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LGHL Ohio State 2016 spring game rosters released

Ohio State 2016 spring game rosters released
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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Lots of interesting, young matchups in this year's spring game.

As of April 12th, Ohio State had sold more than 77,000 tickets to the spring game, according to the Dispatch, and looked to be on pace to break the attendance record -- currently set by Ohio State in 2015. Those tickets don't include students, since they get in for free with their OSU ID, or tickets used for recruits, sponsors, etc, so the ticket office anticipates stopping sales when they hit 90,000. With the weather expected to be excellent, and Urban Meyer vying to fill Ohio Stadium with 100,000 fans, the young Buckeyes should have a great environment on Saturday.

Below are the rosters, via Ohio State. There is very little cemented on the depth chart this spring, with so many players leaving for the NFL. Roster moves will be made following Saturday's performances, and some young players might find themselves among the starting lineup.

SCARLET TEAM Roster​

2016 LiFESPORTS Spring Game, Presented by Nationwide​


Scarlet Team Head Coach: Greg Schiano

Assistant Coaches: Larry Johnson, Ed Warinner, Tim Beck

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wg. Cl./Elg. Hometown/High School (Last School)
2 Dontre Wilson*** H-B 5-10 195 Sr./Sr. DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto
3 Damon Arnette CB 6-0 191 So./Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / St. Thomas Aquinas
4 Curtis Samuel** H-B 5-11 200 Jr./Jr. Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus
5 Johnnie Dixon WR 5-11 194 Jr./So. West Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer
9 Jashon Cornell DT 6-3 265 So./Fr. St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin-Derham Hall
11 Austin Mack WR 6-2 210 Fr./Fr. Fort Wayne, Ind. / Bishop Luers
13 Stephen Collier QB 6-4 225 Jr./So. Leesburg, Ga./Lee County
13 Rashod Berry DE 6-4 245 So./Fr. Lorain, Ohio / Lorain
14 Joshua Norwood CB 5-10 175 So./Fr. Valdosta, Ga. / Valdosta
16 J.T. Barrett** QB 6-2 225 Sr./Jr. Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider
16 Cam Burrows** SAF 6-0 208 Sr./Jr. Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood Madison
17 Jerome Baker* LB 6-1 215 So./So. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Benedictine
17 C.J. Saunders CB 5-11 173 So./So. Dublin, Ohio / Coffman
19 Eric Glover-Williams SAF 5-9 175 So./So. Canton, Ohio / McKinley
19 Joe Ramstetter WR 6-3 225 Sr./Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder
20 Khaleed Franklin SAF 6-1 215 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio/Beechcroft
20 Mike Weber RB 5-10 215 So./Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
21 Parris Campbell* WR 6-1 205 Jr./So. Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary
21 Trevon Forte CB 5-8 175 Jr./Jr. Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney
25 Logan Kelleher CB 5-10 195 Jr./Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio / Moeller
26 Jarrod Barnes SAF 5-11 193 Gr./Sr. Westerville, Ohio/Westerville South
26 Patrick Wise RB 5-10 205 Jr./Jr. Warren, Ohio / Warren G. Harding
29 Alex Craft P/K 6-1 220 Fr./Fr. Kettering, Ohio / Archbishop Alter
30 Jared Drake LB 6-0 220 So./So. Westerville, Ohio / Westerville
30 Tyler Durbin K 6-3 200 Sr./Sr. Fairfax, Va. / Lake Braddock
35 Alex Backenstoe RB 6-1 205 Jr./So. Hilliard, Ohio / Davidson
36 Zach Turnure LB 6-1 235 Sr./Sr. St. Louis, Mo./CBC
38 Craig Fada*** LB 6-1 230 5th/Sr. Columbus,Ohio/Bishop Watterson
42 Darius Slade* DE 6-4 255 Jr./So. Montclair, N.J. / Montclair
44 Aaron Mawhirter LS 6-1 230 Sr./Sr. Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins
44 Guy Ferrelli TE 6-1 245 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Ready
46 CinQuan Haney SAF 6-1 200 Sr./Sr. Dayton, Ohio / Chaminade-Julianne
48 Joe Burger*** LB 6-2 230 5th/Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio/LaSalle
49 Liam McCullough LS 6-2 210 So./Fr. Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne
54 Billy Price** OG 6-4 315 Sr./Jr. Austintown, Ohio/Fitch
55 Malik Barrow DT 6-3 287 Fr./Fr. Tampa, Fla. / Catholic & IMG Academy
57 Robert Landers DT 6-1 290 So./Fr. Dayton, Ohio / Huber Heights
58 Joshua Alabi DT 6-5 295 So./Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
59 Isaiah Prince* OT 6-7 305 So./So. Greenbelt, Md. / Eleanor Roosevelt
60 Blake Pfenning OL 6-5 305 So./So. Wapakoneta, Ohio / Wapakoneta
65 Pat Elflein*** OC 6-3 300 5th/Sr. Pickerington, Ohio/North
67 Grant Schmidt OL 6-6 300 So./Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D. / Roosevelt
70 Curtis Henry DE 6-0 280 Jr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
72 Tyler Gerald OL 6-5 330 Fr./Fr. Portsmouth, Ohio / East & IMG Academy
73 Michael Jordan OG 6-7 316 Fr./Fr. Canton, Mich. / Plymouth
74 Jamarco Jones** OT 6-5 310 Jr./Jr. Chicago, Ill. / De La Salle
77 Kevin Feder OT 6-9 305 So./Fr. Ramsey, N.J. / Don Boscoe Prep
78 Demetrius Knox* OG 6-4 305 Jr./So. Fort Worth, Texas / All Saints Episcopal
79 Brady Taylor OC 6-5 300 Jr./So. Columbus, Ohio / Bishop Ready
80 Noah Brown* WR 6-2 222 Jr./So. Flanders, N.J. / Pope John XXIII
82 James Clark* WR 5-10 185 Sr./Jr. New Smyrna Beach, Fla./New Smyrna Beach
85 Marcus Baugh** TE 6-5 255 Sr./Jr. Riverside, Calif./J.W. North
91 Philip Silverman TE 6-0 230 So./So. Cincinnati, Ohio / Sycamore
94 Dylan Thompson DT 6-5 275 Jr./So. Lombard, Ill. / Montini Catholic
95 Cameron Johnston*** P 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Geelong, Australia/St. Joseph's
96 Sean Nuernberger** K 6-1 220 Jr./Jr. Buckner, Ky./Oldham County H.S.
98 Dominic Garris K 5-11 180 Jr./Jr. Lancaster, Ohio / Bloom Carroll


