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LGHL Buckeyes standing pat with their defensive line recruiting plan as the 2024 cycle narrows down
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Buckeyes standing pat with their defensive line recruiting plan as the 2024 cycle narrows down
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State has yet to offer in-state native Brian Robinson, and doesn’t look like that will change.
It’s no secret how big this Saturday's matchup against Notre Dame is. Though the first three games of the season were important in their own right, it’s also true that each contest was a step towards building for this game. No, the Buckeyes aren’t a finished product yet or maybe even close to that, but with the team taking shape a little more each weekend, one of the most talented rosters in the college landscape looks ready for this primetime tilt.
Ryan Day and staff know this is one of the bigger opportunities this season, and while winning on the field is the first priority, the other aspects that can come with a win are pretty exciting too. Facing off in front of several recruits both Ohio State and Notre Dame are after, this is another chance where the Buckeyes can take the upper hand and show why Columbus is the place to be.
The stakes are high for just a Week 4 game, but a win here really could propel this team into a really successful season.
With 23 current commits in the 2024 recruiting class, Ohio State only has a few more spots left up for grabs. The nation’s second-ranked class, the coaching staff is looking to add a few more elite talents, and one position that will continue to see attention is the defensive line. Five-stars Justin Scott and Eddrick Houston lead the way in terms of highlighting the talent already brought in, but position coach Larry Johnson is still looking to add at least one more if the right player wants in.
Maybe shedding some light more than anything else in regard to Ohio State’s plan of action, in-state prospect Brian Robinson is trending elsewhere now more than ever. The four-star defensive end has long been a player that many have wondered why Ohio State has yet to offer, and with multiple Crystal Ball predictions submitted this week for Robinson to end up at Kentucky, it seems as if this one is final for where the Buckeyes stand.
Typically a guy ranked as the No. 93 player nationally and the seventh-best edge rusher in the class per the 247Sports Composite would see an offer from his in-state school, but the two parties have never struck a deal. For any number of reasons, whether it be a fit in the scheme, etc., the Buckeyes haven’t pulled the trigger, and that likely shows that the staff still feels good about some of their options.
At this point, it does look as if the Robinson sweepstakes is officially over, as Ohio State stands pat and the Westerville North product continues to trend toward the SEC.
Knowing the turnover after this season could be plentiful, Ohio State is still actively recruiting a fourth receiver in this class if the right option is interested. Having the top haul of receivers in the country for the 100th consecutive season — or so it seems — Hartline really is crushing it on the trail, and wouldn’t mind landing just one more guy for his current 2024 class.
Florida’s Chance Robinson continues to be the name mentioned the most as the desired target. The current Miami commit has been on the radar for some time now, and his trip to Ohio State this past weekend looks to have gone really well as he was able to bring his family along with him.
Hinting towards how much of a priority he is for Hartline and Ohio State down the stretch, Chance took time to speak with Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts. From his quotes, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a return trip later this fall, primarily on the weekend where Penn State is in town.
If the Buckeyes can get him on campus yet again, that may be the tipping point for Ohio State to flip his commitment. Until then, it’s continued efforts to make it happen for the No. 151 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite.
Going as far as to say the Buckeyes are currently his “favorite staff”, it looks as if the No. 48 player nationally and the fifth ranked safety per the 247Sports Composite is all about Ohio State right now. Missing out on the last few national safety targets, the Buckeyes are heavily in the mix now and would love nothing more than to lock this one down early.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State has yet to offer in-state native Brian Robinson, and doesn’t look like that will change.
It’s no secret how big this Saturday's matchup against Notre Dame is. Though the first three games of the season were important in their own right, it’s also true that each contest was a step towards building for this game. No, the Buckeyes aren’t a finished product yet or maybe even close to that, but with the team taking shape a little more each weekend, one of the most talented rosters in the college landscape looks ready for this primetime tilt.
Ryan Day and staff know this is one of the bigger opportunities this season, and while winning on the field is the first priority, the other aspects that can come with a win are pretty exciting too. Facing off in front of several recruits both Ohio State and Notre Dame are after, this is another chance where the Buckeyes can take the upper hand and show why Columbus is the place to be.
The stakes are high for just a Week 4 game, but a win here really could propel this team into a really successful season.
An in-state defensive end looks to be headed to the SEC
With 23 current commits in the 2024 recruiting class, Ohio State only has a few more spots left up for grabs. The nation’s second-ranked class, the coaching staff is looking to add a few more elite talents, and one position that will continue to see attention is the defensive line. Five-stars Justin Scott and Eddrick Houston lead the way in terms of highlighting the talent already brought in, but position coach Larry Johnson is still looking to add at least one more if the right player wants in.
Maybe shedding some light more than anything else in regard to Ohio State’s plan of action, in-state prospect Brian Robinson is trending elsewhere now more than ever. The four-star defensive end has long been a player that many have wondered why Ohio State has yet to offer, and with multiple Crystal Ball predictions submitted this week for Robinson to end up at Kentucky, it seems as if this one is final for where the Buckeyes stand.
