Buckeyes Offer Georgia’s Chris Smith
Garth 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

By Trevor Arnold

The Buckeyes were on the move today with another Georgia scholarship. This one goes to Chris Smith II, who was on an unofficial visit today at Ohio State.

Smith is 3-star cornerback out of Atlanta Hapeville. He stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. He is the fifteenth cornerback offered by OSU for the 2018 class.

People who haven’t been paying attention sometimes look at the 3 stars and assume Ohio State can do better.

But Smith has now been offered by Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan in addition to other top programs.

Remember a guy named Darron Lee, a 3-star quarterback drafted in first round as an NFL linebacker? Urban Meyer and staff have an elite eye for elite talent.

Of course offers like this often influence higher ratings so expect Smith’s ranking to increase throughout his senior year.

Smith has great speed and ball pursuit. It is still too early to tell where Smith will end up, but Buckeye fans should keep an eye on the Atlanta native.




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Ohio State offers another Georgia DB, Jaelen Gill shows up during Taron Vincent visit and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State offers another Georgia DB, Jaelen Gill shows up during Taron Vincent visit and more
Landof10.com
The Buckeyes are now hoping to find their way into that great spot, as well. Sources out of Atlanta believe that of the top players in Georgia, Smith may be one that is most likely to leave the SEC footprint. He has been talking with the Buckeyes ...
Watch: Billy Price mic'd up during Buckeyes practice247Sports
Mike Weber: Ohio State's Play-calling 'A Little Predictable' During Up-And-Down 2016 SeasonEleven Warriors

all 9 news articles »

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A fight is brewing over Demario McCall - 247Sports
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A fight is brewing over Demario McCall
247Sports
After he spent his first year with the Buckeyes at running back, carrying the ball 49 times for 270 yards and three touchdowns, it's likely receivers coach Zach Smith thought he would get his hands on McCall in the offseason in order to teach him ...
5 takeaways from Ohio State spring football this weekDayton Daily News
With young, unproven tailbacks behind him, Ohio State's Mike Weber is ready to lead 'Cadillac' positionLandof10.com

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After a successful freshman year, Ohio State running back Mike Weber is looking to become a leader
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


With the loss of Curtis Samuel, the sophomore running back knows he needs to step up.

“Coach Alford is doing a good job of helping me lead the guys. We’ve been in the playbook, and everything that comes with being a leader, I’m learning that and taking on the task right now.”

Ohio State running back Mike Weber via Jeremy Birmingham, Land of 10


Last year Mike Weber had the task of trying to fill the shoes of Ezekiel Elliott. The redshirt freshman did all he could to help the Buckeye running game continue their recent run of dominance, becoming just the third Buckeye freshman to top 1,000 yards on the ground. As Weber heads into his sophomore season he has a new task in front of him, becoming one of the leaders of the offense. So far Weber has impressed running backs coach Tony Alford with his growth not only on the field, but also in working with the running backs behind him on the depth chart.

Elliott had the luxury of learning from Carlos Hyde, and in turn Elliott passed on his knowledge to Weber. Now it’s Weber’s turn to try and help groom fellow running backs Demario McCall and J.K. Dobbins. Urban Meyer calls the Ohio State running back position as one of college football “Cadillac” positions, and Weber is just trying to earn the carries. After getting 182 carries last season, Weber figures to see his workload increase this year, especially with Curtis Samuel leaving for the NFL. While last year Weber made a bit of a name for himself nationally with the season he put together, this year he’s trying to make sure that everybody knows his name by the end of the year.

“It’s easier to work multiple guys in during spring ball. The sense of urgency to settle on a guy isn’t as great as it would be in August. But that Meyer seemed comfortable with three players for two guard spots is a good sign for the Buckeyes.”

Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group


Ohio State may have some questions to answer heading into the 2017 season as they have to replace a number of starters on both sides of the football, but one of the units the Buckeyes don’t have to worry about as much is the offensive line. Four starters return from last year’s squad, and with a few linemen putting together strong spring practices, it could allow Ohio State the luxury of a bit of depth on the offensive line, something they have been working towards. After receiving some inconsistent play from true freshman guard Michael Jordan last year, head coach Urban Meyer is hoping the progress of some of the backups on the interior of the line continue their growth.

