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Google Steele: Special teams could be weakness for Buckeyes - 247Sports

Steele: Special teams could be weakness for Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Steele: Special teams could be weakness for Buckeyes
247Sports
Phil Steele ranks Ohio State as the No. 2 team in college football entering 2017, behind only Alabama. However, one possible weakness Steele sees in the Buckeyes is on special teams. In fact, he ranks OSU as merely the No. 46 special teams group in the ...

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Google JT Barrett on watch list for Davey O'Brien Award - 247Sports

JT Barrett on watch list for Davey O'Brien Award - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


JT Barrett on watch list for Davey O'Brien Award
247Sports
The Buckeye signal caller has twice been a semifinalist for the award in his career and will hope to take that at least a step forward this year. Barrett exploded onto the college football scene as a redshirt freshman in 2014. The Wichita Falls, TX ...
Ohio State Football: JT Barrett Named To Davey O'Brien Watch ListScout
Ohio State QB Barrett on Davey O'Brien watch listWDTN

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LGHL Several rookies out of Ohio State are heading to their first NFL training camp today

Several rookies out of Ohio State are heading to their first NFL training camp today
Alexis Chassen
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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We’re one step closer to football season!

We are less than a month away from the NFL’s preseason kickoff, and this year, there are even more Ohio State alums at the professional level.

It wasn’t a record-setting draft class, but it was still a big year, with seven players being drafted and three signing as undrafted free agents. Dontre Wilson initially drew interest from the Chargers, but after medical concerns about his foot and ankle, he never signed a deal.

Rookies are starting to report to training camp today through July 25, with the veterans coming in a few days later. Buckeyes have a way of making headlines, and this offseason — including rookie camp and OTAs — has been no different.

Noah Brown will have an even more important role in training camp with rumors that the NFL is likely going to issue a short suspension for the Cowboys star running back, and Brown’s former Buckeye teammate, Ezekiel Elliott. Should the suspension come down in the next few weeks, Dallas will be looking to players like Brown to help carry the load in Elliott’s absence.

Another rookie out of Ohio State who will be feeling the pressure is Curtis Samuel. The former H-back will be used primarily as a wide receiver for the Panthers, playing alongside running back Christian McCaffrey, and is expected to contribute right away. Carolina just fired their GM Dave Gettleman, and it’s not uncommon for the front office turmoil to make it’s way to the field. Samuel will be a big part of the offense this fall and will need a big training camp to boost his confidence.

Here’s the full list on incoming rookies and the date that they’ll be reporting for training camp.


The Cowboys are one of the first teams to welcome their veteran players to training camp, thanks to their inclusion in the Hall of Fame game in early-August. Three veteran Buckeyes will suit up at AT&T Stadium, including the increasingly infamous Ezekiel Elliott, along with Darryl Baldwin and Rod Smith.

With camps on the horizons, players are wrapping their vacations, passion projects, and other shenanigans, just in time to pack their bags for camp. Malcolm Jenkins spent the summer being an advocate for criminal justice reform — and also opened a new menswear store in Philly. Joshua Perry, likewise, spent his time visiting summer camps and talking to children — as well as doing some yard work for his Mom.

Several Buckeyes spent their offseason moving to their new team’s city. Corey ‘Philly’ Brown made his way to Buffalo, Ted Ginn Jr. to New Orleans, and Terrelle Pryor Sr. to the Washington D.C. area. Johnathan Hankins, John Simon and Tyvis Powell all packed up for Indianapolis.


We’ll be sure to bring you training camp updates as they get started.

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Google 5 potential under-the-radar playmakers for Ohio State Buckeyes - FanRag Sports (blog)

5 potential under-the-radar playmakers for Ohio State Buckeyes - FanRag Sports (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


5 potential under-the-radar playmakers for Ohio State Buckeyes
FanRag Sports (blog)
Very likely, the Buckeyes will get key offensive contributions from players who are largely unknown to the casual fan (bear with us, Buckeyes diehards). Here are five under-the-radar playmakers who could become big contributors to the Buckeyes.


