After I've been able to see all the film out there, I think it's about that time to make my top 30 in Ohio and break it down. I only put odds on guys we've offered:
1. QB Braxton Miller: If Braxton would have had a more productive junior campaign, he would likely be the #1 recruit nationally. Regardless, he is a sure fire 5 star that is nearly the complete package. Once he becomes more accustomed to the QB position, look out...he has only played QB for 3 years now.
My early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
2. DE Steve Miller: Ideal frame, fantastic first step, developing hand use for shedding blocks and an athletic specimen. Miller's offer sheet would have been a list of who's who if he would have waited longer. If he doesn't get 5 stars, it is a robbery.
Committed to OSU
3. CB Doran Grant: Playmaker on both sides of the ball. Doran takes over games but his exceptional man coverage punched his ticket to landing offers from the entire country. Doran is an explosive athlete that isn't afraid to get physical as well. Should be a top 50 nationally ranked player.
My Early Prediction: OSU (95% confidence)
4. LB Trey DePriest: I considered putting Trey as high as #2. Trey moves exceptionally well in traffic, explodes through the ball carrier, has phenomenal athletic ability for a player his size and shows his versatility carrying the ball. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trey ranked as a 5 star somewhere. Offer sheet speaks for itself.
My early prediction: Bama (90% confidence)
5. DE Kenny Hayes: Fantastic frame, high ceiling, strong at the point of attack and closes on the ball quickly. I'm interested to see how he develops in defending the run and squeezing down the line, but I love Kenny's game.
Committed to OSU
6. DT Michael Bennett: Limited film out right now but you can tell this guy is big time. Best first step I've seen on film this year at DT, closes on the ball quickly, destroys everything in his path and is a very intelligent football player. Comes from tradition-rich Centerville high school. Should be in contention to be a top 100 player nationally, especially with his growing offer sheet.
Early prediction: OSU (80% confidence)
7. WR Shane Wynn: Likely my most controversial pick but I have reasoning. Many feel it is a safe assumption to say Wynn will only be a return man and situational player, but I don't feel that way. Wynn has dominated from an early stage against elite competition at Glenville...from WR many a times. He has phenomenal hands to add to his blazing speed and ridiculous quicks. He is one of the quickest guys I've seen since Bam Childress. Should be a top 100 player nationally.
Early Prediction: OSU (99.9% confidence)
8. S Ronald Tanner: Great size, changes direction well, very versatile and has great athleticism. I'm very high on Tanner, especially in a class where safety is a big need.
Early prediction: OSU (99.9% confidence)
9. DE/OL Chase Farris: I love Farris' ceiling. Fantastic frame and he can really move his feet well. I personally like Farris as a tackle prospest on the offensive line, where I see his potential the highest.
Early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
10. OL Audrey Walker: Massive prospect at 6'4 330 lbs. and can move around well for his size. Has a killer instinct and incredible punch once engaged. In a year where interior OL is a big need, Walker is a big time need. Many publications will likely see Walker as a top 100 guy.
Early prediction: OSU (99% confidence)
11. LB/DE Andre Sturdivant: Already looks NFL ready in physique. Moves through traffic well and is always around the ball. Could play middle linebacker or move down to end, but he could be a bit of a tweener, as his frame could be close to maxing out. Nonetheless, I would be surprised to see OSU pass on Sturdivant.
Early prediction: OSU (99% confidence if we offer, if not then MSU)
12. DT Donovan Clark: No offer to Clark yet but I love how he fires out of his stance and I think he could be an outstanding DT. Lack of offers is surprising to me. It will be interesting to see if OSU waits long to offer.
13. DB Derjuan Gambrell: Not too impressed with the limited film but I have a feeling his whole highlight film will be much more telling. A legit 6-2 and is extremely athletic. Not very physical from what I could tell, so I think his future may be at CB.
Early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
14. DB Eilar Hardy: Very surprised we haven't offered Hardy yet. Great speed, gets his hips turned well in coverage, loves to hit and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. If we do offer, we should be tough to beat.
15. OL Chris Carter Jr. : Not incredibly explosive off the snap but once he locks up his man, it is all over. Massive in size and I have a feeling if he loses some weight and puts on the right kind of weight, he will move just fine. Conditional offer is on it's way apparently and if it is, I like our odds.
Early prediction: OSU (if the offer is there, 99% confidence)
16. DE/DT Chris Rock: Rock has taken a bit of a fall after a bit of a disappointing junior year. Rock has all the tools in the world but as Duane Long brought up, it seems schools may be recruiting him as a strongside DE. If he can play DT, I see us offering. Otherwise, it may be tough for Chris to get an offer...either way, I think he is a great athlete.
17. TE Nick Vannett: Not much film out yet but I was really impressed with what I saw. Vannett has outstanding size but he can move really well and he fits the mold of TE we have here generally. He has good potential as a receiver but likely will be our bread and butter blocker. He could easily move up this list in a hurry.
