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LGHL Ohio State throws an offer to 4-star SF Precious Achiuwa

Ohio State throws an offer to 4-star SF Precious Achiuwa
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 Buckeyes join Kansas in the pursuit for the 2019 prospect.

Achiuwa adds OSU offer


When it comes to the 2018 hoops recruiting class, Ohio State has already added blue-chip shooting guard Dane Goodwin and three-star small forward Justin Ahrens to the fold. However, looking ahead, they do not have any commitments for the 2019 cycle. With that being said, they do have their sights set on one of the nation’s very best prospects in the class — 2019 SF Precious Achiuwa of St. Benedict Preparatory School (NJ).

Outside of having a stand out name, the 6-foot-7, 175-pounder is also a stand out player on the hardwood. Achiuwa is listed as the 26th highest graded player in his class and 10th best small forward. In addition, the Bronx native is also the third best player in the state of New York, and while his offer sheet isn’t the best, it seems like it’s ready to take off.

Coming into this week, Achiuwa held offers from Massachusetts, Seton Hall, St. John’s and VCU. However, since the start of May, Kansas and Ohio State (on Tuesday) have joined the offer group for him.


Ohio State has offered 2019 @NewHeightsNYC wing @PreciousAchiuwa.

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 2, 2017

Right now, Chris Mullins and the Red Storm hold the lone prediction on the 247Sports Crystal Ball. But with his recruitment seemingly ready to take off, we will see if they can hold their own in this race. It’s worth noting that Precious’ brother, God’sgift Achiuwa, signed with St. John’s back in 2011.

Ruckert added to Polynesian Bowl roster


From the hardwood to the gridiron. When it comes to this year’s recruiting class for head coach Urban Meyer and Ohio State, perhaps the biggest target is ‘18 tight end Jeremy Ruckert of Lindhurst (NY).


Very excited to announce that I am committing to play in the 2018 Polynesian All American Bowl in Hawaii!! pic.twitter.com/7H5NPuT1Xv

— Jeremy Ruckert (@Jeremy_Ruckert1) May 3, 2017

It’s not a surprise that the Buckeyes are doing everything they can in hopes of having Ruckert ultimately join the Scarlet and Gray–and build on what is already the fourth ranked class in the country. However, for the time being, Ruckert is only committing to one thing: The Polynesian Bowl. The event is an all-star game played in Honolulu, Hawaii, and will feature “90 nationally ranked players,” according to the game’s website.

Ruckert, a major Buckeye target, will join a handful of names that should be recognized by Ohio State fans. At this time, Buckeye targets like linebacker Palaie Gaoteote (USC commit), wide receiver Jalen Hall, defensive end Micah Parsons, defensive tackle Tommy Togiai, linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu, and safety Isheem Young are also listed on the roster to participate in the game.

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Google Meigs avenges loss to Buckeyes, 7-1 - Daily Sentinel

Meigs avenges loss to Buckeyes, 7-1 - Daily Sentinel
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meigs avenges loss to Buckeyes, 7-1
Daily Sentinel
After dropping a 10-1 decision to Nelsonville-York on Tuesday, the Meigs baseball team flipped the script and topped the Buckeyes by a 7-1 count in Wednesday's Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division contest, in Athens County. The Marauders (13-8, 8-3 TVC ...
Lady Marauders win TVC Ohio title outrightGallipolis Daily Tribune

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Google Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt - Kent State University Athletics

Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt - Kent State University Athletics
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt
Kent State University Athletics
Kent State concludes its non-conference slate on Wednesday at Ohio State. First pitch at Buckeye Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on the BTN Plus, while Jacob Pavilack has the call on Golden Flashes iHeart Radio. The Golden ...
Flashes record one hit, fall to Ohio StateKent Wired

all 5 news articles »


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Google Best Buckeye draft class yet to come? - 247Sports

Best Buckeye draft class yet to come? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Best Buckeye draft class yet to come?
247Sports
In 2004, Ohio State set the mark for most players drafted in a seven-round NFL Draft with 14. Last year, the Buckeyes recorded 10 players selected in the first three rounds, the most ever. The Scarlet and Gray had a "down" year in 2017 with just seven ...