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Google Can Michigan State beat Ohio State? A 20 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com

Can Michigan State beat Ohio State? A 20 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Can Michigan State beat Ohio State? A 20 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose
cleveland.com
He ran for 160 yards on 19 carries against the Buckeyes. He also had two catches for 76 yards in that game, overall accounting for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Only two offensive linemen are back, but one of them is senior Brian Allen, one of the best ...
Countdown: Urban Meyer's years at Ohio State - 2016247Sports

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LGHL Can Ohio State get the No. 2 DT from the 2018 class to visit again?

Can Ohio State get the No. 2 DT from the 2018 class to visit again?
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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Another visit could be in the works for the Buckeyes and Michael Thompson.

Another visit to C-Bus?


2018 defensive tackle Michael Thompson has made it apparent that he is at least planning a future trip to Columbus, Ohio—and possibly more. Thompson, a four-star prospect and the No. 2 defensive tackle in the country, visited twice during the 2016 season.


Country's No. 2 D-tackle @mthompson201 says a third #OhioState visit will happen, talks #Buckeyes https://t.co/3R9hxDFbwG

— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) July 18, 2017

From St. Louis, Thompson has been recruited by most top programs in the country and the five or so programs that seem to be sticking out to him are Ohio State, Michigan, Missouri, Alabama and LSU. The Buckeyes have already gathered a nice defensive line haul in this year’s cycle, but Thompson is a prospect that Ohio State will continue to chase. In a best case scenario, Thompson would find his way to Columbus sometime this summer and then follow up with an official visit in the fall. Still, the Buckeyes will be glad to get at least one and further their position in this race.

20/20


According to reports, 2020 quarterback Derohn King (Fort Lauderdale, FL / Piper) has started making progress on the recruiting trail as he’s picked up offers from Florida, Bowling Green and FIU over the last couple months. However, the most notable news is that he “wants” one from Ohio State as well.


Three schools, including #Florida, have already stepped up w/ offers for 2020 QB Derohn King. Wants #OhioState
--> https://t.co/6IxGQeocXu pic.twitter.com/hQhWI7rqR2

— Corey Bender (@Corey_Bender) July 18, 2017

King, just an incoming sophomore, already stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds and has the look of a collegiate quarterback. The Fort Lauderdale native is sure to be one of the best players in his class by the time his senior year rolls around. King is just getting his feet wet when it comes to recruiting so it’s likely that he’s nowhere close to having a “top” list. Urban Meyer and the coaching staff will be sure to see him in person before they deem him worthy of an offer.

QUICK HITS:


2018 cornerback Isheem Young committed to Penn State yesterday. Young was a long time target for the Buckeyes, but nothing ever materialized. Ohio State is in on other highly ranked prospects at this position and they feel good where they currently stand.


I am officially committed to...... pic.twitter.com/eiGtkZAjlq

— 3k (@Isheemyoung) July 18, 2017

He’s been committed for about a little over 24 hours, but Jeremy Ruckert is already putting his work in to help the coaching staff recruit wide receivers Kamryn Babb and Blue Smith. The Buckeyes sitting very good with both prospects as of now and both are expected to be at Friday Night Lights.


@kamm_o @bluesmith_ Now it's your turn‼️ Make the move ️ ️ #GoBucks #BuckeyeNation https://t.co/MJSHxPDOJ9

— Jeremy Ruckert (@Jeremy_Ruckert1) July 18, 2017
One last thing


And with that, I am officially signing off of Land-Grant Holy Land. I’ve been contributing to this site for nearly four years, but the time has come to move on as I recently accepted a full-time teaching role. I would like to thank everyone who’s been a part of this site over the years. It’s been fun to pursue this hobby of mine, but my full attention is now required elsewhere.

Goodbye and O-H!

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Google Ohio State Football: More Buckeyes on national watch lists - Scarlet and Game

Ohio State Football: More Buckeyes on national watch lists - Scarlet and Game
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football: More Buckeyes on national watch lists
Scarlet and Game
It seemed as though most of the projected starters on the Ohio State football team was on a watch list for a national award. Now, three other players have made a watch list and another is on his third. Jerome Baker and Chris Worley are up for the ...


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Google Two Buckeyes given Heisman Trophy odds - 247Sports

Two Buckeyes given Heisman Trophy odds - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Two Buckeyes given Heisman Trophy odds
247Sports
Since that season though, Barrett has been unable to repeat those numbers, but Buckeye fans are hopeful the addition of Kevin Wilson as offensive coordinator and Ryan Day as quarterbacks coach will help rejuvenate the quarterback for his final year in ...

