In putting together one of the nation’s top 2013 recruiting classes, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer made noise by searching nationwide for his haul. Of OSU’s 24 recruits, 13 were from out-of-state, including three from Texas, two from Florida and two from Georgia. The Buckeyes also signed the No. 1 prospects in New Jersey and Missouri.

But the biggest fish? He was hooked in a local pond.

“He’s an electric player. What does that mean? To me it means that he can shock you on any play,” Lakota West head coach Larry Cox said of Middletown senior quarterback Jalin Marshall. “He’s a superior athlete. Those gems are rare.”

The Buckeyes bagged their diamond.

By the time Marshall took the podium at the Ronald Reagan Lodge on Wednesday, he already had punched a lengthy timecard. The Middletown senior signed (and faxed) his letter of intent to OSU at 7 a.m., took a phone call from Meyer, attended class, went to a “special” signing ceremony at MHS, and then raced to make the 13th annual Greater Miami Conference National Signing Day Ceremony.

“It’s been a crazy day,” Marshall admitted. “But it’s a big relief. It feels good to finally have it be official where you’re going.”

Considered Ohio’s No. 1 prospect by JJHuddle.com, 247sports.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com, Marshall caps his career as Middletown’s most dynamic player since recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (and former Buckeye) Cris Carter.

Marshall is Middletown’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,750 yards and 52 TDs) and total offense (additional 2,210 yards and 29 TDs passing).

After Cam Burrows became OSU’s first 2013 commit prior to last season, Marshall quickly became its second six days later.

Wednesday was an overdue formality.

“I think we have a great class now that we got all the guys that we wanted,” Marshall said. “ I think we (Ohio State) have the chance to be good – forever – really. If we keep getting better and better and do what (Meyer) asks us to do, I think we can win a lot of championships.”

Most consider Marshall the next Percy Harvin in Meyer’s system.

He said he’ll play the slot, wide receiver and H-Back.

Middletown senior Jettie Bailey also announced his decision to attend Georgetown College (Ky.).

• Middies head coach Troy Everhart earned some applause for his part in helping Hamilton linebacker Marcus Oliver land at Indiana. Despite the fact that position coach Mike Ekeler wanted to offer Oliver, IU head coach Kevin Wilson was hesitant. Enter Everhart.

“(College coaches) don’t take the word of your head coach because they could be attached,” Oliver said. “Coach Wilson kept calling around looking for defenders and my name kept getting brought up (especially by Everhart). What’s ironic is that Coach Ekeler told me to move on. I was going to commit to Miami and then IU just came out of the blue and offered. Coach Ekeler was fired up. Coach Wilson apologized for the wait.”

• All 10 GMC schools had at least one player sign. Colerain led the way with seven.