There is still five months until the start of the regular season, but the favorites to start at guard for the Buckeyes are Jordan and Demetrius Knox. Matthew Burrell isn’t going to make Meyer’s decision in the coming months as he has impressed lately, getting snaps with the first-team. Junior college transfer Malcolm Pridgeon, who missed last year due to injury, will help to add to the depth, as will Wyatt Davis, the top guard prospect in the country, who will join the Buckeyes in the summer. Now what has been an area of weakness recently, could quickly turn into an area of strength for the Buckeyes.

“What Nate has done, it drives you (and) shows you it can be done. Like Nate, I walked on here; I played since my freshman year on. Now I look at it as kind of just walking on again, but this time in the NFL. Let’s see if I can get a spot in the league, let’s see if I can make a name for myself and go from there.”

Former Ohio State linebacker Craig Fada via Tim May, The Columbus Dispatch


While it might be tough to match the two Super Bowl rings and appearance in the Olympics as a member of the United States rugby team that Nate Ebner has, the former Buckeye has provided a blueprint for a couple of Ohio State’s special teams aces the last couple years. Linebacker Craig Fada and safety Jarrod Barnes made a name for themselves as members of the kick-coverages units, and now they are just hoping for the same opportunity that Ebner got when New England drafted him in the sixth round in the 2012 NFL Draft.

If Fada and Barnes are going to be drafted this year, it’s likely they’ll have to wait until later on day three of the NFL Draft, but they were able to at least showcase their skills at Ohio State’s pro day last week. Even if they aren’t drafted, Fada and Barnes should be able to sign as undrafted free agents, but both have confidence they’ll be able to impress if there are teams out there willing to give them a shot. It would be wise for teams to at least give Fada and Barnes a look, since they could be getting themselves their own Nate Ebner, and each team needs at least one of those.

STICK TO SPORTS

• With the start of the playoffs less than two weeks away, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced Stanley Cup Playoff ticket information.
• After 10 years, the 2017 Independents’ Day Festival in downtown Columbus will be the last.
• Velvet ice cream is asking for help on creating a new flavor for the Ohio State Fair.
• The first trailer for the seventh season of Game Of Thrones has been released.

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Watch: Billy Price mic'd up during Buckeyes practice - 247Sports
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Watch: Billy Price mic'd up during Buckeyes practice
247Sports
Ohio State is borrowing the idea as senior center Billy Price was mic'd up during the Buckeyes' seventh spring practice on Thursday. As is the case with these segments in the NFL and NBA, fans get a little taste of what it's like to be Price during ...
VIDEO: Ohio State Captain Billy Price Mic'd Up at Practice on ThursdayEleven Warriors

all 2 news articles »

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Hoops & Scoops | Three names Buckeyes could add to 2017 class - Columbus Monthly
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Hoops & Scoops | Three names Buckeyes could add to 2017 class
Columbus Monthly
Ohio State has signed two players for its 2017 recruiting class, but the Buckeyes are still looking to add more to the class. Assuming that Trevor Thompson does not return for his senior season, Ohio State still has two scholarships available for next ...
Ohio State drops an offer to 3-star OG Warren EricsonLand-Grant Holy Land

all 2 news articles »

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Bucknuts Bullets: Tony Alford said Mike Weber is growing up - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bucknuts Bullets: Tony Alford said Mike Weber is growing up
247Sports
Alford said that's true for any position on the Buckeyes. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! Want daily inside scoop on the Buckeyes? Become a VIP with our ...
With young, unproven tailbacks behind him, Ohio State's Mike Weber is ready to lead 'Cadillac' positionLandof10.com

all 12 news articles »

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BH: Noah's arc reaches new height | Hooker withdrawl - 247Sports
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BH: Noah's arc reaches new height | Hooker withdrawl
247Sports
Noah's arc? * Over before it started? *** PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS: FIND OUT THE ANSWERS BY CLICKING HERE! What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now!

