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LGHL The Bengals and Browns should target these Buckeyes in the 2023 NFL Draft
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The Bengals and Browns should target these Buckeyes in the 2023 NFL Draft
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Each Ohio team has a unique set of needs. So which now-former Ohio State players are realistic options to consider in the upcoming draft?
The Cincinnati Bengals should attempt to trade up for C.J. Stroud and trade Joe Burrow before he signs a record-breaking contract extension. Do I have your attention? Good, let’s talk 2023 NFL Draft and possible landing spots for now-former Buckeyes... Although, once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye, am I right?
For the record, there is no validity or truth to the statement/opinion above. I am a Bengals fan and would be elated if “Joe Cool” is the team’s franchise quarterback for 15 years. Hell, make it 20, as I’ll gladly sign up for the Tom Brady experience right here and now.
Also, as great as I believe Stroud will eventually be, NFL teams are very hesitant to swap a proven commodity for a complete unknown. And QB seems to be the one position where money is not an object, provided said QB is elite.
But both the Bengals and Cleveland Browns do have team needs, many of which they will look to address by acquiring cheap, young talent in the upcoming draft. In all likelihood, Stroud, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and Paris Johnson Jr. will be off the board before either Ohio team is on the clock, but that still leaves a handful of Scarlet and Gray draftees to choose from, beginning (presumably) with Cincinnati’s pick at No. 28 overall.
Remember, Cleveland traded their 2023 first-round pick – and organizational dignity – in the Deshaun Watson deal. They then traded their second-round pick for a slot receiver who failed to reach 500 yards (in 16 games) last season, but that’s too good a deal to pass up, right?
Not every Buckeye fills an immediate need for either of these professional teams, nor would they be a realistic option at certain points throughout the draft. Dawand Jones, for example, projects as a right tackle. The Browns have two-time All-Pro Jack Conklin at that position, on a recently signed $60 million dollar contract. Even if Jones were available when the team finally picks at No. 74 overall, “Big Thanos” does not make a ton sense. Let’s see who does, and where.
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Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
Each team will have additional needs, but I am only going to settle on a few. The Bengals have appeared in back-to-back AFC Championship games and have a talented young core. But they also lost four important players to free agency, creating a void at key positions. Fortunately, there are a few former Buckeyes who could replace the departed (via FA) and potentially even contribute right away.
Dawand Jones — Right tackle
How about that for foreshadowing? Jones plays a huge position of need, despite Cincinnati having Jonah Williams, La’el Collins, Cody Ford, and others currently on the roster. Williams recently requested a trade, Collins tore his ACL in December of last year, and Ford is simply not good.
The 6-foot-8, 370+ pound Jones has not really worked out for NFL teams but is still expected to go somewhere in the first 40 picks. At No. 28, the Bengals could land a cheap strong side protector for Burrow and add yet another Buckeye to their squad.
Zach Harrison — Defensive end
Defensive end is less of a need for Cincinnati, but I find it hard to justify another Ohio State player being targeted (at the positions above) before Harrison. The Bengals have two solid ends in Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, another former Buckeye. They have also invested in the position with recent draft picks. But if Harrison is available at No. 92, his selection would be a no-brainer in my book.
He does not provide the speed Cincinnati needs off the edge, but does offer a well-rounded skillset. I could see him developing into a longer version of Hubbard.
Ronnie Hickman, Safety
Admittedly, I was not enamored with Hickman’s play in 2022. But I am willing to believe that his dip in production was the result of playing in a new defense which did not showcase his strengths. Hickman is never going to be a sticky cover safety. He is more of a see ball, get ball player, who I think could become a useful Von Bell-type in the right situation... Look at me just using OSU comps all over the place.
Lou Anarumo, who coached Bell in Cincy and is the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, is also a wizard who has gotten the best out of many defensive backs during his coaching career. If Hickman were on the board at No. 131, I think Sweet Lou could get some use out of him in the Queen City.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24550837/1244753197.jpg)
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
I am not as familiar with the Browns as I am the Bengals, but I know enough to tell you their defense stunk last year. But then again, so did the Buckeyes’ when it mattered most. Which means Cleveland’s most glaring weaknesses do not match up with the strengths of this 2023 Ohio State draft class. But we’re going to give this a shot anyway.
Zach Harrison — Defensive end
Drafting Harrison with pick No. 74 would not be the wisest decision in my book, but I am looking for guys who could provide solid value for the Browns. The team has thus far not re-signed Jadeveon Clowney, instead opting to move forward with Ogbannia Okoronkwo as their starting DE opposite Myles Garrett.
