With the recent hiring of Urban Meyer, the entire Buckeye Nation has been re-energized, and this new enthusiasm has spilled over to high school prospects both in the State of Ohio and around the country. And quite frankly, that enthusiasm is exactly what is needed right now, as the Buckeyes' recruiting effort prior to Meyer's arrival was below the standards that we have come to expect in Columbus. In this article, we will look at the players who committed to the previous regime, as well as the prospects that the new staff is pursuing, including several prospects who were not even on the Buckeyes' radar screen prior to the arrival of Urban Meyer.
Under the Tressel-Bollman theory of offensive line recruiting, the Buckeyes generally focused on local players, many of whom could best be described as reaches. From 2001 to 2011, of the 29 offensive line prospects signed by the Buckeyes, 26 were from Ohio or Pennsylvania; the only exceptions were Michael Brewster (Florida), J.B. Shugarts (Texas) and Brian Bobek (Illinois). A look at the numbers shows another aspect of the Tressel-Bollman theory - sign relatively few linemen to save roster spots for other positions. With 28 signings in 11 recruiting classes, the Buckeyes averaged just 2.5 offensive linemen per class, a dangerously low number considering the high failure rate for the position. With so few scholarship offensive linemen on the team, it was not unusual for walk-ons to appear in the two deep, something that should never happen at a school like Ohio State.
Before the regime change in Columbus, the Tressel-Bollman theory was holding true to form for the class of 2012. As of today, the Buckeyes have verbal commitments from just two offensive linemen, both from the Columbus area: Pickerington Central's Jacoby Boren (6' 2", 270 lbs; Rivals 3*, #17 OG; Scout 3*, #79 OG) and Pickerington North's Patrick Elflein (6' 3", 285 lbs; Rivals 3*, unranked; Scout 3*, #28 OG). As you might imagine, Jacoby Boren is the younger brother of former Buckeye guard Justin Boren and current Buckeye fullback Zach Boren. Like his two older brothers, Jacoby is a mean, tough, hard-nosed football player, but he is said to be the best athlete of the three. If past experience can predict future results, then the youngest Boren will be a valuable contributor and team leader for the Buckeyes. Patrick Elflein was a late bloomer who started generating buzz after performing well at Ohio State's 2011 summer camp. Elflein is more of a project at this point, a big, strong, athletic kid with a wrestling background who could end up at defensive tackle, despite the low numbers on the offensive side of the line.
The class of 2012 looked like it would be good opportunity for Ohio State to replenish its depleted offensive line with local talent. Besides Boren and Elflein, the state boasted a number of top offensive line prospects who favored the Buckeyes, including Lakewood St. Edwards' Kyle Kalis (6' 5", 302 lbs; Rivals 5*, #4 OT, #21 overall; Scout 5*, #7 OT, #32 overall); Cleveland Heights' Kyle Dodson (6' 6", 315 lbs; Rivals 4*, #20 OT, #174 overall; Scout 4*, #23 OT, #183 overall); and Vandalia Butler's Taylor Decker (6' 8", 300 lbs; Rivals 4*, #26 OT, #215 overall; Scout 4*, #13 OT, #74 overall). But shortly after head coach Jim Tressel became implicated in the TatGate cover-up, Kalis switched his commitment from Ohio State to Michigan, and Dodson verballed to Wisconsin; for some strange reason, Decker never received a Buckeye offer and committed to Notre Dame in March. Although Kalis, Dodson, and Decker have been off the board for months, Urban Meyer has already reached out to each of the three highly-touted prospects. While it seems unlikely that any of the three will switch their allegiances at this late date, at least Dodson and Decker might listen to what Meyer has to offer. Update 12/07/11 - Kyle Dodson will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/15/11 - Kyle will be taking an official visit to Auburn this weekend. Maybe now we'll find out why Urban Meyer hates SEC recruiting.
Of the uncommitted offensive line prospects, Chicago Simeon's Jordan Diamond (6' 6", 289 lbs; Rivals 4*, #35 OT; Scout 5*, #9 OT, #44 overall) is probably at the top of Ohio State's recruiting board. A true tackle, Diamond has always had a passing interest in Ohio State, although his favorite from the start seemed to be Michigan. Since Meyer's hiring, the Buckeyes have gained lots of ground with Diamond, and the good guys are now seriously in the mix to sign this top prospect. Update 12/06/11 - Jordan will make an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. He also plans to visit Auburn.
Two other primary targets of the old regime were Littleton Colorado's Alex Kozan (6' 4", 295 lbs; Rivals 4*, #30 OT; Scout 3*, #18 OG), a lifelong Buckeye fan, and Eden Prairie Minnesota's Nick Davidson (6' 7", 270 lbs; Rivals 4*, #38 OT; Scout 4*, #31 OT), a Buckeye legacy. We do not yet know whether the new staff will continue to pursue Kozan and Davidson - Kozan projects as a guard, not a position of need for the Buckeyes, and Davidson suffered a major leg injury late in the season. Update 12/21/11 - Nick Davidson issued a verbal commitment to Stanford; he did not take an official visit to Ohio State.