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USC Trojans vs. OSU Buckeyes: The Drive - Conquest Chronicles
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USC Trojans vs. OSU Buckeyes: The Drive
Conquest Chronicles
The (1-0) #3 USC Trojans march into The Horseshoe to face off against (1-0) #8 Ohio State Buckeyes. A match up which had gained momentum throughout the offseason and was now finally here. Primetime, Saturday night, for the whole nation to see.

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Malik Hooker declined an invitation to the 2017 NFL Draft, per report
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The Buckeye would rather watch the event with friends and family.

Despite being one of the top names this draft cycle, Ohio State safety Malik Hooker has decided to forego attending the official NFL Draft in Philadelphia, according to Pro Football Talk. Instead, the Buckeye will watch the annual event surrounded by his family and friends.

Hooker has been on the sidelines most of his path to the draft following surgery on his shoulder just after the Fiesta Bowl. He wasn’t able to compete in the workout or position drills at either the NFL Combine or Ohio State’s Pro Day, but that hasn’t stopped teams from showing serious interest. The safety is still considered a Top 10 prospect, especially after stating at the combine he expects to be back on the field for rookie mini-camp.

Skipping the draft has become a growing trend over the past few years, with the 2015 overall No. 1 and 2 picks (Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota) both opting to skip the traditional event and accept their fate remotely. Other players have started following suit, and are choosing to enjoy the moment with the people closest to them, rather than walking across the stage to shake NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand or give him a hug.

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Kelsey Mitchell's skipping the WNBA Draft to return to Ohio State. Here's why
Matt Brown via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State basketball could make a special run next season.

Ohio State women’s basketball had a solid year, winning a regular season Big Ten title and making a run to the Sweet Sixteen. Next year could be even more special, thanks to an announcement from last night.

Ohio State’s leading scorer, Kelsey Mitchell, announced she will return to Ohio State for her senior season, via a university announcement. From her statement:


Unlike the NBA or NFL Draft, players don’t leave early for the WNBA Draft particularly often. But as a three-time All-American, Mitchell was certainly talented enough to make the jump early. Last year, Aerial Powers from Michigan State left after her junior season. She averaged more than 10 points a game for Dallas last year in the pros.

Had Mitchell left early, based on draft projections, she likely would have made around $40,000 from the WNBA, but also could have potentially played overseas for another, more lucrative, deal. Not bad money when you’re right out of college, but with another year at the college level and a chance to improve her draft stock, Mitchell might be able to make another $10,000 or so next season.

Mitchell could leave Columbus as one of the most decorated college basketball players in Buckeye history. Mitchell is currently third in scoring in Ohio State history, and if she has a strong season, could make a run at the record (Jantell Lavender’s 2818 points).

Last year, Mitchell was sixth nationally in three pointers made, and ninth nationally in scoring per game, with 22.6. With her returning, the Final Four in Columbus, and the level that Ohio State has recruited over the last few seasons (among the best in the sport), expectations will be high for the squad. As it should be.

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Former Commissioner Wayne Duke left his mark on Big Ten
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Duke, 88, helped shepherd the Big Ten into the modern era during an 18-year run as commissioner, focusing on academic achievement while also helping build the NCAA tourney into its modern incarnation.

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Rivals Profile
247 Profile
HUDL Highlights



Oceanside
Oceanside, CA
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 290 lbs
Class: 2018

This is from a year ago, so it may not be legit. They may have confused Oregon State with the real OSU...
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Hoops & Scoops | Three names Buckeyes could add to 2017 class - The Columbus Dispatch
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Hoops & Scoops | Three names Buckeyes could add to 2017 class
The Columbus Dispatch
This might be the most likely publicly known name out there on Ohio State's recruiting board, and the Buckeyes are far from the only team showing interest in the 6-5, 225-pound former baseball prospect. Of the top 100 national recruits rated by ...
Ohio State drops an offer to 3-star OG Warren EricsonLand-Grant Holy Land

all 2 news articles »

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Could Ohio State make a play for Illinois' Mr. Basketball? - 247Sports
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Could Ohio State make a play for Illinois' Mr. Basketball?
247Sports
Ohio State is in the running to land one of the Midwest's top unsigned basketball prospects for 2017. Edwardsville, Ill., guard Mark Smith was named as Illinois' Mr. Basketball award winner after leading his team to a huge season in 2016-17. The 6-4 ...