Okoronkwo is 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, played primarily outside linebacker prior to 2022, and has a total of 9.5 sacks in four professional seasons. He may ultimately flourish as a late bloomer, but Harrison would give Cleveland a traditional DE body type to try and develop.
Luke Wypler — Center
Center is not a need listed above, but the Browns’ current starter is a former guard who had multiple void years added to his recent contract extension. This means the team could get out from under his deal rather cheaply in the future. Or they could choose to draft and stockpile depth, which is where Wypler comes in.
I have seen the former Ohio State center mocked as high as 65, which seems ludicrous. But at No. 98 he makes a great deal of sense. Wypler’s addition would give Cleveland depth along their solid yet costly offensive line.
Cam Brown — Cornerback
Hear. Me. Out... The Browns have to good-to-great starting corners. Martin Emerson Jr. is a solid young third. But the rest of the team’s CB situation leaves a ton to be desired. Brown could add depth while also learning from BIA brother Denzel Ward. At the very least, he brings solid experience and special teams potential. No risk with pick No. 229.
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
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Each Ohio team has a unique set of needs. So which now-former Ohio State players are realistic options to consider in the upcoming draft?
The Cincinnati Bengals should attempt to trade up for C.J. Stroud and trade Joe Burrow before he signs a record-breaking contract extension. Do I have your attention? Good, let’s talk 2023 NFL Draft and possible landing spots for now-former Buckeyes... Although, once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye, am I right?
For the record, there is no validity or truth to the statement/opinion above. I am a Bengals fan and would be elated if “Joe Cool” is the team’s franchise quarterback for 15 years. Hell, make it 20, as I’ll gladly sign up for the Tom Brady experience right here and now.
Also, as great as I believe Stroud will eventually be, NFL teams are very hesitant to swap a proven commodity for a complete unknown. And QB seems to be the one position where money is not an object, provided said QB is elite.
But both the Bengals and Cleveland Browns do have team needs, many of which they will look to address by acquiring cheap, young talent in the upcoming draft. In all likelihood, Stroud, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and Paris Johnson Jr. will be off the board before either Ohio team is on the clock, but that still leaves a handful of Scarlet and Gray draftees to choose from, beginning (presumably) with Cincinnati’s pick at No. 28 overall.
Remember, Cleveland traded their 2023 first-round pick – and organizational dignity – in the Deshaun Watson deal. They then traded their second-round pick for a slot receiver who failed to reach 500 yards (in 16 games) last season, but that’s too good a deal to pass up, right?
Not every Buckeye fills an immediate need for either of these professional teams, nor would they be a realistic option at certain points throughout the draft. Dawand Jones, for example, projects as a right tackle. The Browns have two-time All-Pro Jack Conklin at that position, on a recently signed $60 million dollar contract. Even if Jones were available when the team finally picks at No. 74 overall, “Big Thanos” does not make a ton sense. Let’s see who does, and where.
Cincinnati Bengals
Team needs: Right tackle, tight end, secondary
Current picks (overall): 28, 60, 92, 131, 163, 206, 246
Each team will have additional needs, but I am only going to settle on a few. The Bengals have appeared in back-to-back AFC Championship games and have a talented young core. But they also lost four important players to free agency, creating a void at key positions. Fortunately, there are a few former Buckeyes who could replace the departed (via FA) and potentially even contribute right away.
Dawand Jones — Right tackle
How about that for foreshadowing? Jones plays a huge position of need, despite Cincinnati having Jonah Williams, La’el Collins, Cody Ford, and others currently on the roster. Williams recently requested a trade, Collins tore his ACL in December of last year, and Ford is simply not good.
The 6-foot-8, 370+ pound Jones has not really worked out for NFL teams but is still expected to go somewhere in the first 40 picks. At No. 28, the Bengals could land a cheap strong side protector for Burrow and add yet another Buckeye to their squad.
Zach Harrison — Defensive end
Defensive end is less of a need for Cincinnati, but I find it hard to justify another Ohio State player being targeted (at the positions above) before Harrison. The Bengals have two solid ends in Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard, another former Buckeye. They have also invested in the position with recent draft picks. But if Harrison is available at No. 92, his selection would be a no-brainer in my book.
He does not provide the speed Cincinnati needs off the edge, but does offer a well-rounded skillset. I could see him developing into a longer version of Hubbard.