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LGHL Ohio State-Texas Tech 2017 final score: Buckeyes play No. 4 Red Raiders tough, but fall 5-3

Ohio State-Texas Tech 2017 final score: Buckeyes play No. 4 Red Raiders tough, but fall 5-3
Ben Martens
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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It was another case of failing to find the clutch hit that sunk the Buckeyes against the Red Raiders.

Ohio State baseball went toe-to-toe with Texas Tech, the fourth-ranked team in the country, on Wednesday night in Columbus, and though the Buckeyes ultimately fell by a score of 5-3, they gave a potential national championship contender all it could handle.

There’s something about elite national programs that seems to bring out the best in Ohio State. Three seasons ago, the Buckeyes took a game from 9th-ranked Oregon. Two seasons ago it was No. 4 Louisville. Last year it was eventual College World Series champion Coastal Carolina. Just two months ago, Ohio State took down Oregon State, a program that has spent a good chunk of the season atop the national polls.

But this one goes in the loss column, which drops the scarlet and gray to 17-27 on the year. The team had its chances, ultimately failing to cash in due in large part to a 2-for-14 effort at the plate with runners in scoring position and 10 runners on left on base.

Dominic Canzone continued his tear at the plate for the Buckeyes, going 3-for-5 with a pair of runs batted in. The freshman right fielder extended his hitting streak to ten games, the second time he’s done so this season, giving him the two longest streaks on the team in 2017.

Redshirt junior Adam Niemeyer, making his first appearance in over a month after dealing with an elbow injury, took the loss. The team co-captain allowed a run on three hits in 1.2 innings of relief in his return to action.

Freshman Jake Vance was the first man on the mound against a Texas Tech offense hitting over .300 collectively and averaging 7.5 runs a game. Vance, perhaps making a play to see a weekend start, threw a solid 3.2 innings, yielding just two runs on three hits, striking out a career-high five.

Ohio State rewarded his efforts, grabbing the early lead. Tre’ Gantt led off the home half of the first with a walk and stolen base and Canzone ripped a line drive single to center to score him. Canzone would pick up his second RBI of the night in the second with a single to right that scored Shea Murray.


⬇️1⃣ | After a walk and stolen base by Gantt, Dom drives him in with a RBI single!

Buckeyes strike first.

4⃣ TTU 0, OSU 1#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/f637poAEX5

— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioState_BASE) May 3, 2017

But the lead should have been far greater. Ohio State had two runners in scoring position with one out in the first inning after Canzone’s first single, a bases loaded nobody out situation in the second, and a runner on third in the third, but found itself in front just 2-0.

Texas Tech would finally break through in the fourth, getting an RBI single from Michael Berglund and a run-scoring double from Cody Farhat with two outs in the inning to tie things up and end Vance’s outing.

The Buckeyes once again had a scoring opportunity in the bottom half, but with two on and two out, Ryan Long ran down another rope off the bat of Canzone in the right-center gap to keep the score deadlocked.

Niemeyer came on in the fifth, and was immediately greeted by a leadoff double from Grant Little. He eventually came around to score on a Jung groundout, giving the Raiders the lead at 3-2.

Meanwhile, Ohio State’s bats went cold against TTU bullpen arms Jacob Patterson and Jose Quezada, mustering just a single hit and a trio of walks over 4.1 innings by the pair. The club would have another golden opportunity in the seventh, though, against Dylan Dusek. Canzone’s third hit of the night put runners on the corner with one out, but one more time, the chance was squandered.

The Raiders tacked on an insurance run against sophomore Ryan Feltner in the top of the eighth, and while the Buckeyes answered with a Murray sacrifice fly in bottom of the inning that scored Noah West, they just couldn’t get the clutch hit required to tie the game. Gantt struck out, leaving the tying run stranded at third. It was another case of so close yet so far for the team, a common theme this season.

The final run of the game was charged to redshirt junior Kyle Michalik in the ninth thanks to a throwing error by Washington at short.

Things don’t get any easier for Ohio State, as the team will travel to Ann Arbor this weekend for a three-game Big Ten series with 19th-ranked Michigan. The Buckeyes won all five contests between the two sides a year ago, including two in the Big Ten tournament, so expect the Wolverines to be hungry for revenge.

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Google Ohio State-Texas Tech 2017 final score: Buckeyes play No. 4 Red Raiders tough, but fall 5-3...