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Google Buckeyes don't have nation's best D-line, per Steele | Who does? - 247Sports

Buckeyes don't have nation's best D-line, per Steele | Who does? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes don't have nation's best D-line, per Steele | Who does?
247Sports
Phil Steele is very high on Ohio State's 2017 defensive line, ranking it as the second-best D-line in the country. However, many Buckeye fans might be surprised that OSU is not atop the list. That honor belongs to defending national champion Clemson.

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Google Northern invasion heading to Ohio State, Isheem Young off the board and more recruiting...

Northern invasion heading to Ohio State, Isheem Young off the board and more recruiting news - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Northern invasion heading to Ohio State, Isheem Young off the board and more recruiting news
Landof10.com
And when many of the Buckeyes' top targets from the 2018, '19 and '20 classes converge on Columbus this Friday, a good number of them will be coming down from Michigan. We've mentioned before that Devontae Dobbs and Dwan Mathis, two of the best ...


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Google BH: Tight with Kevin? | Betrayal on the hardwood - 247Sports

BH: Tight with Kevin? | Betrayal on the hardwood - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BH: Tight with Kevin? | Betrayal on the hardwood
247Sports
On Monday, the Buckeyes got their man: Class of 2018 tight end Jeremy Ruckert announced a commitment to Ohio State. That prompted us to check in with a source who spends plenty of time around the Woody so we could talk Kevin Wilson, Ruckert and ...


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Google Steele ranks Buckeyes' OL among nation's elite | Sooners No. 1 - 247Sports

Steele ranks Buckeyes' OL among nation's elite | Sooners No. 1 - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Steele ranks Buckeyes' OL among nation's elite | Sooners No. 1
247Sports
However, Phil Steele believes only the Buckeyes' opponents should be concerned about OSU's offensive front. In his College Football Preview, Steele ranks Ohio State's offensive line as the third-best unit in the country at the position. "This year they ...

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LGHL Ohio State’s Jerome Baker and Chris Worley make cut for Butkus Award watch list

Ohio State’s Jerome Baker and Chris Worley make cut for Butkus Award watch list
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 two Buckeye linebackers are on watch for the best linebacker award.

“A pair of Ohio State linebackers - junior Jerome Baker and senior Chris Worley - have been named to the watch list for the Butkus Award.”

- OhioStateBuckeyes.com


Great linebackers at Ohio State have always been a staple of a Buckeye defense for quite some time, often leading the defensive unit known as the Silver Bullets. This season, Ohio State has a couple of standout players at linebacker including Jerome Baker and Chris Worley, both of whom are up for the Butkus Award - given annually to the nation’s best linebacker. James Laurinaitis was the last Buckeye to win the award in 2007, and Andy Katenmoyer before him in 1997. Despite not winning the award, linebackers Ryan Shazier, A.J. Hawk, and Raekwon McMillan had all been in the running.

Baker exploded onto the scene last season after filling in for an injured Dante Booker. Baker took full advantage early on, coming up with a big pick-six in the nationally televised game against Oklahoma to help lead the Buckeyes to victory. He also was a standout in the Michigan game that went to double overtime. Worley stepped up as a starting outside linebacker last season but will shift over to middle linebacker in 2017. It will be interesting to see if he can fill the shoes left by Raekwon McMillan, but he certainly showed he has the athleticism and talent to play at a high level last season.

“Ohio State junior receiver/return specialist Parris Campbell has been named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award.”

- OhioStateBuckeyes.com


Another member of Ohio State to make an awards watch list was wide receiver and/or H-back Parris Campbell. Campbell was added to the watch list for the Paul Hornung award, given annually to the nation’s most versatile player. It’s a fairly new award, which started in 2010, and no Buckeyes have ever won it. Last season’s winner was Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. It makes sense that Campbell be included on this watch list, considering he’s expected to fill in the role Curtis Samuel left behind. Last season, Samuel caught passes, received handoffs, and returned kicks. Campbell will likely be called upon to do the same.

Campbell has experience receiving kicks and has obviously played as a wide receiver in recent seasons, but it will be worth noting how he adjusts to his new role within the offense. It’s clear that the coaching staff believes he can make the adjustments to become an impact player on most downs. Last season, Campbell contributed 13 receptions for 121 yards and ranked 11th nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 27.8 yards per return.

