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LGHL Could Ohio State finish with the highest-ranked recruiting class of all time?

Could Ohio State finish with the highest-ranked recruiting class of all time?
Bret Favachio
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The top spot is very much in play for the Buckeyes.

Head coach Urban Meyer and Ohio State, to put it lightly, are rolling on the recruiting trail for this year's cycle. The Buckeyes' class currently features 16 members and all but two are of the blue-chip variety at this moment. Highlighting the group is the trio of five-star prospects: defensive end Brenton Cox of Stockbridge (GA), athlete Jaelen Gill of Westerville South (OH), and defensive tackle Taron Vincent of IMG Academy (FL). They also have four guys that were this close to achieving five-star status in Georgia quarterback Emory Jones, Virginia linebacker Teradja Mitchell, New York tight end Jeremy Ruckert and California safety Jaiden Woodbey.

Right now, Ohio State has the top recruiting class in the country with 288.00 points. Not to be forgotten, the Buckeyes still have a lengthy list of elite prospects that they are in strong position for in hopes of bringing them to Columbus. But just how good could this class end up come National Signing Day?

Who’s In?

Meyer has a history



If you sort through years and years of 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, which dates back until 1999, the year 2010 will catch your eye. That’s because Florida’s class that year, Urban Meyer’s final class in Gainesville, has actually received the most points of any recruiting class since the industry has began ranking them. That Gators' class of 28, featured guys like Ronald Powell, Dominique Easley, Shariff Floyd, Matt Elam, and a host of other highly rated prospects and ended up garnering 324.62 points.

So, the question here is simple: Is it possible that Ohio State could actually surpass that mark and finish with the highest-graded recruiting class ever? Yes, they can.

The most likely scenario would be if the Buckeyes could reel in three more five-star guys in Pennsylvania defensive end Micah Parsons, in-state offensive tackle Jackson Carman, and Texas cornerback Anthony Cook. This definitely seems to be a tall task for Ohio State but the Buckeyes are presently the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorites for all three of the elite talents.

At wide receiver, the Scarlet and Gray would like to add four-star Kamryn Babb of Christian Brothers College (MO), who just suffered an unfortunate ACL tear that will finish his high school career but he is undoubtedly the top pass-catching target on Ohio State’s board. Another would be L’Christian “Blue” Smith of Wayne High School in Dayton, which is just about an hour away from Ohio Stadium.

With an already loaded haul in the front seven, the Buckeyes are also focused on in-state defensive end Tyreke Smith of Cleveland Heights High School. Smith, much like the other five players mentioned above, is also expected to choose Ohio State when all is said and done.

For the time being however, with last night’s departure of defensive end Andrew Chatfield who is expected to head to Florida, Ohio State would likely have to add another prospect outside of these six to join the class.

Can they pull it off?


Not only is this a realistic scenario, some would call this one of the more likely finishes to the 2018 class. In the event that those six that we focused on did make the call for the Buckeyes, it would put the class at 323.52 points right now, which would fall just short of Florida’s record mark. That would mean Ohio State would have to keep everyone currently committed on board and while there have been some worries with Emory Jones of late, though I believe they are overblown, and even with Chatfield now out, the chance is still very much alive.

As stated above, the Buckeyes still might have to add another prospect outside of the six mentioned above. I say might because senior seasons are right around the corner for these kids. Rankings are going to change multiple times before National Signing Day this upcoming February. Some players will see increases, which I believe someone like Master Teague is surely in-line for, and some players will see their current grades take a hit.

The good news here is that Ohio State also has some other guys that are still very in much in play outside of the main six that could help boost them past that Gators’ class. Some other names to watch would include offensive tackle William Barnes, cornerback Tyson Campbell, wide receiver Jahan Dotson, linebacker Christopher Oats, defensive end Jayson Oweh, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu, and more.