Ohio State-Texas Tech 2017 final score: Buckeyes play No. 4 Red Raiders tough, but fall 5-3 - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State-Texas Tech 2017 final score: Buckeyes play No. 4 Red Raiders tough, but fall 5-3
Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State baseball went toe-to-toe with Texas Tech, the fourth-ranked team in the country, on Wednesday night in Columbus, and though the Buckeyes ultimately fell by a score of 5-3, they gave a potential national championship contender all it could ...
2018 DL Greg Emerson talks Ohio State, Buckeyes hitting California trail for WRs, and moreLandof10.com
Best Buckeye draft class yet to come?247Sports
11 more Ohio State Buckeyes find homes in the NFLWaiting For Next Year
Yahoo Sports -SECcountry.com -Eleven Warriors
all 33 news articles »


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Google Kurelic: D-tackle target talks Ohio State; Taylor too - 247Sports

Kurelic: D-tackle target talks Ohio State; Taylor too - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: D-tackle target talks Ohio State; Taylor too
247Sports
1) The first in-state 2019 prospect the Buckeyes offered a scholarship was Cincinnati Walnut Hills defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. I had seen Briggs on film, but saw him in-person for the first time on Saturday at the Under Armour All-American Camp ...

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Google Men's lacrosse | Buckeyes aim to be cut above at Big Ten tournament - The Columbus Dispatch

Men's lacrosse | Buckeyes aim to be cut above at Big Ten tournament - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Men's lacrosse | Buckeyes aim to be cut above at Big Ten tournament
The Columbus Dispatch
The Buckeyes have the seventh-best RPI in the nation, and getting into the NCAA tournament for the sixth time overall and third time since 2013 is all but guaranteed. A victory over Johns Hopkins, though, could allow them to host a first-round ...


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Google Four-star LB Peters talks Ohio State, Texas and more - 247Sports

Four-star LB Peters talks Ohio State, Texas and more - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Four-star LB Peters talks Ohio State, Texas and more
247Sports
1) The first in-state 2019 prospect the Buckeyes offered a scholarship was Cincinnati Walnut Hills defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. I had seen Briggs on film, but saw him in-person for the first time on Saturday at the Under Armour All-American Camp ...

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Google Game-winning shot highlights Ahrens' weekend in Indianapolis - 247Sports

Game-winning shot highlights Ahrens' weekend in Indianapolis - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Game-winning shot highlights Ahrens' weekend in Indianapolis
247Sports
... of Versailles, Ohio, enjoyed the thrill of hitting a game-winning 40-foot shot at an Under Armour event this past weekend. Steve Helwagen - 6 hours ago; 6; Tools. Edit · Slot to 247Sports Home; Slot to Ohio State Buckeyes Newsletter; Slot to Ohio ...


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BTN Post-spring position check: Top Big Ten running back units

Post-spring position check: Top Big Ten running back units
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

With spring practices finished, schools are focusing on offseason work. Let’s take a look at which position units are in the best shape … beginning with running backs. The seven schools in the best shape, taking into account experience, productivity and depth, are …
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LGHL Former Ohio State DB Malik Hooker almost didn’t play football at all

Former Ohio State DB Malik Hooker almost didn’t play football at all
Harry Lyles Jr.
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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It’s a good thing he did, wouldn’t you say?

“Go back about seven years and the last thing Malik Hooker wanted to do was play organized football.”

- Mike Wells, ESPN


It’s funny how things work out like this. Malik Hooker had been projected as high as No. 2 in some NFL mock drafts, only behind Myles Garrett. Back in eighth grade, he broke his collarbone playing football, and didn’t want to play anymore because he was really a basketball player.

It was his ability to score, and plays like this that had Hooker being looked at by major NCAA Division I basketball coaches:


Hooker’s uncle, John Cox, persuaded him to give football another try. Hooker was hesitant, and initially told him no in his freshman year. “He was adamant in saying no more football, he only wanted to play basketball,” Cox said via Wells. “I told him I was going to give him a year, but then he kept saying no. I tried to get his mom to help me convince him to play and she wasn't having it, either.”

Eventually, Hooker agreed to play football his junior season. “The reason why I chose football over basketball is simply because I'm not 6-6 and that’s the average height for a point guard now,” Hooker said via Wells. “For football, for me to be a 6-3, 210-pound safety -- that's unheard of for the most part. I feel like it was plus-plus for football and just minus for basketball.”