Ohio State hasn't lost to Iowa since 2004, also in Iowa City. The Buckeyes have won five straight against the Hawkeyes. Head coach Kirk Ferentz, in his 93rd season at Iowa (it's actually his 19th), is 1-8 all-time against Ohio State.

- Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


Bill Landis of Cleveland.com is going through each of the opponents Ohio State faces this season and giving a percentage chance of that team beating the Buckeyes. This season, when Ohio State travels to Iowa to face the Hawkeyes, Landis gives Kirk Ferentz’s squad a 14 percent chance of beating the Buckeyes. As you can see above, Ohio State hasn’t had much trouble with Iowa in the past several seasons, having not lost since 2004. However, as the article mentions, the Buckeyes will be coming off a tough game against Penn State at home and also will have to look forward to playing Michigan State at home as well.

Landis does mention the idea of this game being a trap game for Urban Meyer’s team, and it’s certainly possible. The Hawkeyes pulled the upset on a top-five ranked Michigan team last season in Kinnick Stadium, so it’s not impossible for them to catch Ohio State unaware. The good news for the Buckeyes is that Iowa will be without their former quarterback C.J. Beathard, and a brand new starter will be in place. The Hawkeyes won’t have the talent to keep up, as long as the Buckeyes execute well.

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Google Watch: Scoonie Penn discusses his new role with Ohio State - 247Sports

Watch: Scoonie Penn discusses his new role with Ohio State - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Watch: Scoonie Penn discusses his new role with Ohio State
247Sports
It is apparent in this video that Scoonie is excited for his new role and happy to be officially back as part of the Ohio State program. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes ...
Ohio State men's basketball players are '10 toes in' under new coach HoltmannRavenna Record Courier
Ohio State Players '10 Toes In' With Chris Holtmann, New StaffEleven Warriors

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tBBC Senators Re-Sign Pageau to 3-Year Deal

Senators Re-Sign Pageau to 3-Year Deal
T6S
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 25, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Never let a personal favourite reach arbitration.

Those are the words that Senators general manager Pierre Dorion lives by and yesterday, the Senators announced that they had signed Jean-Gabriel Pageau to a three-year contract extension worth $9.3-million for an average annual value of $3.1-million.

Keeping with the organization’s tradition of backloading contracts, Pageau will Pageau will earn $2.6-million in the first year and then $3.3-million and $3.4-million respectively over the last two years of his deal.

The contract extension covers Pageau’s last three years as a restricted free agent, meaning that he is slated to test unrestricted free agency as a 27-year old at the end of this contract.

At first glance, I was a little surprised by the terms. Considering the organization’s tendency to get their restricted free agents signed to bargains, I was expecting something similar to what Mika Zibanejad signed a two-year contract worth $5.25-million ($2.625M AAV) on June 25, 2015 – especially since Zibanejad had the higher projected offensive upside and pedigree.

In the NHL, production gets you paid, but in Pageau’s case, his regular season production dipped in 2016-17.

One year after tallying a career-high 19 goals and 43 points in 2015-16, Pageau wound up netting 12 goals and 33 points.

I’ve seen some blame the drop in production on utilization. That because Pageau was being utilized in a shutdown capacity, his production was bound to suffer.

Although Pageau played tough matchups and was used as the shutdown centre, he was deployed in a similar role in 2015-16. According to Behindthenet.ca’s ‘Corsi Relative Quality of Competition’ metric, Pageau had the highest value on the team. (As an aside, Zibanejad had the highest Corsi Rel QoC for the Senators in 2014-15 before signing his aforementioned two-year extension with the Senators.)

There’s no question that playing tough minutes will negatively impact production, but the biggest reason for the drop is due to a regression in the number of situational goals that Pageau scored in 2015-16. After leading the league in shorthanded goals (seven) and being tied for the league lead in empty net goals (five) in 2015-16, Pageau only scored two of these situational goals last season. Without a marked jump in even strength production and without any power play goals or shorthanded goals, Pageau’s numbers suffered.

The good news is that Pageau’s an incredibly competent defender and his five-on-five production actually improved from the previous season and he spent the majority of the season playing alongside Tom Pyatt.