Another out-of-state lineman who has been receiving some renewed interest from the Buckeyes is Lakeland Florida's Evan Goodman (6' 4", 270 lbs; Rivals 4*, #36 OT; Scout 4*, #17 OT, #115 overall), who is currently committed to Arizona State. However, Arizona State has recently fired head coach Dennis Erickson, so Goodman might be looking around. The bad news for Ohio State fans is that Goodman's brother, Devin, is a freshman center for the Sun Devils, and the two would like to play together. The good news is that current Buckeye verbal Riquan Southward (see below) is a high school teammate of Evan, and he has been promoting Ohio State to the big guy. Still too early to tell if there is enough mutual interest, but this is definitely a situation to watch closely.
Update 12/15/11 - Offensive tackle Joey O'Connor (6' 4", 295 lbs; Rivals 4*, #15 OT, #87 overall; Scout 4*, #12 OG, #247 overall) from Windsor, Colorado, will be making an official visit to Ohio State during the weekend of January 13th.
Another priority for the Urban Meyer staff will be to sign some defensive end prospects. After Nathan Williams went down in the opening game with a season-ending injury, the Buckeyes were generally playing four defensive tackles across the line. Although the Buckeyes signed a couple of nice prospects in 2011 (Steve Miller, Kenny Hayes), defensive end remains a major weakness of this team. Cincinnati Taft's Adolphus Washington (6' 5", 240 lbs), who committed to Ohio State just prior to the Meyer announcement, is a good step in the right direction. Clearly one of the best defensive end prospects in the country, Washington is received the coveted five star ranking Scout (#3 DE, #15 overall), and a four star ranking from Rivals (#3 WDE, #36 overall).
A player who had significant interest in the Buckeyes prior to Jim Tressel's departure was Canton McKinley's Se'Von Pittman (6' 5", 250 lbs; Rivals 4*, #8 WDE, #81 overall; Scout 4*, #9 DE, #55 overall). However, three weeks after Tressel left, Pittman dropped the Buckeyes and committed to Michigan State. Since then, Ohio State has been slowly creeping back into the picture, and Pittman began to give the Buckeyes a serious second look when his girlfriend, Ameryst Alston, committed to play basketball for the Lady Bucks. Right now, Pittman still considers himself to be a Spartan verbal commitment, but everything is trending in the Buckeyes' direction. Update 12/07/11 - Se'Von Pittman will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/12/11 - Less than two days after wrapping up his official visit to Ohio State, Pittman issued a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes!
One of the first phone calls that Urban Meyer made after being named the Buckeyes' head coach went to Harrisburg Pennsylvania's Noah Spence (6' 4", 240 lbs), a consensus five-star, top-ten prospect (Rivals, 5*, #2 DE, #9 overall; Scout 5*, #1 DE, #6 overall). A solid Penn State lean until scandal erupted in Happy Valley, Spence is now wide open and looking at schools around the country. Prior to Meyer's hiring, Spence was not even considering the Buckeyes, but that one phone call has already put Ohio State squarely into the mix. Look for Ohio State to receive an official visit from Spence on the weekend of December 17th. Update 12/18/11 - During his official visit to Ohio State, Spence committed to the Buckeyes!
After spending six years at the University of Florida, it is no secret that Urban Meyer wants to upgrade the athleticism on both sides of Ohio State's line. With that end in mind, the new staff is seeking out that proverbial "southern speed", and they have already initiated contact with St. Petersburg Florida's Dante Fowler (6' 3", 232 lbs; Rivals 4*, #2 WDE, #35 overall; Scout 5*, #5 DE, #33 overall). Fowler has been a Florida State commitment for a year, but he has been looking at other schools for almost that long. Florida has been the biggest threat to steal this one from the Seminoles, but now Ohio State should also be considered a real possibility.
Even though he's not from down south, another athletic defensive lineman whom the new staff is pursuing is Ramsey New Jersey's Darius Hamilton (6' 4", 245 lbs; Rivals 5*, #2 SDE, #5 overall; Scout 5*, #4 DE, #23 overall), who is the son of Keith Hamilton, a standout defensive tackle for the New York Giants from 1992 to 2003. Hamilton appears to be wide open with his recruitment, so there's a good chance that Ohio State could enter the game late.
When Urban Meyer took over for Luke Fickell, we expected to see a lot of new names suddenly appear on the Buckeyes' recruiting board, but Jamal Marcus (6' 2", 219 lbs, 4.6 forty; Rivals 3*, #35 WDE ; Scout 3*, #63 DE), an unheralded defensive end prospect from Durham, North Carolina, was not one of them. However, in reviewing Marcus' tape, we can understand why the new staff has taken a special interest in this under-the-radar prospect. Although he is somewhat under-sized, Jamal has a exceptional wingspan and tremendous physical skills - speed, burst, change of direction. The Buckeyes have just offered Marcus, so keep an eye on this kid. Update 12/20/11 - Jamal is tentatively scheduled to make an official visit to Ohio State during the weekend of January 27th.
Update 12/07/11 - Glen Ellyn Illinois defensive tackle prospect Tommy Schutt (6' 3", 301 lbs; Rivals 4*, #5 DT, #52 overall; Scout 5*, #5 DT, #42 overall), currently a soft verbal to Penn State, will make an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/12/11 - After completing his official visit to Ohio State, Schutt promptly committed to the Buckeyes!!!