I think it’s safe to say he made the right choice.

“A new precedent was set today, as Ezekiel Elliott became the first rookie to finish the year atop the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Top 50 Player Sales List at the end of the 2016-17 season.”

- NFLPA


Ezekiel Elliott’s phenomenal rookie season didn’t stop with his on the field prowess. His jersey sales were the best the NFL had seen out of any rookie in league history. His jersey sales had him at the top spot on the year-end Top 50. The list is released quarterly by the NFLPA, and Elliott made the leap from No. 6, to No. 1.

“It’s pretty humbling,” Elliott said in the NFLPA release. “When you’re a rookie, you’re just looking to put your head down, help the team, and learn the ropes. To accomplish this level of success off the field shows just how passionate football fans are in Dallas, Ohio, my home state of Missouri and all around the world. And to be up there with Dak and Dez, alongside great players like Tom Brady and Odell Beckham, is very special to me.”

Way to go, Zeke.

“That Ohio State remained in the national title hunt after replacing 16 starters only increases expectations entering 2017.”

- Ben Axelrod, Land of 10


Since Urban Meyer’s arrival, this seems to be a conversation that’s now normally had at this time of year, which is wonderful. Ohio State is heading into the 2017 season filled with 14 starters returning. As Axelrod points out, this is going to be Meyer’s most experienced roster since he arrived in Columbus. Of course, that team is going to be ran by now-senior quarterback J.T. Barrett.

There’s still NFL caliber talent on the roster, which seems so normal at this point as well. The NFL draft class that featured the likes of Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, and others could be surpassed by this year’s squad. But no matter what, success is expected at Ohio State.

“There are certain standards at Ohio State,” Barrett said via Axelrod. “And they shouldn’t change for anybody.” It certainly doesn’t appear anything will be changing this upcoming season.

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Google Juniors Qualifier Dominic Harry to Swim for Ohio State Buckeyes - SwimSwam

Juniors Qualifier Dominic Harry to Swim for Ohio State Buckeyes - SwimSwam
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Juniors Qualifier Dominic Harry to Swim for Ohio State Buckeyes
SwimSwam
“Very excited to train and study at Ohio State and be a part of Buckeye Nation. Go Bucks!.” Harry is a senior at Carroll High School in Beavercreek, Ohio. He does his club swimming with Dayton Raiders. A USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, he placed ...


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Google Ohio State Lacrosse: Buckeyes Set To Host Big Ten Tournament - Scout

Ohio State Lacrosse: Buckeyes Set To Host Big Ten Tournament - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Lacrosse: Buckeyes Set To Host Big Ten Tournament
Scout
The Ohio State men's lacrosse team is in the midst of its best season in recent years. The Buckeyes are entering the Big Ten tournament with a 12-3, 3-2 record and are set to play the conference tournament on their home field – sort of. OSU is set to ...

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LGHL Ohio State legends like Greg Oden and Aaron Craft join The Basketball Tournament

Ohio State legends like Greg Oden and Aaron Craft join The Basketball Tournament
Matt Tamanini
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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Buckeye greats unite on team Scarlet & Gray.

Did you feel left out this March when the Ohio State men’s basketball team didn’t get invited to any postseason tournaments? Well, now’s your chance to see Buckeyes compete for a championship on the hardwood.

When the fourth edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT) comes to the court this summer, there just might be a decidedly Buckeye feel to it, as five former Ohio State basketball players have united to form team Scarlet & Gray.

All-time great OSU point guard Scoonie Penn will serve as the team’s general manager, and more recent Buckeye alums Aaron Craft, Greg Oden, Dallas Lauderdale, and Evan Ravenel will headline the team. They will be joined by former Bowling Green standout guard Nate Miller and Northern Illinois power forward Leon Rodgers. Cleveland.com reports other Buckeye greats, like Deshaun Thomas, are also expected to join.

Despite the big-name firepower, the Buckeye team is not guaranteed to be a part of the tournament. With four regions set to host the opening rounds, only 15 teams will be selected to participate at each venue. Nine teams will automatically be entered based on popularity; fans can vote for team Scarlet & Gray now through June 1st. Six more teams will be selected as at-large entries, based on specific criteria, and then a 16th team will be added to each region, after the TBT play-in Jamboree.

