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LGHL Standout 2019 recruits excited over Ohio State offer

Standout 2019 recruits excited over Ohio State offer
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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High school teammates walked away with a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes on Thursday.

While some coaches were spending most of their Thursday gearing up for the first round of the NFL Draft, Ohio State was still trying to lock down future Buckeyes to help them stay among the elite for years to come.

With two years still left on the high school level, a pair of 2019 Trinity Catholic (MO) teammates picked up scholarship offers from Urban Meyer and crew. Adding Ohio State to their already impressive lists of potential landing spots, wide receiver Marcus Washington and outside linebacker Shammond Cooper earned the opportunity to rock the Scarlet and Gray.

Washington, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound sophomore shined under the lights this past season for the Titans. Scoring nine touchdowns, he hauled in 33 receptions for 676 yards.

“I've talked to a couple Ohio State coaches before and a few days before the offer I talked to him again,” said Washington to Land-Grant Holy Land. “They said they really liked me but I didn't expect an offer this soon. Today coach Smith called our high school coach and broke the news. It was a very exciting offer. It felt unreal.”

His play on the field hasn’t just caught the eye of Ohio State. Holding over a dozen scholarships, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and Nebraska are just a few of the schools the Buckeyes find themselves up against for the four-star prospect.


Blessed to receive an offer from Ohio State #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/G0IABYV1IJ

— Marcus Washington (@_MarcusW11) April 27, 2017

Also considered a four-star recruit, Cooper, who reportedly accounted for 141 total tackles and four quarterback sacks to help lead the Trinity Catholic Titans to an overall record of 12-1, now has nearly 20 offers on the table.

“Coach [Zach] Smith visited the school earlier this week, and today he called back to let me know that [Ohio State] wanted to offer me,” said Cooper. “They also told me they want to get me down on a visit during the summer. It feels great because it's my dream school.”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Cooper has offers from the likes of Illinois, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.


Blessed to receive an offer from my dream school Ohio State #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/jxm1UVlqgb

— Shammond Cooper (@Shammond07) April 27, 2017

Cooper definitely holds the Ohio State offer in high regards. Even though he always wanted an offer from the Buckeyes, he plans to sit back and take his time with the recruiting process before he shuts things down and commits.

“I'm still going to look at every option carefully. I'm not worried about [committing] right now, I'm focused on making myself better,” he said.

Quick Hits

  • Cooper and Washington weren’t the only recruits Ohio State offered on Thursday. Per Woody Wommack of Rivals, the Buckeyes also dealt out a scholarship to four-star class of 2019 Tennessee defensive end Ani Izuchukwu. Alabama, Kentucky, LSU and Mississippi State are among the Southeastern Conference schools trying to keep Izuchukwu out of the 614.
  • Stockbridge (GA) teammate of current OSU pledge Brenton Cox, Marquez Ezzard, a four-star athlete, released his top eight programs on Thursday. Cutting his list down from over 20 offers, Ohio State, USC, Florida State, Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Florida and South Carolina are alive to land a commitment from the 6-foot-1 playmaker.
  • Four-star class of 2018 wide receiver L’Christian “Blue” Smith (Huber Heights, OH / Wayne) took to his Twitter page to announce his top 10 last night. Ohio State, Alabama, Notre Dame, Minnesota, Kentucky, Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and Tennessee are still in the mix for the 6-foot-6 All-Ohio selection.
  • 2018 Dayton Dunbar running back Tavion Thomas followed in the footsteps of Ezzard and Smith by naming his leaders via Twitter. Down to 10, the four-star rated Thomas has OSU, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, West Virginia, LSU, USC, and Oregon standing out at the moment.
  • Ohio State were among the programs to take in practice at IMG Academy (FL) yesterday. One of the top teams in the country, IMG is the home of current OSU defensive tackle commit Taron Vincent, and targets such as defensive back Houston Griffith, offensive lineman Verdis Brown, and running back Noah Cain.

