All hail Cleveland BBQ! Ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings, plus Buckeyes - Today.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


All hail Cleveland BBQ! Ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings, plus Buckeyes
Today.com
Chef Rocco Whalen of Cleveland's Fahrenheit Restaurant shares his delicious recipes for classic Cleveland BBQ ribs, pulled pork and chicken wings, plus a super easy 4-ingredient recipe for the city's signature peanut butter and chocolate Buckeyes.


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The Game in 2016 may rival 2006 For B1G, Possible CFP Spot
chipminnich via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


“ Hell, there are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something…” ~ Thomas Edison
Leave it to Thomas Edison, an Ohioan and considered “The Father Of Invention”, to appropriately summarize the goals for the 2016 Ohio State football team. No rules – just accomplish something.
“Something” is a pretty vague and open concept. Considering how much talent Ohio State lost to graduation and the NFL Draft, considering how I have written throughout spring practice about how 44 players on Ohio State’s roster are either redshirt freshmen or true freshmen…Damn right, Mr. Edison. There are no rules. Ohio State fans are just looking to see what this team can accomplish against a much tougher schedule in 2016 than 2015, with tremendously talented, yet inexperienced, players.
**
“That Team Up North”, AKA Michigan Wolverines (Game 12)
2016 OSU Opponent Ranking: 2 out of 12
Players Recruited By Ohio State: DB Jabrill Peppers, DE Henry Poggi, LB Mike McCray, RB Ty Isaac, DE Taco Charlton, RB Wyatt Shallman, TE Chase Winovich, RB De’Veon Smith, DB Dymonte Thomas, LB Ben Gedeon, DL Chris Wormley, OT Mason Cole, OL David Dawson, OL Kyle Kalis, DT Maurice Hurst Jr., WR Drake Harris, DE Lawrence Marshall, RB Kareem Walker, DT Rashan Gary, OT Ben Bredeson, OL Michael Onwenu, WR Ahmir Mitchell, DE Ron Johnson, and WR Eddie McDoom. Ohioans from this group are McCray, Charlton, Smith, Thomas, Gedeon, Wormley, and Kalis. I am more than willing to bet I may have inadvertently missed on some players; please let me know and I am happy to correct my error(s).
Game Date: November 26, 2016
Kickoff Time: TBD
Location: Ohio Stadium
Rationale For The Ranking: Yes, I know Ohio State crushed TTUN (sometimes using abbreviations just make things easier when you’re trying to write an article…) up in Ann Arbor in 2015, 42-13. Yes, I know THE GAME is at home this season, unlike last year. Yes, I know that Ohio State is playing TTUN the week after the Buckeyes play Michigan State, just like in 2015. (I point this out, because my man Shannon Sommers has a buddy who disagreed with my rankings, which is entirely okay. I appreciated his perspective.)
But…Look up at that list of players who were recruited by Ohio State. Regardless of what you think of those players now, regardless of any hurt feelings you may have that those players chose TTUN instead of Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes…Those are players that Ohio State wanted and recruited. In my humble estimation, that means those are some talented players who are now suiting up for TTUN, and TTUN has a wily and talented head coach in Jim Harbaugh.
Here’s where the game against Michigan State comes into play. No matter how Ohio State does against Michigan State, win or loss, I expect that game to be a close, hard-fought, physical battle, as they all have been since the 2012 season. Then the Buckeyes get to finish out the season with THE GAME, which is always a physical battle?
Prediction: Looking at TTUN’s schedule, I anticipate the Wolverines coming into Ohio Stadium with no more than one loss. It could be when TTUN visits East Lansing in late October; it could be when TTUN travels to Iowa for a night game in mid-November – hey, stranger things have happened when those teams have played before in Iowa.
Remember the hype for THE GAME in 2006? This one could rival it, with the winner earning The B1G East Division title and a trip to The B1G Championship Game. And this game could also have an impact upon a possible College Football Playoff spot, if both teams enter it with only one loss on their respective records. As usual, it should be something to watch.
Previous Rankings:
3 – at Michigan State
4 – at Penn State
5 – at Wisconsin
6 – at Northwestern
7 – Nebraska
8 – at Maryland
9 – Indiana
10- Rutgers
11- Bowling Green
12- Tulsa