TBT features 64 teams comprised of professional, international, and former college basketball players in a single-elimination, 5-on-5 tournament for a winner-take-all $2 million dollar prize.

The regional competitions will take place in Charlotte, NC; Philadelphia; Las Vegas; and Peoria, IL in July, with teams advancing from there to the semi-finals in Baltimore from August 1st through 3rd. All 63 games of the tourney will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks, beginning on Saturday July 8th.

After being involved with the tournament’s first two years in New York, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony will serve as TBT’s host when it visits his hometown of Baltimore.

Here’s hoping Ohio State can make a deep run in the Tournament.

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Google Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt - Kent State University Athletics

Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt - Kent State University Athletics
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kent State Visits Buckeyes for Wednesday Evening Tilt
Kent State University Athletics
Kent State concludes its non-conference slate on Wednesday at Ohio State. First pitch at Buckeye Field is scheduled for 6 p.m. The game will be streamed on the BTN Plus, while Jacob Pavilack has the call on Golden Flashes iHeart Radio. The Golden ...


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LGHL Ohio State sends an offer to 2019 TE

Ohio State sends an offer to 2019 TE
Austin Kemp
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 are trying to get another recruit from the Sunshine State.

Zipperer gets an offer


On Tuesday morning, the Ohio State coaching staff offered 2019 tight end Keon Zipperer. Zipperer, from Lakeland, Fla., is the No. 73 ranked player in his class, according to 247Sports. With this offer, it brings Zipperer to a total of 11. Other notable offers include Florida, Florida State, Auburn and LSU.


#OhioState has offered Lakeland High (FLA) 2019 TE @_KeonZ (Keon Zipperer). @LHSDreadnaughts

— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) May 2, 2017

On the football field, Zipperer is an instant mismatch on each play. He already stands at nearly 6-foot-3 and can outrun linebackers while proving to be too much to handle for defensive backs. He is also a willing blocker who will only continue to get better with time. The Buckeyes will have their work cut out in this recruitment as it won’t be an easy task to pull Zipperer from the elite southern schools. Ohio State’s hope is that they can get him on campus sometime soon to start building relationships between him and the entire coaching staff.

Expect Zipperer to be one of the most heralded recruits in the class of 2019.

Hawkins narrows down the list


Though it isn’t news that will come as a shock, in-state four-star defensive tackle Aeneas Hawkins is starting to lock onto a handful of schools, and one of those schools going forward will be Ohio State—this coming from 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic. Hawkins is a top 300 player that Ohio State has been in on from the start of his recruitment. However, being one of the best from Ohio doesn’t mean he is a lock to sign with the Buckeyes. Cincinnati and Penn State have gained a lot momentum over the last few months and those programs won’t make it easy for Ohio State. The Buckeyes will take their time on the interior defensive line for the rest of this cycle and continue to evaluate who the right players are to take in 2018.


Defensive tackle @King_Hawk92 says he is now focused on three or four schools with #OhioState one of them VIP https://t.co/xlYXu7sNap

— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) May 2, 2017

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Google Which Ohio State Buckeyes could get picked in the 2018 NFL Draft? - Land-Grant Holy Land

Which Ohio State Buckeyes could get picked in the 2018 NFL Draft? - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Which Ohio State Buckeyes could get picked in the 2018 NFL Draft?
Land-Grant Holy Land
Over the weekend, Ohio State sent 11 total players to the NFL: seven draftees, two undrafted free agents and two camp tryouts. In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the unit, the Buckeyes cemented themselves at #DBU by getting three more ...
Ohio State in the 2018 NFL mock drafts: Which Buckeyes make sense, which ones are surprising?cleveland.com
Buckeyes top of the heap in ESPN's post-spring top 25247Sports
NFL draft | Selection of Brown caps big weekend for BuckeyesThe Columbus Dispatch
Landof10.com -isportsweb.com (blog) -Eleven Warriors
all 61 news articles »


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Google 2018 DL Greg Emerson talks Ohio State, Buckeyes hitting California trail for WRs, and more...

