Former Carlsbad (Calif.) quarterback and Alabama transfer Julian Sayin has committed to Ohio State. Sayin signed with the Tide during the early period and early enrolled as well. He was able to part in bowl prep and worked out with the team leading up to the Rose Bowl Game.
Nick Saban retired earlier in the month and former Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer was hired just a few days later. Sayin met with the new Husky staff and contemplated staying through spring ball but decided to jump into the transfer portal.
“He signed to play for Nick Saban,” Carlsbad head coach Thadd MacNeal said. “He had a great relationship with coach Saban and Tommy Rees. Those were his guys and the ones he had a relationship with.
“When the new staff came in — it was nothing against them but he didn’t know them at all. He knew (offensive coordinator Ryan) Grubb a little and he did offer him at Washington but there was no relationship with him or DeBoer and Julian just felt like it was best for him to move on.”
At the time of his commitment to Alabama, Ohio State was high on Sayin’s list.
“They were actually No. 2 for him,” MacNeal said. “They were actually a close second and he visited at least two times that I know of. He loved Ryan Day and the offense and how quarterback friendly he is.
“Ohio State has done a great job developing quarterbacks there and Julian really likes (co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach (Brian) Hartline, too. He was involved recruiting Julian and they always have a great WR room at Ohio State and that’s obviously a huge deal if you’re a quarterback.”
Sayin also has a connection with new Buckeyes OC Bill O’Brien.
“O’Brien actually offered Julian when he was at Bama,” MacNeal said. “He loved him and he built a good relationship with him before he moved on.
“He has been on our campus here and he’s someone Julian knows and is excited to learn from. He has that NFL background and Julian really clicked well with him from a football standpoint.”
The Buckeyes winning tradition also played a role for Sayin.
“He wants to compete for a national championship,” MacNeal said. “There’s only a few schools built that way, and Ohio State is obviously one. They have a great winning tradition and have a great chance to make the (College Football) Playoff every year for the foreseeable future.
“They’re bringing in a great class and Julian knows a lot of the players there, including Jeremiah Smith, who’s a very special talent. He’s really excited and this is a great opportunity for him.”
Sayin is already on campus and will be ready to compete when spring ball kicks off.
“He’s there now and moving in,” MacNeal said. “I believe they start classes in a few weeks. So, right now, Julian just wants to get acclimated, dig in to the playbook and be ready to go.
“There were no promises about immediate playing time, but Julian is not afraid to compete with anyone. He knows they have a strong QB room in place but his goal is to come in and be ready to play and I definitely think he’s ready for that as well.”