The post The Game in 2016 may rival 2006 For B1G, Possible CFP Spot appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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BTN.com's top 100 Big Ten football players entering 2016: 60-41 - Big Ten Network
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BTN.com's top 100 Big Ten football players entering 2016: 60-41
Big Ten Network
Yes, he's a true freshman that has huge shoes to fill with his last name, but look for Bosa to make a huge impact in his first season as a Buckeye. 55. RB LeShun Daniels, Iowa. With Jordan Canzeri gone, Daniels should be the bell cow back in what will ...
Big Ten 2016 Betting Preview: Ohio State, Michigan Co-Favorites on Title OddsBleacher Report
2016 Preseason Big Ten Power RankingsMaize n Brew
Big Ten Conference preview 2016SportsBlog.com (blog)

all 24 news articles »

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BTN.com’s top 100 Big Ten football players entering 2016: 60-41
Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor via Big Ten Network

Our countdown of the top 100 Big Ten players entering the 2016 season continues with players 60-41. Earlier this week, we looked at 100-81 and 80-61. View the third installment of our five-part series. 60. QB Wes Lunt, Illinois. Lunt enters his third season as the starting quarterback, and, if he can stay upright and healthy, he should have a big season in 2016. 59. WR Ricky Jones, Indiana. Whoever is throwing passes Jones’ way will boast one of the Big Ten’s premier receiving trio, as the senior-to-be joins Simmie Cobbs and Mitchell Paige to headline Indiana’s passing game. 58.

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White Chocolate Buckeyes - The Daily Meal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


White Chocolate Buckeyes
The Daily Meal
There isn't a more classic example than Buckeyes of why chocolate and peanut butter are one of the best partnerships. Creamy peanut butter, paired with butter and powdered sugar, dunked in a bath of chocolate. How can that be improved upon?


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Ohio State makes 2 offers for their 2018 class
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Not one, but two recruits from the Sunshine State got coveted offers to play football at Ohio State

Last night, Urban Meyer hosted his 2016 Buckeye football squad at his Columbus, Ohio home along with the rest of the Ohio State staff. While it was all fun and games with BBQ and swimming, it was business as usual behind the scenes as the 2018 recruiting front gained even more steam.

Bucks offer 2018 4-star OL


The success Ohio State has had in Urban Meyer's four years as head coach is in large respect due to the offensive line play. Recruiting incredible prep talent and developing it in Columbus has seemed to be the recipe for success. The "Slobs" as they call themselves set the table for the fast-paced spread offense and have helped pave the way to 50 wins under Meyer.


Yesterday, Ohio State made their pitch again by offering offensive tackle Richard Gouraige (Tampa, FL / Cambridge Christian School). Standing at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Gouraige shows exactly why he's already ranked as a composite 4-star and the sixth best offensive tackle in the nation for the class of 2018. Not only is he highly ranked at his position, but is currently the fifth best prospect at any position in the state of Florida for 2018, according to 247sports.

Holding twenty offers already, Florida State is considered to be the early favorite for Richard, but with two years left in his prep career, the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer have more than enough time to become a serious player for his services.

Florida ATH receives OSU offer


In addition to Gouraige getting a Buckeye offer, another athlete from the Sunshine State got the letter from Ohio State. The talent-rich Florida has produced countless Buckeye greats and the trend won't stop any time soon with Urban Meyer at the helm. Via his Twitter, 2018 athlete Amari Burney (Clearwater, FL /Clearwater Central Catholic) announced his latest offer was from the Buckeyes.


Burney lines up on both sides of the ball for Clearwater Central Catholic, but he is most likely to play receiver at the next level. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Burney has the size to be the guy on the outside as a deep threat with his tall and lengthy frame. Currently, Amari holds 13 offers and is ranked as the 22nd best receiver in the 2018 class and is a top thirty prospect in the entire state of Florida. In back to back days, the 4-star has been offered by both Florida State and Ohio State, two perennial powers in college football. With these two recent offers, the attention and rankings for Burney are sure to increase.

Top Ohio prospect heading to FNL


Ohio's top prospect in the 2018 class, Jackson Carman (Fairfield, OH/ Fairfield) announced via his Twitter yesterday he will be officially making the trek to Columbus for the Buckeyes premier recruiting event of the summer, Friday Night Lights.