One thing you always have to be aware of in recruiting is that you can never count out Urban Meyer. It will be interesting to see just how close Ohio State actually gets to the top spot.

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Google Ohio State should have improved depth on offensive line - MyDaytonDailyNews

Ohio State should have improved depth on offensive line - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State should have improved depth on offensive line
MyDaytonDailyNews
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive linemen don't throw around the Slobs nickname as much as they did two years ago when Vandalia Butler graduate Taylor Decker led the unit. Senior left tackle Jamarco Jones isn't sure what happened to it. “You guys should ...
Ohio State Right Guard Competition Remains Wide OpenEleven Warriors
Ohio State Buckeyes: Miamisburg's Josh Myers making 'strong' impressionDayton Daily News
Football: Confidence is the key for Ohio State right tackle Isaiah PrinceOSU - The Lantern
cleveland.com -ABC6OnYourSide.com -247Sports
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Google Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes' training camp - Sharonherald

Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes' training camp - Sharonherald
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes' training camp
Sharonherald
The La Grange, Texas, native, an early enrollee who participated in spring practice, was the first freshman to lose the black stripe from his helmet, signifying that he is now a full-fledged Buckeye. At the first scrimmage on Saturday, Dobbins was ...
Buckeyes ahead of schedule heading into second weekThe News Center
Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended indefinitely for undisclosed violationESPN
Right guard is still 'wide open' for the Buckeyes247Sports
cleveland.com
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Google Greg Schiano right to say Buckeyes defensive line better than NFL team: Ohio State analysis...

Greg Schiano right to say Buckeyes defensive line better than NFL team: Ohio State analysis - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Greg Schiano right to say Buckeyes defensive line better than NFL team: Ohio State analysis
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Could Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano possibly be right that the Buckeyes defensive line is better than the defensive lines he coached in the NFL as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1999 and 2000?
Greg Schiano -- Ohio State Buckeyes' defensive line better than ...ESPN
Greg Schiano Calls Ohio St. D-Line Best He's Ever Coached, Including '12-13 BucsBleacher Report
The offense is ahead of the defense in first Buckeye scrimmage247Sports
Landof10.com -MyDaytonDailyNews -Land-Grant Holy Land -Twitter
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Google Kamryn Babb suffers 'significant knee injury', Buckeyes make cut for 2019 QB: Ohio State...

Kamryn Babb suffers 'significant knee injury', Buckeyes make cut for 2019 QB: Ohio State football recruiting - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kamryn Babb suffers 'significant knee injury', Buckeyes make cut for 2019 QB: Ohio State football recruiting
cleveland.com
Ohio State was also recruiting receiver Cameron Brown, a four-star prospect and teammate of Babb's at Christian Brothers College in St. Louis. Brown decommitted from Nebraska on June 10, one day after camping at Ohio State. He then had the Buckeyes ...
Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6Land-Grant Holy Land
Bill Kurelic: Breaking down thinking of Ohio State Buckeyes' staff ...247Sports
Tough break for Ohio State target Kamryn Babb, Urban Meyer likes linemen, and moreLandof10.com
Eleven Warriors
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LGHL Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6

Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6
Dan Hessler
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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Ohio State might just make it work with standout Justin Ahrens.

The Buckeye basketball program has had a whirlwind of an offseason. The university decided to part ways with former head coach Thad Matta late this summer and replaced him with Chris Holtmann out of Butler.

Since Holtmann has been in Columbus, he has shown an incredible ability to recruit. He has brought multiple highly-touted prospects into the program and led Ohio State to the top recruiting class in the Big Ten this year.

However, with all the chaos surrounding the program, some recruits that committed to the Buckeyes under Matta decided to reopen their recruitment in order to make sure they made the right decision. One former commit has continued to express interest in Ohio State and included the program as one of his top six schools moving forward.

Three-star small forward Justin Ahrens (Versailles, OH/Versailles) announced Ohio State as one of the six schools he will focus on during the rest of his recruitment, along with Michigan, Xavier, Dayton, Vanderbilt, and Purdue.