Linebacker is another position that requires some instant impact players, and to date the Buckeyes have verbal commitments from two top local prospects, Lancaster's Luke Roberts (6' 2", 225 pounds, 4.62 forty; Rivals 3*, unranked; Scout 3*, #24 MLB); and Olentangy's Joshua Perry (6' 3", 225 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 OLB, #142 overall; Scout 4*, #9 OLB, #111 overall). While Perry and Roberts are both solid prospects, it would seem that Meyer would like to add at least one more linebacker to this class, especially a player with speed on the outside. Centerville's Ifeadi Odenigbo (6' 4", 217 lbs, 4.44 forty; Rivals 4* ; Scout 4*, #4 OLB, #70 overall) has been considering the Buckeyes throughout the recruiting process, but at the moment he seems to be favoring schools with a stronger academic reputation, such as Notre Dame, Northwestern, Stanford, and California. Certainly, Urban Meyer will have a chance to convince Odenigbo that Ohio State provides the best chance for success both on the field and in the classroom, but he has a lot of ground to make up. Perhaps Jamal Marcus (see above) is a candidate to move back to linebacker, and the new staff will undoubtedly be looking to get into the mix late with a few other top flight linebacker prospects.
Update 12/07/11 - Ohio State has just offered South Bend Indiana's David Perkins (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.43 forty; Rivals 4*, #11 ATH, #155 overall; Scout 4*, #21 OLB, #215 overall). Perkins is an undersized linebacker prospect with excellent speed and athleticism (39" vertical, 4.15 shuttle, 16 bench reps) who also hits like a ton of bricks. Perkins is planning to take all five official visits, including one to Columbus during the weekend of January 13th.
Update 12/12/11 - West Roxbury Massachusett's linebacker Camren Williams (6' 2", 215 lbs; Rivals 4*, #7 MLB, #162 overall; Scout 4*, #18 OLB, #170 overall), currently considered a soft verbal to Penn State, is at this moment visiting Ohio State. Williams could be an impact player either inside or outside, and he is reminiscent of recent Buckeye standout Brian Rolle. With Penn State's troubles, it is quite possible that Williams will follow former Nittany commit Tommy Schutt to Ohio State.
Ohio State has recruited several wide receiver prospects in recent years, but the last one who has developed into a legitimate threat was DeVier Posey from the class of 2008. Now that Posey will be graduating, the 2012 Buckeyes will be left with no proven commodities at the wide receiver spots. Obviously, Urban Meyer would like to change that. While several youngsters have shown flashes and can still be coached up - namely Philly Brown, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer - the position still needs to be restocked, and the team needs to find a home run threat. Currently, the Buckeyes have four verbal commitments at wide receiver - Pickerington Central's Roger Lewis (6' 1", 195 lbs, 4.42 forty; Rivals 3*, #60 WR; Scout 3*, #83 WR); Upper Arlington's Frank Epitropouloshttp://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/...406-12-oh-ath-frank-epitropoulos-buckeye.html (6' 3", 195 lbs, 4.47 forty; Rivals 3*, #76 WR; Scout 3*, #59 WR); Fork Union's Michael Thomas (6' 4", 203 lbs; Rivale 4*; Scout 4*); and Lakeland Florida's Riquan Southward (6' 2", 190; Rivals 3*, #62 WR; Scout 2*, unranked). The Buckeyes also have a verbal commitment from a tight end, Cleveland St. Ignatius' Blake Thomas (6' 4", 240 lbs, 4.8 forty; Rivals 3*, #17 TE; Scout 3*, #22 TE). Update 12/13/11 - Riquan Southward is now contemplating an official visit to the University of Florida.
While all of the current commits have their strengths and should contribute down the road (and Epitropoulos is also a B1G caliber prospect at safety and punter), it is no secret that the staff is looking to bring in at least one blue chip receiver in this class. Visiting Ohio State this weekend is Midlothian Virginia's Joel Caleb (6' 2", 201 lbs, 4.71 forty; Rivals 4*, #5 ATH, #71 overall; Scout 4*, #32 WR, #205 overall). If Meyer is looking to add a big, strong receiver to this class, then he just might be able to get a verbal commitment out of Caleb before he leaves Columbus. Update 12/12/11 - Caleb took an official visit to Virginia Tech this past weekend, and as expected had a great time. It seems likely that the Buckeyes are putting Caleb on the back burner until they can get a better read on Cyrus Jones and/or Stefon Diggs, two true speedsters that could make Urban Meyer's offense really click.
The other top target for the Buckeyes is Baltimore Gilman's Cyrus Jones (5' 11", 183 lbs, 4.49 forty; Rivals 4*, #6 ATH, #106 overall; Scout 5*, #5 WR, #46 overall), who might be the perfect fit for the "Harvin" role in Meyer's offensive scheme. Jones had dropped Ohio State from consideration, but his interest was immediately rekindled with the hiring of Meyer. Alabama was Jones' strong leader at one point, but Ohio State will at least provide some serious competition for this all-around great athlete (he is also a top cornerback prospect). Update 12/06/11 - Cyrus is planning to take an official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of December 17th. Update 12/15/11 - Jones has canceled his official visit for this weekend, and has no plans to reschedule. It looks like he'll commit to Alabama soon.
Besides Caleb and Jones, there is still some mutual interest with Ohio State and two other top wide receiver prospects, namely Springfield Missouri's Dorial Green-Beckham (6' 6". 220 lbs, 4.47 forty; Rivals 5*, #1 WR, #1 overall; Scout 5*, #1 WR, #2 overall); and Olney Maryland's Stefon Diggs (6' 0", 185 lbs, 4.43 forty; Rivals 5*, #2 WR, #8 overall; Scout 5*, #2 WR, #13 overall). At this point, both Green-Beckham and Diggs should be considered long shots, but neither would even be looking at Ohio State right now if anyone but Urban Meyer was running the show.
