OSU Running Back Target Darwin Barlow Commits to TCU

Three-star running back prospect Darwin Barlow made his college commitment to TCU on Thursday night over Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Minnesota and a handful of other finalists.

He announced the news at the exact time his Newton teammate Tamauzia Brown, also an OSU target, made his commitment. He also committed to the Horned Frogs.

To God Be The Glory‼️?? …. You don’t have to respect it… Just watch the process?? pic.twitter.com/4cYTrBF7Ms

— Darwin Barlow? (@darwin_barlow) August 23, 2018

Barlow visited Oklahoma State on an official basis in June. He did not officially visit TCU, but made his way to Fort Smith with Brown and his Newton teammates, and apparently came away impressed enough to make up his mind on his college destination.

“They wanted us up there for a cookout, be around the other commits, but I feel like that’s when it finalized things and that’s when I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” Barlow told Rivals of that visit detailing his decision. “I got to sit down with some of the players and some of the administrators. I had been up there like four times and each time got better and better, this time I knew it was where I wanted to go.”

Both Brown and Barlow’s decision could have implications that spill over into the 2020 cycle as their teammate, standout defensive end James Sylvester, could follow their lead next cycle. Sylvester is a four-star pass-rusher with 10 offers, the likes of which include OSU, Bama, Baylor, OU and others.

Though I didn’t expect Barlow to pick the Pokes, losing out to TCU for him is no less a tough loss for OSU to swallow on the recruiting trail. With most other current offerees either off the board or uninterested, it’s likely the staff re-calibrates its board in an effort to make out of the 2019 cycle with at least one commitment. To that end, keep an eye on Booker T.’s Thomas Grayson, a recent Nebraaska decommit, or even Union standout Darius Boone who has garnered some big interest late.