Interestingly, the duo only played 58 minutes and 22 seconds together at five-on-five in the postseason and when Pageau was separated from Pyatt, his production spiked. (As an aside, thanks to Brad from NaturalStatTrick.com for helping me procure Pageau’s numbers from this postseason. Be sure to bookmark his website too, it’s an invaluable hockey resource.)

TOI G/60 Pts/60 Sh/60
Regular Season w/ Pyatt 721:32 0.49 1.41 7.57
Regular Season w/o 321:45 0.75 1.86 8.76
Postseason w/o Pyatt 223:35 1.61 2.15 7.78

Now obviously it helped that Pageau shot 18.2-percent in the postseason (compared to his career average of 10.1) with four of his goals occurring in one spectacular and fanfuckingtastically glorious game against the New York Rangers. But, his production has historically taken a marked jump whenever he’s not saddled by linemates who play a conservative game and struggle to help transition the puck from the defensive zone up the ice.

Although Pageau had varying levels of success this postseason playing minutes with skilled linemates like Bobby Ryan and Mark Stone, even going back a little further, Pageau first started having offensive success when he played alongside a noted possession driver in Erik Condra.

There’s no question that Pageau’s earned himself legions of fans thanks to his heroic postseason performances against the Montreal Canadiens and Rangers, but maybe there is enough underneath the hood to suggest that he’s capable of producing more offence if given a larger role.

At the very least, it’s easy to look at Pageau’s production and role on the team and realize that he’s comparable to what Sean Couturier brings to the Philadelphia Flyers. Even if you staunchly believe that Pageau’s an inferior defensive player, given the production and cheaper salary (even if he agreed to a shorter term that may cost more money down the road), they aren’t that dissimilar of players. (Note: Couturier signed a six-year extension in 2015 that carries an average annual value of $4,333,333. By the end of his contract, Couturier will earn $4.75-million during the 2021-22 season.)

With the presence of Colin White in the farm system and Derick Brassard only having two years left on his deal, maybe Pageau’s capable of sliding into the top-six. Thanks to Brassard’s offseason shoulder surgery, we may get our first opportunity to watch Pageau play in this capacity next October. If he plays well, maybe it gives the Senators reason to pause and weigh the possibilities of moving a centre like Brassard to address another position of need.

From a budget perspective, CapFriendly.com indicates that Pageau’s contract brings the Senators’ roster to 20 players signed at a projected cap hit of $67,387,500 with an estimated salary expenditure of $67,875,000. This number of players does include White, but there’s no guarantee that he starts the season on Ottawa’s roster. Mind you, the Senators would likely carry an extra forward and defenceman around anyway, so you’re probably looking at adding a similar salary or upwards of two million dollars to the payroll anyways.

Last season the Senators had approximately $69.365-million committed to its cap and it look like the organization will be headed to a similar number this season. Looking forward though, it is impossible to wonder how much flexibility is left regarding the budget

At the end of the 2016-17 season, the Senators will have Mark Stone (RFA), Craig Anderson (UFA) and Kyle Turris (UFA) hitting free agency. Four of the six defencemen who are expected to break camp with the team are set to hit free agency as well. The payroll is going to jump significantly and that’s before Erik Karlsson is slated to hit unrestricted free agency the following year.

It’s not like Dion Phaneuf or Bobby Ryan are going anywhere with their contracts.

Unless the Senators find ways to boost their revenue streams and help offset these new contract extensions, it’s going to be a chore for management to creatively structure its roster and fit them it without a sacrifice to this team’s depth (and potentially competitiveness).

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Google DB Buckeyes offered commits to Penn State - 247Sports

DB Buckeyes offered commits to Penn State - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


DB Buckeyes offered commits to Penn State
247Sports
The Buckeyes offered a scholarship early to Philadelphia (Pa.) Imhotep Charter safety Isheem Young. Young told Bucknuts on several occasions he wanted to visit Ohio State, but a visit never happened. Today Young announced a commitment to Penn State, ...
Ranking Penn State's biggest test of 2017, its biggest games of 2016 and moreLandof10.com

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BTN Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers

Dienhart: Predicting 1,000-yard Big Ten rushers
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

This could be the “Year of the Running Back” in the Big Ten, with many big-time options doting rosters across the conference. And no back is better than Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, who is the league’s top Heisman contender and could be primed for a 2,000-yard season.
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Google Steele rankings: Buckeyes have fourth-best QB group in country - 247Sports

Steele rankings: Buckeyes have fourth-best QB group in country - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Steele rankings: Buckeyes have fourth-best QB group in country
247Sports
One of the many interesting facets of Phil Steele's annual College Football Preview is the national position group rankings. Steele is very high on Ohio State's quarterbacks in 2017, ranking them as the fourth-best QB group in the nation. Fifth-year ...