Ronnie Hickman, Safety
Admittedly, I was not enamored with Hickman’s play in 2022. But I am willing to believe that his dip in production was the result of playing in a new defense which did not showcase his strengths. Hickman is never going to be a sticky cover safety. He is more of a see ball, get ball player, who I think could become a useful Von Bell-type in the right situation... Look at me just using OSU comps all over the place.
Lou Anarumo, who coached Bell in Cincy and is the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, is also a wizard who has gotten the best out of many defensive backs during his coaching career. If Hickman were on the board at No. 131, I think Sweet Lou could get some use out of him in the Queen City.
Cleveland Browns
Team needs: Defensive line, linebacker, Chubb insurance
Current picks (overall): 74, 98, 111, 126, 142, 144, 190, 229
I am not as familiar with the Browns as I am the Bengals, but I know enough to tell you their defense stunk last year. But then again, so did the Buckeyes’ when it mattered most. Which means Cleveland’s most glaring weaknesses do not match up with the strengths of this 2023 Ohio State draft class. But we’re going to give this a shot anyway.
Zach Harrison — Defensive end
Drafting Harrison with pick No. 74 would not be the wisest decision in my book, but I am looking for guys who could provide solid value for the Browns. The team has thus far not re-signed Jadeveon Clowney, instead opting to move forward with Ogbannia Okoronkwo as their starting DE opposite Myles Garrett.
Okoronkwo is 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, played primarily outside linebacker prior to 2022, and has a total of 9.5 sacks in four professional seasons. He may ultimately flourish as a late bloomer, but Harrison would give Cleveland a traditional DE body type to try and develop.
Luke Wypler — Center
Center is not a need listed above, but the Browns’ current starter is a former guard who had multiple void years added to his recent contract extension. This means the team could get out from under his deal rather cheaply in the future. Or they could choose to draft and stockpile depth, which is where Wypler comes in.
I have seen the former Ohio State center mocked as high as 65, which seems ludicrous. But at No. 98 he makes a great deal of sense. Wypler’s addition would give Cleveland depth along their solid yet costly offensive line.
Cam Brown — Cornerback
Hear. Me. Out... The Browns have to good-to-great starting corners. Martin Emerson Jr. is a solid young third. But the rest of the team’s CB situation leaves a ton to be desired. Brown could add depth while also learning from BIA brother Denzel Ward. At the very least, he brings solid experience and special teams potential. No risk with pick No. 229.
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: With the spring game over, what are you most looking forward to before football season?
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You’re Nuts: With the spring game over, what are you most looking forward to before football season?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
The weather on Saturday in Columbus was perfect for the 75,000+ that were in attendance for Ohio State’s spring game. For many in the Buckeye State, it feels like the spring game signifies the start of spring in Ohio, even though the official start of spring is usually around a month before the exhibition that wraps up Ohio State’s spring practices.
Now that spring practices have concluded, there isn’t much Ohio State action to keep an eye on before the college football season kicks off. There is still baseball, softball, lacrosse, and some other sports to keep an eye on, but those sports don’t move the needle quite like football or basketball does in Columbus. Luckily there are plenty of concerts, sporting events, or other attractions on the schedule throughout the summer in Columbus and throughout Ohio to keep people busy and their minds off the college football season for at least a little bit.
Whether you are in Columbus, or elsewhere, today we want to know what you are most looking forward to now that the spring game is over, and we have over four months until the college football season kicks off. The answer doesn’t have to be about Ohio State sports. it could be about a vacation, concert, or any other event that is on your schedule over the next few months.
While it feels like it isn’t really spring until the Ohio State spring game is played, the Memorial Tournament in early June feels like it ushers in the start of summer. Jack Nicklaus’ tournament isn’t a major, but it is seen as an important tune-up for the US Open, which takes place a couple weeks later. There is usually a stacked field at Muirfield, with most of the top-ranked golfers in the world teeing it up at “Jack’s Place”.
I’m a little more excited for this year’s tournament than in years past since I have hospitality tickets for Thursday. Even though I’ve lived in Columbus for over 15 years, somehow I’ve never made it up to Muirfield for the tournament. I’ve kicked around the idea for quite some time, but usually either I’ve had to work or other things have come up and kept me from getting there. Then there have been a few years where it felt like it would be pointless to try and get up there because there was rain in the forecast.