Top 6.. pic.twitter.com/3j3xIVaoWd

— Justin Ahrens•• (@ahrensjustin12) August 7, 2017

Ahrens is the No. 7 overall prospect from the state of Ohio, the No. 43 SF in the country, and is seen as the No. 166 overall recruit in the class of 2018, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Holtmann’s staff expressed their interest in retaining Ahrens shortly after his arrival. The staff sent him another scholarship offer July 17 in hopes that he would re-commit to the Buckeyes. While the Buckeyes should be viewed as a top contender for his services, since his departure, Michigan has become a real factor and is seen as the current favorite to land him, with 80 percent of the 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions.

Holtmann and his staff still have plenty of work to do in securing a commitment from Ahrens, but if they are able to build a relationship similar to the one he had with Matta, their chances are high.

Key Ohio State WR target suffers major injury


Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting class is off to a booming start. The team already holds verbal commitments from 16 recruits and could add to that total in the coming weeks. However, despite this success, the program has yet to add a wide receiver to the group.

There are two WR prospects the Buckeyes are focusing most of their attention on: four-star WR L’Christian “Blue” Smith and four-star Kamryn Babb (Saint Louis, MO/Christian Brothers College), with Babb being their top target.

Unfortunately, David Kvidahl of the Saint Louis Times is reporting that the up-and-coming WR suffered a possible season-ending injury in his knee. The exact severity of the injury is unknown and it is unfair to speculate much further.

However, if Babb has to miss a significant amount of time, it would be the second consecutive season he will have to do so. Kvidahl mentions in his report that Babb missed a total of five games last season before being able to return for the Class 6 state semifinals.

The injury will likely not have any effect on Babb’s recruitment, as he is still regarded as one of the top recruits in the entire class. The 247Sports Composite Rankings list him as the No. 6 WR and the No. 38 overall prospect.

Babb currently has Ohio State listed as a finalist along with Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and USC.

The Buckeyes are seen as the clear favorite to land Babb, holding 100 percent of the 22 predictions in the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

Updated Rivals100 2019 rankings


Rivals.com updated its rankings for the 2019 class and the Buckeyes' only current commit made the cut along with multiple other Ohio State targets.


LIVE: NEW & UPDATED 2019 #Rivals100!@RivalsMike Illuminates the New 5-Stars: https://t.co/MKZ0zLDWYH
FULL RANKING: https://t.co/RCRxBbbZEw pic.twitter.com/mkn1lsUQZA

— Rivals.com (@Rivals) August 7, 2017

The following players being targeted by the Buckeyes made the list:

  • No. 6 WR target Theo Wease Jr.
  • No. 9 DE target Zach Harrison
  • No. 12 OT target Darnell Wright
  • No. 14 WR target Trey Knox
  • No. 17 RB target Noah Cain
  • No. 19 LB target Owen Pappoe
  • No. 20 WR target Ja’shawn Sheffield
  • No. 21 LB target Marcel Brooks
  • No. 25 OT target Devontae Dobbs
  • No. 29 LB target Shane Lee
  • No. 49 RB target Kenny McIntosh
  • No. 59 OT target John Olmstead
  • No. 64 OT target Will Putnam
  • No. 69 DT target Jowon Briggs
  • No. 70 WR target David Bell
  • No. 71 OT target Quinn Carroll
  • No. 82 QB target Dwan Mathis
  • No. 89 OT commit Doug Nester
  • No. 96 LB target Cade Stover
  • No. 100 DE target Brandon Smith

This is an easy visual as to why Urban Meyer has dominated college football recruiting at Ohio State.

Quick Hit:


I just open my recruitment please respect my decision

— Andrew Chatfield™ ⛽️ (@Drew_Chatfield) August 8, 2017

As we’ve stated previously, Land-Grant Holy Land wishes Chatfield nothing but the best going forward.