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Google Colts take Buckeyes safety Hooker with 15th overall pick - FOXSports.com

Colts take Buckeyes safety Hooker with 15th overall pick - FOXSports.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Colts take Buckeyes safety Hooker with 15th overall pick
FOXSports.com
Hooker played only two seasons with the Buckeyes but had a breakout year in 2016. He had 74 tackles, seven interceptions and returned three for touchdowns — exactly the kind of game-changer coach Chuck Pagano and new general manager Chris ...
How many Buckeyes will be taken in the NFL Draft?NBC4i.com
Malik Hooker spends draft day visiting hospital patients247Sports
5 things to know about Ohio State's potential NFL draft picksDayton Daily News
Eleven Warriors -Scout -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 107 news articles »


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Google GM: Raiders 'totally comfortable' with Gareon Conley pick amid accusation of rape - ESPN

GM: Raiders 'totally comfortable' with Gareon Conley pick amid accusation of rape - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


GM: Raiders 'totally comfortable' with Gareon Conley pick amid accusation of rape
ESPN
With the Buckeyes, Conley had eight pass breakups and four interceptions this past season. The Raiders allowed 61 completions of 20 or more yards in 2016, most of any team in the NFL. McKenzie said Conley was "hands-down, the best player left on our ...
Gareon Conley overcomes adversity, drafted by Oakland Raiders247Sports
Raiders Select Gareon Conley in 2017 NFL Draft amid ControversyBleacher Report
First-round recap: Ohio State sends three defensive backs to the draftOSU - The Lantern
Land-Grant Holy Land -Eleven Warriors
all 329 news articles »


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MotS&G 2017 NFL Draft: 1st Round

2017 NFL Draft: 1st Round
Richard Tongohan
via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Ohio State Buckeyes have been churning out talented prospects since Coach Meyer’s arrival in Columbus. For the last five years, Ohio State has been a force both on the recruiting trail and they have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to depth and talent. Meyer and company develop NFL caliber players and then reload once their star players leave to the next level. This is an impressive feat as another group of talented prospects, three to be exact, have gone in Round 1 of the draft. There are a few more Buckeyes that will hear their names called, but for now, let us see who was taken and by who.

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Marshon Lattimore, CB (New Orleans Saints):



Lattimore has one year of full-time starter duties, but he made the best of it turning out a successful campaign as a starter. It was a long time coming, but he persevered and showed his talent. The Saints took Lattimore with the 11th Overall pick and they were in need of help at the Cornerback Position. The Saints went Buckeye last year with Vonn Bell and Michael Thomas, and Lattimore will have some familiar faces on the roster. Lattimore is an ultra-talented corner with the speed and technique to succeed. He will most likely see some early playing time due to the lack of talent on the roster.

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Malik Hooker, S (Indianapolis Colts):



Malik Hooker played Safety at Ohio State and is also another one-year starter who flourished during his lone season as a starter. Hooker almost left as he sat impatiently behind Vonn Bell, but all things come with time. Hooker has the ball hawking ability to get takeaways and the range to break up passes. After the loss of Mike Adams, the Colts needed someone to take his place and with Hooker they have a playmaker who can be a game-breaker on defense. During the draft process, Hooker was often compared to former Baltimore Raven great Ed Reed. Interesting pick to say the least and as the second Safety taken, he will also most likely start from day 1 barring any unforeseen injuries.

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Gareon Conley, CB (Oakland Raiders):



Gareon Conley, a two-year starter at Ohio State is another long and athletic Cornerback, that played under Coach Meyer and company. Less than a week prior to the draft allegations of a rape were made, and his draft stock took a major hit, a near death blow that forced teams to pass on him. Now that he has been drafted, he will have to work harder than ever because of this impending investigation. He is another athletic and talented corner with good technique. He will start guarding the slot until he proves that he can start for the Raiders. The Raiders believed in him enough to take the chance on him, all we can do is wait and see.


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Google Three Buckeyes, two Wolverines, two Badgers picked in NFL Draft's first round - Comcast...