There are certainly other events throughout the summer that I’m excited for. Our dynasty fantasy football league is planning on doing our draft at the end of August in Minneapolis. I know I’ll be hitting up a few Clippers game during the season, as well as a Crew match or two. Plus. there are undoubtedly going to be concerts and some other excursions that will pop up, but I know I’m most excited to head to Muirfield to catch some PGA action on the course for the first time.
Forgive me as I go way off the sports board for this one, but I’m forgoing the MLB season, the NBA and NHL playoffs, even my beloved TBT with the return of Carmen’s Crew, and instead diving into one of my other passions, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Coming up on June 21 (just five days before my birthday) will be the latest superhero streaming series on Disney+.
I have been in on the MCU since Day 1, but even I can admit that the last few years of Marvel programming have been something short of stellar — while I enjoyed “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” more than most everyone else did, I realize that it was far from perfect, and everyone’s mileage will vary from project to project.
One of the major issues with the current Marvel strategy is to essentially make everything fit into the same cookie-cutter formats. The same visual template is used in everything, the same story structure is repeated in every movie, every series has a lull in the middle, the dialogue all feels the same no matter who is saying it.
While there are always exceptions — for better or for worse, like “Eternals” (which was meh) and “Ms. Marvel” (which I thought was incredibly fun and creative, but still lagged in the middle) — in my mind, the MCU is at its best when it varies its approach to its stories, letting the content dictate form, rather than the other way around.
That’s why I’m so excited for “Secret Invasion.” Like all Marvel properties, it has an insanely talented cast, featuring MCU stalwarts Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle, and Martin Freeman, joined by Ben Mendelsohn returning from “Captain Marvel.” Then, the series will welcome some of the best actors in the world to the party in Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Throw in appearances by Dermot Mulroney, Christopher McDonald, Katie Finneran, and more, and you know this will be at least incredibly well-acted.
But what’s so intriguing about the show is that it feels like a throwback to the Phase 1 and 2 eras where each property had a completely different vibe. The international (and interplanetary) intrigue of the trailer harkens back to the days of “Winter Soldier.” The series appears to be a taught thriller that will break the mold from what we have seen over the last few years from the MCU.
Like, watch this trailer, how can you not be pumped up for this show?
Might I be getting my hopes up, yet again, for an incredible MCU title only to be disappointed? Perhaps, but I continue to believe that it is better to get your hopes up for things that you love only to be disappointed, than to never get excited about anything ever again.
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
Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
The weather on Saturday in Columbus was perfect for the 75,000+ that were in attendance for Ohio State’s spring game. For many in the Buckeye State, it feels like the spring game signifies the start of spring in Ohio, even though the official start of spring is usually around a month before the exhibition that wraps up Ohio State’s spring practices.
Now that spring practices have concluded, there isn’t much Ohio State action to keep an eye on before the college football season kicks off. There is still baseball, softball, lacrosse, and some other sports to keep an eye on, but those sports don’t move the needle quite like football or basketball does in Columbus. Luckily there are plenty of concerts, sporting events, or other attractions on the schedule throughout the summer in Columbus and throughout Ohio to keep people busy and their minds off the college football season for at least a little bit.
Whether you are in Columbus, or elsewhere, today we want to know what you are most looking forward to now that the spring game is over, and we have over four months until the college football season kicks off. The answer doesn’t have to be about Ohio State sports. it could be about a vacation, concert, or any other event that is on your schedule over the next few months.
Today’s question: With the spring game over, what are you most looking forward to before we get to football season?
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: The Memorial
While it feels like it isn’t really spring until the Ohio State spring game is played, the Memorial Tournament in early June feels like it ushers in the start of summer. Jack Nicklaus’ tournament isn’t a major, but it is seen as an important tune-up for the US Open, which takes place a couple weeks later. There is usually a stacked field at Muirfield, with most of the top-ranked golfers in the world teeing it up at “Jack’s Place”.
I’m a little more excited for this year’s tournament than in years past since I have hospitality tickets for Thursday. Even though I’ve lived in Columbus for over 15 years, somehow I’ve never made it up to Muirfield for the tournament. I’ve kicked around the idea for quite some time, but usually either I’ve had to work or other things have come up and kept me from getting there. Then there have been a few years where it felt like it would be pointless to try and get up there because there was rain in the forecast.