Typically a guy ranked as the No. 93 player nationally and the seventh-best edge rusher in the class per the 247Sports Composite would see an offer from his in-state school, but the two parties have never struck a deal. For any number of reasons, whether it be a fit in the scheme, etc., the Buckeyes haven’t pulled the trigger, and that likely shows that the staff still feels good about some of their options.
At this point, it does look as if the Robinson sweepstakes is officially over, as Ohio State stands pat and the Westerville North product continues to trend toward the SEC.
Buckeyes impress 2024 receiver target
Knowing the turnover after this season could be plentiful, Ohio State is still actively recruiting a fourth receiver in this class if the right option is interested. Having the top haul of receivers in the country for the 100th consecutive season — or so it seems — Hartline really is crushing it on the trail, and wouldn’t mind landing just one more guy for his current 2024 class.
Florida’s Chance Robinson continues to be the name mentioned the most as the desired target. The current Miami commit has been on the radar for some time now, and his trip to Ohio State this past weekend looks to have gone really well as he was able to bring his family along with him.
Hinting towards how much of a priority he is for Hartline and Ohio State down the stretch, Chance took time to speak with Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts. From his quotes, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a return trip later this fall, primarily on the weekend where Penn State is in town.
If the Buckeyes can get him on campus yet again, that may be the tipping point for Ohio State to flip his commitment. Until then, it’s continued efforts to make it happen for the No. 151 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite.
Quick Hits
- As it gets closer to being the 2025 class, the Buckeyes are already working tirelessly on their next cycle on the blocks. Making some headway with multiple guys on their leaderboard, on Wednesday Jeremy Birmingham of Rivals revealed that 2025 safety target Faheem Delane is in a great spot with Ohio State.
Going as far as to say the Buckeyes are currently his “favorite staff”, it looks as if the No. 48 player nationally and the fifth ranked safety per the 247Sports Composite is all about Ohio State right now. Missing out on the last few national safety targets, the Buckeyes are heavily in the mix now and would love nothing more than to lock this one down early.
Continue reading...
LGHL Uncut Podcast: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman knows his team much better than he did last time they faced Ohio State
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Uncut Podcast: Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman knows his team much better than he did last time they faced Ohio State
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Sam Hartman compares Saturday’s matchup to games from his time in the ACC.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman and starting quarterback Sam Hartman from their respective Monday, Sept. 18 press conferences. In the Irish’s weekly press conference heading into their primetime matchup with Ohio State this coming Saturday, Freeman conceded that when the two teams met up last year, he was unsure of what to expect from his team, given it was the season opener and his first true game as the ND head coach.
The former Buckeye admits that he attempted to take the air out of the ball in order to keep it away from the OSU offense, but he has a much better understanding of who his team is coming into Game No. 5 of the 2023 campaign. His new quarterback, who transferred from Wake Forest this off-season, discussed how this game compares to those he played in the ACC.
Watch the complete press conference on Notre Dame Athletic’s official Facebook page: Login to view embedded media
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
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
Sam Hartman compares Saturday’s matchup to games from his time in the ACC.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from Notre Dame head football coach Marcus Freeman and starting quarterback Sam Hartman from their respective Monday, Sept. 18 press conferences. In the Irish’s weekly press conference heading into their primetime matchup with Ohio State this coming Saturday, Freeman conceded that when the two teams met up last year, he was unsure of what to expect from his team, given it was the season opener and his first true game as the ND head coach.
The former Buckeye admits that he attempted to take the air out of the ball in order to keep it away from the OSU offense, but he has a much better understanding of who his team is coming into Game No. 5 of the 2023 campaign. His new quarterback, who transferred from Wake Forest this off-season, discussed how this game compares to those he played in the ACC.
Watch the complete press conference on Notre Dame Athletic’s official Facebook page: Login to view embedded media
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Music by: www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Indiana Hoosiers
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Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Indiana Hoosiers
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
How can Mike Woodson get this new-look team to gel together?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Head coach: Mike Woodson, third season, 44-26 (21-19)
2022-23 record: 23-12 (12-8)
All-time record against Ohio State: 77-59
Returners: Xavier Johnson, Malik Reneau, CJ Gunn, Trey Galloway, Anthony Leal, Kaleb Banks
Departures: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Race Thompson, Miller Kopp, Logan Duncomb to Xavier, Tamar Bates to Missouri, Jordan Geronimo to Maryland.
Newcomers: Jakai Newton, Gabe Cupps, Payton Sparks from Ball State, Kel’el Ware from Oregon, Anthony Walker from Miami, Mackenzie Mgbako
Indiana will be looking to answer the age-old question: how many forwards are too many? They do get Xavier Johnson back after he missed most of last season with a broken foot, and he will be key to their offense as their full-time point guard. But other than that, there are a lot of talented but mostly unproven commodities at the guard position.