GRAY TEAM Roster​

2016 LiFESPORTS Spring Game, Presented by Nationwide​


Gray Team Head Coach: Tony Alford

Assistant Coaches: Zach Smith, Kerry Coombs, Greg Studrawa, Luke Fickell

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wg. Cl./Elg. Hometown/High School (Last School)
1 Erick Smith* SAF 6-0 202 Jr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
2 Marshon Lattimore* CB 6-0 195 Jr./So. Cleveland, Ohio / Glenville
3 Antonio Williams RB 5-11 215 Fr./Fr. New London, N.C. / North Stanly
5 Raekwon McMillan** LB 6-2 240 Jr./Jr. Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County
6 Torrance Gibson WR 6-4 205 So./Fr. Plantation, Fla. / American Heritage
6 Sam Hubbard* DE 6-5 265 Jr./So. Cincinnati, Ohio / Archbishop Moeller
7 Damon Webb** SAF 5-11 193 Jr./Jr. Detroit, Mich. / Cass Tech
8 Gareon Conley** CB 6-0 195 Sr./Jr. Massillon, Ohio/Washington
10 Joe Burrow QB 6-3 208 So./Fr. The Plains, Ohio / Athens
10 Jalyn Holmes** DE 6-5 265 Jr./Jr. Norfolk, Va. / Lake Taylor
11 Justin Cook QB 6-3 225 Jr./Jr. Philadelphia, Pa./Western Reserve Academy
12 Denzel Ward* CB 5-11 180 So./So. Macedonia, Ohio / Nordonia
14 K.J. Hill WR 6-0 195 So./Fr. North Little Rock, Ark. / North Little Rock
15 Cameron Howard DB 6-1 203 Sr./Sr. Columbus, Ohio / Gahanna
18 Jonathan Cooper DE 6-3 235 Fr./Fr. Gahanna, Ohio / Lincoln
18 Michael Lawless SAF 6-2 210 Sr./Sr. Dover, Ohio/Tuscarawas Central Catholic
23 Devlin McDaniel WR 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Marion, Ohio/Marion Pleasant
24 Malik Hooker* SAF 6-2 205 Jr./So. New Castle, Pa. / New Castle
25 Bri'onte Dunn*** RB 6-0 215 5th/Sr. Canton, Ohio/GlenOak
28 Michael Cibene SAF 6-0 185 Sr./Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Pine Crest
29 Alex Craft P/K 6-1 220 Fr./Fr. Kettering, Ohio / Archbishop Alter
30 Tyler Durbin K 6-3 200 Sr./Sr. Fairfax, Va. / Lake Braddock
32 Tuf Borland LB 6-1 228 Fr./Fr. Bolingbrook, Ill. / Bolingbrook
32 Elijaah Goins CB 6-1 195 Sr./Sr. Concord, N.C./ Cox Mill
33 Dante Booker** LB 6-3 233 Jr./Jr. Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary
33 Austin Clutter WR 6-0 195 So./So. Geneva, Ohio / Geneva
34 Nick Conner LB 6-3 230 So./Fr. Dublin, Ohio / Scioto
35 Chris Worley** LB 6-2 225 Sr./Jr. Cleveland, Ohio/Glenville
37 Derrick Malone TE 6-4 245 So./So. Dayton, Ohio / Thurgood Marshall
44 Aaron Mawhirter LS 6-1 230 Sr./Sr. Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins
46 Ke'Von Huguely RB 5-9 180 So./So. Dayton, Ohio/Meadowdale
47 Justin Hilliard LB 6-1 230 So./Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio / St. Xavier H.S.
49 Liam McCullough LS 6-2 210 So./Fr. Columbus, Ohio / Worthington Kilbourne
52 Donovan Munger** DT 6-4 300 Sr./Jr. Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights
53 Davon Hamilton DT 6-4 300 So./Fr. Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington Central
56 Matthew Burrell OG 6-4 300 So./Fr. Woodbridge, Va. / Hylton
59 Tyquan Lewis** DE 6-4 260 Sr./Jr. Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro
62 Aaron Parry* OC 6-5 275 Sr./Sr. Zanesville, Ohio/Bishop Rosecrans
63 Kevin Woidke OL 6-6 310 So./So. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
69 Brandon Pahl OL 6-2 295 So./So. Cutler, Ohio/Warren
71 Kyle Trout OL 6-6 310 Jr./So. Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster
75 Evan Lisle* OG 6-6 305 Sr./Jr. Centerville, Ohio/Centerville
76 Branden Bowen OT 6-7 320 So./Fr. Draper, Utah / Corner Canyon
77 Michael Hill* DT 6-3 295 Sr./Jr. Pendleton, S.C./Pendleton
83 Terry McLaurin* WR 6-1 200 Jr./So. Indianapolis, Ind. / Cathedral
84 Corey Smith* WR 6-1 195 6th/Sr Akron, Ohio/Buchtel & East Mississippi C.C.
86 Dre'Mont Jones DT 6-3 280 So./Fr. Cleveland, Ohio / St. Ignatius
87 Alex Stump WR 6-3 202 So./Fr. Avon, Ohio / St. Edward
88 A.J. Alexander TE 6-2 235 So./Fr. Burke, Va. / Lake Braddock
93 Tracy Sprinkle* DT 6-3 290 Sr./Jr. Elyria, Ohio/Elyria
95 Cameron Johnston*** P 5-11 195 Sr./Sr. Geelong, Australia/St. Joseph's
96 Sean Nuernberger** K 6-1 220 Jr./Jr. Buckner, Ky./Oldham County H.S.
98 Dominic Garris K 5-11 180 Jr./Jr. Lancaster, Ohio / Bloom Carroll

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tBBC Script Ohio: Ohio State Spring Game Preview and Roundtable

Script Ohio: Ohio State Spring Game Preview and Roundtable
Joe Dexter
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joe Dexter and Clair Crawford are joined by Shannon Sommers and Chuck Strawn to discuss all things spring game and what fans should expect on Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

The post Script Ohio: Ohio State Spring Game Preview and Roundtable appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Ohio State baseball to welcome Rutgers to Columbus for the first time in Big Ten play

Ohio State baseball to welcome Rutgers to Columbus for the first time in Big Ten play
Ben Martens
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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The Buckeyes host the Scarlet Knights in an extremely important Big Ten series.