There are certainly other events throughout the summer that I’m excited for. Our dynasty fantasy football league is planning on doing our draft at the end of August in Minneapolis. I know I’ll be hitting up a few Clippers game during the season, as well as a Crew match or two. Plus. there are undoubtedly going to be concerts and some other excursions that will pop up, but I know I’m most excited to head to Muirfield to catch some PGA action on the course for the first time.
Matt’s answer: “Secret Invasion” on Disney+
Forgive me as I go way off the sports board for this one, but I’m forgoing the MLB season, the NBA and NHL playoffs, even my beloved TBT with the return of Carmen’s Crew, and instead diving into one of my other passions, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Coming up on June 21 (just five days before my birthday) will be the latest superhero streaming series on Disney+.
I have been in on the MCU since Day 1, but even I can admit that the last few years of Marvel programming have been something short of stellar — while I enjoyed “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” more than most everyone else did, I realize that it was far from perfect, and everyone’s mileage will vary from project to project.
One of the major issues with the current Marvel strategy is to essentially make everything fit into the same cookie-cutter formats. The same visual template is used in everything, the same story structure is repeated in every movie, every series has a lull in the middle, the dialogue all feels the same no matter who is saying it.
While there are always exceptions — for better or for worse, like “Eternals” (which was meh) and “Ms. Marvel” (which I thought was incredibly fun and creative, but still lagged in the middle) — in my mind, the MCU is at its best when it varies its approach to its stories, letting the content dictate form, rather than the other way around.
That’s why I’m so excited for “Secret Invasion.” Like all Marvel properties, it has an insanely talented cast, featuring MCU stalwarts Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle, and Martin Freeman, joined by Ben Mendelsohn returning from “Captain Marvel.” Then, the series will welcome some of the best actors in the world to the party in Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke, and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Throw in appearances by Dermot Mulroney, Christopher McDonald, Katie Finneran, and more, and you know this will be at least incredibly well-acted.
But what’s so intriguing about the show is that it feels like a throwback to the Phase 1 and 2 eras where each property had a completely different vibe. The international (and interplanetary) intrigue of the trailer harkens back to the days of “Winter Soldier.” The series appears to be a taught thriller that will break the mold from what we have seen over the last few years from the MCU.
Like, watch this trailer, how can you not be pumped up for this show?
Might I be getting my hopes up, yet again, for an incredible MCU title only to be disappointed? Perhaps, but I continue to believe that it is better to get your hopes up for things that you love only to be disappointed, than to never get excited about anything ever again.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Stock up, stock down for young Buckeyes who took part in Ohio State’s spring game
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Stock up, stock down for young Buckeyes who took part in Ohio State’s spring game
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
On this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss OSU’s annual spring game, focusing on young(er) players who either stood out or clearly need more time.
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 discuss Ohio State’s annual spring game, while trying not to overreact to a less-than-inspiring offensive performance. They reveal whether they are hopeful, concerned, or completely unaffected by the intrasquad scrimmage, before pivoting to individual performances.
Of particular interest to the guys was the play and performance of many young Buckeyes: The incoming freshmen, the five-star sophomores, and the players who are only considered “young” in terms of starter snaps and game experience. Looking at you, Kyle McCord.
Which players saw their respective stocks rise? Which ones should have investors nervous? And does Josh actually know anything about the stock market, or did he spend this entire episode trying to figure out why Carnell Tate is being compared to tech stocks in the 1990’s?
To close this episode out, Josh gives a quick recruiting update, Chuck claims Stock Up Draft victory, and the guys preview next week’s show.
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
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
On this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss OSU’s annual spring game, focusing on young(er) players who either stood out or clearly need more time.
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 discuss Ohio State’s annual spring game, while trying not to overreact to a less-than-inspiring offensive performance. They reveal whether they are hopeful, concerned, or completely unaffected by the intrasquad scrimmage, before pivoting to individual performances.
Of particular interest to the guys was the play and performance of many young Buckeyes: The incoming freshmen, the five-star sophomores, and the players who are only considered “young” in terms of starter snaps and game experience. Looking at you, Kyle McCord.
Which players saw their respective stocks rise? Which ones should have investors nervous? And does Josh actually know anything about the stock market, or did he spend this entire episode trying to figure out why Carnell Tate is being compared to tech stocks in the 1990’s?
To close this episode out, Josh gives a quick recruiting update, Chuck claims Stock Up Draft victory, and the guys preview next week’s show.
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 Top-70 cornerback sets Ohio State visit date; top in-state player could commit early
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Top-70 cornerback sets Ohio State visit date; top in-state player could commit early
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Andrew Ivins | 247Sports
Also, an OSU commit gets spicy about TTUN!