Three Buckeyes, two Wolverines, two Badgers picked in NFL Draft's first round - Comcast SportsNet Chicago
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Three Buckeyes, two Wolverines, two Badgers picked in NFL Draft's first round
Comcast SportsNet Chicago
Ohio State's defensive secondary had the best night, with three Buckeyes defensive backs selected in the first round. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore was the highest Big Ten product chosen, selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 11 pick. Four ...

and more »


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Google Buckeyes complete sweep of Raiders - Gallipolis Daily Tribune

Buckeyes complete sweep of Raiders - Gallipolis Daily Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes complete sweep of Raiders
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
That's because the River Valley High School baseball team dropped another conference clash on Wednesday — losing to the visiting Nelsonville-York Buckeyes 13-9 in a Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division tilt. The game was officially called following the ...

and more »


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Google Malik Hooker spends draft day visiting hospital patients - 247Sports

Malik Hooker spends draft day visiting hospital patients - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Malik Hooker spends draft day visiting hospital patients
247Sports
The New Castle, PA native had seven interceptions, three returned for a touchdown, in his one season as a starter for the Buckeyes in 2016. While at Ohio State, he never let a quick rise to stardom change him and it appears moving on to the NFL won't ...

and more »


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BTN Seven Big Ten players selected in first round of NFL Draft

Seven Big Ten players selected in first round of NFL Draft
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

Seven former Big Ten football players were selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and all seven came from three schools. Ohio State claimed the first three Big Ten selections, followed by two from Michigan and two from Wisconsin to close out the first round.
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Google Gareon Conley overcomes adversity, drafted by Oakland Raiders - 247Sports

Gareon Conley overcomes adversity, drafted by Oakland Raiders - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Gareon Conley overcomes adversity, drafted by Oakland Raiders
247Sports
The former four-star cornerback prospect made his first start against Michigan State on the road late in the Buckeyes' national championship-winning season of 2014. After giving up two early catches for 69 yards and a touchdown to Keith Mumphery, the ...
NFL draft | Raiders take Buckeyes' Gareon Conley at No. 24The Columbus Dispatch
Raiders select Gareon Conley at No. 24 amid accusation of rapeESPN
How many Ohio State Buckeyes will go in the 2017 NFL Draft? Mock draft roundup 6.0cleveland.com
Massillon Independent -SB Nation
all 3,076 news articles »


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LGHL Ohio State alum Tyvis Powell reacts to his Browns drafting Jabrill Peppers

Ohio State alum Tyvis Powell reacts to his Browns drafting Jabrill Peppers
Matt Brown
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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Browns fans can relate.

The Cleveland Browns have had a puzzling draft after taking Myles Garrett first overall. With an opportunity to pick players like Malik Hooker or Deshaun Watson, the Browns decided to trade down.

And then, with the 25th pick in the draft, they drafted Jabrill Peppers of Michigan.

That’s a controversial pick for many fans of the Buckeyes and Browns. Sure, Peppers was athletic marvel for the Wolverines, but what position does he play?

Apparently, even Buckeye fans on the Cleveland Browns have thoughts about this pick as well. Enter former Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell:


pic.twitter.com/PLDqcYej2q

— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) April 28, 2017

Just a hunch, but I bet practice between Powell and Peppers should be pretty entertaining for the Browns.

Current Buckeyes players who root for the Browns evidently feel similar:


Dear Browns,

Why a TTUN....

— Dre'Mont Jones (@TheOfficial_80) April 28, 2017

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LGHL NFL draft results 2017: Gareon Conley taken by the Oakland Raiders

NFL draft results 2017: Gareon Conley taken by the Oakland Raiders
Colton Denning
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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Despite the recent allegations against him, Conley is now officially in the NFL

Despite being named as a suspect in a recent sexual assault investigation, former Ohio State CB Gareon Conley was drafted at No. 24 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

How did Conley do at the combine?


