When four-star dual-threat quarterback Emory Jones committed to Ohio State last July, he pledged to bring several of the top prospects from the state of Georgia with him. It's not a bad strategy, either, considering the Peach State is one of the most talent-rich areas in the country.

Among his top targets? Stockbridge, Georgia, four-star defensive end Brenton Cox, who committed to Buckeyes on Tuesday evening. This comes on the heels of an unofficial visit for the annual Spring Game just over a week ago.

It's a somewhat surprising turn of events, as Cox's family preferred for him to stay close and play for the home-state Bulldogs. But this visit — his third in the last six months — seemingly convinced his mom, a Tampa, Florida, native who's not a fan of the cold weather, that Columbus was the best place for him.

Officially committed , This is the best thing for me , SO you gotta respect it lol #GoBucks @OhioStateFB -H-I-O pic.twitter.com/dpyXnyf6n1 — B R E N T O N (@Brenton_cox) April 26, 2017

The Cox File Class: 2018

2018 Size: 6-foot-5, 247 pounds

6-foot-5, 247 pounds Pos: DE

DE School: Stockbridge (GA)

Stockbridge (GA) Composite Rating: ★★★★

Composite Rank: 2 (SDE)

The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Cox is considered the second-best strong-side defensive end and No. 43 prospect overall in the Class of 2018. He picked the Buckeyes over more than two dozen offers from programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami and North Carolina.

Cox becomes the eighth member of Ohio State's 2018 recruiting class, joining the aforementioned Jones, five-star defensive tackle Taron Vincent, four-star offensive tackle Max Wray, four-star safeties Jaiden Woodbey and Josh Proctor, four-star running backs Brian Snead and Jaelen Gill.

Eleven Warriors will have more on Cox's commitment soon.