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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which former Michigan football player do you respect the most?
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You’re Nuts: Which former Michigan football player do you respect the most?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
SetNumber: X56323
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rival. We are talking all things TTUN. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
As much as it pains us to admit it, there have been some really good players to come through Ann Arbor in all sports. The Columbus Blue Jackets have recently used first round picks in the NHL Draft on Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson, and Adam Fantilli. On the hardwood, Columbus standout Trey Burke led the Wolverines to the title game of the NCAA Tournament. There have also been plenty of Michigan alums that have made their way to the NFL and MLB throughout the years.
As Ohio State fans, we have become programmed to hate everything maize and blue. Even though we’ll never stop loathing those that have played for That Team Up North, there are some players that we respect over time for what they have done on and off the field. We have seen it go both ways in the rivalry as there have been Ohio State players that have been shown respect for what they have done by some of the most rabid Michigan fans.
Since this week of the offseason we are diving into everything Michigan, and because this is a safe space, today we want to know what Michigan player you respect the most. It doesn’t mean that you are going to go out and buy their jersey tomorrow, but the Michigan alum that you can acknowledge their talents and achievements.
I’m sure my choice here is going to shock a lot of people, especially since I’m a Yankees fan and Derek Jeter went to Michigan. The reason I’m picking Tom Brady here is because I’m pretty sure it is required by law since I’m a Bills fan and I had to watch Brady and the Patriots beat Buffalo so many times over the years. Brady was 33-3 against Buffalo. Thankfully I drank pretty heavily through a lot of those games, so the losses just run together. I feel about Tom Brady like Pedro Martinez felt about the Yankees. All I can do is tip my hat and call Brady my daddy.
Honestly though, as much as we have made fun of Brady about over the years, there will never be a quarterback that accomplishes as much as Brady did. Tommy didn’t eat a strawberry for the first 40 years of his life and somehow he went on to win seven Super Bowls in his career. Not only will Brady be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, he was married to one of the most beautiful women in the world for 13 years. Now that his playing career is over (then again you can never count out Touchdown Tom), he’s going to make stacks of money as a commentator. Even though he went to Michigan, I’d love to live the life Brady has lived so far.
Brady’s results against the Buckeyes were mixed, which makes him a little easier to respect. Ohio State won the 1998 edition of The Game 31-16 in Columbus, which was Brady’s first start against the Buckeyes. Ohio State sacked Brady seven times in the game. Michigan got some revenge the next year in Ann Arbor, winning 24-17 at home. Brady did throw the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but the season wasn’t the best for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes finished the year with a 6-6 record. If Ohio State had to deal with Brady destroying them for 3-4 years, then my opinion might be a little different.
I might be cheating here a little bit, but I’ll be damned if I give too much credit to Charles Woodson, Jake Long, Tyrone Wheatley, or a guy that people called Shoelace (you’ll never hear me praise Desmond Howard. So, I am opting to go with a former Wolverine who played football in Ann Arbor for less than a season, then moved over to play baseball exclusively. If I have to praise a former Michigan Man, I’m at least going to make it one who is from Ohio, barely played football there, and became an icon back in the Buckeye State.
As someone who grew up in the 1980s and ‘90s as a diehard Cincinnati Reds fan, Lark is an essential part of my childhood. While I eventually moved to catcher, when I was first falling in love with the game, I played shortstop, so much of what I knew of the position was from Barry and my favorite player of all-time, Cal Ripken Jr. Those two Hall of Famers were baseball to me; and while my affection for Larkin was, essentially. because my parents were both Reds fans. Cal was my favorite player because one time when I was 8 years old, I counted all of my baseball cards and I had more of him than anyone else.
Through sheer luck, two of my idols just so happened to be two of the greatest players and role models in recent baseball memory.
Anyway, back to the Michigan of it all, after being a multi-sport athlete at Moeller High School, Larkin planned to play both football and baseball at That School Up North, but quickly decided to stick to baseball, and thank goodness for that. He went on to be a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time All-American before being drafted by his hometown Cincinnati Reds.