The last few weeks have been busy and exciting ones on the recruiting trail for the Ohio State football program, and now in the days following the 2023 spring game, things have settled down a little bit, but there is always something seemingly brewing when it comes to recruiting.
On Tuesday, the No. 68 player in the country — according to 247Sports Composite Ratings — Zabien Brown confirmed that he had set official visits with his final four schools, Alabama, Oregon, USC, and Ohio State. According to 247Sports’ Greg Biggins, the No. 8 corner in the country will be in Southern California on June 3, followed by Columbus two weeks later on June 17, then Tuscaloosa on June 23, and Eugene on July 1.
From a commitment perspective, you always want to see your team get the final visit, but we have seen players cancel their remaining visits after they have visited the Buckeyes. Brown is finishing up his junior year at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Cali., but has been to Columbus twice in the past month, most recently early last week.
Like another major out-of-state prospect Texas running back James Peoples, Brown has family in Ohio and after visiting them in Cleveland over the Easter holiday, came down to campus for multiple days. It is always difficult to land a major blue-chip prospect from across the country, but when he has familial connections to Ohio, it certainly makes it easier.
“I’ve always liked Ohio State a lot and they do a great job developing defensive backs,” Brown told 247 following his last trip to Columbus. “It’s a big time program with great tradition and I like coach Walton, the DB coach a lot so I think it’s a great all around fit.”
Brown currently is planning to make his decision late in the summer, after he has made all of his official visits and before the start of his senior season.
Someone who might not wait that long — and that the Buckeyes are hoping will soon be in the same position room as Brown — is Bryce West. The No. 1 player in the state of Ohio per the 247 Composite Rankings has long maintained that he would make his commitment on National Signing Day, but he recently told Eleven Warriors that he might have a change of heart.
West, a Cleveland Glenville product, was on campus earlier this month and seemed to indicate that his recent recruiting trips might have sped up his decision-making process.
“It might just come a little bit earlier,” he said. “I’m not sure when yet, I’m definitely talking it over with my parents.”
The corner was in Columbus the first few days of April at the same time as the No. 2 player in Ohio, fellow cornerback Aaron Scott from Springfield. Walton’s room is one that could use some serious reinforcements and while landing Brown, West, and Scott isn’t out of the question, getting three top-70 players at the same position in the same class isn’t something that you necessarily want to bank on.
However, being in the mix for all three certainly bodes well for cornerback recruiting in the 2024 class. Besides, if Brian Hartline can land three top wide receivers in a class, maybe it’s time other Ohio State coaches step up as well.
Quick Hits
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
Andrew Ivins | 247Sports
Also, an OSU commit gets spicy about TTUN!
The last few weeks have been busy and exciting ones on the recruiting trail for the Ohio State football program, and now in the days following the 2023 spring game, things have settled down a little bit, but there is always something seemingly brewing when it comes to recruiting.
High Four-Star Cornerback Names Ohio State Finalist, Sets Visit Date
On Tuesday, the No. 68 player in the country — according to 247Sports Composite Ratings — Zabien Brown confirmed that he had set official visits with his final four schools, Alabama, Oregon, USC, and Ohio State. According to 247Sports’ Greg Biggins, the No. 8 corner in the country will be in Southern California on June 3, followed by Columbus two weeks later on June 17, then Tuscaloosa on June 23, and Eugene on July 1.
From a commitment perspective, you always want to see your team get the final visit, but we have seen players cancel their remaining visits after they have visited the Buckeyes. Brown is finishing up his junior year at Mater Dei in Santa Ana, Cali., but has been to Columbus twice in the past month, most recently early last week.
Like another major out-of-state prospect Texas running back James Peoples, Brown has family in Ohio and after visiting them in Cleveland over the Easter holiday, came down to campus for multiple days. It is always difficult to land a major blue-chip prospect from across the country, but when he has familial connections to Ohio, it certainly makes it easier.
“I’ve always liked Ohio State a lot and they do a great job developing defensive backs,” Brown told 247 following his last trip to Columbus. “It’s a big time program with great tradition and I like coach Walton, the DB coach a lot so I think it’s a great all around fit.”
Brown currently is planning to make his decision late in the summer, after he has made all of his official visits and before the start of his senior season.