The Ohio State baseball team is playing just its third Big Ten series of the season, yet it feels like a must-sweep situation. The Buckeyes are currently 2-4 in conference play, good for a tie for 10th place, and have a tough schedule the final month of the season that includes trips to Illinois and Minnesota and home series against Iowa and Michigan. Without a sweep this weekend against visiting Rutgers, Ohio State's chances of securing a berth in the Big Ten tournament will take a serious hit.

It's not all doom and gloom for the Buckeyes, but last weekend's sweep at the hands of Maryland put a spotlight on many of the things that have caused the team to struggle throughout the season. Failure to take advantage of opportunities with timely hitting, defensive miscues that lead to unearned runs, and a bullpen that has been inconsistent in holding leads proved to be Ohio State's undoing against the Terrapins, and could keep the team from the Big Ten tournament if they continue.

The one constant from the Buckeyes in 2016 has been how solid the starting rotation has performed, and last weekend was a good example. Tanner Tully, John Havird, and Ryan Feltner, who filled in for the injured Adam Niemeyer, allowed just three earned runs and notched a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20.1 innings of work.

That sort of pitching should be good enough to win at least one ballgame, but the Ohio State bats were stymied to the tune of a collective .140 batting average and 23 strikeouts.

The Buckeyes still lead the Big Ten in doubles, home runs, and runs batted in despite the ineptitude in College Park, and this weekend's opponent, Rutgers, ranks near the bottom of the conference in a plethora of pitching statistics.

Ohio State has a chance to put up runs in bunches and get itself back on track against the Scarlet Knights, and needs to seize the opportunity, lest the uphill battle to reach Omaha and a sixth consecutive conference tournament appearance becomes too steep.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-17, 2-4 in Big Ten play)


Rutgers may be the black hole of the Big Ten when it comes to football and men's basketball, but the baseball program appears to be in capable hands under third year head coach Joe Litterio. The team is averaging just under six runs per game, has a veteran core, and has held its own against some top-notch competition this season.

At the plate, senior catcher R.J. Devish leads the way, the fourth-leading hitter in the conference with a .406 average. Devish also leads the Big Ten with a .540 on-base percentage from his leadoff spot and is second with 17 stolen bases.

In the middle of the lineup, senior first baseman Chris Suseck and junior right fielder Rob Marcinczyk pace the production. Marcinczyk leads the Scarlet Knights with eight doubles, two triples, four home runs, 26 RBIs, and a .463 slugging percentage out of the cleanup spot. Suseck, who generally hits third in the order, is hitting .297 with a pair of homers and 25 runs driven in.

The weekend rotation also features some experience, with senior lefty Howie Brey enjoying his best collegiate season as the Friday starter. Brey is 3-3 with a 2.82 earned run average, limits the opposition to a .248 average, and has an impressive 5.33-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Following Brey are a couple of big right-handers in junior Kyle Driscoll and sophomore John O'Reilly. Driscoll, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 240 pounds, is 3-3 and also limits opponents to a .248 batting average. Where the Toms River, New Jersey native has struggled is in issuing 33 walks in 40.1 innings, nearly as many free passes as strikeouts.

O'Reilly, no slouch himself at 6-foot-5, threw 60 innings as a freshman last season, and is in his first full season as a member of the rotation. In 40 innings, he is 0-2 and has been hit around to the tune of a .289 opposition average and a 5.40 ERA.

The lefty-righty combo of Max Hermann and Reed Shuttle have been Litterio's most trusted relievers, with each already having made over ten appearances and saving three games.

Game times and probable pitching matchups


Friday, April 15th, 6:35 p.m. ET (streaming live on BTN Plus)

Tully (4-2, 2.49 ERA) vs. Brey (3-3, 2.82)

Saturday, April 16th, 3:05 p.m. ET

Havird (2-1, 3.21) vs. Driscoll (3-3, 4.02)

Sunday, April 17th, 1:05 p.m. ET (streaming live on BTN Plus)

TBD vs. O'Reilly (0-2, 5.40)

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tBBC OSUWBB: Ameryst Alston Selected in WNBA Draft

OSUWBB: Ameryst Alston Selected in WNBA Draft
Charles
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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While it doesn’t get the same amount of hype and attention as the NFL draft, the WNBA draft is still a big deal for senior women’s basketball players each year as they wait to see if they hear their name called, allowing them to continue to play the game they loved. Yesterday was the 2016 draft and Ohio State senior Ameryst Alston was one of those eagerly waiting to hear her name called. While she had to wait a bit, her patience paid off as she heard her name called as the last pick in the second round, 24th overall, as she was selected by the New York Liberty (above image courtesy of Ohio State athletics).

The New York Liberty won the East Division last year and made it to the semifinals of the playoffs before falling to Indiana two games to one in a best of three series. The Liberty are coached by Bill Laimbeer who has won 3 WNBA titles and been named WNBA coach of the year twice; Laimbeer is also famous for having been an All-Star with the Detroit Pistons whose jersey was retired in the Motor City. Alston will not be the only Buckeye in New York as OSU legend Katie Smith is an assistant coach for the Liberty.

New York features a solid front court with center Tina Charles and forward Swin Cash but are weaker in the backcourt with Epiphanny Prince, former Rutgers star, the only guard averaging double figures in scoring and one of only two guards averaging more than 20 minutes per game on the court. This suggests that there will be plenty of opportunity for Alston to see playing time and make an ipact and the solid Liberty front court should mean that opposing defense focus on her less than they did at Ohio State.

Alston is the 12th Buckeye to be drafted into the WNBA and the first since Tayler Hill in 2013. Hill currently plays for the Washington Mystics where she has emerged as a consistent outside threat. The other Buckeye currently playing in the WNBA is OSU great Jantel Lavender who was an All-Star with Los Angeles Sparks last season.