Update 12/06/11 - The Buckeyes have offered Scottsdale Arizona wide receiver Davonte Neal (5' 10", 175 lbs, 4.41 forty; Rivals 4*, #22 WR, #146 overall; Scout 4*, #6 CB, #80 overall). Davonte is planning on taking an official visit to Columbus in the near future. Update 12/20/11 - Davonte will make an official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of January 13th.
Despite losing leading rusher Boom Herron to graduation, the 2012 Buckeyes will still have a several options at tailback. However, none of the returning backs has yet shown the ability to be a "go to" guy, which means that a pair of incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to see immediate playing time - Columbus DeSales' Warren Ball (6' 2", 200 lbs, Rivals 4*, #15 RB, #228 overall; Scout 4*, #21 RB, #199 overall); and Canton Glen Oak's Bri'onte Dunnhttp://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/football-recruiting/613597-12-oh-rb-brionte-dunn-buckeye.html (6' 1", 220 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 RB, #136 overall; Scout 5*, #5 RB, #26 overall). While Ball has been firmly committed to Ohio State throughout all of the off-the-field turmoil of the past year, Dunn has been openly looking around despite remaining formally committed to Ohio State. The main competition for Dunn (really the only competition) is Michigan, and the Wolverines have certainly had many chances to make a favorable impression. But with Meyer at the helm, and the NCAA issues fading into the past, Ohio State looks to have regained a solid lead in this race. Bri'onte will likely make official visits to both Ann Arbor and Columbus, and those visits should tell the tale. Even if Dunn ultimately bolts for that school up north, don't look for the Buckeyes to pursue another running back in this class. Update 12/06/11 - Dunn will be making an official visit to Columbus on the weekend of December 10th. Update 12/12/11 - As expected, Dunn did not solidify his commitment to Ohio State, and he is planning to make an official visit to Michigan this weekend. Still too close to call.... Update 12/13/11 - During an in-home visit with Urban Meyer and Stan Drayton, Bri'onte reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State! He will attempt to enroll in January. The scheduled visit to Michigan, of course, has been canceled.
The Buckeyes have traditionally recruited heavily at defensive back, and the class of 2012 is no exception. Ohio State already has commitments from three defensive backs, Bedford's Tyvis Powell (6' 4", 185 lbs; Rivals 3*, #36 CB; Scout #*, #44 S); Stuebenville's Najee Murray (5' 11", 172 lbs, 4.41 forty; Rivals 3*, #27 CB; Scout 4*, #20 CB, #268 overall); and Cleveland Glenville's De'van Bogard (6' 1", 175 lbs; Rivals 4*, #14 S; Scout 4*, #23 S, #299 overall). At this point, it looks like the Buckeyes are more or less done recruiting this position for this class, but they still have offers out to Trotwood-Madison's Bam Bradley (6' 2", 200 lbs; Rivals 3*, #36 S; Scout 3*, #35 S) and Miami's A.J. Leggett (5' 11", 175 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 CB, #107 overall; Scout 3*, #28 CB). Update 12/14/11 - Bam Bradley will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend; Bradley will be accompanied by his junior teammates, Cameron Burrows and Michael McCray, who will be on unofficial visits. In other news, it looks like you can cross A.J. Leggett off of the Buckeyes' list.
Finally, the Buckeyes have secured the commitment of one quarterback for the class of 2012, Glenville / Fork Union prospect Cardale Jones (6' 5", 230 lbs, 4.93 forty; Rivals 3*; Scout 3*). With true freshman Braxton Miller emerging as a star this season, it looks like Jones will spend much of his Buckeye career in a back-up role ... especially if Update 12/06/11 - the Buckeyes can somehow sign top prospect Jameis Winston (6' 4", 200 lbs, 4.6 forty; Rivals 5*, #1 Dual QB; #10 overall; Scout 5*, #2 QB, #20 overall). The Hueytown, Alabama native is currently a soft verbal to Florida State, but he is actively looking at both Alabama and Auburn, and is contemplating an official visit to Ohio State. Update 12/12/11 - Ohio State has recently reached out to Canton McKinley's Tyler Foster (6' 1", 183 lbs; Rivals 2*; Scout NR), a high school quarterback who could also project to wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. Although Foster is considered to be a sleeper prospect, he was recently named the Most Valuable Player in Stark County over several big name stars such as Bri'onte Dunn and Se'Von Pittman. Although Urban Meyer has been known to take a gamble on the occasional under-the-radar prospect with exceptional versatility and athletic ability (see Brandon James), the staff's sudden interest may also be an olive branch to McKinley's head coach Ron Johnson, who is upset that Ohio State is attempting to get Michigan State verbal Se'Von Pittman to renege on his pledge to the Spartans and commit to the Buckeyes. Even if Ohio State shows only token interest in Foster, his stock in the eyes of recruiters around the country will undoubtedly rise, and Coach Johnson would have to take notice.
Urban Meyer has been on the job for a week, and we have already seen at least a dozen new names appear on the Buckeyes' recruiting board. We all realize that to be successful in recruiting, a coach has to build relationships with the recruits, and this process generally takes a long time. But Urban Meyer is the exception to the rule - he is a rock star, and kids want to have a relationship with a rock star. While Urban Meyer's impact has already been extraordinary, it should really be felt with the recruiting class of 2013, where Ohio State won't have to make up so much ground with the recruits, most of whom are not yet committed.
