Westlake's David Durham has committed to play football for Ohio State University.

The commitment follows an unofficial trip to the Ohio State campus in Columbus last month when Durham and the Westlake wrestling team competed at a nearby tournament and another visit last week.

"The coaches were great, and I think that I just fit real well in their system," Durham said

Durham, a 6-foot-3-inch, 225-pound junior, has started at linebacker and defensive tackle in his two seasons as a starter for the Chaps. Last season, Durham had 64 tackles, 10 tackles for losses and a team-high five sacks while earning all-district accolades at defensive tackle.

Durham turned down scholarship offers from Virginia, West Virginia and Illinois, according to Westlake coach Derek Long.

"He's very physical and tough, and I think he's going to the right league [the Big 10 Conference] for his style of play," Long said.

Westlake has had several players compete in the Big 10, including former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and former Northwestern University defensive tackle Colby Clark. Durham will become the first Westlake player for Ohio State, however.

"We've never had a Buckeye," Long said.

Durham said the Ohio State coaches envisioned him playing their "leo" position, which is a hybrid of an outside linebacker and defensive end position.

"That spot gets after the quarterback, and that's what I like to do," Durham said.