  • Ohio State missed out on four-star WR Cameron Brown (Saint Louis, MO /Christian Brothers College) yesterday when he chose to re-commit to Nebraska over Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and Missouri.

It’s Official... #Committed @wideouts pic.twitter.com/dQoX4gur9u

— Cameron Brown® (@luh_cam_) August 7, 2017

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Google Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Buckeyes were 'in trouble' before 2016 Fiesta Bowl: Buckeye...

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Buckeyes were 'in trouble' before 2016 Fiesta Bowl: Buckeye Breakfast - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Buckeyes were 'in trouble' before 2016 Fiesta Bowl: Buckeye Breakfast
cleveland.com
Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes walk off the field at University of Phoenix Stadium after losing the 2016 Fiesta Bowl to Clemson, 31-0. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a radio interview on Monday that the Buckeyes were "in trouble" after watching film ...
Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney On Preparing to Play Ohio State:Eleven Warriors

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Google Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6 - Land-Grant Holy Land

Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6 - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Former Ohio State basketball commit lists Buckeyes in top 6
Land-Grant Holy Land
The Buckeye basketball program has had a whirlwind of an offseason. The university decided to part ways with former head coach Thad Matta late this summer and replaced him with Chris Holtmann out of Butler. Since Holtmann has been in Columbus, ...


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Google Ohio State football: Buckeyes looking for more production from unproven group of wide...

Ohio State football: Buckeyes looking for more production from unproven group of wide receivers - Akron Beacon Journal
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Ohio State football: Buckeyes looking for more production from unproven group of wide receivers
Akron Beacon Journal
Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell (21) escapes the reach of Clemson linebacker Chad Smith (43) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2016 in Glendale, Ariz. The Buckeyes are hoping one of the half dozen or so unproven but talented ...

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Google FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd says Ohio State will win the 2018 national championship -...

FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd says Ohio State will win the 2018 national championship - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


FOX Sports' Colin Cowherd says Ohio State will win the 2018 national championship
Landof10.com
Cowherd has a point as Ohio State's defensive line includes Tyquan Lewis and Nick Bosa, who are expected to turn in productive seasons for the Buckeyes. Follow that up with the addition of 5-star defensive end Chase Young and 4-star defensive tackles ...
Colin Cowherd picks Ohio State to win national championship247Sports

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LGHL 4-star DE Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio State

4-star DE Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio State
Charles Doss
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes lose a member of their standout 2018 recruiting class.

After recently adding verbal pledges from three-star cornerback Marcus Hooker, and four-star linebacker K’Vaughan Pope, the Buckeyes class of 2018 has now lost a member of its top rated class.

Verbally committed to Ohio State since early June, Andrew Chatfield, a four-star weak-side defensive end out of American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is now no longer pegged for Columbus after announcing his decommitment from the Buckeyes.


I just open my recruitment please respect my decision

— Andrew Chatfield™ ⛽️ (@Drew_Chatfield) August 8, 2017

Now open to other programs, the Gators of Florida, who offered him a scholarship during a recent visit, are currently looked as the favorite to land Chatfield.

Hitting the recruiting trail to add more talent to the already stacked roster, the Buckeyes class of 2018 is back down to 16 verbal commits.

With Chatfield, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, who spent time with a number of other future Buckeyes in Oregon at Nike’s annual camp, The Opening, earlier this summer, off the Buckeyes board, look for Urban Meyer and Ohio State to shift their attention fully to longtime Ohio State defensive end targets such as Micah Parsons, Tyreke Smith, and Jayson Oweh going forward.

Land-Grant Holy Land wishes Andrew Chatfield nothing but the best going forward.