Under the Tressel-Bollman theory of offensive line recruiting, the Buckeyes generally focused on local players, many of whom could best be described as reaches. From 2001 to 2011, of the 29 offensive line prospects signed by the Buckeyes, 26 were from Ohio or Pennsylvania; the only exceptions were Michael Brewster (Florida), J.B. Shugarts (Texas) and Brian Bobek (Illinois). A look at the numbers shows another aspect of the Tressel-Bollman theory - sign relatively few linemen to save roster spots for other positions. With 28 signings in 11 recruiting classes, the Buckeyes averaged just 2.5 offensive linemen per class, a dangerously low number considering the high failure rate for the position. With so few scholarship offensive linemen on the team, it was not unusual for walk-ons to appear in the two deep, something that should never happen at a school like Ohio State.
Before the regime change in Columbus, the Tressel-Bollman theory was holding true to form for the class of 2012. As of today, the Buckeyes have verbal commitments from just two offensive linemen, both from the Columbus area: Pickerington Central's Jacoby Boren (6' 2", 270 lbs; Rivals 3*, #17 OG; Scout 3*, #79 OG) and Pickerington North's Patrick Elflein (6' 3", 285 lbs; Rivals 3*, unranked; Scout 3*, #28 OG). As you might imagine, Jacoby Boren is the younger brother of former Buckeye guard Justin Boren and current Buckeye fullback Zach Boren. Like his two older brothers, Jacoby is a mean, tough, hard-nosed football player, but he is said to be the best athlete of the three. If past experience can predict future results, then the youngest Boren will be a valuable contributor and team leader for the Buckeyes. Patrick Elflein was a late bloomer who started generating buzz after performing well at Ohio State's 2011 summer camp. Elflein is more of a project at this point, a big, strong, athletic kid with a wrestling background who could end up at defensive tackle, despite the low numbers on the offensive side of the line.
The class of 2012 looked like it would be good opportunity for Ohio State to replenish its depleted offensive line with local talent. Besides Boren and Elflein, the state boasted a number of top offensive line prospects who favored the Buckeyes, including Lakewood St. Edwards' Kyle Kalis (6' 5", 302 lbs; Rivals 5*, #4 OT, #21 overall; Scout 5*, #7 OT, #32 overall); Cleveland Heights' Kyle Dodson (6' 6", 315 lbs; Rivals 4*, #20 OT, #174 overall; Scout 4*, #23 OT, #183 overall); and Vandalia Butler's Taylor Decker (6' 8", 300 lbs; Rivals 4*, #26 OT, #215 overall; Scout 4*, #13 OT, #74 overall). But shortly after head coach Jim Tressel became implicated in the TatGate cover-up, Kalis switched his commitment from Ohio State to Michigan, and Dodson verballed to Wisconsin; for some strange reason, Decker never received a Buckeye offer and committed to Notre Dame in March. Although Kalis, Dodson, and Decker have been off the board for months, Urban Meyer has already reached out to each of the three highly-touted prospects. While it seems unlikely that any of the three will switch their allegiances at this late date, at least Dodson and Decker might listen to what Meyer has to offer. Update 12/07/11 - Kyle Dodson will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/15/11 - Kyle will be taking an official visit to Auburn this weekend. Maybe now we'll find out why Urban Meyer hates SEC recruiting.
Of the uncommitted offensive line prospects, Chicago Simeon's Jordan Diamond (6' 6", 289 lbs; Rivals 4*, #35 OT; Scout 5*, #9 OT, #44 overall) is probably at the top of Ohio State's recruiting board. A true tackle, Diamond has always had a passing interest in Ohio State, although his favorite from the start seemed to be Michigan. Since Meyer's hiring, the Buckeyes have gained lots of ground with Diamond, and the good guys are now seriously in the mix to sign this top prospect. Update 12/06/11 - Jordan will make an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. He also plans to visit Auburn.
Two other primary targets of the old regime were Littleton Colorado's Alex Kozan (6' 4", 295 lbs; Rivals 4*, #30 OT; Scout 3*, #18 OG), a lifelong Buckeye fan, and Eden Prairie Minnesota's Nick Davidson (6' 7", 270 lbs; Rivals 4*, #38 OT; Scout 4*, #31 OT), a Buckeye legacy. We do not yet know whether the new staff will continue to pursue Kozan and Davidson - Kozan projects as a guard, not a position of need for the Buckeyes, and Davidson suffered a major leg injury late in the season. Update 12/21/11 - Nick Davidson issued a verbal commitment to Stanford; he did not take an official visit to Ohio State.
Another out-of-state lineman who has been receiving some renewed interest from the Buckeyes is Lakeland Florida's Evan Goodman (6' 4", 270 lbs; Rivals 4*, #36 OT; Scout 4*, #17 OT, #115 overall), who is currently committed to Arizona State. However, Arizona State has recently fired head coach Dennis Erickson, so Goodman might be looking around. The bad news for Ohio State fans is that Goodman's brother, Devin, is a freshman center for the Sun Devils, and the two would like to play together. The good news is that current Buckeye verbal Riquan Southward (see below) is a high school teammate of Evan, and he has been promoting Ohio State to the big guy. Still too early to tell if there is enough mutual interest, but this is definitely a situation to watch closely.