2018 DL Greg Emerson talks Ohio State, Buckeyes hitting California trail for WRs, and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


2018 DL Greg Emerson talks Ohio State, Buckeyes hitting California trail for WRs, and more
Landof10.com
At the V7 Elite Camp in Nashville on Sunday, 4-star prospect Greg Emerson talked to SEC Country's Hale McGranahan about his relationship with the Buckeyes. Emerson is the country's sixth-ranked defensive tackle per 247Sports and a player who visited ...
Ohio State Buckeyes football tapped as No. 1 in post-spring top 25247Sports
Why Ohio State's football schedule won't include Alabama anytime soonSECcountry.com
Alumni Report: LCC grad makes mark at Ohio StateThe San Diego Union-Tribune
Land-Grant Holy Land -cleveland.com -The Heights
all 18 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State’s strategy when scheduling games comes down in part to recruiting

Ohio State’s strategy when scheduling games comes down in part to recruiting
Ian Cuevas
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 scheduling strategy revolves around recruiting and the fan base.

“You’re going to go to Alabama and you don’t have any kind of (fan) base there. You’re not recruiting Alabama. So two of the factors that we look at: alumni or fan support and then student-athletes, are we recruiting them? Is it an area that we’re going to and it’s home for kids?”

- Martin Jarmond via Ben Axelrod, Land Of 10


A week after releasing the latest scheduling updates for non-conference opponents, Ohio State deputy director of athletics Martin Jarmond spoke with some members of the media about some of the philosophy that he uses when scheduling teams for the Buckeyes to face off against in the future. The two main points given are seen above: alumni or fan support in the area, and recruiting. For example, Ohio State has a game scheduled for the 2018 season with TCU which will be played at a neutral site (a rarity for the Buckeyes) in Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. That location is perfect for Urban Meyer and his staff as they’ve gone offensive in the state of Texas since Meyer became the head coach.

But it sort of shows that the reason you don’t see many games against the SEC aren’t just one-sided. While there’s been no contact on either side in Alabama’s case, the Buckeyes have tried to set up games against Vanderbilt and Tennessee at one point but talks fell through on both accounts. Regardless, while the matchup is important, it doesn’t take priority for Ohio State and will always be about those two main points in recruiting and the fan base.

“[Big Ten post-spring power rankings] 1. Ohio State”

- Dan Murphy, ESPN


Despite another season of losing a handful of key players, Ohio State is always reloading and gearing up for a new season with high expectations. And their place in some preseason rankings prove it. In this case, ESPN’s post-spring power rankings for the Big Ten conference have the Buckeyes listed as the number one team in the conference. Led by quarterback J.T. Barrett, they do return some key weapons including Mike Weber at running back but do have some intriguing question marks on both sides of the ball. The talent is no doubt there, but a lot of the players have yet to step on the college field either due to injuries or just experience. Still, an Urban Meyer-led team returning a three-year starter at quarterback is going to be among the top teams in the country.

The Buckeyes do have serious competition in the Big Ten, though. Penn State returns its two star players, quarterback Trace McSorley and running back Saquon Barkley. The Nittany Lions upset Ohio State last season in Happy Valley. And of course there’s Michigan, gearing up under Jim Harbaugh for another shot at a Big Ten title. For the Buckeyes, a lot depends on Kevin Wilson and his new position at offensive coordinator. If he can help Barrett and company reach their full potential, Ohio State should be very tough to beat.

“[Top five players at each position in college football] 1. Billy Price, 2. Sam Hubbard”

- Dane Brugler, CBS Sports


The 2017 draft finished up this past weekend and several former Ohio State players were taken in the first round including Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, and Gareon Conley. Curtis Samuel, Raekwon McMillan, Pat Elflein, Noah Brown wrapped up the rest of the former Buckeyes taken in the draft. Now, taking a look at 2018, Ohio State has yet another good chance of sending quite a few players high in the draft next year. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports broke down the top five players at each position for next season, and a handful of Buckeyes made the cut. Billy Price was the first-ranked offensive guard, while Sam Hubbard was ranked as the second-best edge rusher.

Jerome Baker was rated as the fourth-best linebacker and Denzel Ward made the cut at fifth for cornerback. Some others mentioned but not ranked were Marcus Baugh, Jamarco Jones, Tyquan Lewis, Dante Booker, Michael Hill, and Damon Webb. All of these players have a chance at being taken in next year’s draft, and it doesn’t include players that could potentially have a breakout season similar to what Lattimore and Hooker did in 2016.