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Ohio State drops an offer to 3-star OG Warren Ericson
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


As always, the Buckeyes are looking to plant the flag in Georgia with their latest offer.

Ericson nabs Buckeye offer


Ohio State currently grasps a commitment from one Georgia prospect in the 2018 recruiting class in quarterback Emory Jones, a five-star standout from Heard County High School. On Wednesday, the Buckeyes looked back to the Peach State as they sent out a new offer to '18 offensive guard Warren Ericson of North Gwinnett (GA).


While his rankings may not be eye-opening, Ericson, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder has an impressive offer sheet. The three-star prospect held offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame and Tennessee coming into Wednesday,

While Ericson already had about 20 offers to his disposal, it seems like Ohio State is jumping into the mix at a good time. According to his 247Sports profile, Ericson has only saw Clemson, Michigan,= and Notre Dame for visits. One would think with just three schools seen thus far and an offer sheet that impresses like Ericson's, their could be time for the Buckeyes to make a move in this recruitment.

For now, Ericson comes in ranked No. 417 overall in the class. In addition to that, the Duluth, Ga. resident also holds a standing at 23rd at the offensive guard position and is the 39th highest graded player from his state.

Latest on Vincent's visit


Yesterday, Ohio State welcomed '18 defensive tackle Taron Vincent of IMG Academy (FL) to campus for Day One of his two day stop in Columbus.

That means that today, the Buckeyes will once again have the red carpet rolled out in hopes of convincing the nation's very best defensive tackle that Ohio State is the place to be for him.

Obviously, today is a major day for the Buckeyes’ chances with Vincent as the 6-foot-2, 285-pounder is set to make a decision shortly after — with Florida State, the program that took Marvin Wilson for the Buckeyes about two months ago, being the other school hoping to land the five-star prospect.

Woodbey gets open


Speaking of five-star prospects, '18 safety Jaiden Woodbey, an Ohio State pledge from St. John Bosco (CA) was one of a handful to receive an invite to 'The Opening' on Wednesday.


Woodbey participated in the regional event in California about two weeks ago. Obviously, he impressed and showed enough to get the invite and will now compete with the best of the best at the Finals event.

'The Opening' is held down in Beaverton, Oregon that features over 150 of the nation’s top high school athletes in a four-day competitive setting. According to their website, 'The Opening Finals' is scheduled for late June or early July.

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NFBuck said:

UNC has had some pretty good offenses. Will be interesting to see if Harris can flourish operating outside of the stone-age offenses he played in at LSU.

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Let's see if he can actually play the QB position... He's still an athlete posing as a QB, IMO and in crunch time that can doom any offense

Draft A Buckeye: Gareon Conley
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



Gareon Conley was the lone starter after Tyvis Powell, Von Bell and Eli Apple left for their NFL dreams two seasons ago. He has started since they left, and he has become a reliable player for the Buckeyes, often shutting down a half of the field with his play. Conley is listed as 6’0″, 196 lbs., and he is projected to be drafted late in the first round. He ran a 4.44 at the combine and displayed his athleticism during drills. He drew a comparison to current Denver Bronco Aqib Talib from NFL Scouts. He has the ability to use his talents at the next level with the blend of size and speed that he possesses. He is durable and he can be used right away by NFL teams. Unlike other Buckeye Defensive Backs, Conley has more than a season of starting experience, and that is the intriguing part when considering the talent that the Buckeyes send out on a yearly basis over the past few years.




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Recruiting Spotlight: Julius H.F. Buelow
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



I have something new and exciting for you Motsag fans, an interview with Class of 2019 recruit Julius Buelow from Kapolei High School in Hawaii. Buelow is 6’7″, 314 lbs., and is currently an Offensive Tackle for Kapolei High School, but he is comfortable when placed outside his natural position, whether it is on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.

R.T: First off, how would you describe your unofficial visit to Ohio State? What stood out to you during the visit?

J.B: The visit to Ohio State was awesome. The campus is huge and the football facilities are impressive. The football building was really busy the day we went and I got to meet a lot of the coaches, trainers, and players. The atmosphere stood out to me, there is a lot of energy there and you can tell people are working hard to be the best.