The post OSUWBB: Ameryst Alston Selected in WNBA Draft appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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Google Ohio State Buckeyes spring game preview - ESPN (blog)

Ohio State Buckeyes spring game preview - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes spring game preview
ESPN (blog)
Why to watch: Even with all the roster turnover, the Buckeyes are still among the betting favorites to get back to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national title. And though most of the established stars may be gone, there are plenty in ...
Ohio State spring football: Buckeyes defensive depth chartcleveland.com
College Football: Guide to Ohio State Buckeyes spring gameDayton Daily News
Spring Game: Several Ohio State Buckeyes look to make impressionMyDaytonDailyNews
247Sports -Columbus Dispatch (blog) -Campus Sports
all 40 news articles »


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MotS&G Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 4-15-2016

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 4-15-2016
Ben Van Ooyen
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


Ezekiel Elliott on Mike and Mike this morning:


.@EzekielElliott talks #MSU loss, beating #TTUN, learning at #OhioState, and #NCAA rules https://t.co/vrpHUs6ja7 pic.twitter.com/mZNvkwPTry

— Bucknuts (@Bucknuts247) April 15, 2016



Good to see @ezekielelliott in studio sportin the '88 Js. Loved his trip to Philly. Don't think he'll be around at 8 pic.twitter.com/mjdqnn8ZH8

— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) April 15, 2016


Spring Game News & Notes:


Fairfield (Ohio) OL @Jackson_Carman will attend #OhioState spring game, but teammate @_Next_Era1 will be at Notre Dame spring game

— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) April 15, 2016



Headed back home… Bringing @TheKellenMond along this time ⭕#Shhhh #Buckeyes

— Marcus Williamson (@WW_Marcus) April 15, 2016



On my way to east lansing ✳️✳️ #GoGreen

— matt dotson (@Mattdotson21) April 15, 2016



This week @OSUCoachMeyer told us that Bri'onte @DunnItAlready25 and @mikeweberjr still neck and neck at RB

— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) April 15, 2016



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tBBC Making The List: Stephanie Hightower

Making The List: Stephanie Hightower
jcollingsworth
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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(photo courtesy of www.davidmadison.photoshelter.com)

In with spring comes the fresh air of blossoming flowers, slight refreshing breezes, and the lung curling exercises generated by fans at Track and Field events. Fans of Track and Field are a rare breed, not quite as we envision football, basketball, even baseball fans. There is an involvement that often seems scattered until the action begins. I personally am a fan of Track and Field, so I feel I speak from experience.

This week for Making the List as I was trolling my notebook and the internet in search for the one worthy Buckeye that I could bring some homage to for their past and current greatness in my own little way – even if briefly – I came across the obvious person.

Stephanie Hightower was a four-time All-American and 15-time Big Ten Champion when she lettered at Ohio State from 1977-80. Hightower went undefeated in four years of Big Ten competition in her storming towards conference, NCAA, and National Championship titles. Her undefeated streak ran from 1977-80 in the 60-meter dash, 60 meter hurdles and the 100-meter hurdles. Furthermore, Hightower held 11 Big Ten and Ohio State records and set a world record in the 60-yard hurdles before being named to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team in the 100m hurdles.

In what should have been a fitting conclusion – the Olympics – such an honored and earned position would simply not be. In 1980 The United States boycotted the games which were being held in Moscow for the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. Hightower would miss out on the 1984 Olympics as she would be the odd person out in a four-way tie at the Olympic Trials. The photo finish of her race is the closest elite race in history. The photo of this race would be used later for instruction in the usage of photo finish devices.

Stephanie’s indoor 55-meter hurdles still stand as the best in the Buckeyes record books with a time of 7:47 – holding strong since 1980. Her Indoor 60-meter hurdles back in 1979 at 8.17 come in 4th best on the Buckeyes record books.

Following her track career, Hightower has maintained a recognized professional career which includes noted leadership roles in the Columbus community. In 2011, Hightower was named president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League and prior to that position was vice president for Institutional Advancement at Columbus College of Art and Design. Hightower also served on the Columbus City School Board for eight years.

Maintaining an active role in U.S. Track and Field, Hightower was named president in 2008 and was the team leader for the U.S. Track and Field team at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

I also feel a need to mention that she is the niece of Buckeye and NFL legend Paul Warfield.

I am proud to include Stephanie Hightower in my growing tributes of Making the List. The purpose I hope that I display in my choices is that of a great athlete from our beloved community of The Ohio State University. It is important too to take into account many other factors – which include contributions once the spotlight has been lowered. In the case of Stephanie Hightower I cannot think of any other Buckeye who has quietly gave of herself back to the Columbus community more than she has. Stephanie is a great Buckeye this simply cannot ever be questioned. What makes Stephanie’s overdue notice even more appealing, at least to me, is the undoubted humility we would witness if she would be standing before us and we told her what a great Buckeye she was – because – ultimately – what is of importance to Stephanie is fairness and justice in our community.

The post Making The List: Stephanie Hightower appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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MotS&G 2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – Safety...

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – Safety Preview
Chip Minnich
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


“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

1st – Safety

Players Lost – Tyvis Powell, Vonn Bell. Both players had eligibility remaining, and both decided to forego a final year as Buckeyes to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Say what you want about either player, but Powell and Bell were steady veteran players at the last line of defense.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Malik Hooker (Redshirt Sophomore), Damon Webb (Junior), Erick Smith (Junior), Cam Burrows (Redshirt Junior), Eric Glover-Williams (Sophomore).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Damon Webb has been moved to safety this spring, after primarily playing as the nickel cornerback. This may be a move to get the talented Webb on the field by new secondary coach Greg Schiano.

· Webb’s move may also be a concession to the fact that both Erick Smith and Cam Burrows, both with playing experience, are still recovering from injuries that derailed their respective 2015 seasons.

· The same could be said for Eric Glover-Williams, who has seen time at safety this spring. Glover-Williams is listed at 5’9″, 175 lbs., which may be better suited for cornerback.

· If there is anyone who seems to be a lock to start at safety in 2016, it is redshirt sophomore Malik Hooker. Hooker has never started, but played more and more in spot duty in 2015.

· Reinforcements are on the way, but will not arrive until the summer. Players such as Jahsen Wint, Rodjay Burns, and Jordan Fuller may all get long looks at safety during fall camp. The point I am making is all of these players are true freshmen, and untested on the college level.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State concludes spring practice with the Ohio State Spring Game on April 16th. Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer hopes to have at least 100,000 fans in Ohio Stadium. Let’s not disappoint him, Buckeye fans.