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Google Can Iowa beat Ohio State? A 14 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com

Can Iowa beat Ohio State? A 14 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Can Iowa beat Ohio State? A 14 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose
cleveland.com
Week before the OSU game: Iowa drew Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State in its Big Ten crossover games, but two of those games (the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions) are in Iowa City. Ohio State is the final crossover for the Hawkeyes, so you could ...
Ohio State pads top recruiting class with No. 39 Jeremy RuckertESPN
Ohio State gets its tight end, Chris Holtmann suffers key in-state loss, Emory Jones drama heats up againLandof10.com
BREAKING: Nation's No. 1 TE commits to Ohio State247Sports
Scarlet and Game -The Athletic -247Sports
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Google Tracy Sprinkle named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list - 247Sports

Tracy Sprinkle named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Tracy Sprinkle named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list
247Sports
After the struggles of a season ago, Sprinkle will be back in a deep defensive tackle rotation, helping to lead one of the most talented defensive line units in the country. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five ...

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Google Which Players Make The Mount Rushmore (Post 2000) For the Ohio State Buckeyes? - BT...

Which Players Make The Mount Rushmore (Post 2000) For the Ohio State Buckeyes? - BT Powerhouse (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Which Players Make The Mount Rushmore (Post 2000) For the Ohio State Buckeyes?
BT Powerhouse (blog)
This time, we will look at the greatest players from the last 17 seasons for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Please note that this evaluation only looks at college contributions at the particular school. It does not include a player's contributions at another ...


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LGHL Ohio State football picked up their first ‘Urban Meyer tight end’ in Jeremy Ruckert

Ohio State football picked up their first ‘Urban Meyer tight end’ in Jeremy Ruckert
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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Discussing how the nation’s No. 1 TE fit Kevin Wilson’s scheme on this State Secrets podcast.

On a State Secrets episode of the Land-Grant Holy Land podcast, LGHL contributors Matt Tamanini and Patrick Mayhorn discuss the latest BOOM to come from the Woody Hayes Center. On Monday afternoon, the No. 1 tight end in the country, Jeremy Ruckert announced his intention to join the Buckeyes’ 2018 class.

The addition helped OSU reclaim the top spot in the national recruiting rankings, and Matt and Patrick discuss what Ruckert brings to Columbus, how he fits into OSU’s offensive system, and what Ohio State’s primary recruiting focuses are moving into the final six months before Signing Day.

You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we strongly encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.

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Google Chat Wrap: Some early Ohio State-Oklahoma thoughts - 247Sports

Chat Wrap: Some early Ohio State-Oklahoma thoughts - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Chat Wrap: Some early Ohio State-Oklahoma thoughts
247Sports
QUESTIONS: I was wondering if you agree that BOTH the Buckeye offense AND the Buckeye defense are among the top two in the country. Also, do you think that the #1 rated Oklahoma offense (according to the FPI) will be the toughest offensive unit we face ...


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LGHL Ohio State makes the cut for elite CB

Ohio State makes the cut for elite CB
Dan Hessler
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


5364917.0.jpg

One of the top cornerbacks in the country for 2018 included the Buckeyes in his top five schools.

Urban Meyer continues to prove that Ohio State is at the top of the college football recruiting world. It seems that every blue-chip prospect in the 2018 recruiting class is interested in the Buckeyes as the University continuously makes the cut for the country’s best recruits.

This trend continued Monday when one of the nation’s top cornerbacks included Ohio State in his top five schools.

Four-star cornerback Jalen Green (Houston, TX / Heights) listed Ohio State among the remaining schools he will focus on in his recruitment. Along with the Buckeyes, Green included Texas, Oregon, LSU and Penn State. Green is currently ranked as the No. 8 CB in the country and the No. 53 overall recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.