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BTN Big Ten football coaches weigh in on possible early signing period

Big Ten football coaches weigh in on possible early signing period
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

The wheels are in motion for an early signing period in college football. You knew it was coming. The big question: What took so long? BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart takes a look at the possible pros and cons of such a move.
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LGHL Which Ohio State Buckeyes could get picked in the 2018 NFL Draft?

Which Ohio State Buckeyes could get picked in the 2018 NFL Draft?
Christopher Jason
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9713631.0.jpg

Ohio State will have to reload again in 2019.

Over the weekend, Ohio State sent 11 total players to the NFL: seven draftees, two undrafted free agents and two camp tryouts. In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the unit, the Buckeyes cemented themselves at #DBU by getting three more members of their secondary drafted in the first round.

Although the 2017 and especially the 2016 draft classes were extremely successful, Ohio State’s 2018 draft class could be the best one yet. Check out who we think will be going, and where they could possibly end up in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The seniors


Tyquan Lewis: The only real surprising returnee from last year’s draft class, Tyquan Lewis came back to Ohio State for an encore. Lewis is coming off a 16 sack, 24.5 tackle for loss season which resulted in being named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. If Lewis continues this accession, expect his name to be called in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Early projection: First round

Billy Price: Taking a page from Pat Elflein’s career path, Price is moving to center for his senior season after starting at guard for the prior three seasons. Like Elflein, expect his versatility, leadership and a strong final season to parlay into a day two selection.

Early projection: Third round

Chris Worley: Standing at 6’2, 230 lbs with sideline-to-sideline speed, Worley is the prototypical 2017 NFL outside linebacker. In fact, he is identical in size (plus an inch) to former Buckeye and first rounder Darron Lee. Expect Worley to have a dominant season year —where he will start at MIKE linebacker — which will have him rising on NFL draft boards by mid-season.

Early projection: Third round

Jamarco Jones: The protector of Barrett’s blindside captured second team All-Big Ten honors in his first season as a starter. He has the size (6’5, 310) and athleticism that NFL scouts will love and another season under Greg Studrawa will only help.

Early projection: Third round

Marcus Baugh: We all know of Baugh’s early-career off-field issues, but it looks like those days are well behind him. Baugh has NFL tight end size (6’5, 250 lbs) and solid, yet underutilized hands which could be on display this season. If the spring game showed us anything, it’s that Kevin Wilson might actually use the tight end in 2017, which will accurately display Baugh’s skill-set.

Early projection: Fifth round

Jalyn Holmes: Holmes looks like one of those post-combine late-risers who NFL scouts fall in love with due to his blend of size and athleticism. Standing at 6’5, 270 lbs, Holmes has the size to play 7/6-technique in a 4-3, or a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4.

Early projection: Fifth round

Tracy Sprinkle: Sprinkle was projected to have a monster 2016 campaign, but his season was cut short after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. If Sprinkle can bounce back and have a solid final season, he should hear his name called.

Early projection: Sixth round

Dante Booker: Like Sprinkle, the 6’3, 240 lb linebacker missed all of 2016 after suffering a knee injury during the first half of the season-opener. He was projected to only miss a few weeks with a MCL sprain, however there also ended up being damage to the PCL. If he stays healthy, Booker should slide back into a starting role at SAM linebacker and have a strong season on Ohio State’s top defense.

Early projection: Seventh round

J.T. Barrett: After an up-and-down junior season, rabid (and dumb) Ohio State fans wanted their three-year starter at quarterback to move on from the Buckeyes. Luckily for Barrett, a change at offensive coordinator and the addition of a former NFL quarterback coach will do wonders for the three-year captain. The changes on the staff, plus his leadership and on-field resume will transform Barrett from a future CFL quarterback into a late-round flier with the chance of sticking in the NFL as a career back-up.

Early projection: Seventh round

Erick Smith: It’s not out of the norm for a one-year starter at Ohio State to ball out and turn that lone season into a (very good) NFL contract. Although Smith isn’t guaranteed to start in his final season, the oft-injured, yet talented safety will get his chance to make a name for himself.

Early projection: Undrafted free agent

Michael Hill: Hill has pretty good size (6’3, 305 lbs) and some quickness off the line of scrimmage that could entice NFL scouts, but he has yet to put together a truly noteworthy season.