Update 12/15/11 - Offensive tackle Joey O'Connor (6' 4", 295 lbs; Rivals 4*, #15 OT, #87 overall; Scout 4*, #12 OG, #247 overall) from Windsor, Colorado, will be making an official visit to Ohio State during the weekend of January 13th.
Another priority for the Urban Meyer staff will be to sign some defensive end prospects. After Nathan Williams went down in the opening game with a season-ending injury, the Buckeyes were generally playing four defensive tackles across the line. Although the Buckeyes signed a couple of nice prospects in 2011 (Steve Miller, Kenny Hayes), defensive end remains a major weakness of this team. Cincinnati Taft's Adolphus Washington (6' 5", 240 lbs), who committed to Ohio State just prior to the Meyer announcement, is a good step in the right direction. Clearly one of the best defensive end prospects in the country, Washington is received the coveted five star ranking Scout (#3 DE, #15 overall), and a four star ranking from Rivals (#3 WDE, #36 overall).
A player who had significant interest in the Buckeyes prior to Jim Tressel's departure was Canton McKinley's Se'Von Pittman (6' 5", 250 lbs; Rivals 4*, #8 WDE, #81 overall; Scout 4*, #9 DE, #55 overall). However, three weeks after Tressel left, Pittman dropped the Buckeyes and committed to Michigan State. Since then, Ohio State has been slowly creeping back into the picture, and Pittman began to give the Buckeyes a serious second look when his girlfriend, Ameryst Alston, committed to play basketball for the Lady Bucks. Right now, Pittman still considers himself to be a Spartan verbal commitment, but everything is trending in the Buckeyes' direction. Update 12/07/11 - Se'Von Pittman will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/12/11 - Less than two days after wrapping up his official visit to Ohio State, Pittman issued a verbal commitment to the Buckeyes!
One of the first phone calls that Urban Meyer made after being named the Buckeyes' head coach went to Harrisburg Pennsylvania's Noah Spence (6' 4", 240 lbs), a consensus five-star, top-ten prospect (Rivals, 5*, #2 DE, #9 overall; Scout 5*, #1 DE, #6 overall). A solid Penn State lean until scandal erupted in Happy Valley, Spence is now wide open and looking at schools around the country. Prior to Meyer's hiring, Spence was not even considering the Buckeyes, but that one phone call has already put Ohio State squarely into the mix. Look for Ohio State to receive an official visit from Spence on the weekend of December 17th. Update 12/18/11 - During his official visit to Ohio State, Spence committed to the Buckeyes!
After spending six years at the University of Florida, it is no secret that Urban Meyer wants to upgrade the athleticism on both sides of Ohio State's line. With that end in mind, the new staff is seeking out that proverbial "southern speed", and they have already initiated contact with St. Petersburg Florida's Dante Fowler (6' 3", 232 lbs; Rivals 4*, #2 WDE, #35 overall; Scout 5*, #5 DE, #33 overall). Fowler has been a Florida State commitment for a year, but he has been looking at other schools for almost that long. Florida has been the biggest threat to steal this one from the Seminoles, but now Ohio State should also be considered a real possibility.
Even though he's not from down south, another athletic defensive lineman whom the new staff is pursuing is Ramsey New Jersey's Darius Hamilton (6' 4", 245 lbs; Rivals 5*, #2 SDE, #5 overall; Scout 5*, #4 DE, #23 overall), who is the son of Keith Hamilton, a standout defensive tackle for the New York Giants from 1992 to 2003. Hamilton appears to be wide open with his recruitment, so there's a good chance that Ohio State could enter the game late.
When Urban Meyer took over for Luke Fickell, we expected to see a lot of new names suddenly appear on the Buckeyes' recruiting board, but Jamal Marcus (6' 2", 219 lbs, 4.6 forty; Rivals 3*, #35 WDE ; Scout 3*, #63 DE), an unheralded defensive end prospect from Durham, North Carolina, was not one of them. However, in reviewing Marcus' tape, we can understand why the new staff has taken a special interest in this under-the-radar prospect. Although he is somewhat under-sized, Jamal has a exceptional wingspan and tremendous physical skills - speed, burst, change of direction. The Buckeyes have just offered Marcus, so keep an eye on this kid. Update 12/20/11 - Jamal is tentatively scheduled to make an official visit to Ohio State during the weekend of January 27th.
Update 12/07/11 - Glen Ellyn Illinois defensive tackle prospect Tommy Schutt (6' 3", 301 lbs; Rivals 4*, #5 DT, #52 overall; Scout 5*, #5 DT, #42 overall), currently a soft verbal to Penn State, will make an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. Update 12/12/11 - After completing his official visit to Ohio State, Schutt promptly committed to the Buckeyes!!!
Linebacker is another position that requires some instant impact players, and to date the Buckeyes have verbal commitments from two top local prospects, Lancaster's Luke Roberts (6' 2", 225 pounds, 4.62 forty; Rivals 3*, unranked; Scout 3*, #24 MLB); and Olentangy's Joshua Perry (6' 3", 225 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 OLB, #142 overall; Scout 4*, #9 OLB, #111 overall). While Perry and Roberts are both solid prospects, it would seem that Meyer would like to add at least one more linebacker to this class, especially a player with speed on the outside. Centerville's Ifeadi Odenigbo (6' 4", 217 lbs, 4.44 forty; Rivals 4* ; Scout 4*, #4 OLB, #70 overall) has been considering the Buckeyes throughout the recruiting process, but at the moment he seems to be favoring schools with a stronger academic reputation, such as Notre Dame, Northwestern, Stanford, and California. Certainly, Urban Meyer will have a chance to convince Odenigbo that Ohio State provides the best chance for success both on the field and in the classroom, but he has a lot of ground to make up. Perhaps Jamal Marcus (see above) is a candidate to move back to linebacker, and the new staff will undoubtedly be looking to get into the mix late with a few other top flight linebacker prospects.