They're back! Saturday, The 'Shoe, 1:30PM ET #SpringGame@markpantoni @CoachZachSmith #GoBucks #SammySilvDesigns pic.twitter.com/qWQyUOvZ5A

— Samuel Silverman (@SammySilv) April 12, 2016



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Google Buckeyes In The NFL Draft: NFC West - Eleven Warriors (blog)

Buckeyes In The NFL Draft: NFC West - Eleven Warriors (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes In The NFL Draft: NFC West
Eleven Warriors (blog)
In 1936 the NFL held its first draft. Two Buckeyes were selected and thus began the 80 year relationship of Ohio State providing talented players to the NFL machine. This series will break down all eight NFL divisions and the teams that drafted the 416 ...
Ohio State's Vonn Bell in the 2016 NFL Draft: When did our Buckeyes experts ring the bell?cleveland.com
Ohio State draft class 'built to be best ever'247Sports

all 7 news articles »


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Google Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones - MyAJC

Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones - MyAJC
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones
MyAJC
16, 2015, file photo, Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell speaks to reporters during the university's NCAA college football media day in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defensive back Tyvis Powell is one of about a dozen Buckeyes likely to turn the NFL draft on ...

and more »


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Google Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones - MyStatesman.com

Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones - MyStatesman.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State's Powell dishes on Buckeyes mates Bell and Jones
MyStatesman.com
16, 2015, file photo, Ohio State safety Tyvis Powell speaks to reporters during the university's NCAA college football media day in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defensive back Tyvis Powell is one of about a dozen Buckeyes likely to turn the NFL draft on ...


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LGHL Top RB set to visit Ohio State for spring game

Top RB set to visit Ohio State for spring game
Caleb Houser
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


najee-harriss_24127144525_o.0.0.jpg

On the eve of Ohio State's 2016 Spring football game, many of the country's top prospects have made their way to Columbus to see the Buckeyes in action.

This weekend marks the highlight of the Spring for Ohio State football. Saturday, Urban Meyer and staff will get to see the Buckeyes play in the annual Scarlet versus Gray game which will show the team's progress up to date. Besides seeing how the Buckeyes play in front of a large crowd for a glorified practice, spring games allow recruits to visit various campuses. The same is true for Ohio State, who will host several of the nation's best this weekend.

Harris invades OSU


Ohio State's running back situation for the class of 2017 is certainly one that brings excitement. With commitments from Todd Sibley (Akron, Ohio / Archbishop Hoban) and J.K. Dobbins (La Grange, Texas / La Grange) already in the fold, Ohio State is still at work. Yesterday, the country's top ranked running back in the 2017 class according to 247sports, 5-star Najee Harris (Antioch, Calif. / Antioch) arrived in Columbus for his unofficial visit to Ohio State.

Harris is currently committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide, but long wanted to visit Ohio State and see what the Buckeyes have to offer. Harris will be in town for the weekend and will attend the spring football game.

Upon Harris' arrival, his first stop was to the Woody Hayes football facility where he was able to meet with the staff and see the sights. With a player of Najee's caliber on campus, it certainly brings attention. While there hasn't been news of Harris being unhappy with Alabama, this visit shows how highly he thinks of Ohio State.


Checking out Ohio State this weekend with the hardest working player in the country pic.twitter.com/ebTGB6yxU2

— CoachBDud (@CoachBDud) April 14, 2016
Wade-Perry heading to Columbus


Last night, via his twitter account, 2017 defensive tackle prospect, Dylan Wade-Perry (Englewood, N.J. / Pope John XXIII) announced he would be heading to Ohio State over the weekend. Wade-Perry, a 6-foot-3, 330-pound defensive tackle, is considered to be the tenth best prospect in the Garden State for the class of 2017, according to 247sports.

The 3-star holds offers from over twenty schools including the likes of Stanford, Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. As things stand now, Stanford is the favorite to land his pledge according to the 247sports crystal ball predictions, but having Dylan on campus this weekend is certainly a step in the right direction if Ohio State wants to be a player for his services.


hio State tomorrow night‼️

— D-W♻️DE (@DalynWP) April 15, 2016
Local Prospect heading to campus


For Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes, it's never too early to start recruiting into future. 2017 may be the current class of most importance, but Ohio State is wasting no time in recruiting for 2018 class as well. Local prospect, Xavier Henderson (Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington Central) will make the short trek to campus Saturday for the spring football game as reported by 247sports analyst Alex Gleitman.

Henderson is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound athlete and while he does not hold an early ranking on the recruiting sites, he holds five scholarship offers with two full football seasons still to play in his prep career. Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Toledo, Miami (OH), and Eastern Kentucky are the first to throw their hat into the ring for Henderson, but a visit to Ohio State should certainly see his name gain even more exposure in the near future.


Top247 2018 ATH @Xhenn5 will visit #NotreDame tomorrow and #OhioState on Saturday https://t.co/3X3ko7eqFr @TomLoy247 @NotreDame247

— Alex Gleitman (@alexgleitman) April 15, 2016
Micah Clark names top 5


Yesterday, Micah Clark (Holmdel, N.J. / St. John Vianney Regional), a prospect who was thought to be high on Ohio State, announced his top five schools. The Buckeyes, however, were not one of them.

Clark, a 4-star offensive tackle from the Garden State is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound stud that ranks out as the top overall prospect in the state of New Jersey according to 247sports.

As of right now, the Buckeyes do hold predictions on the 247sports crystal ball chart, but now that looks to not be a sign of importance. Urban Meyer will certainly do what it takes to regain a relationship with Clark if desired, but only time will tell.


pic.twitter.com/gFQGuctiMu

— Micah Clark (@MicahClark17) April 14, 2016

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BTN Six Big Ten players selected in WNBA Draft

Six Big Ten players selected in WNBA Draft
Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor via Big Ten Network

The 2016 WNBA Draft took place Thursday night. A total of six Big Ten players heard their names called, highlighted by three selections in the first round. Here is a look at every Big Ten player selected and where they were drafted. FIRST ROUND 4. Rachel Banham (Minnesota), Connecticut Sun https://mobile.twitter.com/GopherWBB/status/720756442181951488?p=v 5. Aerial Powers (Michigan State), Dallas Wings https://mobile.twitter.com/MSU_WBasketball/status/720758246932410369?p=v 7. Kahleah Copper (Rutgers), Washington Mystics https://mobile.twitter.com/RutgersWBB/status/720765069118849024?p=v SECOND ROUND 1. Rachel Hollivay (Rutgers), Atlanta Dream https://mobile.twitter.com/RutgersWBB/status/720769679199977473?p=v 9. Brene Moseley (Maryland), Indiana Fever https://mobile.twitter.com/umdwbb/status/720782668762361856?p=v 12. Ameryst Alston (Ohio State), New York Liberty https://mobile.twitter.com/OhioState_WBB/status/720774103951675393?p=vFiled under: Uncategorized Tagged: WNBA
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LGHL New York Liberty take Ameryst Alston in 2016 WNBA Draft

New York Liberty take Ameryst Alston in 2016 WNBA Draft
Ben Martens
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


sports_w_basketball_Alston-511x360.0.0.jpg

The Buckeye guard will be taking her talents to the next level.