In the transfer portal, the Hoosiers brought in a ton of talent. They were able to get a late commitment from Mackenzie Mgbako, a five-star and the No. 10 recruit in the country, according to 247Sports. He was committed to Duke, but once Kyle Filipkowski returned to Durham, Mgbako went looking for a new home, and Woodson and Bloomington obliged.
They do have Trey Galloway returning, who played 27.7 minutes per game and averaged 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Galloway will have to step into a larger role with less depth behind him this season. Tamar Bates would have been a perfect fit to help sure up the depth, but he transferred to Missouri in the offseason, leaving another hole they have to fill.
In terms of what the Hoosiers are losing, it is simple to break down. They lost their top four contributors from last season in Jackson-Davis, Hood-Schifino, Kopp, and Thompson. They reloaded in the transfer portal with talent, but all of those pieces will have to mesh together, and they will have to figure it out fast.
Gabe Cupps is an incoming guard who will look to have a role early. The 2022 Ohio Mr. Basketball is a shifty scorer who can score on all levels and play the role of facilitator.
Anytime you lose two players like Jackson-Davis and Hood-Schifino, the rebuild will be tough. Those are two players that are almost impossible to replace.
The key to this team’s success is how well Mike Woodson can mesh this team together and how creative he can get with lineups. Outside of Xavier Johnson, the four best players on the team are all forwards and centers, and Woodson will have to navigate the best way to get all of his talent on the floor, even when they cannot all play at the same time.
Also, Trey Galloway is a solid role player who will have to take a larger step this season. All signs point to him being able to do that, and if he can, there is a lot of talent on this team to put on the floor for Woodson.
The potential is very clearly there, and they have an experienced point guard returning, but the pieces have to mesh to work correctly. That will be the challenge that the Hoosiers coaching staff faces preseason and early in the season. Also, how quickly the freshman step into roles will be important. Mgbako should be a day-one starter, but Cupps and Newton will have to become solid contributors as well.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
How can Mike Woodson get this new-look team to gel together?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Head coach: Mike Woodson, third season, 44-26 (21-19)
2022-23 record: 23-12 (12-8)
All-time record against Ohio State: 77-59
Returners: Xavier Johnson, Malik Reneau, CJ Gunn, Trey Galloway, Anthony Leal, Kaleb Banks
Departures: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Race Thompson, Miller Kopp, Logan Duncomb to Xavier, Tamar Bates to Missouri, Jordan Geronimo to Maryland.
Newcomers: Jakai Newton, Gabe Cupps, Payton Sparks from Ball State, Kel’el Ware from Oregon, Anthony Walker from Miami, Mackenzie Mgbako
Outlook
Indiana will be looking to answer the age-old question: how many forwards are too many? They do get Xavier Johnson back after he missed most of last season with a broken foot, and he will be key to their offense as their full-time point guard. But other than that, there are a lot of talented but mostly unproven commodities at the guard position.
In the transfer portal, the Hoosiers brought in a ton of talent. They were able to get a late commitment from Mackenzie Mgbako, a five-star and the No. 10 recruit in the country, according to 247Sports. He was committed to Duke, but once Kyle Filipkowski returned to Durham, Mgbako went looking for a new home, and Woodson and Bloomington obliged.
They do have Trey Galloway returning, who played 27.7 minutes per game and averaged 6.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Galloway will have to step into a larger role with less depth behind him this season. Tamar Bates would have been a perfect fit to help sure up the depth, but he transferred to Missouri in the offseason, leaving another hole they have to fill.
In terms of what the Hoosiers are losing, it is simple to break down. They lost their top four contributors from last season in Jackson-Davis, Hood-Schifino, Kopp, and Thompson. They reloaded in the transfer portal with talent, but all of those pieces will have to mesh together, and they will have to figure it out fast.
Gabe Cupps is an incoming guard who will look to have a role early. The 2022 Ohio Mr. Basketball is a shifty scorer who can score on all levels and play the role of facilitator.
Prediction
Anytime you lose two players like Jackson-Davis and Hood-Schifino, the rebuild will be tough. Those are two players that are almost impossible to replace.
The key to this team’s success is how well Mike Woodson can mesh this team together and how creative he can get with lineups. Outside of Xavier Johnson, the four best players on the team are all forwards and centers, and Woodson will have to navigate the best way to get all of his talent on the floor, even when they cannot all play at the same time.
Also, Trey Galloway is a solid role player who will have to take a larger step this season. All signs point to him being able to do that, and if he can, there is a lot of talent on this team to put on the floor for Woodson.
The potential is very clearly there, and they have an experienced point guard returning, but the pieces have to mesh to work correctly. That will be the challenge that the Hoosiers coaching staff faces preseason and early in the season. Also, how quickly the freshman step into roles will be important. Mgbako should be a day-one starter, but Cupps and Newton will have to become solid contributors as well.
Continue reading...