Update 12/07/11 - Ohio State has just offered South Bend Indiana's David Perkins (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.43 forty; Rivals 4*, #11 ATH, #155 overall; Scout 4*, #21 OLB, #215 overall). Perkins is an undersized linebacker prospect with excellent speed and athleticism (39" vertical, 4.15 shuttle, 16 bench reps) who also hits like a ton of bricks. Perkins is planning to take all five official visits, including one to Columbus during the weekend of January 13th.
Update 12/12/11 - West Roxbury Massachusett's linebacker Camren Williams (6' 2", 215 lbs; Rivals 4*, #7 MLB, #162 overall; Scout 4*, #18 OLB, #170 overall), currently considered a soft verbal to Penn State, is at this moment visiting Ohio State. Williams could be an impact player either inside or outside, and he is reminiscent of recent Buckeye standout Brian Rolle. With Penn State's troubles, it is quite possible that Williams will follow former Nittany commit Tommy Schutt to Ohio State.
Ohio State has recruited several wide receiver prospects in recent years, but the last one who has developed into a legitimate threat was DeVier Posey from the class of 2008. Now that Posey will be graduating, the 2012 Buckeyes will be left with no proven commodities at the wide receiver spots. Obviously, Urban Meyer would like to change that. While several youngsters have shown flashes and can still be coached up - namely Philly Brown, Devin Smith, and Evan Spencer - the position still needs to be restocked, and the team needs to find a home run threat. Currently, the Buckeyes have four verbal commitments at wide receiver - Pickerington Central's Roger Lewis (6' 1", 195 lbs, 4.42 forty; Rivals 3*, #60 WR; Scout 3*, #83 WR); Upper Arlington's Frank Epitropouloshttp://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/...406-12-oh-ath-frank-epitropoulos-buckeye.html (6' 3", 195 lbs, 4.47 forty; Rivals 3*, #76 WR; Scout 3*, #59 WR); Fork Union's Michael Thomas (6' 4", 203 lbs; Rivale 4*; Scout 4*); and Lakeland Florida's Riquan Southward (6' 2", 190; Rivals 3*, #62 WR; Scout 2*, unranked). The Buckeyes also have a verbal commitment from a tight end, Cleveland St. Ignatius' Blake Thomas (6' 4", 240 lbs, 4.8 forty; Rivals 3*, #17 TE; Scout 3*, #22 TE). Update 12/13/11 - Riquan Southward is now contemplating an official visit to the University of Florida.
While all of the current commits have their strengths and should contribute down the road (and Epitropoulos is also a B1G caliber prospect at safety and punter), it is no secret that the staff is looking to bring in at least one blue chip receiver in this class. Visiting Ohio State this weekend is Midlothian Virginia's Joel Caleb (6' 2", 201 lbs, 4.71 forty; Rivals 4*, #5 ATH, #71 overall; Scout 4*, #32 WR, #205 overall). If Meyer is looking to add a big, strong receiver to this class, then he just might be able to get a verbal commitment out of Caleb before he leaves Columbus. Update 12/12/11 - Caleb took an official visit to Virginia Tech this past weekend, and as expected had a great time. It seems likely that the Buckeyes are putting Caleb on the back burner until they can get a better read on Cyrus Jones and/or Stefon Diggs, two true speedsters that could make Urban Meyer's offense really click.
The other top target for the Buckeyes is Baltimore Gilman's Cyrus Jones (5' 11", 183 lbs, 4.49 forty; Rivals 4*, #6 ATH, #106 overall; Scout 5*, #5 WR, #46 overall), who might be the perfect fit for the "Harvin" role in Meyer's offensive scheme. Jones had dropped Ohio State from consideration, but his interest was immediately rekindled with the hiring of Meyer. Alabama was Jones' strong leader at one point, but Ohio State will at least provide some serious competition for this all-around great athlete (he is also a top cornerback prospect). Update 12/06/11 - Cyrus is planning to take an official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of December 17th. Update 12/15/11 - Jones has canceled his official visit for this weekend, and has no plans to reschedule. It looks like he'll commit to Alabama soon.
Besides Caleb and Jones, there is still some mutual interest with Ohio State and two other top wide receiver prospects, namely Springfield Missouri's Dorial Green-Beckham (6' 6". 220 lbs, 4.47 forty; Rivals 5*, #1 WR, #1 overall; Scout 5*, #1 WR, #2 overall); and Olney Maryland's Stefon Diggs (6' 0", 185 lbs, 4.43 forty; Rivals 5*, #2 WR, #8 overall; Scout 5*, #2 WR, #13 overall). At this point, both Green-Beckham and Diggs should be considered long shots, but neither would even be looking at Ohio State right now if anyone but Urban Meyer was running the show.