Another Buckeye is going pro. On Thursday night, Ohio State's Ameryst Alston was selected No. 24 in the WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty. The fourth-leading scorer in program history, Alston joins Tayler Hill and Jantel Lavender as former Buckeyes in the league.

As a senior, the former two-time Ms. Ohio and Canton McKinley high school standout averaged 18.3 points per game and was named first-team All-Big Ten for the third consecutive season. In four years, Alston amassed 2,165 points for a 16.2 scoring average.

Her career ended on a bit of a sour note, though, as a wrist injury in the conference tournament quarterfinals against Rutgers limited her throughout the postseason. Ohio State was eliminated from the NCAA tournament, where it was a No. 3 seed, by Tennessee in the Sweet 16.

Alston and fellow senior Cait Craft were vitally important to the program, easing the transition from former head coach Jim Foster to current head man Kevin McGuff, and providing leadership for a young, rebuilding program.

National Player of the Year Breanna Stewart, fresh off leading Connecticut to its fourth consecutive national championship, was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm. Stewart's UConn teammates, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck, went second and third.

The 20th season of the WNBA will get underway on Saturday, May 14th. Alston's Liberty will be going against the Washington Mystics at the Verizon Center in the nation's capital.

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Google Raiders double up Buckeyes - Daily Sentinel

Raiders double up Buckeyes - Daily Sentinel
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Raiders double up Buckeyes
Daily Sentinel
That's because the Raiders returned to the diamond, and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to Nelsonville-York to double up the visiting Buckeyes 4-2 in a Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division tilt at Cheshire Field. The Raiders last played on Wednesday, April 6 ...

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Google Buckeyes get latest pair of gold pants - 247Sports

Buckeyes get latest pair of gold pants - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes get latest pair of gold pants
247Sports
There is a long time tradition in which Ohio State players and coaches receive a pair of gold pants when they beat Michigan, better known around the Woody Hayes Athletic Center as "the team up north". What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in ...

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Google Buckeyes in New York OH - IO! - Patch.com

Buckeyes in New York OH - IO! - Patch.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes in New York OH - IO!
Patch.com
Buckeyes in New York OH - IO! Ohio Governor and presidential candidate, John Kasich took a break from trying to eat everything in New York and ran into Ohio State Buckeye great, Braxton Miller. Both Kasich and Miller have big dates coming up -- Kasich ...

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LGHL Urban Meyer clarifies Monday's comments on 2 new NCAA rules

Urban Meyer clarifies Monday's comments on 2 new NCAA rules
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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The Ohio State head coach isn't happy with what was passed on satellite camps and unlimited electronic communication, but he doesn't blame the NCAA.

"I actually saw some of the comments where it said: 'Meyer blasts the NCAA.' I've never blasted the NCAA in my life. The NCAA is us. I'm not sure people get that. It's the member institutions."

- Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer via Dave Biddle, Bucknuts.com


A few days have passed since the NCAA announced a ban on satellite camps, as well as enacting unlimited electronic communication between coaches and recruits, and Urban Meyer is still upset about the rulings by the NCAA. While the head coach's stance on the issues hasn't changed, Thursday he clarified how his comments have been interpreted by many. Meyer wanted to get across that he wasn't blasting the NCAA as a whole, but he was more upset with those who made the decision on the basis that unlimited electronic communication would be easier to monitor. For the last few years Meyer has been a proponent for restrictions on unlimited text messaging, and he feels the best interests of the student-athletes weren't taken into account.

The other ruling on Monday which got under the collar of Meyer was the banning of satellite camps. This is another area where Meyer feels the NCAA isn't acting in regards to the best interests of the student-athletes. After attending a recent high school coaches meeting, Meyer's feelings against the ban of satellite camps have gotten even stronger. The satellite camps had allowed for players to showcase their skills more, and while their performances might not have garnered offers from Ohio State, it could lead to offers from some of the MAC schools, or other schools around Ohio.

"I feel linebackers are changing in the league, to be honest - a lot smaller. There aren't real too many bigger guys. The game is getting faster and you need guys to cover. You're starting to see that change a lot in the league."

- Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee via Chris Brown, BuffaloBills.com


After playing quarterback in high school, Darron Lee was moved to linebacker when he came to Ohio State in 2013. After redshirting that year, followed by starting for the Buckeyes for two seasons, now Lee is just a couple weeks away from being a first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Lee burst onto the scene by recording 16.5 tackles for loss for Ohio State in 2014. Since then what has helped Lee to rocket up the draft boards of many teams is his speed, which was shown at the NFL combine when he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash.

Even though he is a little undersized from your prototypical NFL linebacker of past years, the rise of Lee on teams draft boards shows just how the linebacker position in changing in the league. Instead of teams targeting a linebacker with size who will make big hits in run defense, now linebackers who have the speed to be cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game are more in demand. Even though Lee is still learning all the nuances of being a linebacker, his speed helps to make up for any mistakes he makes while learning on the job. No matter where he gets drafted in a couple weeks, it shouldn't take too long to make a big impact in the NFL.

"Dante Booker has kind of solidified himself there, as has Chris Worley."

- Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer on the outside linebacker positions via Bill Landis, Cleveland.com


There is still over four months before Ohio State kicks off their 2016 season, but it looks like a few of the positions on the defense are starting to take shape. While plenty could change between now and when the Buckeyes take the field against Bowling Green, it sounds like Dante Booker and Chris Worley are the early leaders to take over the outside linebacker positions. Early returns have Booker taking over the spot that is open following the graduation of Joshua Perry, while Worley is holding off Jerome Baker for the spot that came open with Darron Lee declaring early for the NFL Draft.