Thought to be Ohio State's to lose, Jackson has been rumored to be several times as the potential first commit for Ohio State's 2018 recruiting class. While Meyer and staff would certainly be happy to accept his pledge come this weekend, it is not a guarantee. However, with several trips to Columbus already this summer, Jackson is no stranger to the Buckeyes and the relationship has developed between the two parties very well.

Time will tell, but this seems to be a future Buckeye star in the making.

Latest on Cam Akers


Tuesday, the Buckeye football staff learned of some bad news when 5-star running back and heavy Ohio State target, Cam Akers (Clinton, MS / Clinton) let it be known the visit north to Columbus for Friday Night Lights would not be happening after all. While some rumblings yesterday created the rumor that there's still a chance Akers does in fact make it, time will be the only way of knowing.

The other big news concerning Akers yesterday was the ever so popular 247sports crystal ball prediction made by Director of Recruiting for 247sports, Steve Wiltfong. The pick by Steve is worthy of conversation as a prediction from somebody of his status in recruiting has to make Ohio State fans confident that Meyer may just add yet another 5-star to the 2017 class. With the last seven 247sports crystal ball predictions in favor of Ohio State for Akers, the Buckeyes continue to be trending upwards.

247sports ranking updates


Every so often, recruiting sites re-evaluate their top prospects and update or change their rankings based on camp evaluations, performances, and other aspects each recruit faces. Yesterday, 247sports updated their rankings and several Buckeye commits and targets were on the move. All in all, Ohio State fans will be happy to know that their 2017 class is still the top ranked class as a whole, but many of the commits had a shift in their status.

Trending Up

• Current 2017 running back commit, J.K. Dobbins (La Grange, TX / La Grange) saw his stock increase 29 spots to the No. 27 overall prospect in the 247sports rankings. Dobbins is also ranked as the second best all-purpose back for 2017.
• 2017 safety commit, Isaiah Pryor (Bradenton, FL / IMG Academy) moved up two spots to the No. 54 best prospect in the 247sports rankings. Pryor is also the fourth best safety in the 2017 class nationally.
• Defensive tackle commit, Haskell Garrett (Las Vegas, NV / Bishop Gorman) was raised eight spots to the No. 50 overall prospect in the 247sports rankings. Garrett is the fourth best defensive tackle in the country for 2017.

Falling In Ranks

• Current 2017 cornerback commit, Shaun Wade (Jacksonville, FL /Trinity Christian Academy) dropped five spots placing him at the No. 33 best prospect in the country for the 247sports rankings.
• Jerron Cage (Cincinnati, OH / Winton Woods), a defensive tackle commit dropped to No. 165 in the 2017 rankings.
• Offensive lineman pledge, Wyatt Davis (Bellflower, CA / St. John Bosco) dropped seven spots landing him at the No. 36 best prospect in the 2017 class nationally.
• Another offensive lineman, Jake Moretti (Arvada, CO / Pomona) moved to No. 41, falling two spots in the 247sports rankings.
• 2017 ATH, Brendon White (Powell, OH / Olentangy Liberty) fell 18 spots and is now the No. 70 best prospect in the 2017 rankings.
• 5-star quarterback commit, Tate Martell (Las Vegas, NV / Bishop Gorman) is now the No. 103 best prospect in the 247sports rankings.
• The second quarterback in the class, Danny Clark (Massillon, OH / Archbishop Hoban) dropped in the rankings landing him as a 3-star pledge. Formerly a 4-star signal caller, Clark is now No. 481 overall in the 247sports rankings.
• Cornerback commit, Marcus Williamson (Bradenton, FL / IMG Academy) fell to the No. 157 overall prospect in the 2017 class.

It's important to note that while these commits may have been moved up or down based on recruiting ranking, the truth is, coach Meyer has hand-selected this class and it is still the top ranked class in the country by every major recruiting service. We've heard time and time again that in the end, stars aren't the most important aspect for these recruits. Nevertheless, the 2017 class regardless of ranking is absolutely loaded and will continue to add elite talent.


