Add a text widget to the recent posts column on the Opti Homepage.

opti-recent-posts-intro.php

<?php
/**
 * Plugin Name: Opti Recent Posts Intro
 * Plugin URI: https://prothemedesign.com
 * Description: Use a widget to add an intro to the recent posts column.
 * Author: Ben Gillbanks
 * Version: 1.0
 * Author URI: https://prothemedesign.com
 */


function opti_recent_posts_intro() {

?>
<script>
	jQuery( document ).ready(
		function() {

			var $ = jQuery;
			var widget_id = '#text-8';

			// Move widget contents to above lead story element.
			if ( $( '#lead-story' ).length > 0 ) {
				$( widget_id + ' .textwidget' ).addClass( 'recent-posts-intro' ).insertBefore( '#lead-story' );
			}

			// Delete old widget.
			// This will work on all pages.
			$( widget_id ).remove();

		}
	);
</script>
<?php

}

add_action( 'wp_footer', 'opti_recent_posts_intro', 100 );