Ohio State in the running for a former five-star USC linebacker in the portal

Ohio State is pursuing another transfer portal player looking to make a move. After missing out on Henry To’o To’o, the Buckeyes have turned their attention to the West Coast.

Former five-star linebacker, Palaie Gaoteote has spent the last three years at USC but has spent much of his time on the sidelines due to injuries. Gaoteote has 14 career starts but was only able to play in two games last season after sustaining a concussion. In his three years as a Trojan, the middle linebacker has racked up 105 tackles, including two sacks.

When Gaoteote first entered the transfer portal, it was thought to be a lock that he landed in Texas. Now it seems that OSU is starting to gain some traction.

One key piece in Gaoteote’s recruitment might lie is within the defensive line. Gaoteote played his high school football at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, the same high school as Buckeye defensive tackle, Haskell Garrett — and also famously former quarterback Tate Martell, but we digress.

Should Gaoteote choose to come to Columbus, it would add depth to a thin unit. Gaoteote would be competing with Dallas Gant for playing time at middle linebacker unless the coaching staff decides to shuffle things around among the group.

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