Quick Hits:

• Current Michigan 2018 pledge, Leonard Taylor of Springfield, Ohio made it public that he will be in attendance this weekend for FNL. The 4-star tight end has been trending toward the Buckeyes as of late.
• Via landof10's Jeremy Birmingham, Ohio's third best offensive lineman, Blaine Scott will be in attendance for the FNL camp hoping to earn the Buckeye offer.
• 2019 defensive-end of Rahway, New Jersey, Antonio Alfano will be on campus tomorrow and will stay for FNL camp on Friday night.

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Ohio State 2016 Preview: Top Offenses Buckeyes Face - Scarlet and Game
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State 2016 Preview: Top Offenses Buckeyes Face
Scarlet and Game
Concerns about Ohio State's ability to overcome the losses sustained to the NFL on the defensive side of the ball are certainly valid. It is hard to imagine this unit being better than last season when they allowed just 15.1 points-per-game. The good ...


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See video game versions of Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott: Where Buckeyes rank in Madden NFL 17 rookie ratings - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


See video game versions of Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott: Where Buckeyes rank in Madden NFL 17 rookie ratings
cleveland.com
Bosa and former Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott both made the cut for the top 10. Bosa, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft by Chargers, will be rated at a 79 overall, which ranks fifth among rookies in the game. Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick by the Dallas ...
New rankings: Dobbins leads Buckeyes on the move247Sports
Dobbins talks Buckeyes possibly adding Akers247Sports
Ohio State men's basketball | No hard feelings between current, recently departed BuckeyesColumbus Dispatch
Bleacher Report -Saturday Blitz -The Blow Sports
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National Top 50 prospect offered by Buckeyes - 247Sports
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National Top 50 prospect offered by Buckeyes
247Sports
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! The 6-foot-5 and 275-pound Gouraige, who plays on both sides of the line, has an offer list that in addition to Ohio State ...

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See video game versions of Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott: Where Buckeyes rank in Madden NFL 17 rookie ratings - cleveland.com
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See video game versions of Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott: Where Buckeyes rank in Madden NFL 17 rookie ratings
cleveland.com
EA Sports, creators of the "Madden" football video game franchise, announced on Wednesday the top-10 highest-rated rookies in this year's game, "Madden NFL 17." Bosa and former Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott both made the cut for the top 10. Bosa, the No.

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Ohio State basketball: Can minor tweaks revamp Buckeyes stagnant offense? - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: Can minor tweaks revamp Buckeyes stagnant offense?
cleveland.com
Michigan State operating at a high level with relative ease, the Buckeyes working and working and still often ending with a tough shot. Ohio State made some of those shots, to its credit, which is why things didn't really get away from the Buckeyes ...
A Way Too Early Look at Ohio States 2018 Defensive Recruiting BoardThe Buckeye Battle Cry
100 Teams in 100 Days: An Inexperienced Team and Injuries Lead to a Woody Hayes Meltdown in 1971Eleven Warriors
Watch: Troy Smith approves of Urban Meyer's Ohio State247Sports

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Arizona OL Keenan Walker arrested for assaulting a bouncer

Arizona offensive lineman Keenan Walker was arrested earlier this month on “suspicion” of assaulting bouncers outside a Scottsdale nightclub, the Arizona Republic reported Wednesday.

Walker and a companion allegedly assaulted security staff when denied entrance to Scottsdale’s Dakota Bar around 1 a.m. on July 10. Both men were booked on charges of disorderly conduct and assault. Both have since been released.

Arizona has told the Arizona Daily Star it is aware of the incident and that Walker’s punishments will be handled internally.

Entire article: http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...nan-walker-arrested-for-assaulting-a-bouncer/

A Way Too Early Look at Ohio States 2018 Defensive Recruiting Board
Ben van Ooyen via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


We are still a year and a half away from national signing day for 2018, but it’s exciting to see what kind of talent the Buckeyes have to look forward to in a couple years. Unlike this year – only five seniors will leave after next season – Ohio State stands to lose over 20 players to graduation next year. That will free up a lot of scholarships and give the Buckeyes considerable wiggle room in the recruiting game.

Currently, Ohio State doesn’t have a commitment from anyone in the class of 2018, but that’s bound to change sooner rather than later. A lot of quality players in the class of 2018 have already made their college preferences known, and quite a few of them have the Ohio State Buckeyes atop their lists.

Let’s take a look at who Ohio State might be in the running for on defense in the next recruiting cycle.