Conley performed well at the annual showcase in Indianapolis, running a 4.4 second 40 yard dash (14th among DB’s), jumping 37 inches in the vertical (11th), while showing good change of direction in the 3 cone drill, posting a 6.68 second time (5th).

It was his performance at the combine that earned him first round buzz for the first time during the draft process. He measured out at 6’0, 195 pounds and fell mid-range with 33 inch arms and 9.5 inch hands.

How good was Conley in college?


After spending most of his freshman season as a special teams ace in 2014, Conley was a rock for the Buckeyes’ secondary the past two years, starting all 26 games at corner, earning honorable mention Big-Ten Conference honors in 2015, and becoming an All-Big Ten second team pick by the coaches in 2016. In his three seasons, Conley racked up 66 tackles, six interceptions, and 15 passes broken up.

A member of the Buckeyes’ legendary 2013 recruiting class, Conley was originally a Michigan commit before flipping to Ohio State. A four-star recruit out of Massillon (OH), Conley was rated the No. 146 overall player in the 2013 class by the 247Sports composite, while ranking 15th among corners, and eighth in the state of Ohio.

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LGHL NFL draft results 2017: Malik Hooker taken by the Colts No. 15

NFL draft results 2017: Malik Hooker taken by the Colts No. 15
Christopher Jason
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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College football’s premiere ball hawk will be a difference maker in the NFL.

Former standout Ohio State safety Malik Hooker was drafted at No. 15 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

How did Hooker do at the combine?


"I'm a special player, capable of doing a lot of things," Hooker said back in March. " ... The film says what it says."

Hooker had to tell NFL scouts and general managers to trust the film because he could not participate in the NFL combine nor Ohio State’s pro day due to injury. The safety underwent surgery on Jan. 16 to repair a torn labrum in his left hip and to repair sports hernias.

While he could not compete in the physical tests or field drills in Indianapolis, Hooker was measured at 6’1, 206 lbs and his hands were a measured at a gigantic 10 3/4” —which is well over the historical average for a safety (9 3/8”).

How good was Hooker in college?


Malik Hooker arrived at Ohio State as a 3-star athlete, who excelled in basketball in high school more than football. Once on campus, Hooker redshirted his freshman year and was on the verge of quitting the team before the coaching staff and his mother talked him out of it.

Due to his tendency to make plays at practice throughout his redshirt freshman year, Hooker found himself as a consistent special teams contributor. When safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell moved onto the NFL, Hooker jumped the highly touted recruits ahead of him and started as a redshirt sophomore.

Hooker displayed his elite instincts, range and ball skills from the first game of the season, where he made two spectacular interceptions against Bowling Green. He finished his lone season as a starter with 74 tackles, seven interceptions (three returned for touchdowns) and First Team All-American honors.

It’s pretty incredible that Hooker was able to make one of the most impressive plays of the season when he showed off his elite range on an interception against Clemson’s Deshaun Watson — while battling a torn labrum in his hip and sports hernias.


Playmaker.

A post shared by ESPN College Football (@espncfb) on Dec 31, 2016 at 5:15pm PST

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Google NFL draft | Buckeyes' Marshon Lattimore goes to Saints - The Columbus Dispatch

NFL draft | Buckeyes' Marshon Lattimore goes to Saints - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


NFL draft | Buckeyes' Marshon Lattimore goes to Saints
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore was taken with the 11th pick of the NFL draft tonight by the New Orleans Saints. Lattimore, a Cleveland Glenville graduate, started for only one season for the Buckeyes after hamstring injuries ruined his first ...
Lattimore to Saints: OSU coaches, recruits react on social media247Sports
Malik Hooker: 5 things to know about Ohio State DB before 2017 NFL DraftLandof10.com
NFL draft: Marshon Lattimore selected 11th overall by the New Orleans SaintsOSU - The Lantern
fox8.com -Eleven Warriors -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 124 news articles »


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LGHL NFL draft results 2017: Marshon Lattimore taken by the Saints No. 11

NFL draft results 2017: Marshon Lattimore taken by the Saints No. 11
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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The freak athlete is ready to prove he’s healthy enough for the NFL.