A 12-time All-Star, World Series champion, NL MVP, and three-time Gold Glover, Barry Larkin is Reds baseball for the millennial generation. Even today as a part-time analyst for the team’s TV broadcasts, hearing his voice, insight, and passion for the team (he still always refers to the Reds as “we”) awakens a nostalgia and childlike excitement in me as a fan.
So, Wolverine or not, I admit that I respect Barry Larkin.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
SetNumber: X56323
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about Ohio State’s rival. We are talking all things TTUN. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”That Team Up North” articles here.
As much as it pains us to admit it, there have been some really good players to come through Ann Arbor in all sports. The Columbus Blue Jackets have recently used first round picks in the NHL Draft on Zach Werenski, Kent Johnson, and Adam Fantilli. On the hardwood, Columbus standout Trey Burke led the Wolverines to the title game of the NCAA Tournament. There have also been plenty of Michigan alums that have made their way to the NFL and MLB throughout the years.
As Ohio State fans, we have become programmed to hate everything maize and blue. Even though we’ll never stop loathing those that have played for That Team Up North, there are some players that we respect over time for what they have done on and off the field. We have seen it go both ways in the rivalry as there have been Ohio State players that have been shown respect for what they have done by some of the most rabid Michigan fans.
Since this week of the offseason we are diving into everything Michigan, and because this is a safe space, today we want to know what Michigan player you respect the most. It doesn’t mean that you are going to go out and buy their jersey tomorrow, but the Michigan alum that you can acknowledge their talents and achievements.
Today’s question: Which Michigan player, past or present, do you respect the most?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: Tom Brady
I’m sure my choice here is going to shock a lot of people, especially since I’m a Yankees fan and Derek Jeter went to Michigan. The reason I’m picking Tom Brady here is because I’m pretty sure it is required by law since I’m a Bills fan and I had to watch Brady and the Patriots beat Buffalo so many times over the years. Brady was 33-3 against Buffalo. Thankfully I drank pretty heavily through a lot of those games, so the losses just run together. I feel about Tom Brady like Pedro Martinez felt about the Yankees. All I can do is tip my hat and call Brady my daddy.
Honestly though, as much as we have made fun of Brady about over the years, there will never be a quarterback that accomplishes as much as Brady did. Tommy didn’t eat a strawberry for the first 40 years of his life and somehow he went on to win seven Super Bowls in his career. Not only will Brady be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, he was married to one of the most beautiful women in the world for 13 years. Now that his playing career is over (then again you can never count out Touchdown Tom), he’s going to make stacks of money as a commentator. Even though he went to Michigan, I’d love to live the life Brady has lived so far.
Brady’s results against the Buckeyes were mixed, which makes him a little easier to respect. Ohio State won the 1998 edition of The Game 31-16 in Columbus, which was Brady’s first start against the Buckeyes. Ohio State sacked Brady seven times in the game. Michigan got some revenge the next year in Ann Arbor, winning 24-17 at home. Brady did throw the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, but the season wasn’t the best for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes finished the year with a 6-6 record. If Ohio State had to deal with Brady destroying them for 3-4 years, then my opinion might be a little different.
Matt’s answer: Barry Larkin
I might be cheating here a little bit, but I’ll be damned if I give too much credit to Charles Woodson, Jake Long, Tyrone Wheatley, or a guy that people called Shoelace (you’ll never hear me praise Desmond Howard. So, I am opting to go with a former Wolverine who played football in Ann Arbor for less than a season, then moved over to play baseball exclusively. If I have to praise a former Michigan Man, I’m at least going to make it one who is from Ohio, barely played football there, and became an icon back in the Buckeye State.
As someone who grew up in the 1980s and ‘90s as a diehard Cincinnati Reds fan, Lark is an essential part of my childhood. While I eventually moved to catcher, when I was first falling in love with the game, I played shortstop, so much of what I knew of the position was from Barry and my favorite player of all-time, Cal Ripken Jr. Those two Hall of Famers were baseball to me; and while my affection for Larkin was, essentially. because my parents were both Reds fans. Cal was my favorite player because one time when I was 8 years old, I counted all of my baseball cards and I had more of him than anyone else.