Defensive Line:

Ohio State has a few defensive end recruits on its radar for 2018. Leonard Taylor was expected to land in Columbus; however he made a visit to Michigan and committed shortly thereafter. He’s since made a visit to Ohio State, and he’s been spotted in scarlet and grey, so what does this all mean? It means nothing is set in stone until he signs on the dotted line in 2018. I expect the Buckeyes will continue to recruit Taylor until he tells them he’s chosen a school – there’s always an outside chance he’ll flip to Ohio State at some point.

Another high-profile athlete at the defensive end position is Xavier Thomas out of Florence, South Carolina. While it’s unlikely the Buckeyes will pull this consensus five-star from the south, he has made an unofficial visit to Columbus, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him make another appearance. Of the eight crystal ball predictions in for Thomas, four have him to Clemson, three to South Carolina, and one to Florida State.

The Buckeyes haven’t extended an offer to an in-state defensive end yet, but some names to keep an eye on would be Malik Vann from Fairfield and Isaiah Mullens from Columbus. Vann holds offers from Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Oregon already, and Mullens has offers from Akron, Iowa State, and Toledo among others. If the Buckeyes are unable to land a couple of out-of-state kids like Max Wright or Tyler Friday, then Vann will likely get an offer at some point down the line. They also might want to see more tape on him, or see him in person before they make an offer.

Watch for K.J Henry, Nicholas Bonitto, Dorian Hardy, and Stacy Kirby as well – they all have offers from Ohio State.

Like the defensive end recruiting, the Buckeyes don’t have any offers out to in-state defensive tackles so far. However, they’re in on a number of the top defensive tackles in the country for the 2018 class, most notably Taron Vincent, the number one overall defensive tackle in the class. Vincent currently plays at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The school is home to some current and future Buckeyes, so Vincent has probably heard a lot of good things about the program. He recently camped with the Buckeyes, and if crystal ball predictions mean anything at this point, all eight point to Ohio State. Vincent would be a huge get from Florida, and he would fill a big need at defensive tackle for the Buckeyes.


The Buckeyes will probably take two defensive tackles for 2018. Assuming they land Vincent, they’ll look to fill the other spot with the likes of Michael Thompson out of Missouri, Austin Fontaine or P.J. Mustipher from Maryland, or Josh Belk from South Carolina. Don’t forget about Aeneas Hawkins, an in-state prospect from Moeller. Although he doesn’t have a Buckeye offer yet, he does have ones from Notre Dame, Florida, and Florida State. Hawkins will be in attendance for Friday Night lights, and he’ll be looking to earn an offer from Ohio State before he departs.

Linebackers:

Linebacker at Ohio State has been one of the most important positions the past few seasons, with Ryan Shazier and Darron Lee now playing on Sundays and Raekwon McMillian soon to follow. Regularly producing NFL stars tends to draw recruits like moths to a flame, so the Buckeyes should be able to lure a few good linebackers in 2018.

Right now, the Buckeyes are the early favorites to land Palaie Gaoteote out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. You might notice that high school popping up quite a bit around here, as it seems like the Buckeyes are trying to build a pipeline out of Vegas. Gaoteote is the #2 rated outside linebacker in America for the class of 2018, and he currently plays with future Buckeyes Tate Martell and Haskell Garrett. I’m sure those two will be in his ear quite a bit during their senior seasons to get him to come and join them in Columbus. Landing Gaoteote would be a nice boost to the linebacking corps of the future at Ohio State.


The Buckeyes also have an offer out to an in-state linebacker, Dallas Gant out of Toledo. Gant is ranked as the #4 outside linebacker in America and the #3 overall prospect in the state of Ohio. He has 11 offers to date, and currently it looks like he favors the Buckeyes, Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Penn State. Gant will be another prospect on hand at Friday Night Lights, and he’s one to watch for a commitment this weekend. Another in-state kid is Christopher Oats from Cincinnati. He holds six offers, including ones from Nebraska, Michigan State, and Cincinnati. Like Gant, Oates will be in Columbus this Friday, and if the #5 prospect in the state of Ohio wants to commit, I think the staff would let him.