Early projection: Undrafted free agent

Underclassmen who should declare


Sam Hubbard: The former Notre Dame lacrosse recruit has transformed himself into a future first round NFL draft pick. Hubbard is an athletic freak with NFL size (6’5, 265 lbs) and will test off the charts at the combine. Expect a huge season from Hubbard, which will vault him into the draft.

Early projection: First round; 90% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Jerome Baker: At 6’1, 225 lbs with elite athleticism, Baker possesses the attributes to be a top linebacker in the NFL. He was the best player on the field against Michigan, registering 15 tackles, 1 sack and one interception. Baker will have a monster 2017 season and be one of the first few linebackers selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Early projection: First or second round; 80% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Dre’Mont Jones: Jones wasn’t supposed to start in 2016, but he took advantage of Sprinkle’s injury and never looked back. Jones finished sixth on the team in tackles from his defensive tackle position, and has quality NFL traits: a lightning-quick first step, coupled with a 6’3, 280 lb frame. Bleacher Report mocked Jones as a first round pick who scouts have an eye on.

Early projection: First or second round; 75% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Underclassmen who could declare


Denzel Ward: Pencil in Denzel Ward to be the next great defensive back to come out of Ohio State. With a starting role in 2017, expect Ward to show off his athleticism, ball skills and potential. Don’t be surprised if he leaves after a strong season.

Early projection: 55% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Mike Weber: Coming off a 1,000 yard season in his first action as a Buckeye, the running back from Detroit will most likely crack 1,000 yards again in 2017. Weber possesses great power, sneaky quickness and a Maurice Jones-Drew’esque lower body that will all translate to the NFL.

Early projection: 50% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Parris Campbell: Urban Meyer’s H-back/ “Percy Harvin position” has produced a handful of NFL draft picks, and Campbell is next in-line. Due to his lack of elite route running from the outside, he was bumped to the slot where his skill-set should flourish. He’s not as dynamic as Samuel, but if he puts up a similar total yardage and touchdown total, he could leave a year early.

Early projection: 50% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Kendall Sheffield: The former member of Alabama’s secondary is now competing with Damon Arnette for the starting corner job across from Ward. With Sheffield playing at Alabama, then playing a year of JUCO ball, he’s more likely to leave than Arnette after one season if he starts and does well. He has the athleticism and size to make the leap.

Early projection: 50% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Underclassmen who could, but aren’t ready to declare


Johnnie Dixon: After producing virtually nothing during his career at Ohio State, the highly touted receiver looks healthier than ever and dominated the spring game. If that translates to 40-plus catches on the field and he most importantly stays healthy, Dixon could take the same road as Noah Brown and head to the league prematurely to get paid. If Dixon thinks it’s better for him to preserve his health for the NFL and get selected, then he should.

Early Projection: 50% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Damon Arnette: If we go by recent events, Arnette could be next in line for an NFL pay day. With Arnette competing against Sheffield for a starting role, one of them will be playing across from Ward — most likely in the field position role. Standing a 6’0, 195 lbs, he has the size to make the jump, but will probably need another year.

Early projection: 45% chance he declares for the NFL draft

Isaiah Prince: Prince struggled mightily at times (Penn State) throughout last season. However, Taylor Decker was exposed at times during his first season as a starter and look how he turned out. Prince has the confidence of the coaching staff and the size (6’7, 310 lbs) to put together a solid bounce back season.

Early projection: 30% chance he declares for the NFL draft

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Google Buckeyes top of the heap in ESPN's post-spring top 25 - 247Sports

Buckeyes top of the heap in ESPN's post-spring top 25 - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes top of the heap in ESPN's post-spring top 25
247Sports
Schlabach noted that perennial contender Alabama is dealing with similar NFL draft losses that Ohio State experienced last year, when the Buckeyes had 12 players drafted. OSU “only” had seven draftees this year. “Meyer won't face quite as much turnover ...
Buckeyes make the cut for Georgia receiverYahoo Sports

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Google BM5: 'You wait as long as you need to' - 247Sports

BM5: 'You wait as long as you need to' - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: 'You wait as long as you need to'
247Sports
Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE. The BM5 is available on iTunes and more: * Click here to listen to the show via iTunes · * Click here to listen to the show ...

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