R.T: I know that the 2018 recruiting cycle has just begun, but what schools are currently “high” or “sticking out” to you? And why?

J.B: This is a hard question to answer. I’ve been to a few different schools and they each have different things to offer. So I really need to figure out what I’m looking for as far as what I might want to study, the football program, and maybe even the type of campus, but I’m only a sophomore, so right now I’m trying to learn about different schools, so I know what kind of options I might have.

R.T: What offers do you currently have and what offers are you striving to obtain/that you covet?

J.B: Right now I only have some verbal offers, nothing official yet. Not sure yet, same as last question, just trying to check out as many programs as I can, so I can have a better idea of what I’m looking for.

R.T: When would you consider cutting down the list of offers? Do you have an idea on when you will commit?

J.B: I probably won’t commit until my senior year, 2019, unless I figure out what I want really early, and that school feels the same way about me. But it’s a big decision, so I don’t plan on making it quickly.

R.T: Being from Hawaii, how comfortable are you about moving far from home? Does weather play a factor?

J.B: As long as I have family kind of close by, I have no problem moving away from Hawaii for college. I always wanted to go to the mainland for school. I like the cold so that doesn’t bother me, by cold, I mean 30’s – 50’s. Don’t know yet how I will do if it’s colder than that lol. Just gotta make sure I have the right clothes and that there’s an indoor practice field haha.

R.T: What factors play a key part in your recruitment? Coaches, facilities, playing time, etc?

J.B: Yes, all of those, and one of the biggest factors is going to be if the school is highly rated for the major I’m in, and also if they have a lot of options if I decide I want to change my major. But the O-Line Coach is going to be one of the main factors for me, and the culture of the program. I want to be somewhere that will prepare me for life after football.

R.T: What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are you looking to improve during your junior and senior years in high school?

J.B: Strengths – my size, footwork, and technique. Weakness – lack of experience, didn’t start playing until 8th grade and never had playing time until 9th grade. Looking to improve everything that has to do with me as a player and a person.






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Receivers standing out for Buckeyes - Ashland Times Gazette (subscription)
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Receivers standing out for Buckeyes
Ashland Times Gazette (subscription)
COLUMBUS -- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said Tuesday that Parris Campbell is distinguishing himself at receiver, and K.J. Hill, Terry McLaurin and Binjimen Victor are right behind him as the Buckeyes try to breathe some life back into their passing ...


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Live Life Wednesdays: Buckeyes talk drugs in America - 247Sports
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Live Life Wednesdays: Buckeyes talk drugs in America
247Sports
This week as a part of Ohio State's 'Live Life Wednesdays' (formerly 'Real Life Wednesdays), Urban Meyer and his staff brought in Drug Enforcement Administration HQ Assistant Special Agent Jon DeLena to talk to the Buckeyes about drugs in America.

and more »

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Kurelic Talks: Fight for Carman; OSU, PSU, Michigan No. 1? More - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic Talks: Fight for Carman; OSU, PSU, Michigan No. 1? More
247Sports
The senior already owns many Ohio State and Big Ten records including the all-time three-point record for the Buckeyes and the conference. Mitchell will look to build on her 2,553 career points that currently has her third all-time in Buckeye women's ...


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Next Generation: How Ohio State made the grade as the perfect program for 4-star LB Pete Werner - Landof10.com
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Next Generation: How Ohio State made the grade as the perfect program for 4-star LB Pete Werner
Landof10.com
It's not yet clear which position the 6-foot-3, 220-pound signee will be best suited for in his career with the Buckeyes, but it's apparent the pieces are there. And whether it be Darron Lee or Sam Hubbard, Urban Meyer has had a habit of molding ...


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Meet the new Buckeyes: Early enrollees in action - 247Sports
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Meet the new Buckeyes: Early enrollees in action
247Sports
Mitchell led the Buckeyes in scoring for the third consecutive year in 2016-17. Her 22.6 points per game were also tops in the Big Ten and seventh in the country. The point guard averaged 3.9 assists and 2.8 rebounds, leading Ohio State to a 28-7 ...


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