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Google Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio State: What it means for the Buckeyes - cleveland.com

Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio State: What it means for the Buckeyes - cleveland.com
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Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio State: What it means for the Buckeyes
cleveland.com
That alone probably didn't sit too well with the Buckeyes staff. Add in the fact that it appears Chatfield did so with the intention of earning a Florida offer that he eventually received, well you can start to see things unraveling a bit. That became ...
Chatfield backs off Ohio State pledge247Sports
4-star DE Andrew Chatfield tweets de-commitment from Ohio StateLandof10.com
4-star DE Andrew Chatfield decommits from Ohio StateLand-Grant Holy Land
247Sports
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Google Kurelic: Breaking down OSU staff thinking; top guy verdict in - 247Sports

Kurelic: Breaking down OSU staff thinking; top guy verdict in - 247Sports
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Kurelic: Breaking down OSU staff thinking; top guy verdict in
247Sports
I have mentioned this is a golden era of Buckeye football recruiting and the staff is recruiting at an absolutely elite level. But I wanted to detail things a little more as to why the staff is being so selective. The Buckeyes currently have 17 ...


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Google Right guard is still 'wide open' for the Buckeyes - 247Sports

Right guard is still 'wide open' for the Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Right guard is still 'wide open' for the Buckeyes
247Sports
COLUMBUS – There are few holes to fill on the Ohio State offense after losing just three starters. With fifth-year senior Billy Price moving to center to replace Pat Elflein, one of those is on the offensive line where there is a competition going on ...
Ohio State Right Guard Competition Remains Wide OpenEleven Warriors
Ohio State Buckeyes: Miamisburg's Josh Myers making 'strong' impressionDayton Daily News
Urban Meyer: Prince Is One Of The Most Improved Players In 2017Scout

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Google Meyer impressed by tailbacks, freshman QB early in camp - MyDaytonDailyNews

Meyer impressed by tailbacks, freshman QB early in camp - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer impressed by tailbacks, freshman QB early in camp
MyDaytonDailyNews
The Ohio State Buckeyes can chart the progress of preseason practice by the growth of their head coach's facial hair. Urban Meyer looks less like a three-time national championship coach and more like a guy who is hiking the Appalachian Trail every day.
Doug Nester's decision to commit to Ohio State, Buckeyes' focus starts to turn to 2019 and moreLandof10.com
What Doug Nester's commitment means for the Buckeyes: Ohio ...cleveland.com
BM5: Too much hype about Dobbins? Perfect amount of hype?247Sports
Scarlet and Game -Factory Of Sadness
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Google Austin Mack looks to become the expectation at WR for Ohio State - 247Sports

Austin Mack looks to become the expectation at WR for Ohio State - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Austin Mack looks to become the expectation at WR for Ohio State
247Sports
The country's 11th-ranked wide receiver in the 2016 class enrolled early at Ohio State with big expectations of first-year contributions in the Buckeye offense. But his freshman season ended with only two receptions for 15 yards, much less than the ...


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Google Tough break for Ohio State target Kamryn Babb, Urban Meyer likes linemen, and more -...

Tough break for Ohio State target Kamryn Babb, Urban Meyer likes linemen, and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Tough break for Ohio State target Kamryn Babb, Urban Meyer likes linemen, and more
Landof10.com
In the Buckeyes' 2016 class, both Nick Bosa and Malik Barrow lost their final season of prep eligibility to injury. In the 2017 class, Trevon Grimes and J.K. Dobbins suffered the same fate. In the spring of 2015, Ohio State signee Dremont Jones tore an ...
Report: Buckeye WR target Babb sustains 'significant' injury247Sports
Receiver Target Reportedly Suffers Signifcant Knee Injury While Ohio State Hands Out Another OfferEleven Warriors

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Google Former Ohio State commit Justin Ahrens lists Buckeyes, Michigan, Purdue in top 6 - Landof10.com

Former Ohio State commit Justin Ahrens lists Buckeyes, Michigan, Purdue in top 6 - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Former Ohio State commit Justin Ahrens lists Buckeyes, Michigan, Purdue in top 6
Landof10.com
Former Ohio State basketball commit Justin Ahrens released his top six schools Monday, and while the Buckeyes are on the list, they have some company. Ahrens also included Michigan, Purdue, Xavier, Dayton and Vanderbilt. Top 6.. pic.twitter.com/ ...
Former Ohio State Commit Justin Ahrens Includes Buckeyes in Top 6Eleven Warriors

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LGHL Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended for the start of the 2017 season

Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended for the start of the 2017 season
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9043193.0.jpg

The fifth-year senior will miss at least the season opener for the Buckeyes.