Through sheer luck, two of my idols just so happened to be two of the greatest players and role models in recent baseball memory.
Anyway, back to the Michigan of it all, after being a multi-sport athlete at Moeller High School, Larkin planned to play both football and baseball at That School Up North, but quickly decided to stick to baseball, and thank goodness for that. He went on to be a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and two-time All-American before being drafted by his hometown Cincinnati Reds.
A 12-time All-Star, World Series champion, NL MVP, and three-time Gold Glover, Barry Larkin is Reds baseball for the millennial generation. Even today as a part-time analyst for the team’s TV broadcasts, hearing his voice, insight, and passion for the team (he still always refers to the Reds as “we”) awakens a nostalgia and childlike excitement in me as a fan.
So, Wolverine or not, I admit that I respect Barry Larkin.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Recounting memorable matchups between OSU and TTUN
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Recounting memorable matchups between OSU and TTUN
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
SetNumber: X53979
This week, Josh and Chuck give their (final) two cents on the Pat Fitzgerald/Northwestern situation, before pivoting to memorable matchups with the Wolverines.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck circle back to Pat Fitzgerald and Northwestern after news of his firing broke during their last episode. Having had time to sit and think, the hosts give their final two cents (for now) on the matter.
With the heavy stuff out of the way, Chuck then gets a (fake) chance to grill Marvin Harrison Jr., Cade Stover, and J.T. Tuimoloau with hypothetical questions for Big Ten Media Days.
And finally, it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is That Team up North, which should be pretty self-explanatory. Fueled by bitterness and animosity toward a heated rival, the guys reminisce about their most memorable OSU-TTUN battles.
Plus, a few questions sent in by you, the listener(s).
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
SetNumber: X53979
This week, Josh and Chuck give their (final) two cents on the Pat Fitzgerald/Northwestern situation, before pivoting to memorable matchups with the Wolverines.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck circle back to Pat Fitzgerald and Northwestern after news of his firing broke during their last episode. Having had time to sit and think, the hosts give their final two cents (for now) on the matter.
With the heavy stuff out of the way, Chuck then gets a (fake) chance to grill Marvin Harrison Jr., Cade Stover, and J.T. Tuimoloau with hypothetical questions for Big Ten Media Days.
And finally, it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is That Team up North, which should be pretty self-explanatory. Fueled by bitterness and animosity toward a heated rival, the guys reminisce about their most memorable OSU-TTUN battles.
Plus, a few questions sent in by you, the listener(s).
Make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 45
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 45
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 45 days remaining.
College football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner made a special appearance during this year’s Ohio State spring game, scoring an honorary touchdown during the third quarter of the scrimmage. Of course, the No. 45 is synonymous with Griffin, as his jersey number was retired back in 1999. One of the best to ever do it, Griffin holds the Buckeyes’ career rushing record with 5,589 yards over his four years in Columbus — a mark that will likely stand the test of time. Griffin is one of eight players to have their jersey retired by Ohio State.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 45 days remaining.
Play of the Day: Archie Griffin scores a TD in 2023 spring game
College football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner made a special appearance during this year’s Ohio State spring game, scoring an honorary touchdown during the third quarter of the scrimmage. Of course, the No. 45 is synonymous with Griffin, as his jersey number was retired back in 1999. One of the best to ever do it, Griffin holds the Buckeyes’ career rushing record with 5,589 yards over his four years in Columbus — a mark that will likely stand the test of time. Griffin is one of eight players to have their jersey retired by Ohio State.
Players to Wear the #45 (since 2010):
- NONE - Archie Griffin’s No. 45 retired in 1999
- Last player to wear it: Andy Katzenmoyer (1996-98)
Continue reading...
LGHL Breaking down Ohio State prospects scheduled to commit before season starts
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Breaking down Ohio State prospects scheduled to commit before season starts
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Aaron Scott | Twitter | @AaronScottJr1
The Buckeyes aren’t going to land them all, but they could see some pretty massive BOOOOOMs.