Early prediction: OSU (confidence 55%...looks like we'll have plenty of competition)
18. DT Kevin Williams: I was really impressed with Williams on film. He gets out of his stance quickly and closes the gap on the ball carrier quickly. He can squeeze down on the run and rush the QB. I'm torn between Williams and Clark, but I'm just wondering if Williams is reaching his ceiling. Either way, I wouldn't be surprised to see an offer go his way.
19. QB Cardale Jones: Perhaps I should have Cardale higher. I think he has all the potential in the world. However, he is about as raw as they come and his progress as a QB is anything but assured. As an athlete and in terms of potential, he is likely a top 10 guy in the state. If he progresses this season, it would be tough to pass on Jones, who would be a lock for the Bucks.
20. LB Antonio Poole: Poole is a really under rated guy imo. He is moderate in size at 6-1 215 but he was all over the place in the playoffs and he can pack a punch. Tremendous athletic ability and has a ton of potential
21. OL/DT Tommy Brown: Brown is massive and passes the look test, but I'm waiting to be convinced on his defensive film. I can't wait to see more film on this guy, as he seems promising.
22. TE Ray Hamilton: Impressive offer sheet and a ton of athletic ability. Questions about his size have arose and how he would fit in here but in the right scheme, Ray can be a stud.
23. DE Brad Carrico: Massive frame and impressive strength. Should be a solid strongside DE at the next level for the Irish.
24. MLB/DE Jarrett Grace: I think Jarrett has a lot of positives but I just never walked away with a "wow" factor from Jarrett. He is a solid player with a good frame and obviously he has some nice offers.
25. RB Robert Walton: After seeing Walton's sophmore film, I thought he would be a lock for an offer. However, he had a disappointing junior year and split many reps with other Tarblooder standout Tony Foster. Either way, he could move up the list with a good senior campaign.
26. WR Devin Smith: Impressive WR from Massilon had a great year statistically and I was impressed with his route running. Doesn't have elite speed but knows how to get open. Reminds me a bit of Robiskie at this point.
27. QB Cole Stoudt: I'm really surprised Cole hasn't received many offers yet. I was really impressed with his pocket presence and accuracy. Beyond that, he stands tall in the pocket at 6'4.
28. LB Steven Daniels: Great athletic ability and Daniels always seems to be around the ball. Intelligent football player.
29. DE Brian Mihalik: I haven't got to see Mihalik but he has a nice offer list and a great frame. I would like to see if he could possibly hold the weight to play LT.
30. DE/OL Chase Hounshell: Impressed at the BadgerSports combine recently. Hounshell has a good frame to add weight and has great utility. I think there is a good chance he ends up a strongside DE.
1. QB Braxton Miller: If Braxton would have had a more productive junior campaign, he would likely be the #1 recruit nationally. Regardless, he is a sure fire 5 star that is nearly the complete package. Once he becomes more accustomed to the QB position, look out...he has only played QB for 3 years now.
My early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
2. DE Steve Miller: Ideal frame, fantastic first step, developing hand use for shedding blocks and an athletic specimen. Miller's offer sheet would have been a list of who's who if he would have waited longer. If he doesn't get 5 stars, it is a robbery.
Committed to OSU
3. CB Doran Grant: Playmaker on both sides of the ball. Doran takes over games but his exceptional man coverage punched his ticket to landing offers from the entire country. Doran is an explosive athlete that isn't afraid to get physical as well. Should be a top 50 nationally ranked player.
My Early Prediction: OSU (95% confidence)
4. LB Trey DePriest: I considered putting Trey as high as #2. Trey moves exceptionally well in traffic, explodes through the ball carrier, has phenomenal athletic ability for a player his size and shows his versatility carrying the ball. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trey ranked as a 5 star somewhere. Offer sheet speaks for itself.
My early prediction: Bama (90% confidence)
5. DE Kenny Hayes: Fantastic frame, high ceiling, strong at the point of attack and closes on the ball quickly. I'm interested to see how he develops in defending the run and squeezing down the line, but I love Kenny's game.
Committed to OSU
6. DT Michael Bennett: Limited film out right now but you can tell this guy is big time. Best first step I've seen on film this year at DT, closes on the ball quickly, destroys everything in his path and is a very intelligent football player. Comes from tradition-rich Centerville high school. Should be in contention to be a top 100 player nationally, especially with his growing offer sheet.
Early prediction: OSU (80% confidence)
7. WR Shane Wynn: Likely my most controversial pick but I have reasoning. Many feel it is a safe assumption to say Wynn will only be a return man and situational player, but I don't feel that way. Wynn has dominated from an early stage against elite competition at Glenville...from WR many a times. He has phenomenal hands to add to his blazing speed and ridiculous quicks. He is one of the quickest guys I've seen since Bam Childress. Should be a top 100 player nationally.
Early Prediction: OSU (99.9% confidence)
8. S Ronald Tanner: Great size, changes direction well, very versatile and has great athleticism. I'm very high on Tanner, especially in a class where safety is a big need.