We are just a few short weeks away from the start of the 2017 college football season, and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer announced at his press conference Monday that the team had suspended defensive tackle Michael Hill for the beginning of the season.

Meyer didn’t initially report on the nature of the suspension or length, but the team will be without the redshirt freshman for at least the season opener against Indiana on August 31. With a depth chart that keeps being refilled with blue-chip recruits, Hill missing a conference game could impact his spot on the roster — especially if the “Next Man Up” moniker holds true again for the Buckeyes.

Hill was one of the more experienced lineman on that side of the ball. As a fifth-year senior, he saw snaps at starter in 2016 and recorded 21 total tackles (3.5 for loss). He snagged 1.0 sack during his Ohio State career, back in 2014, but didn’t claim too much room on the stat sheet until last season.

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LGHL Pat Elflein is already making waves in Minnesota

Pat Elflein is already making waves in Minnesota
Meredith Hein
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9914176.0.jpg

The former Ohio State center could be the next in a lineage of famed offensive lineman for the Vikings.

“The Vikings’ offensive line was a shipwreck and it seemed far fetched to believe they would land a starter without a first-round pick--unless that starter was Pat Elflein.”

-Matthew Coller, 1500ESPN


In a franchise where centers are as renowned as the quarterbacks to whom they snap the ball, it is natural that former Ohio State center Pat Elflein is getting a lot of attention. After being taken in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Elflein already has a shot at the starting job, with former center Joe Berger shifting over to right guard.

Of course, it was a long shot that the Vikings would land Elflein in the first place, even though Elflein was generally considered to be a second-round pick. Though centers rarely go in the first round (just nine have been taken in the opening round since 2000), Elflein was a Rimington Award winner, as the nation’s best center, as well as a consensus All-American. When the Vikings chose to use their first pick (No. 41-overall) on Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, they seemed to have all-but given up hope on landing Elflein. But as the third round dawned, Minnesota traded two picks to the New York Jets and snagged the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Elflein has already made an impression on his team as a “smart player,” maintaining awareness throughout a play and being able to actively make decisions on the field. Even former Michigan linebacker Ben Gedeon, who is now a teammate of Elflein, credits the center’s play, having faced off on multiple occasions against one another. “Smart guy as well” Gedeon said. “It’s something we always talked about. We had a lot of respect for him.”

Elflein has a good opportunity this summer to acclimate to the NFL as he faces off against one of the league’s best defenses. While it has no doubt been a tough camp, the Viking’s defensive line will be better than most of those Elflein will face week in and week out.

“Nick Bosa, Tyquan Lewis, Jalyn Holmes and Sam Hubbard are beasts off the edge. I can’t imagine there are many more impressive foursomes at defensive end in the nation.”

-Tom Dienhart, BTN.com


The Big Ten Network paid a visit to Ohio State’s practice over the weekend and scouted out the talent on the team currently favored to win the Big Ten. Among the storylines heading into the day were the skill of the defensive line and the questions surrounding Kevin Wilson’s new offense. In terms of the defensive line, it would seem that the talent is all that it has been hyped up to be. With four strong options at defensive end, combined with Dre’Mont Jones and Robert Landers inside at tackle, the line provides a firm foundation for the rest of the defense.