To really invest your time, energy, and heart into following recruiting can be a perilous endeavor. Even though you don’t actually know any of the young men involved, you become attached to them, not only as future college athletes but as an idea — as a projection — of what they could be if they were to end up on your team of choice.
Invariably for Ohio State fans, as the large list of offers that the Buckeyes send out gets trimmed down and you see the names of players that you had been imagining in scarlet and gray for months become connected, crystal balled, or even committed to other schools, it can be difficult; even for those of us not off our rockers enough to tweet unhinged things at high schoolers.
So it is important to remember that as more and more prospects make their commitments ahead of the start of their senior seasons, they will not all pick Ohio State; they can’t all pick Ohio State. Even with players who had once been considered slam dunks to become Buckeyes, Ryan Day and company might have moved on and are “finalists” in name only.
I am going to run through all of the players that have announced commitment dates between now and the start of the season and have Ohio State as a finalist. Most of them are going to go to schools other than Ohio State, but it’s important to celebrate the ones that do decide to come to Columbus.
Commitment Date: Thursday, July 20
Finalists: Maryland, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, UCF
247 Crystal Balls: None
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: UCF (29.8%), FSU (15.8%), Maryland (13.6%), Texas A&M (11.3%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Brandon Jacob goes to high school about 35 minutes from where I live in Orlando, Fla. While he would be a nice addition to the OSU safety room, the Buckeyes have their sights set on a much bigger fish — at least by recruiting ranking — who will be committing in August, so it is not really much of a surprise that OSU seems to be an afterthought in Jacob’s recruitment.
Commitment Date: Friday, July 21
Finalists: Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee
247 Crystal Balls: Tennesee (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Tennessee. (81.7%), Ohio State (7.3%), Georgia (3.6%), FSU (3.0%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field (Tennessee)
This appears to be a two-team race with the Buckeyes significantly behind the Volunteers. Spillman is one of two linebackers that Ohio State is waiting to hear from this weekend, and while I am not predicting that either will select OSU, the other player (more on him momentarily) seems like a much better possibility for the Bucks.
Commitment Date: Saturday, July 22
Finalists: Clemson, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas
Crystal Balls: Clemson (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Texas (95.5%), Clemson (1.5%), Ohio State (<1%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Clemson picked up three crystal balls for Corian Gipson following his visit in early June, but two of them were from Clemson Insiders. However, On3 has the Longhorns as the runaway leader. While it is funny to see the two recruiting-focused sites be at such completely opposite ends of the spectrum, it seems pretty clear that no one expects the Lancaster, Texas native to pick the Buckeyes.
Commitment Date: Sunday, July 23
Finalists: Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC
Crystal Balls: None
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Notre Dame (73%), USC (10%), Ohio State (6.0%), Oregon (1.5%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Here’s where things get interesting. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa has had an interesting recruitment. He is not a player that does a lot of talking about his process, which has led even the most plugged-in experts to think that he could go with any of his three finalists. There has been a lot of smoke around the St. John Bosco Prep prospect picking Notre Dame, but he reportedly had a phenomenal visit to Columbus last month, so there is still the possibility that he will be a Buckeye, but I wouldn’t bet on it at this point.
Commitment Date: Sunday, July 30
Finalists: Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon
Crystal Balls: Ohio State (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State (95.9%), Michigan (1.2%), Oregon (<1%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: Ohio State
Ok, this is a big one. The vibes around Aaron Scott’s recruitment have not been great recently. As you can see, all of the predictions would indicate that he will celebrate his Ohio State-fan father’s birthday by becoming a Buckeye, but very few people feel comfortable with that right now. What makes it worse is that — even though Oregon is technically a finalist — Michigan is the destination that has been the beneficiary of the majority of chatter.
It would be a huge loss for the Buckeyes if the No. 2 player in Ohio decided to go elsewhere, it would be an indelibly painful failure if that player opted instead to play for their rivals. My gut doesn’t like how this is playing out, but that might be the cause of my naturally pessimistic tendencies. I am going to trust the “experts” for now and hope for the best, but if Scott decides to play for the Wolverines, I would stay off Ohio State social for a couple days, because it could get ugly.