Former standout Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore was drafted at No. 11 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

How did Lattimore do at the combine?


Things were going very well for Lattimore at the combine, until they weren’t. He seemed to be wrapping up the four-day event well after posting an impressive number in the 40-yard dash. His official 4.36 seconds was good enough for the fifth best overall, and third amongst defensive backs.

He also turned in a strong vertical (38.5”) and broad jump (11’0), which ranked tied for fifth and third amongst DBs respectively.

Unfortunately for the 6’0, 192-pound corner from Cleveland Glenville High School, on his second 40 attempt, he came up a little lame. With a history of hamstring injuries, many assumed that was the cause of his discomfort. In fact, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported as much.

However, despite the speculation, Lattimore maintained that the injury was actually to his hip flexor, and that he was fine. Only time will tell if his new team has cause for concern.

How good was Lattimore in college?


Like many recent Ohio State defensive backs, it took a little bit of time for Lattimore to see the field, but when he did he made his impact felt. After surgery on his chronically injured hamstrings cut short his first season of playing time, Lattimore proved to be a force once finally healthy.

An incredible athlete, Lattimore recorded four interceptions during his redshirt sophomore season, in addition to nine pass breakups and 41 tackles. A first-team all-Big Ten member, Lattimore showed incredible footwork and technique that only complimented his electric speed.

In just 35 targets during the 2016 season, Lattimore recorded 13 passes defended, the most on the team.

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Google Where the former Ohio State Buckeyes could go in the 2017 NFL Draft - Land-Grant Holy Land

Where the former Ohio State Buckeyes could go in the 2017 NFL Draft - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Where the former Ohio State Buckeyes could go in the 2017 NFL Draft
Land-Grant Holy Land
Although Ohio State's 2017 NFL draft class is not as star-studded as its 2016 class, it is still loaded. The Buckeyes should have two top-ten picks and a third in Gareon Conley who was projected as a first round lock but is now linked to a sexual ...
The pick is in: Todd McShay's surprising final mock draft247Sports
Gareon Conley accused of rape; lawyer denies allegationsESPN
Former OSU Buckeyes, Massillon Tigers standout named in alleged Cleveland rapeMassillon Independent
Landof10.com -SB Nation
all 3,074 news articles »


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Google More about Ohio State and Sevyn Banks, Teradja Mitchell update and recruiting on Michigan's...

More about Ohio State and Sevyn Banks, Teradja Mitchell update and recruiting on Michigan's turf - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


More about Ohio State and Sevyn Banks, Teradja Mitchell update and recruiting on Michigan's turf
Landof10.com
This commitment came a bit out of left field, though perhaps there was some clue in the excitement Banks had about his first-ever visit to Columbus, which he made on April 15 for the Buckeyes spring game. He's the country's 22nd-ranked cornerback and a ...
Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes Well on Their Way to Addressing One of the Biggest 2018 Recruiting NeedsEleven Warriors
Social media reacts to Buckeyes' landing Sevyn Banks247Sports
Sevyn Banks commits to Ohio StateOrlando Sentinel (blog)
Land-Grant Holy Land -Scout
all 23 news articles »


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Google Ohio's No. 3 recruit comes out with top choices - 247Sports

Ohio's No. 3 recruit comes out with top choices - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio's No. 3 recruit comes out with top choices
247Sports
The inclusion of the Buckeyes is anything but a surprise. Smith's father Lorenzo told Bucknuts in late March he felt Ohio State was No. 1 on his son's list, Kentucky No. 2 and Michigan No. 3. Also among the top choices were Tennessee and Alabama.

and more »


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LGHL NFL Draft profile: Malik Hooker’s instincts can’t be matched

NFL Draft profile: Malik Hooker’s instincts can’t be matched
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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The free safety is a top prospect despite his injury history and only one year of film.