Bryce West Open to Committing Earlier than Planned
Someone who might not wait that long — and that the Buckeyes are hoping will soon be in the same position room as Brown — is Bryce West. The No. 1 player in the state of Ohio per the 247 Composite Rankings has long maintained that he would make his commitment on National Signing Day, but he recently told Eleven Warriors that he might have a change of heart.
West, a Cleveland Glenville product, was on campus earlier this month and seemed to indicate that his recent recruiting trips might have sped up his decision-making process.
“It might just come a little bit earlier,” he said. “I’m not sure when yet, I’m definitely talking it over with my parents.”
The corner was in Columbus the first few days of April at the same time as the No. 2 player in Ohio, fellow cornerback Aaron Scott from Springfield. Walton’s room is one that could use some serious reinforcements and while landing Brown, West, and Scott isn’t out of the question, getting three top-70 players at the same position in the same class isn’t something that you necessarily want to bank on.
However, being in the mix for all three certainly bodes well for cornerback recruiting in the 2024 class. Besides, if Brian Hartline can land three top wide receivers in a class, maybe it’s time other Ohio State coaches step up as well.
Quick Hits
- He might only be ranked as the No. 590 player in the country, but he has offers from Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and many other school, including a number of Ivy League institutions. Currently, Florida tight end Colton Heinrich is working on setting up an official visit to Columbus, according to Bucknuts’ Bill Kurelic. Heinrich was on campus earlier this month and texts with position coach Keenan Bailey almost every day. He knows that the Buckeyes landed a TE pledge over the weekend in Max LeBlanc, but is aware of OSU’s plan to have two players at the position in the 2024 cycle.
- It’s not all good news for the Buckeyes on the trail, as on Tuesday, as four-star offensive tackle Donovan Harbour committed to Penn State. While he had an offer from OSU, and visited last September, the momentum had long been in the Nittany Lions favor on this one, so the pledge was likely not a surprise for Justin Frye.
@coachjfranklin 1000% committed️ pic.twitter.com/xveTf0TMl4
— Donovan “7D9” Harbour (@donovan_harbour) April 18, 2023
- Yesterday, top-100 offensive lineman, and Buckeye commit, Ian Moore took to Twitter to answer a spicy question from a recruiting insider. And while we (and Ian) are obviously biased, I think he totally nailed this one.
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LGHL Ohio State fortifies backcourt with addition of former Baylor guard Dale Bonner
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Ohio State fortifies backcourt with addition of former Baylor guard Dale Bonner
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The sixth-year guard and Shaker Heights-native is expected to back up Ohio State’s second-year guards, Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle.
In a bit of an unexpected twist earlier this week, Ohio State added a transfer guard who had not previously been linked to the program prior to his commitment. Dale Bonner, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard who has played at Division-II Fairmont State and more recently Baylor, made it known on Monday that he would transfer to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility.
Bonner averaged 17.8 points and 5.3 assists per game during his (redshirt) freshman season at Fairmont State in the 2019-2020 season. He then averaged 20.2 points per game as a sophomore, leading the team in scoring. He was Fairmont State’s overall leader in points, assists, and steals during his two seasons before transferring to Baylor before the 2021-2022 season.
A fan favorite in Waco, Scott Drew’s Baylor teams used Bonner primarily as a backup to guys like Adam Flagler, Keyonte George, and LJ Cryer during his two seasons there. Still, Bonner averaged 18.3 minutes per game on two Baylor teams that earned No. 1 and No. 3-seeds in the past two NCAA Tournaments. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.1 assists per game, and had 67 steals in 60 games.
He’s been described as a “gifted defender and passer” and was one of Baylor’s best on-ball defenders last season. Adding Bonner to a recipe that already includes Thornton, Gayle, Felix Okpara, and Scotty Middleton could help create Ohio State’s best defensive team in several seasons.
Bonner will likely be expected to play a similar role at Ohio State, as Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle are likely entrenched at the point and shooting guard spots after playing extensive minutes as freshmen — in Gayle’s case, mostly during the stretch run. Bonner will not be expected to carry a big scoring load with Thornton, Gayle, Jamison Battle, Zed Key, and others on the team, but they may lean on his shooting (37.2% from three last season) a bit more than Baylor did.
The sixth-year guard told the Columbus Dispatch on Monday afternoon that he was not set on playing in any particular conference or level of basketball, as he also had visits to Tulane, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and Akron scheduled for this month. However, Ohio State felt like “the right fit.”