The linebacker position wasn't the only Meyer touched on, as he had rave reviews for Dre'Mont Jones, who is moving from defensive end to defensive tackle. Last year Jones wasn't able to take for the field for the Buckeyes due to recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in high school, but he was at least able to participate in Ohio State's bowl practices.

There are plenty of other position battles heading into Saturday's spring game, with Meyer noting the defensive backfield, offensive guard, running back, and wide receiver as areas that'll have his attention on Saturday. Those position battle won't be decided with what happens at the spring game, but it certainly give some players a leg up heading into preseason practices.


"It's so much different than what it was. Knowing the system, knowing how things work, knowing our players, it's incredible. I can focus a lot more on getting better and understanding them and coaching the quarterbacks. Last year I was like, 'What's that?' and trying to learn all the stuff on the fly. It was extremely difficult."

- Ohio State quarterbacks coach Tim Beck via Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


To say Tim Beck had a rough first year in Columbus might be an understatement. After coming over from Nebraska to replace Tom Herman, Beck was given the final decision on play-calling from the press box. In their first 10 games of the season, the Buckeyes scored at least 28 points nine times, but something still felt a little bit off. Then the loss to Michigan State happened, where Ohio State inexplicably only was given 12 carries. After the game co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner moved to the press box and took over play-calling duties against Michigan and Notre Dame, where the Buckeyes scored a combined 86 points.

At the beginning of his second year on Urban Meyer's staff, Beck is a lot more comfortable with his role. Not only did Beck have to handle the play-calling duties last year, but he was also the quarterbacks coach, which had Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, and Braxton Miller all vying for the starting position. With Miller and Jones moving on to the NFL, this year should be a little easier for Beck since Barrett is the clear-cut starter. The hiring of Greg Studrawa as offensive line coach will also allow Warinner to permanently move to the press box to handle play-calling. All of that should take some of the pressure off of Beck and allow him to help Ohio State's offense to get back on track, and make another run at the College Football Playoff.

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Google Raiders double up Buckeyes - Gallipolis Daily Tribune

Raiders double up Buckeyes - Gallipolis Daily Tribune
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Raiders double up Buckeyes
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
That's because the Raiders returned to the diamond, and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to Nelsonville-York to double up the visiting Buckeyes 4-2 in a Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division tilt at Cheshire Field. The Raiders last played on Wednesday, April 6 ...

and more »


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BTN Audio: Big Ten Spring Football Teleconferences – East Division

Audio: Big Ten Spring Football Teleconferences – East Division
BTN.com staff via Big Ten Network

On Thursday, the East Division football head coaches and one player from each team joined the Big Ten teleconference to take questions from the media. We’ve posted the audio for each school on the call here:Filed under: Audio Tagged: Teleconferences
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Google Ohio State spring football: Buckeyes defensive depth chart - cleveland.com

Ohio State spring football: Buckeyes defensive depth chart - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State spring football: Buckeyes defensive depth chart
cleveland.com
With all the injuries the Buckeyes have, he knew that wasn't going to be easy. But as Ohio State prepares for its spring football game at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, a lot has fallen into place. Some jobs clearly have been won. Other spots have obviously ...
Top 10 players: Ohio State BuckeyesESPN (blog)
Change is good for Ohio State Buckeyes, J.T. BarrettMyDaytonDailyNews
College Football: Guide to Ohio State Buckeyes spring gameDayton Daily News
247Sports -Columbus Dispatch (blog) -247Sports.com
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LGHL What's the best basketball job in the Big Ten?

What's the best basketball job in the Big Ten?
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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Let's all fight about this please.

After news that Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith would be taking the head coaching job at Memphis, a few folks on Twitter openly wondering how a Big 12, (and thus, a Power 5) program could let their coach leave for a team in the AAC. Seriously. Like this writer, and this one.

Now, anybody who follows college basketball even semi-closely doesn't need too much time to figure out why. Memphis, a school that has heavily invested in college basketball, has a large fanbase with strong facilities, a major corporate donor (FedEx) and a history of success, is a better job than Texas Tech, a program that has basically none of those things. But then a Twitter follower posed a particularly interesting question. He asked, would Memphis be the 6th best job in the Big Ten?


@MattSBN It would be the, what, 6th or 7th best job in the Big Ten? It's a great gig.

— Andrew Emmer (@AndrewEmmer) April 14, 2016

That's a tough question, and one I'm not sure I know the answer to. But to even begin to answer it, we need to figure out what the best college basketball coaching jobs are in the Big Ten. So we ranked them.

This is a bit of a subjective response, of course. We considered history, fan support, budget, recruiting ability, and other factors. It isn't necessarily tied to the current coach or current roster. With those in mind, here's what we think the best gigs are:

14) Rutgers


This isn't too much of a surprise. Rutgers was a struggling program even before moving to the Big Ten, and now that the team has jumped into a higher weight class, it's looked hopelessly outgunned. Rutgers don't have Big Ten quality facilities or an arena. It hasn't made an NCAA Tournament since 1991, well before current recruits were born. It doesn't have a strong and deep fanbase either. The Scarlet Knights will have access to Big Ten TV revenues and quality schedules, but it will likely be several years before this is considered an especially attractive college coaching job. It might be the single worst position among power conferences.

13) Northwestern


It isn't all bad for Northwestern, as the Wildcats sit just north of some of the most fertile college basketball recruiting grounds in the country. But they play in one of the worst arenas in a power conference, will have academic benchmarks that will complicate recruiting, and their fanbase could be charitably described as "disengaged". That's justifiable, seeing as Northwestern has never qualified for an NCAA Tournament. If that doesn't change, expect any new coach to be asked about that for forever.

12) Penn State


Things might be starting to turn around a little bit for the Nittany Lions, who are bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in recent memory. But despite having an enormous fanbase, this hasn't ever really been a basketball school. Penn State has finished in the AP Top 25 just twice in school history, most recently in 1995-1996. They've made two NCAA Tournaments in the lifetime of most recruits, and other in-state programs have had much more basketball success. The right coach might be able to build Penn State basketball into a consistent winner, but that would be a very tall order.

11) Nebraska


This is unquestionably a better job than it was a few years ago. The Cornhuskers now play in a beautiful new arena, and have seen their fanbase become more engaged as of late. Recent history is not kind to Nebraska basketball though (two NCAA bids since 1995, only one, brief appearance in the Top 25), and given their geography, their ceiling for recruiting may be lower than other conference programs. This is a tough basketball league, and with a bad hire, Cornhusker basketball could easily slip to the bottom of the Big Ten table.