Update 12/06/11 - The Buckeyes have offered Scottsdale Arizona wide receiver Davonte Neal (5' 10", 175 lbs, 4.41 forty; Rivals 4*, #22 WR, #146 overall; Scout 4*, #6 CB, #80 overall). Davonte is planning on taking an official visit to Columbus in the near future. Update 12/20/11 - Davonte will make an official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of January 13th.
Despite losing leading rusher Boom Herron to graduation, the 2012 Buckeyes will still have a several options at tailback. However, none of the returning backs has yet shown the ability to be a "go to" guy, which means that a pair of incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to see immediate playing time - Columbus DeSales' Warren Ball (6' 2", 200 lbs, Rivals 4*, #15 RB, #228 overall; Scout 4*, #21 RB, #199 overall); and Canton Glen Oak's Bri'onte Dunnhttp://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/football-recruiting/613597-12-oh-rb-brionte-dunn-buckeye.html (6' 1", 220 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 RB, #136 overall; Scout 5*, #5 RB, #26 overall). While Ball has been firmly committed to Ohio State throughout all of the off-the-field turmoil of the past year, Dunn has been openly looking around despite remaining formally committed to Ohio State. The main competition for Dunn (really the only competition) is Michigan, and the Wolverines have certainly had many chances to make a favorable impression. But with Meyer at the helm, and the NCAA issues fading into the past, Ohio State looks to have regained a solid lead in this race. Bri'onte will likely make official visits to both Ann Arbor and Columbus, and those visits should tell the tale. Even if Dunn ultimately bolts for that school up north, don't look for the Buckeyes to pursue another running back in this class. Update 12/06/11 - Dunn will be making an official visit to Columbus on the weekend of December 10th. Update 12/12/11 - As expected, Dunn did not solidify his commitment to Ohio State, and he is planning to make an official visit to Michigan this weekend. Still too close to call.... Update 12/13/11 - During an in-home visit with Urban Meyer and Stan Drayton, Bri'onte reaffirmed his commitment to Ohio State! He will attempt to enroll in January. The scheduled visit to Michigan, of course, has been canceled.
The Buckeyes have traditionally recruited heavily at defensive back, and the class of 2012 is no exception. Ohio State already has commitments from three defensive backs, Bedford's Tyvis Powell (6' 4", 185 lbs; Rivals 3*, #36 CB; Scout #*, #44 S); Stuebenville's Najee Murray (5' 11", 172 lbs, 4.41 forty; Rivals 3*, #27 CB; Scout 4*, #20 CB, #268 overall); and Cleveland Glenville's De'van Bogard (6' 1", 175 lbs; Rivals 4*, #14 S; Scout 4*, #23 S, #299 overall). At this point, it looks like the Buckeyes are more or less done recruiting this position for this class, but they still have offers out to Trotwood-Madison's Bam Bradley (6' 2", 200 lbs; Rivals 3*, #36 S; Scout 3*, #35 S) and Miami's A.J. Leggett (5' 11", 175 lbs; Rivals 4*, #10 CB, #107 overall; Scout 3*, #28 CB). Update 12/14/11 - Bam Bradley will be making an official visit to Ohio State this weekend; Bradley will be accompanied by his junior teammates, Cameron Burrows and Michael McCray, who will be on unofficial visits. In other news, it looks like you can cross A.J. Leggett off of the Buckeyes' list.
Finally, the Buckeyes have secured the commitment of one quarterback for the class of 2012, Glenville / Fork Union prospect Cardale Jones (6' 5", 230 lbs, 4.93 forty; Rivals 3*; Scout 3*). With true freshman Braxton Miller emerging as a star this season, it looks like Jones will spend much of his Buckeye career in a back-up role ... especially if Update 12/06/11 - the Buckeyes can somehow sign top prospect Jameis Winston (6' 4", 200 lbs, 4.6 forty; Rivals 5*, #1 Dual QB; #10 overall; Scout 5*, #2 QB, #20 overall). The Hueytown, Alabama native is currently a soft verbal to Florida State, but he is actively looking at both Alabama and Auburn, and is contemplating an official visit to Ohio State. Update 12/12/11 - Ohio State has recently reached out to Canton McKinley's Tyler Foster (6' 1", 183 lbs; Rivals 2*; Scout NR), a high school quarterback who could also project to wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. Although Foster is considered to be a sleeper prospect, he was recently named the Most Valuable Player in Stark County over several big name stars such as Bri'onte Dunn and Se'Von Pittman. Although Urban Meyer has been known to take a gamble on the occasional under-the-radar prospect with exceptional versatility and athletic ability (see Brandon James), the staff's sudden interest may also be an olive branch to McKinley's head coach Ron Johnson, who is upset that Ohio State is attempting to get Michigan State verbal Se'Von Pittman to renege on his pledge to the Spartans and commit to the Buckeyes. Even if Ohio State shows only token interest in Foster, his stock in the eyes of recruiters around the country will undoubtedly rise, and Coach Johnson would have to take notice.
Urban Meyer has been on the job for a week, and we have already seen at least a dozen new names appear on the Buckeyes' recruiting board. We all realize that to be successful in recruiting, a coach has to build relationships with the recruits, and this process generally takes a long time. But Urban Meyer is the exception to the rule - he is a rock star, and kids want to have a relationship with a rock star. While Urban Meyer's impact has already been extraordinary, it should really be felt with the recruiting class of 2013, where Ohio State won't have to make up so much ground with the recruits, most of whom are not yet committed.
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