“I was pretty open to all levels and all different coaches around the country,” he said. “It essentially came down to me getting on campus and seeing everything. I just felt comfortable and felt like it was the right fit for me and the right decision.”
Bonner will probably play a similar amount of minutes at Ohio State as he did at Baylor, barring any injuries popping up. Taison Chatman, a four-star freshman guard from Minnesota, will also mix into the Ohio State backcourt this season, but Thornton and Gayle will have the first crack at starting roles. It also would not be a shocker for Holtmann and staff to work in some three-guard lineups next season where it makes sense, with Thornton, Gayle, and one of Bonner or Chatman on the floor together.
While not a splashy addition, the Buckeyes had a need for an experienced guard who could work alongside a comparatively inexperienced backcourt cast. Ohio State’s other need this offseason — adding a dynamic forward who could score in bunches — was accomplished with the addition of Battle two weeks ago.
With Bonner on the roster, Ohio State is now one scholarship over the limit, with 14. However, Brice Sensabaugh is likely remaining in the NBA Draft, and there are rumors that Tanner Holden may opt to transfer as well. It goes without saying that if Holtmann was comfortable adding Bonner at this point, he and his staff are confident that one of Sensabaugh or Holden will not be on the team this fall.
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Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The sixth-year guard and Shaker Heights-native is expected to back up Ohio State’s second-year guards, Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle.
In a bit of an unexpected twist earlier this week, Ohio State added a transfer guard who had not previously been linked to the program prior to his commitment. Dale Bonner, a 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard who has played at Division-II Fairmont State and more recently Baylor, made it known on Monday that he would transfer to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility.
Bonner averaged 17.8 points and 5.3 assists per game during his (redshirt) freshman season at Fairmont State in the 2019-2020 season. He then averaged 20.2 points per game as a sophomore, leading the team in scoring. He was Fairmont State’s overall leader in points, assists, and steals during his two seasons before transferring to Baylor before the 2021-2022 season.
A fan favorite in Waco, Scott Drew’s Baylor teams used Bonner primarily as a backup to guys like Adam Flagler, Keyonte George, and LJ Cryer during his two seasons there. Still, Bonner averaged 18.3 minutes per game on two Baylor teams that earned No. 1 and No. 3-seeds in the past two NCAA Tournaments. He averaged 3.9 points and 2.1 assists per game, and had 67 steals in 60 games.
He’s been described as a “gifted defender and passer” and was one of Baylor’s best on-ball defenders last season. Adding Bonner to a recipe that already includes Thornton, Gayle, Felix Okpara, and Scotty Middleton could help create Ohio State’s best defensive team in several seasons.
Bonner will likely be expected to play a similar role at Ohio State, as Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle are likely entrenched at the point and shooting guard spots after playing extensive minutes as freshmen — in Gayle’s case, mostly during the stretch run. Bonner will not be expected to carry a big scoring load with Thornton, Gayle, Jamison Battle, Zed Key, and others on the team, but they may lean on his shooting (37.2% from three last season) a bit more than Baylor did.
The sixth-year guard told the Columbus Dispatch on Monday afternoon that he was not set on playing in any particular conference or level of basketball, as he also had visits to Tulane, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and Akron scheduled for this month. However, Ohio State felt like “the right fit.”
“I was pretty open to all levels and all different coaches around the country,” he said. “It essentially came down to me getting on campus and seeing everything. I just felt comfortable and felt like it was the right fit for me and the right decision.”
Bonner will probably play a similar amount of minutes at Ohio State as he did at Baylor, barring any injuries popping up. Taison Chatman, a four-star freshman guard from Minnesota, will also mix into the Ohio State backcourt this season, but Thornton and Gayle will have the first crack at starting roles. It also would not be a shocker for Holtmann and staff to work in some three-guard lineups next season where it makes sense, with Thornton, Gayle, and one of Bonner or Chatman on the floor together.
While not a splashy addition, the Buckeyes had a need for an experienced guard who could work alongside a comparatively inexperienced backcourt cast. Ohio State’s other need this offseason — adding a dynamic forward who could score in bunches — was accomplished with the addition of Battle two weeks ago.
With Bonner on the roster, Ohio State is now one scholarship over the limit, with 14. However, Brice Sensabaugh is likely remaining in the NBA Draft, and there are rumors that Tanner Holden may opt to transfer as well. It goes without saying that if Holtmann was comfortable adding Bonner at this point, he and his staff are confident that one of Sensabaugh or Holden will not be on the team this fall.
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