Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage five-star receiver Brandon Inniss has announced his commitment to Ohio State. He chose the Buckeyes over his other finalists in Alabama, Miami and USC.
Inniss is commit No. 12 for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes in the 2023 recruiting cycle, adding to a class ranked No. 2 nationally by the 247Sports Composite. Brian Hartline led the charge for the Big Ten powerhouse.
“The family atmosphere,” Inniss said of what sealed the deal. “The fact that I will be coming into a great situation because for the position they want me to play they will be short at that spot, so Coach Day and Coach Hart were telling me I would have to come in and contribute right away, not only telling me that they showed me as well. And the players on the team was already treating me like I’m one of them, not just a recruit.”
A former Oklahoma commit who reopened the process when Lincoln Riley left Norman for USC, the 6-foot, 190-pound Inniss was looking for a place where he really connected with the people on campus.
“Coach Hart is not just a great coach but he is a father figure I can look forward to having off the field,” Inniss said. “We all know how well he develops his receivers but the fact that I have that connection with him already is great.
“Coach Keenan (Bailey) is a guy I can talk to off the field as well, not just because we both from Broward County but because of the relationship we built overtime. Even when I committed to Oklahoma he was one of probably only two or three coaches that told me congrats and he will be proud of me wherever I go.
“Coach Day is an amazing guy. The things he does for his players on and off the field are amazing. His offense is a high-powered offense and he loves throwing the ball so that’s perfect for me.”
Inniss will play in the All-American Bowl following his senior season. He is tabbed by the Top247 as the nation’s No. 2 receiver.
247Sports likens Inniss’s game to that of Jarvis Landry.
“Arguably the most established prospect in the class of 2023,” 247Sports National Analyst and South Florida native Andrew Ivins wrote in his evaluation. “Burst onto the scene making plays as an eighth grader down in South Florida and never left racking up accolade after accolade. Listed as a wide receiver and will likely get paid one day to catch passes, but could also be labeled as just a straight up alpha as he’s someone that absolutely hates to lose and will do whatever it takes to win. Has evolved as a wide receiver over the years and seems to be settling in as a game-changing inside receiver that can work all the different numbers of the route tree. Fires out of his stance with a purpose and can create separation with his quick feet, sharp cuts and head fakes. Sure-handed and likes to attack the football by snagging it out of the air. Has progressed immensely as a ball carrier and could turn into a YAC machine at the next level as he isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder pad and power his way through defenders. That newfound physicality could be a byproduct of an unconventional junior season in which he was forced into action at quarterback due to injury and ended up rushing for over 300 yards. Likely never going to be a guy that breaks 4.4 on the lasers in the 40-yard dash, but has tested well in other departments (4.26 in the short shuttle to go along with a 31-inch vert) and should only continue to improve long speed. Seems to always rise to the occasion and has played some of his best games to date against national powerhouses like St. Thomas Aquinas and IMG Academy. One of the more college-ready wideouts to come out of the high school ranks in recent memory given his build (looks to be close to 195 pounds) and competitive temperament. Likely won’t need too long to find his bearings and should push for playing time his first year on campus if he can stay healthy. Has all-conference type of potential and Day 1 or Day 2 upside when it comes to the NFL Draft as most modern spread attacks covet guys with the ability to turn a slant or swing pass into a big gain.”