Other names to keep an eye on are Teradja Mitchell from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Adrian Jackson from Denver, Colorado. They both have Ohio State offers, but Mitchell also holds offers from Florida State, LSU, and Alabama. Jackson would be a tough pull from Colorado. Another in-state kid to watch is Dan Bolden out of Cincinnati’s Colerain High School. Right now he only has one offer – from Iowa State – but that’s likely to change. If the Buckeyes miss out on a couple of the big names above, Bolden could earn an offer down the line if he has some solid camps and junior/senior seasons.

Defensive Backs:

The Buckeyes have their sights on quite a list of talented cornerbacks from the 2018 class, a couple of whom are sons of past greats. Let’s start with Houston Griffith, the son of Big Ten analyst Howard Griffith. He hails from Chicago, Illinois, but he plays his football for IMG Academy. He has 21 offers already, and his early favorites are Notre Dame and Michigan State. The Buckeyes just offered Griffith in June, and his recruitment seems to be heating up. He’s visited Notre Dame already and will probably take more visits after his junior season. I expect the Buckeyes to stay in on this one, but it will be a tough battle to land his services.

Another legacy recruit is Asante Samuel, Jr, the son of NFL great Asante Samuel, Sr. Senior attended college at Central Florida, but his son, who currently plays for St. Thomas Aquinas, seems to have his choice of schools. So far, Junior holds 37 offers, and most experts believe he’ll stay in Florida at either Florida State or Miami. Don’t discount the Buckeyes’ reach down in Florida, however, especially at St. Thomas Aquinas, where they’ve already snagged two Bosas.

Another defensive back on the Buckeyes’ radar is Bookie Radley-Hiles from Calabasas, California. He attends the same high school as 2017 wide receiver target Tyjon Lindsey. If Lindsey ends up at Ohio State next season, then that will only help Ohio State’s case for Radley-Hiles. He was just on campus a week ago and is scheduled to be back for Friday Night Lights, and traveling from California to Ohio twice on his dime shows some legitimate interest there.

Some other names to watch are Tyreke Johnson from Jacksonville, Florida; Christian Tutt from Thomson, Georgia; and Benjamin Sapp III – another St. Thomas Aquinas prospect.

In state- athlete Xavier Henderson currently doesn’t have an offer from the Buckeyes, but he’ll be looking to earn one at Friday Night Lights. He plays his football for Pickerington Central, and one has to assume being so close to Ohio State would be ideal for him and his family.

Safety:

The Buckeye roster does not have many true safeties for the 2018 team, so they will be on the lookout to land one or two in this recruiting cycle. California’s Jaiden Woodbey is their top target. He lists 17 offers currently, but pulling him from the west coast will be difficult. He has an early 75% crystal ball prediction for USC, and with other offers from UCLA and Washington, he would be quite the steal for the Buckeye coaching staff. The other safety with an Ohio State offer is Josh Proctor from Owasso, Oklahoma. Although he visited Ohio State last month, he has made a couple of trips to Norman to check in on the Sooners.

Michael Dowell and Jeremiah Wood are two in-state kids who do not have offers from Ohio State yet. Dowell (Lakewood, Ohio) has offers from Michigan State, Pittsburgh, and Toledo. Wood (Pickerington Central) has offers from Cincinnati, Toledo, Kentucky, and Iowa State among others. I expect the Buckeye coaching staff will have a look at Dowell and Wood down the line, but right now it seems their sights are set outside the state of Ohio.

Summary:

Again, this is a way too early to predict who the favorite Ohio State recruits will be for 2018, but it’s still fun to watch the recruiting journey from start to end, even if the finish line isn’t in Columbus. So much will change between now and February 2018, but one thing is for certain, and that is that Ohio State has been recruiting at an elite level since Urban Meyer arrived in Columbus. Until he decides to step down from coaching, I expect the Buckeyes to keep battling for the #1 class in America every year. The class of 2018 will certainly be a good one, but we’ll have to wait 12 to 18 months to find out how good.


The post A Way Too Early Look at Ohio States 2018 Defensive Recruiting Board appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Buckeye Videos mock Harbaugh rap video - The Detroit News
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Buckeye Videos mock Harbaugh rap video
The Detroit News
You knew the Buckeyes would have a field day with the Jim Harbaugh rap video. Here's what Buckeye Videos did with the video, "Who's got it better than us?" Who's got it better than Jim Harbaugh and Michigan? Just about everyone. pic.twitter.com/0eJFjiIgth.