He might not have been able to participate at the NFL Combine or Ohio State’s Pro Day, but safety Malik Hooker has already inked a deal with Michael Jordan’s Jumpman brand and is still expected to be a top pick in the draft. Immediately following the season, Hooker went under the knife to repair a torn labrum, but is expected to be back in action in time for rookie camp.

Measurements

Strengths


  • Hooker’s instincts against the passing game are almost unmatched. Not only in this draft class, but among most NFL players. He makes quick decisions and often reacts faster than receivers to changes to the play by the quarterback.
  • As a former DI basketball prospect, he has great feet and a lean body with great control. His basketball skills have already translated into great hands that can — and do — secure contested takeaways.
  • He’s a ball hog in the best possible way for a secondary player. His focus is on the ball, not necessarily the player he’s covering which, aside from the occasional times this caused issue, resulted in a more dynamic defense that caused chaos for opposing offenses.
Weaknesses

  • Extremely raw with only one year of collegiate game day experience. He might have only seen significant snaps during his final season in Columbus, but he spent years training with some of college’s — and now the NFL’s — best players on both offense and defense.
  • He excels against the pass more so than against the run, but that should come easily with more experience. Hooker still can improve against the run by taking his physicality and tackling to the next level — the safety missed 17 tackles last season for the Buckeyes. Will some focus on the mechanics, he should be able to get away from arm-tackling and improve his production.
Highlights


It wasn’t just a big game against Clemson that started the NFL buzz for Hooker. He was making explosive plays throughout the entire 2016 season.

Stats


What a difference a year makes. Hooker claimed 181 return yards off of his seven (!) interceptions in 2016.

Projections


Per SB Nation’s Dan Kadar, Hooker is the No. 2 ranked safety in this year’s draft — among a very loaded draft class — and ranked No. 4 overall out of all position groups. He’s long been expected to be a Top 10 pick, but recent rumors seem to suggest he could drop some — assuming they aren’t just smoke, of course.

Outlook


Hooker will be an instant contributor in the NFL. He excels at tracking the ball and making big plays routinely. In addition to bolstering a defense, he also is a great teaching resource during practice for quarterbacks. It was revealed that during his red-shirt season with the Buckeyes, Hooker snagged 40 interceptions while on the scout team. Yes, 40.

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LGHL Former Ohio State point guard Mike Conley has quietly become one of the best players in the NBA

Former Ohio State point guard Mike Conley has quietly become one of the best players in the NBA
Brett Ludwiczak
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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After signing a huge contract in the offseason, Conley has put together his best season in his 10th year in the NBA.

“Conley isn’t just good “for a guy who doesn’t get a ton of publicity.” He’s not just one of the best players to have never made an All-Star team, the most underrated player in the league, or a nice guy who plays the game the right way. Those qualifies stopped being necessary years ago, and they’re even more unnecessary now. Conley is one of the best players in the NBA.”

Mark Titus, The Ringer


Later tonight the Memphis Grizzlies will try and stave off elimination in the NBA playoffs when they host the San Antonio Spurs. If the Grizzlies want to send the series back to San Antonio for Game 7, they’ll need another big effort out of point guard Mike Conley. The former Ohio State product is in the midst of the best season in his 10th year in the NBA. After years of being overshadowed, first by Greg Oden at Ohio State, and recently by Marc Gasol, Conley is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves.

In their year at Ohio State, Greg Oden got most of the publicity, but Conley was actually the Buckeyes’ best player during the NCAA Tournament. His performance during the run to the title game made it easy for Conley to decide to jump to the NBA. Conley has spent his whole NBA career in Memphis, and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon after signing a five-year contract worth $153 million dollars during the offseason. Conley is one of just six active players to spend at least 10 years with one team, and is Memphis’ all-time leader in games, points, assists, steals, and top-five in a number of other categories. An even more incredible feat is that Conley has never been assessed a technical foul. Even with all that, Conley still has never been selected to an All-Star team, and it’s possible could never appear in the NBA Finals. Hopefully the next few years see Conley getting the accolades he deserves, but even if he doesn’t at least he is setting a great example for the younger generation on how to play the game the right way, even when you aren’t getting the attention you deserve.