Early prediction: OSU (99.9% confidence)
9. DE/OL Chase Farris: I love Farris' ceiling. Fantastic frame and he can really move his feet well. I personally like Farris as a tackle prospest on the offensive line, where I see his potential the highest.
Early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
10. OL Audrey Walker: Massive prospect at 6'4 330 lbs. and can move around well for his size. Has a killer instinct and incredible punch once engaged. In a year where interior OL is a big need, Walker is a big time need. Many publications will likely see Walker as a top 100 guy.
Early prediction: OSU (99% confidence)
11. LB/DE Andre Sturdivant: Already looks NFL ready in physique. Moves through traffic well and is always around the ball. Could play middle linebacker or move down to end, but he could be a bit of a tweener, as his frame could be close to maxing out. Nonetheless, I would be surprised to see OSU pass on Sturdivant.
Early prediction: OSU (99% confidence if we offer, if not then MSU)
12. DT Donovan Clark: No offer to Clark yet but I love how he fires out of his stance and I think he could be an outstanding DT. Lack of offers is surprising to me. It will be interesting to see if OSU waits long to offer.
13. DB Derjuan Gambrell: Not too impressed with the limited film but I have a feeling his whole highlight film will be much more telling. A legit 6-2 and is extremely athletic. Not very physical from what I could tell, so I think his future may be at CB.
Early prediction: OSU (90% confidence)
14. DB Eilar Hardy: Very surprised we haven't offered Hardy yet. Great speed, gets his hips turned well in coverage, loves to hit and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. If we do offer, we should be tough to beat.
15. OL Chris Carter Jr. : Not incredibly explosive off the snap but once he locks up his man, it is all over. Massive in size and I have a feeling if he loses some weight and puts on the right kind of weight, he will move just fine. Conditional offer is on it's way apparently and if it is, I like our odds.
Early prediction: OSU (if the offer is there, 99% confidence)
16. DE/DT Chris Rock: Rock has taken a bit of a fall after a bit of a disappointing junior year. Rock has all the tools in the world but as Duane Long brought up, it seems schools may be recruiting him as a strongside DE. If he can play DT, I see us offering. Otherwise, it may be tough for Chris to get an offer...either way, I think he is a great athlete.
17. TE Nick Vannett: Not much film out yet but I was really impressed with what I saw. Vannett has outstanding size but he can move really well and he fits the mold of TE we have here generally. He has good potential as a receiver but likely will be our bread and butter blocker. He could easily move up this list in a hurry.
Early prediction: OSU (confidence 55%...looks like we'll have plenty of competition)
18. DT Kevin Williams: I was really impressed with Williams on film. He gets out of his stance quickly and closes the gap on the ball carrier quickly. He can squeeze down on the run and rush the QB. I'm torn between Williams and Clark, but I'm just wondering if Williams is reaching his ceiling. Either way, I wouldn't be surprised to see an offer go his way.
19. QB Cardale Jones: Perhaps I should have Cardale higher. I think he has all the potential in the world. However, he is about as raw as they come and his progress as a QB is anything but assured. As an athlete and in terms of potential, he is likely a top 10 guy in the state. If he progresses this season, it would be tough to pass on Jones, who would be a lock for the Bucks.
20. LB Antonio Poole: Poole is a really under rated guy imo. He is moderate in size at 6-1 215 but he was all over the place in the playoffs and he can pack a punch. Tremendous athletic ability and has a ton of potential
21. OL/DT Tommy Brown: Brown is massive and passes the look test, but I'm waiting to be convinced on his defensive film. I can't wait to see more film on this guy, as he seems promising.
22. TE Ray Hamilton: Impressive offer sheet and a ton of athletic ability. Questions about his size have arose and how he would fit in here but in the right scheme, Ray can be a stud.
23. DE Brad Carrico: Massive frame and impressive strength. Should be a solid strongside DE at the next level for the Irish.
24. MLB/DE Jarrett Grace: I think Jarrett has a lot of positives but I just never walked away with a "wow" factor from Jarrett. He is a solid player with a good frame and obviously he has some nice offers.
25. RB Robert Walton: After seeing Walton's sophmore film, I thought he would be a lock for an offer. However, he had a disappointing junior year and split many reps with other Tarblooder standout Tony Foster. Either way, he could move up the list with a good senior campaign.
26. WR Devin Smith: Impressive WR from Massilon had a great year statistically and I was impressed with his route running. Doesn't have elite speed but knows how to get open. Reminds me a bit of Robiskie at this point.
27. QB Cole Stoudt: I'm really surprised Cole hasn't received many offers yet. I was really impressed with his pocket presence and accuracy. Beyond that, he stands tall in the pocket at 6'4.
28. LB Steven Daniels: Great athletic ability and Daniels always seems to be around the ball. Intelligent football player.
29. DE Brian Mihalik: I haven't got to see Mihalik but he has a nice offer list and a great frame. I would like to see if he could possibly hold the weight to play LT.
30. DE/OL Chase Hounshell: Impressed at the BadgerSports combine recently. Hounshell has a good frame to add weight and has great utility. I think there is a good chance he ends up a strongside DE.
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