Commitment Date: Saturday, Aug. 5
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State
Crystal Balls: Georgia (4)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Georgia (55.3%), FSU (12.2%), Ohio State (8.8%), Alabama (5.5%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
KJ Bolden is the safety that Ohio State is really aiming for that I mentioned earlier. A five-star prospect, he would be a massive pickup for Perry Eliano. Currently, everybody seems to think that he will end up at UGA, but the vibe around his visit to Columbus was very good and there is still at least a sense that he could surprise everybody and become a Buckeye.
Commitment Date: Tuesday, Aug. 22
Finalists: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, USC
Crystal Balls: Ohio State (2)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State (88.1%), Georgia (3.6%), Clemson (2.4%), Alabama (2.0%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: Ohio State
Aug. 22 can’t get here soon enough. All indications are pointing to the supposition that five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston will commit to the Buckeyes in a little over a month, but man, I would much rather get that commitment on the board, because a lot can happen over 33 days.
But, if Larry Johnson can add Houston to current commit and fellow five-star Justin Scott (No. 21), that would be a pair of massive wins for the Buckeye defensive line coach. It would go from massive to monumental if LJ could then land Dylan Stewart. The No. 10 player in the country and No. 2 Edge rusher currently has three crystal ball predictions pointing towards the Buckeyes and all three come from some of 247Sports’ most trustworthy analysts. Stewart visited South Carolina following those crystal balls and the Gamecocks are considered legit contenders for Stewart, but he is expected to commit before his high school season, so if he takes another visit during the short recruiting period at the end of this month before fall camps start, that might be telling as to where he ends up.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Aaron Scott | Twitter | @AaronScottJr1
The Buckeyes aren’t going to land them all, but they could see some pretty massive BOOOOOMs.
To really invest your time, energy, and heart into following recruiting can be a perilous endeavor. Even though you don’t actually know any of the young men involved, you become attached to them, not only as future college athletes but as an idea — as a projection — of what they could be if they were to end up on your team of choice.
Invariably for Ohio State fans, as the large list of offers that the Buckeyes send out gets trimmed down and you see the names of players that you had been imagining in scarlet and gray for months become connected, crystal balled, or even committed to other schools, it can be difficult; even for those of us not off our rockers enough to tweet unhinged things at high schoolers.
So it is important to remember that as more and more prospects make their commitments ahead of the start of their senior seasons, they will not all pick Ohio State; they can’t all pick Ohio State. Even with players who had once been considered slam dunks to become Buckeyes, Ryan Day and company might have moved on and are “finalists” in name only.
I am going to run through all of the players that have announced commitment dates between now and the start of the season and have Ohio State as a finalist. Most of them are going to go to schools other than Ohio State, but it’s important to celebrate the ones that do decide to come to Columbus.
Brandon Jacob | Safety | No. 164
Commitment Date: Thursday, July 20
Finalists: Maryland, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, UCF
247 Crystal Balls: None
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: UCF (29.8%), FSU (15.8%), Maryland (13.6%), Texas A&M (11.3%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Brandon Jacob goes to high school about 35 minutes from where I live in Orlando, Fla. While he would be a nice addition to the OSU safety room, the Buckeyes have their sights set on a much bigger fish — at least by recruiting ranking — who will be committing in August, so it is not really much of a surprise that OSU seems to be an afterthought in Jacob’s recruitment.
Edwin Spillman | Linebacker | No. 337
Commitment Date: Friday, July 21
Finalists: Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State, Tennessee
247 Crystal Balls: Tennesee (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Tennessee. (81.7%), Ohio State (7.3%), Georgia (3.6%), FSU (3.0%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field (Tennessee)
This appears to be a two-team race with the Buckeyes significantly behind the Volunteers. Spillman is one of two linebackers that Ohio State is waiting to hear from this weekend, and while I am not predicting that either will select OSU, the other player (more on him momentarily) seems like a much better possibility for the Bucks.