“Coach Coombs has done a nice job of developing that room. We talk about it all the time: there’s certain cultures within position groups that are fantastic, and there are others that aren’t. Right now our corner room is.”

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer via Ben Axelrod, Land of 10


Tonight the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off in Philadelphia, and it is very likely that for the fourth time in four years Ohio State will see one of their cornerbacks taken. If Marshon Lattimore is taken in tonight’s first round, it will be the third time in four years that Ohio State has had a cornerback taken in the first round. Since 2000, only Alabama and Miami (FL) can claim three first-round cornerbacks over a four-year span. A huge reason for the success of Ohio State’s cornerbacks over that span has been because of the coaching of cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs.

The pipeline of cornerbacks taken early in the NFL Draft is likely to continue over the next few years with the talent they currently have on their roster. Denzel Ward, Jeffrey Okudah, Shaun Wade, and Kendall Sheffield are all cornerbacks who have the tools to excel at the next level. The high standards Coombs has set for his players certainly helps ready his cornerbacks for the next level. As long as Coombs continues to watch over the cornerbacks at Ohio State, the Buckeyes will continue to get very talented cornerbacks to come to Columbus, since they know Coombs will put them in position to hear their name called early in the NFL Draft.

“(I’m working on) getting bigger, stronger, faster, working on my ball handling, defense, everything. A little bit of everything.”

Ohio State center Micah Potter via Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch


Early this week, Trevor Thompson announced that he had signed with an agent, ending any possibility that he would remove his name from the NBA Draft and return to Ohio State. With the departure of Thompson, Micah Potter will likely see his role expand even more next season. Potter became one of the few true freshmen to start in his first game under Thad Matta, and while he was able to get his feet wet on the court a little bit, it was evident that there is plenty of room for improvement. Potter ended up starting 12 games, but averaged just 4.1 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game while averaging 14.1 minutes per game.

After Ohio State finished the season 17-15, and failing to secure any postseason play, Potter has spent the offseason preparing for his sophomore season. The 2016-17 season has left a sour taste in the mouths of Potter and his teammates, and they are doing all they can to make sure the 2017-18 season is a lot more successful. While Thompson, as well as David Bell, who transferred to Jacksonville, Potter will have some help in the front court with incoming four-star recruit Kaleb Wesson. Potter has also been working on becoming more vocal and shouldering more of the leadership role as the Buckeyes look to turn things around this season. If Potter is able to have a breakout season, it will definitely help Ohio State turn around some of their recent misfortunes.

“Ohio State signee and Westerville (Ohio) South product Kaleb Wesson has another trophy to add to his collection. The four-star center was named the 2016-17 USA Today Ohio Player of the Year on Wednesday.”

Ryan McGlade, Scout.com


Ohio State’s men’s basketball team has underperformed the last few years, but some help is on the way. On Wednesday, incoming center Kaleb Wesson was named USA Today Ohio Player of the Year. The brother of current Buckeye Andre Wesson averaged 22.4 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game in his senior season. The younger Wesson established a school record in January by scoring 49 points against Upper Arlington. The incoming Buckeye has already earned honors as Gatorade Ohio Player of the Year, Mr. Ohio Basketball, and Mr. Ohio Basketball Coaches Association for the best player regardless of division.

Wesson wasn’t the only future Buckeye to be honored on Wednesday, as 2018 signee Justin Ahrens was named to the first-team All-USA Ohio Boys Basketball Team. Ahrens is a three-star prospect from Versailles, Ohio, and averaged 23.5 points per game as a junior. Joining Ahrens in the 2018 class will be Dane Goodwin, who opposed Wesson in the game in which Wesson scored 49 points against Upper Arlington. In that game, the four-star guard hit eight three-points on his way to 35 points. Hopefully with the incoming trio, along with the cast of returning Buckeyes, Ohio State can turn things around quickly and return to the NCAA Tournament.

