Ohio State has landed its first commitment in the 2011 recruiting class. Toledo Whitmer junior defensive end Kenny Hayes pledged to the Buckeyes in a phone call to Ohio State assistant coach Dick Tressel.

"I committed to Ohio State today," Hayes stated. "I was offered by Illinois in June, but this is the one I wanted. I spoke to Coach Dick Tressel and told him I was taking his offer.

Hayes, a life-long Buckeye fan, wasted no time accepting the Ohio State offer.

"There was no need to wait," he said. "All my life I've wanted to be a Buckeye and there was no other school for me. We are all huge Buckeye fans in my family and they're all happy for me. I will be going to Ohio State for the Navy game this week and I'm really excited to be going as a Buckeye."

Ohio State has had great success in their recruiting efforts the past few years and the addition of the 6-foot-5 and 215-pound Hayes gets them off to a great start for 2011.

"Ohio State said they like my speed off the edge and they think I can get on the field early," Hayes stated. "I want to have a great senior season and then get ready to get to Columbus. I'm so excited I might not sleep tonight."