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New rankings: Dobbins leads Buckeyes on the move - 247Sports
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New rankings: Dobbins leads Buckeyes on the move
247Sports
With The Opening in the rear view mirror the Top247 has been updated for the class of 2017. A number of future Buckeyes have seen their ranking change with running back J.K. Dobbins making a huge jump. Dobbins, who was outstanding at The Opening, ...

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Can Michigan State beat Ohio State football? A 40 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose - cleveland.com
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Can Michigan State beat Ohio State football? A 40 percent chance the Buckeyes could lose
cleveland.com
The Spartans have kept the Buckeyes from potentially playing in three straight national title games. Michigan State's 34-24 victory in the 2013 Big Ten Championship knocked the No. 2 Buckeyes out of a spot in the final BCS Championship against Florida ...
What is the must-win game for all 14 Big Ten teams?Big Ten Network
Big Ten 2016 Betting Preview: Ohio State, Michigan Co-Favorites on Title OddsBleacher Report

all 20 news articles »

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Ezekiel Elliott’s rookie jersey is the best selling in the NFL since April
Harry Lyles Jr. via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


He’s a star.

“Ezekiel Elliott was ranked No. 1 overall on the Cowboys' recently leaked 2016 draft board, and now he's No. 1 in jersey sales as well.”

- SB Nation’s Dallas Cowboys blog, Blogging The Boys


What’s there not to like about Ezekiel Elliott? He appears to be a great guy on and off the field, and he’s certainly going to put on a show when the pads are on. So when he was drafted to one of the NFL’s most prestigious franchises, the Dallas Cowboys, it was just going to make him that much more popular. But how much?


So much, in fact, that his jersey has been the top selling on NFLShop.com since he was drafted No. 4 overall back in April. That’s pretty damn good for a rookie who hasn’t even stepped out on the field yet. Whether or not you’re a fan of the Cowboys, you can’t help but want to see Zeke succeed.

“Ohio State simply needs to be better on [the offensive] end to get the program back to where coaches and players think it's heading.”

- Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group


Ohio State men’s basketball had a frustrating season last year. Expectations weren’t exactly high, but the product that was out on the floor was not something we’ve come accustomed to seeing since Thad Matta’s tenure began back in 2004. The team was very hot and cold, especially on the offensive end of the floor. As Bill Landis points out, the Buckeyes were 151st in the country in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency last year, which is uncharacteristic of them. With four players transferring out, the Buckeyes seem ready to start off fresh heading into next season.

The players appear to really enjoy having Chris Jent back on the staff. Trevor Thompson told Landis that he’s received tons of help since Jent came back. The Buckeyes are also working on spacing the floor better. The offense was very tough to watch last season. There was little movement, and it sometimes appeared that there was really no direction, and players were extremely hesitant. A year under JaQuan Lyle’s belt should really help the Buckeyes, as he really showed improvement towards the end of the season. He has all the tools he needs to succeed, it’s just a matter of bringing it to fruition on the floor. Overall, the changes aren’t gigantic for Ohio State, but a bunch of little things could make for a handful of more wins, which could have been enough to get them in the NCAA Tournament last season.

“The hope is that the Buckeyes will be better positioned for the season than they were a year ago.”

- Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch


As mentioned previously, Ohio State will be looking much different heading into the 2016-17 season. Four players from last season are gone after transferring, and Thad Matta appears to be playing no games when it comes to getting Ohio State’s basketball program back on the map with the country’s elite. Adam Jardy points out one big thing that has changed for the Buckeyes basketball program, and it’s discipline. Particularly the way the team goes in the most simplest of things, like tucking in your jersey or tying your shoes.

The culture change in the locker room is big. Players are now not allowed to swear in the locker room, only Ohio State gear is to be worn in the arena, no friends in the practice or team activities, as well as no phones in the weight room or the gym. Jent is part of the reason the focus has been so sharp now for the Buckeyes, because of time constraints when it comes to coaching. Forward Jae’Sean Tate told Jardy “[Jent]’s one of those guys who doesn’t care — he just wants you to get it done, and he’s not going to take slack. When you walk in the gym with him, you have to give him your all.” JaQuan Lyle even told Jent that there is a much greater focus this season than last. That sounds like a pretty good recipe for success for this team.

