Rudolph told me the Panthers recruit him harder than anyone and have visited him most. He probably said the best stuff about Pitt and Ohio State. I'd imagine he'll see both of those soon.
So, don't give up on this one. But know that UC has a battle ahead for Rudolph and Coombs and Stewart will go full force.
Full story coming.