The defensive secondary has also been something of a question in the offseason, given the loss of Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley to the NFL Draft. But it seems that there is plenty of talent left to fill the void, including Damon Arnette, Denzel Ward and Kendall Sheffield alongside a number of freshmen who have impressed in the fall.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior quarterback J.T. Barrett showed his continued dual-threat ability, but in the new context of Wilson’s offense. While in many ways this new philosophy means that Barrett needs to be more patient in the pocket rather than taking off on a run, it also means more chances for downfield passing and breakout plays than Barrett has had in the past. Now, it looks like Barrett may finally have the personnel at receiver to provide such a downfield threat with a number of options including the 6-foot-4 Binjimen Victor.

In front of Barrett, the offensive line, though returning four starters, still has gaps to fill on the right side. With Billy Price moving to center, the right guard spot remains up for grabs. And Isaiah Prince will need to be more consistent at right tackle.

“This is the most unselfish, humble group that I’ve ever been around. Probably--not probably--the most talented group I’ve ever been around. They are all about each other. That’s what makes it fun to come to work every day with these guys.”

-Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano, via Scott Allen, The Washington Post


Greg Schiano has an impressive coaching resume, having coached on staffs for the Chicago Bears and Miami Hurricanes before earning head coaching gigs at Rutgers and Tampa Bay. All the while, Schiano earned a reputation for a strong defensive mind, so it is striking when he credits one of his current defensive units as the best he has ever seen--including in his time in the NFL. “It is and it’s not a joke,” Schiano said of his defensive line at Ohio State.

Schiano’s defensive line while in Tampa Bay was, in fact, quite impressive in itself, featuring Gerald McCoy, a Pro Bowl defensive tackle, defensive end Michael Bennett, who himself was selected to two Pro Bowls after leaving Tampa Bay, and former Iowa great and first-round pick Adrian Clayborn. Granted, Schiano’s 2012 squad had just 27 sacks on the year and just 35 in 2013 on the way to 7-9 and 4-12 seasons, respectively. Schiano said that his teams in Miami in 1999 and 2000 had some great players on the line as well, but nothing on the level of what he is seeing now in Columbus.

Ohio State’s line includes some similarly top talent that has honed itself over the last season. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis opted to return to Columbus for his senior season, and is the anchor for a line that includes two former five-star recruits at defensive end in Sam Hubbard and Nick Bosa. Both Lewis and Hubbard are expected to be first-round selections in the 2018 NFL Draft after this season, while Bosa may very well follow in his brother’s footsteps down the road. Jalyn Holmes, a four-star recruit in his own right, is entering his senior season and, though he has not started a game for the Buckeyes, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten defensive end last season.

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Google Ohio State center: CTE issue alarming for players - Dayton Daily News

Ohio State center: CTE issue alarming for players - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State center: CTE issue alarming for players
Dayton Daily News
The Ohio State Buckeyes talk about themselves about the issue, said Price, a fifth-year center and co-captain. “There's an education level,” Price said Monday after Ohio State held its eighth practice of the preseason. “You must understand what you're ...
Why Ohio State Will and Won't Win a National Championship in 2017Eleven Warriors
Billy Price opens up about CTE concerns247Sports

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Google Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes training camp - FOXSports.com

Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes training camp - FOXSports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Freshman Dobbins making his move at Buckeyes training camp
FOXSports.com
The La Grange, Texas, native, an early enrollee who participated in spring practice, was the first freshman to lose the black stripe from his helmet, signifying that he is now a full-fledged Buckeye. At the first scrimmage on Saturday, Dobbins was ...
Ohio State Right Guard Competition Remains Wide OpenEleven Warriors

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Google Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended indefinitely for undisclosed violation - ESPN

Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended indefinitely for undisclosed violation - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State DT Michael Hill suspended indefinitely for undisclosed violation
ESPN
Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Hill will be suspended for at least one game to start the season, coach Urban Meyer said Monday. Meyer did not cite the reason for the suspension or disclose its length. "He won't play in the opener," Meyer said ...


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