TOP 5 TOP 5 TOP 5❗❗❗pic.twitter.com/CF1nXj48bB

— Jay Green (@jaygreen__) July 18, 2017

Ohio State has shown plenty of interest in Green and would love to add him to their No. 1 ranked recruiting class. However, the Buckeyes will have their hands full in getting a commitment from Green as home state school Texas is seen as the clear favorite with 100 percent of the 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions. That being said, Ohio State has been doing quick work in recruiting Green, offering him only a few months ago and already making the cut for his top five.

Green recently participated in Nike’s The Opening Finals in Oregon and was one of the more impressive defensive players at the event, along with fellow Ohio State CB commit Sevyn Banks.

Banks is currently the only true CB commit in Ohio State’s 2018 class, and adding a talent like Green to the Buckeyes secondary would be a big win for the program.

Crucial Ohio State DE target hints at FNL visit


Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights camp takes place this week and with it comes a highly-anticipated visitor list that includes some of the biggest names in the 2018 recruiting cycle. The annual event has quickly become one of the biggest recruiting camps in the country, creating an atmosphere that has led to countless commitments in previous recruiting cycles for the Buckeyes.

With well over 30 recruits expected to attend the event this Friday, one of the more prominent targets remaining on the Buckeyes’ big board has yet to confirm his attendance. However, it appears the wait may be over as Ohio State elite defensive end target Micah Parsons (Harrisburg, PA / Harrisburg) seems to be trying to find a ride to Columbus this weekend.

Alex Gleitman of BuckNuts was the first to report on Parsons’ Facebook post where he is asking for help finding a ride to Columbus this weekend.


Anyone want to drive to Columbus Thursday

‎Posted by Micah Aaron Parsons on‎ יום שני 17 יולי 2017

While this is far from a confirmation that Parsons will be at FNL, it does show he is trying to make it to Ohio Stadium for the event.

Getting him on campus this weekend would be huge for Ohio State and its coaching staff as they work to try and earn a commitment from one of the top prospects in the 2018 class. Parsons is the top overall WDE in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, and is the No. 5 overall prospect.

The one-time Penn State commit re-opened up his recruitment back in April and it was widely expected that Ohio State was the front-runner to steal him from Happy Valley following multiple visits to the program in just a couple months. However, since decommitting from Penn State, Parsons has decided to take his time and visit multiple top-level schools in the country and is far from a sure-fire get for Ohio State.

That being said, FNL creates an environment like no other and has proven to make lasting impressions on elite recruits year after year. If Parsons is able to find a ride to Columbus this weekend, he would not be on commitment watch, but it would definitely provide more insight into his thought process.

Future Buckeyes react to newest Ohio State commitment


Monday afternoon, Ohio State’s 2018 recruiting class earned its 15th member in the country’s No. 1 TE Jeremy Ruckert. And while the Ohio State coaching staff certainly celebrated the huge victory, the other members of the Buckeyes’ recruiting class seemed to be just as excited and welcomed him to the team.

Four-star QB commit Emory Jones seems to be liking having another elite weapon to throw the ball to.



— Emory Jones (@eXjones6) July 17, 2017

Four-star all-purpose running back Jaelen Gill welcomed Ruckert to the Ohio State family, as did four-star RB Master Teague, and four-star outside linebacker Teradja Mitchell.


I love it welcome to the family bro bro ✊ https://t.co/Sa43rOY5XL

— J-A-E- (@jaelengill21) July 17, 2017

@Jeremy_Ruckert1 welcome to the family. #GoBuckeyes

— Master W. Teague III (@33_blackman) July 17, 2017

Welcome to the family ️ #GoBucks https://t.co/Uvqb2XY9Nm

— ™⁷ (@WhosThatNumber7) July 17, 2017

Four-star Ohio State defensive end target Tyreke Smith and five-star DE target Micah Parsons also showed Ruckert some love. Both are Ohio State leans and the addition of Ruckert could help sway their decision.


Congrats ❗#OH @Jeremy_Ruckert1

— Tyreke Smith™ (@T_23_baller) July 17, 2017

CONGRATS BROTHER #shhhhhhhh @Jeremy_Ruckert1 #BuckeyeNation show him some love !!!! https://t.co/fqU1LabJa3

— BLESSEDMVP (@Micah_parsons23) July 17, 2017
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