Just seven Ohio players were signed in this year's recruiting class, but head coach Urban Meyer of Ohio State is out to put added emphasis on his in-state prospects for the 2018 class.

A big step in the right direction came Monday night when top-ranked in-state player Toledo St. John Jesuit's four-star linebacker Dallas Gant added the Buckeyes to his Top 5 list along with Michigan State, Michigan, Pen State and Notre Dame.

Gant stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 225 pounds and ranks No. 117 overall prospect in the 2018 class. He is considered fifth-best outside linebacker. Gant became a Columbus regular after being offered a scholarship by former defensive coordinator Luke Fickell during a one-day camp in June of last year, his own Junior Day in February and being part of the Michigan and Nebraska wins last fall.

Although there was a bit of uncertainty after Fickell made his move to Cincinnati, Gant was not too concerned when he was informed that Bill Davis was named new linebackers coach for the team.

Gant's response, when asked about this, was to comment on how great a guy Davis is and that he appears to be a coach of outstanding quality. He also added that he was not worried that Davis lacked experience in the collegiate arena. Furthermore, he is impressed with his NFL experience which in his opinion matters more.

On his birthday, May 16, Gant will let the world know where he will attend college.