Corian Gipson | Cornerback | No. 67
Commitment Date: Saturday, July 22
Finalists: Clemson, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas
Crystal Balls: Clemson (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Texas (95.5%), Clemson (1.5%), Ohio State (<1%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Clemson picked up three crystal balls for Corian Gipson following his visit in early June, but two of them were from Clemson Insiders. However, On3 has the Longhorns as the runaway leader. While it is funny to see the two recruiting-focused sites be at such completely opposite ends of the spectrum, it seems pretty clear that no one expects the Lancaster, Texas native to pick the Buckeyes.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | Linebacker | No. 102
Commitment Date: Sunday, July 23
Finalists: Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC
Crystal Balls: None
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Notre Dame (73%), USC (10%), Ohio State (6.0%), Oregon (1.5%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
Here’s where things get interesting. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa has had an interesting recruitment. He is not a player that does a lot of talking about his process, which has led even the most plugged-in experts to think that he could go with any of his three finalists. There has been a lot of smoke around the St. John Bosco Prep prospect picking Notre Dame, but he reportedly had a phenomenal visit to Columbus last month, so there is still the possibility that he will be a Buckeye, but I wouldn’t bet on it at this point.
Aaron Scott | Cornerback | No. 52
Commitment Date: Sunday, July 30
Finalists: Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon
Crystal Balls: Ohio State (3)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State (95.9%), Michigan (1.2%), Oregon (<1%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: Ohio State
Ok, this is a big one. The vibes around Aaron Scott’s recruitment have not been great recently. As you can see, all of the predictions would indicate that he will celebrate his Ohio State-fan father’s birthday by becoming a Buckeye, but very few people feel comfortable with that right now. What makes it worse is that — even though Oregon is technically a finalist — Michigan is the destination that has been the beneficiary of the majority of chatter.
It would be a huge loss for the Buckeyes if the No. 2 player in Ohio decided to go elsewhere, it would be an indelibly painful failure if that player opted instead to play for their rivals. My gut doesn’t like how this is playing out, but that might be the cause of my naturally pessimistic tendencies. I am going to trust the “experts” for now and hope for the best, but if Scott decides to play for the Wolverines, I would stay off Ohio State social for a couple days, because it could get ugly.
KJ Bolden | Safety | No. 7
Commitment Date: Saturday, Aug. 5
Finalists: Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State
Crystal Balls: Georgia (4)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Georgia (55.3%), FSU (12.2%), Ohio State (8.8%), Alabama (5.5%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: The Field
KJ Bolden is the safety that Ohio State is really aiming for that I mentioned earlier. A five-star prospect, he would be a massive pickup for Perry Eliano. Currently, everybody seems to think that he will end up at UGA, but the vibe around his visit to Columbus was very good and there is still at least a sense that he could surprise everybody and become a Buckeye.
Eddrick Houston | Defensive Lineman | No. 22
Commitment Date: Tuesday, Aug. 22
Finalists: Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, USC
Crystal Balls: Ohio State (2)
On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Ohio State (88.1%), Georgia (3.6%), Clemson (2.4%), Alabama (2.0%)
Ohio State or the Field Prediction: Ohio State
Aug. 22 can’t get here soon enough. All indications are pointing to the supposition that five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston will commit to the Buckeyes in a little over a month, but man, I would much rather get that commitment on the board, because a lot can happen over 33 days.
But, if Larry Johnson can add Houston to current commit and fellow five-star Justin Scott (No. 21), that would be a pair of massive wins for the Buckeye defensive line coach. It would go from massive to monumental if LJ could then land Dylan Stewart. The No. 10 player in the country and No. 2 Edge rusher currently has three crystal ball predictions pointing towards the Buckeyes and all three come from some of 247Sports’ most trustworthy analysts. Stewart visited South Carolina following those crystal balls and the Gamecocks are considered legit contenders for Stewart, but he is expected to commit before his high school season, so if he takes another visit during the short recruiting period at the end of this month before fall camps start, that might be telling as to where he ends up.
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