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Google Nebraska Baseball Series Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes - Corn Nation

Nebraska Baseball Series Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes - Corn Nation
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Nebraska Baseball Series Preview: Ohio State Buckeyes
Corn Nation
After a 13-2 midweek thrashing of the Omaha Mavericks, the Nebraska Cornhuskers 24-15-1 (7-4-1 Big Ten) hit the road for a conference series against the Ohio State Buckeyes 16-24 (4-8 Big Ten). Nebraska has hosted the Buckeyes three times, most ...

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Google Miami RedHawks football to meet Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus in 2019 - Cincinnati.com

Miami RedHawks football to meet Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus in 2019 - Cincinnati.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Miami RedHawks football to meet Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus in 2019
Cincinnati.com
Miami University and Ohio State University announced Thursday that the RedHawks will meet the Buckeyes in football on September 21, 2019 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. More from Miami University Athletic Communications: Miami last played at Ohio ...


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Google Men's Volleyball: Buckeyes Will Look to Defend Title in St. John Arena - Eleven Warriors

Men's Volleyball: Buckeyes Will Look to Defend Title in St. John Arena - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Men's Volleyball: Buckeyes Will Look to Defend Title in St. John Arena
Eleven Warriors
At the tournament, the Buckeyes remained dominant, winning nine sets while only losing two and ultimately being named conference champions. Junior Nicolas Szerszen earned his second consecutive player of the year award and head coach Pete Hanson ...


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LGHL Ohio State to play TCU in Cowboys' stadium, adds series with Washington

Ohio State to play TCU in Cowboys' stadium, adds series with Washington
Matt Brown
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 have made some tweaks to future schedules and added multiple new games.

Ohio State just made multiple big changes to future football schedules.

First, Ohio State’s next big high-profile home and home series just became a single game, neutral-site matchup. Ohio State will face TCU at AT&T Stadium, better known as the Jerrydome, in 2018. Ohio State’s previously scheduled home game against TCU in 2019 will not happen. Instead, the Buckeyes will host Miami (OH).

But fear not, Ohio State has added another big name for a multi-game series. The Buckeyes will face the Huskies of Washington in 2024 and 2025, with Ohio State going to Seattle in 2024.

In other scheduling news, the Boston College series has once again been moved, now to 2026/2027 (so the Buckeyes won’t need to play three Power Five opponents in 2023). Future games have also been added with Bowling Green (2020) and Tulsa (2021), with both games appearing in Columbus.

With these moves, Ohio State is now fully scheduled until 2020.

As a fan, these changes are a bit of a mixed bag. Ohio State has typically avoided participating in neutral site games, and while the payout ($5 million) is nice, it does mean a “name” opponent will no longer be coming to Columbus. It also means that Ohio State is not currently slated to face a power conference opponent in 2019, with Florida Atlantic, Cincinnati and Miami (OH) currently listed as the non-conference opponents. Maybe that will change.

But hey, the Buckeyes have big games lined up nearly every season for the next decade, and in some years, multiple big games. In the playoff era, that’s still good news.

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Google Ohio State Football: Buckeyes Reschedule TCU, Add Washington To Future Schedules - Scout

Ohio State Football: Buckeyes Reschedule TCU, Add Washington To Future Schedules - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football: Buckeyes Reschedule TCU, Add Washington To Future Schedules
Scout
The Buckeyes are set to travel to Seattle on Sept. 7, 2024 with the Huskies making the trip to Columbus on Sept. 13, 2025. The Huskies were the No. 4 seed in last years College Football Playoff. Ohio State has also added Bowling Green and Tulsa back to ...
Big change coming for Buckeye offensive line target247Sports
Ohio State football will play TCU at AT&T Stadium in 2018, announces other schedule changesLandof10.com
Ohio State to Battle TCU at AT&T Stadium in 2018; Add Home-and-Home Series With Washington, Pushes Boston ...Eleven Warriors
CBS sports.com (blog) -Land-Grant Holy Land -The Columbus Dispatch
all 16 news articles »


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