10) Minnesota


Minnesota hasn't been great for a while, and recently, they've been quite bad. Their arena is historic, but also very old. Nobody has really won big at Minnesota (without cheating) in years. But multiple coaches have taken the Gophers to the NCAAs, and given their location (in a beautiful, although super cold city), their money (Minnesota's athletic department took in more money than Iowa or Michigan State last year) and their history, you can certainly win a little bit.

9) Iowa


I don't think Iowa is a bad job at all. Lots of people have won at Iowa, from Fran McCaffery, to Steve Alford, to Tom Davis. The program isn't as good as it was in say, the 1980s, but they have an active fanbase, and the structural tools to make NCAA appearances, and the occasional run at a Big Ten title. But Iowa also shares a state with multiple other solid basketball programs, and given their location, will probably struggle to recruit the same caliber of players as the top teams in this conference, which limits their ceiling a bit.

8) Illinois


Illinois has been beset by bad luck and administrative disfunction as of late, and whatever advantages they get by sharing a state with Chicagoland are probably significantly overrated. But this is unquestionably a basketball school, with a great, hungry fanbase, and one that could probably do much better with better luck and perhaps better stewardship. The ceiling might not be the highest in the Big Ten, but with the right coach, you can win certainly win games at Illinois.

7) Purdue


This isn't the wealthiest athletic department in the Big Ten, and Purdue doesn't have the shiniest toys or the most picturesque college town. It does have a basketball-mad fanbase, it shares a state that produces very solid prep talent, and is close enough to potentially make noise in Chicagoland as well. It also has a solid history of being competitive, and a wonderful gameday experience in their arena. Purdue might not have the highest celling, but it does seem to have a higher floor. The Boilermakers should never be bad.

6) Wisconsin


This is where things get a little bit tricky. Wisconsin doesn't produce a ton of great prep talent, and it's unclear if the program could ever really recruit at a very high level. But it's done nothing but win for years and years, and it's shown that you don't always need a ton of McDonalds All-Americans to make runs in March. Because of that, they've cultivated a passionate fanbase that gives it a great homecourt advantage in Madison, and some cachet with recruits. A potential new coach knows you can win at Wisconsin.

4) Michigan and Ohio State (tie)


We went back and forth on this and couldn't come up with a great argument to break the tie. Both of these programs have competed not just for Big Ten championships, but for national titles in recent memory. They're at some of the richest athletic departments in the country, with massive fanbases and nearly every facility improvement they could want. They both can recruit elite talent (Ohio State probably a little easier), and both have strong basketball histories (Michigan probably a little better). But both are also unquestionably football schools, whose home-court advantages pale to other programs. They're both great jobs. If you want to figure about which one is better, feel free in the comments or on social media.

3) Maryland


The Terps have been a little sleepy on the court over the last few years, but the potential is clearly there. This is unquestionably a basketball school, one that sits near powerhouse high school programs and very strong talent, and is taking steps to ensure excellent facilities everywhere. They've sent players to the NBA, they've won a national title, and over the years, thanks to the Big Ten, the financial situation at the school should stabilize. Their right leadership might not be at the school yet, but under the right hands, Maryland could be a real powerhouse again.

2) Michigan State


We don't feel especially strongly about either of these next two, and if you wanted to argue they should be flipped, we won't complain too hard. Taking over Michigan State after a guy like Izzo would be no easy task, but it's impossible to argue that his stewardship hasn't elevated the Spartans to an elite program and job. No team in the Big Ten has competed at a national title contending level as consistently over the last several years as Michigan State. They have the home-court advantage, they have a large and active fanbase, and they've shown you can recruit top talent to the program. Some regression is probably likely in a post-Izzo world, but you could say that for anybody who is replacing a true legend.

1) Indiana


The results on the court haven't equaled what some of these other schools have accomplished, but it's hard to overlook everything else. Basketball-first program with a strong institutional commitment of support? Check. Homecourt advantage and active fan support? Check. Ability to recruit elite high school talent? Check. History? In spades. The Hoosiers have made some questionable coaching and/or administrative moves, and have suffered bad luck, and maybe some of these institutional advantages aren't as strong as they once were, but it's hard to argue that a completely weaponized Indiana basketball program wouldn't be a true, formidable force in the Big Ten.

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Google Ohio State men's basketball | Wesson family didn't waver after Buckeyes' unexpected exits -...

Ohio State men's basketball | Wesson family didn't waver after Buckeyes' unexpected exits - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State men's basketball | Wesson family didn't waver after Buckeyes' unexpected exits
Columbus Dispatch
The same went for Andre, who visited the program several times during the season and landed a coveted scholarship offer from the Buckeyes after helping lead Westerville South to a Division I state championship. He cited his relationships with coach ...
Andre Wesson breaks down his commitment to the Buckeyes: Ohio State basketball recruiting (video)cleveland.com
Ohio State men's basketball | Westerville South's Andre Wesson picks BuckeyesMassillon Independent
Ohio State Basketball: 2016 Small Forward Andre Wesson Commits To BuckeyesScout
New Philadelphia Times Reporter -The Buckeye Battle Cry -Land-Grant Holy Land
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Google Top 10 players: Ohio State Buckeyes - ESPN (blog)

Top 10 players: Ohio State Buckeyes - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Top 10 players: Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN (blog)
C Pat Elflein: The senior flirted with leaving for the NFL a year early, but after becoming one of the few Buckeyes to spurn the draft, he immediately turned his attention to a new position and the chance to anchor the offensive line at center. Elflein ...
Change is good for Ohio State Buckeyes, J.T. BarrettMyDaytonDailyNews
Add 4-star linebacker to Buckeye spring game list247Sports
Non-conference schedule shaping upColumbus Dispatch (blog)
cleveland.com -OSU - The Lantern -AL.com
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Google Big Ten enters esports: Spartans and Buckeyes set to clash in BTN Invitational - ESPN

Big Ten enters esports: Spartans and Buckeyes set to clash in BTN Invitational - ESPN
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Big Ten enters esports: Spartans and Buckeyes set to clash in BTN Invitational
ESPN
Michigan State and Ohio State have combined to take nine out of the last 11 Big Ten football championships, including the last three. They've also taken six of the last seven Big Ten men's basketball tournament championships. It is the oldest Division ...

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