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Pair of Buckeyes among Florida Panthers hopefuls - Sun Sentinel
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Pair of Buckeyes among Florida Panthers hopefuls
Sun Sentinel
Miguel Fidler, a 20-year-old left wing drafted by the Panthers in the fifth round in 2014, participated in his third development camp, while his Buckeyes teammate, Anthony Greco, was one of a dozen free-agent invitees fighting to continue their hockey ...


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Buckeyes offer top Florida wide receiver - 247Sports
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Buckeyes offer top Florida wide receiver
247Sports
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! The 6-foot-1 and 205-pound Burney has an offer list that in addition to Ohio State includes Florida State, Florida, Miami, ...

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Former Ohio State Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott tops NFL jersey sales - WKYC-TV
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Former Ohio State Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott tops NFL jersey sales
WKYC-TV
CLEVELAND -- Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott has yet to take a single carry in the National Football League, and yet, his popularity has soared to the top of the charts, according to a report from ESPN.com's Darren Rovell.
Former Buckeye Ezekiel Elliott has NFL's top selling jerseyScout
These Ohio State alums will help you win your fantasy football leagueLand-Grant Holy Land
Elliott has top-selling jersey in NFL247Sports

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Speaker Ryan compares voting for Trump to backing Buckeyes - WBRC FOX6 News - WBRC.com
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Speaker Ryan compares voting for Trump to backing Buckeyes
WBRC FOX6 News - WBRC.com
From House Speaker, Paul Ryan, a rousing shout out to the Buckeyes. However, Ryan's endorsement of Donald Trump wasn't as inspiring. Ryan said, “voting for anybody but Donald Trump means voting for Hillary Clinton.” Ryan compared it to backing the ...
Speaker Ryan To Ohioans: Get On Board With TrumpWVXU
Paul Ryan's pitch to Ohio: We all root for each other in Rose BowlCincinnati.com (blog)

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Dienhart: Ranking the Big Ten’s top 10 defensive backs
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Is there a better defensive back in the nation than Iowa’s Desmond King, the reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner? Probably not. He emerged last year as a special talent for a Hawkeye defense that helped the program race to a school-record 12-0 start en route to winning the Big Ten West and earning the school’s first Rose Bowl bid since the 1990 season. [ MORE: Top 7 quarterbacks | Top 10 wide receivers | Top 10 running backs | Top 10 offensive linemen | Top 10 defensive linemen | Top 10 linebackers | Full unit rankings ] King is so talented,

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Speaker Ryan compares voting for Trump to backing Buckeyes - Cleveland 19 News
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Speaker Ryan compares voting for Trump to backing Buckeyes
Cleveland 19 News
“OH-IO!” From House Speaker, Paul Ryan, a rousing shout out to the Buckeyes. However, Ryan's endorsement of Donald Trump wasn't as inspiring. Ryan said, “voting for anybody but Donald Trump means voting for Hillary Clinton.” Ryan compared it to ...
Speaker Ryan To Ohioans: Get On Board With TrumpWVXU
Paul Ryan's pitch to Ohio: We all root for each other in Rose BowlCincinnati.com (blog)

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Ohio State basketball: Can minor tweaks revamp Buckeyes stagnant offense? - cleveland.com
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Ohio State basketball: Can minor tweaks revamp Buckeyes stagnant offense?
cleveland.com
Michigan State operating at a high level with relative ease, the Buckeyes working and working and still often ending with a tough shot. Ohio State made some of those shots, to its credit, which is why things didn't really get away from the Buckeyes ...
Ohio State men's basketball | Coaches demand more discipline, accountabilityColumbus Dispatch

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What is the must-win game for all 14 Big Ten teams?
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Every schedule has one—a must-win game. Look. You’ll find one. It’s a game that you feel your school MUST WIN if it wants to have a successful season. It can’t slip up. Victory must be accomplished. [ MORE: View Tom Dienhart’s 2016 Ultimate Big Ten Road Trip ] Well, I perused each 2016 Big Ten schedule. And here is my “must win” game for each school. Illinois: vs. Purdue. If the Fighting Illini want any shot at a bowl game, they must win their Big Ten opener on Oct. 8. Big Ten victories will be difficult to come by. And

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