CBF40'S Look at '09 recruiting

[sepia5]

Yes, I think it will matter in 2009 with all the talent that will be on that team. I don't know how good of a QB Johnson was in high school but I would think that they would want someone who was a pretty skilled QB to be a backup on a team with that much talent.

I don't know because I am not in the shoes of a good high school QB right now but I think if Ohio State went offer me the chance to wait a quarter before I became a member of a possible national championship team I might be willing to pay for one quarter. I can't answer that question.

I think Johnson would be a serviceable 3rd-stringer. Some decent D-1 programs wanted him as a QB, including USF and Indiana. The bigger issue is that he'll have to take time at QB, which will take away from the time he needs to be spending as a DB.

 

[wadc45]

Folks, I am just throwing out other scenarios...you are all entitled to your own opinions on how you think things are going to shake out...I posted my best guess at this class based on my own elitist intuition here:

CBF40'S Look at '09 recruiting (page 37)

22 verbals + Berry + Watt (and if not Watt one of Prior/Longo/Spiker/France/Thornton) + Hall + Newsome + Emilien + one of Adams/Ezell/Muldoon = 28 verbals

The magic number many were throwing out was 27...my number did not account for Henton leaving, so now I am saying it could be 28.

 

[itownbuckeye]

A grey shirt would work Nicely :p

Actually, a greyshirt wouldn't work. If you have a guy from the '09 class greyshirt then they wouldn't be available to play until the '10 season. The whole point of taking a QB in this class would be to have them available as the 3rd QB in '09. I'd rather give Orhian Johnson some reps at QB this year than pick up a borderline OSU caliber guy in the '09 class. Johnson had QB offers from South Florida, Kansas & Indiana among others so I figure he's probably a better option with a year under his belt than whomever OSU could land for the '09 class would be as a true frosh.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Folks, I am just throwing out other scenarios...you are all entitled to your own opinions on how you think things are going to shake out...I posted my best guess at this class based on my own elitist intuition here:

CBF40'S Look at '09 recruiting (page 37)

22 verbals + Berry + Watt (and if not Watt one of Prior/Longo/Spiker/France/Thornton) + Hall + Newsome + Emilien + one of Adams/Ezell/Muldoon = 28 verbals

The magic number many were throwing out was 27...my number did not account for Henton leaving, so now I am saying it could be 28.

I would add the 3 Te's and Nicely to that last list of guys you have...

I also don't think McGee is for sure out of play...

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

Man this team is loaded. I think this is how it's going to play out:

We are getting a OLer in the next couple of weeks, either Watt verbals or the offer goes out to Prior/Longo/Thornton/Martinez....

Berry and Emilien's visit in July should net two more verbals....

Hall and Newsome will take some visits in the fall and verbal around Christmas...

That would be 27.

After winning the national title in early Jan., we will have a good idea on who's declaring, who's transferring and who's decommitting. If we have enough room we'll go after Adams or McGee. If we go for 28 before we reach that point then there's a real danger of having over 85 scholarship players.

Looking at the scholarship chart, we currently have 23. Clifford and Wells are the most likely to depart prematurely from the team, and that would make it 25. Hartline is an excellent player and could have a big year, but there's no way he's going in the 1st round. First day is possible, but why would you risk it? Also, Hartline seems like the type who would come back his senior year to be a captain. I have him as coming back. If Donald Washington has another productive year, it would be in his best interest to go, because his stock is not going to get much higher and CB is in demand. So that's 26.

Coleman and Russell are also candidates to go, but I don't see both going. Coleman seems more polished as a player at this point. Hopefully both will come back and serve as the cornerstone for the back seven in '09.

A couple of transfers and injuries are certainly likely so that would put us at 28.

 

[alpo]

I would add the 3 Te's and Nicely to that last list of guys you have...

I also don't think McGee is for sure out of play...

I would still want McGee to be a part of this class, if possible, but we have 6 potential DB's now, 7 if you are counting Hall, all top notch caliber! Just don't see it, from either point of view...coaches or McGee's.

 

[TheIronColonel]

I know the situation is different in Columbus, but I can't help but feel hypocritical for jumping on Nick Saban for oversigning when, possibly, we might do the same thing. The math works out favorably for us, I just feel the slightest twinge of shame.

In any event, how's everybody else on Adams? I really like what I've seen of this kid, and I feel like building strength at defensive tackle should be a priority at this point. I know it might be a stretch to land him, but with every new commitment the coaches can say "we're building a truly special team". That's a pretty powerful persuader, in my opinion.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

I know the situation is different in Columbus, but I can't help but feel hypocritical for jumping on Nick Saban for oversigning when, possibly, we might do the same thing.

It's not oversigning if you have space for everyone and aren't relying on academic non-qualifiers to pare to list down. If we sign 27-28 kids, we'll be able to fit all 28 in, unlike some SEC teams signing around 30 knowing full well they can't fit them all in.

 

[jwinslow]

I believe saban was 6 over on signing day, and got ultra defensive when asked about it by the media, snapping back that he didn't question them on how to do their job.

The spots won't have to materialize at osu like bama.

It's not oversigning if you have space for everyone and aren't relying on academic non-qualifiers to pare to list down. If we sign 27-28 kids, we'll be able to fit all 28 in, unlike some SEC teams signing around 30 knowing full well they can't fit them all in.

 

[masterj26]

I believe saban was 6 over on signing day, and got ultra defensive when asked about it by the media, snapping back that he didn't question them on how to do their job.

Sounds like a typical response from Saban to the media

 

[TheIronColonel]

Oh believe me, I understand the subtle differences that make this situation different from the Alabama situation. There is a clear difference between signing up to the 85 limit and signing over the limit, then hoping that kids don't qualify (or simply fudging the numbers by giving kids phony medical scholarships to keep them off the roster).

I just hope blowhards from other schools understand the differences.

 

[Napoleonbuck]

Why? Does their opinion matter at all about anything?

 

[Oh8ch]

Oh believe me, I understand the subtle differences that make this situation different from the Alabama situation. There is a clear difference between signing up to the 85 limit and signing over the limit, then hoping that kids don't qualify (or simply fudging the numbers by giving kids phony medical scholarships to keep them off the roster).

There is also the practice of encouraging current players to go elsewhere - which can be subtle as well.


(Imagine what Western could have done if Bobby Benson had stayed.)

 

[brough]

I agree that the D-line, Adams in particular is needed to round out this class Colonel. That has been what has held us back the last two years more than anything else, D-line, d-Line and D-LINE. It has been good but not like 02.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Update time once again...

What a huge weekend we had...I was gone from the computer, so missed most of the fun, but think that I have caught up on a lot of it...5 commits in one weekend, is just what we needed...Now we have about 5 or 6 spots left, and we basically have a feel for penciling those guys in...

Still not putting a QB on the list until one is offered and the staff shows they want a QB in the class...The thing is that with the Henton transfer we could possibly see an offer go out late, if the staff feels the need...I would think that Nicely would be the top guy...

I still think there is a high possibility for a 2nd TE...Either Hageman or Sims...


RB: Berry (looking very good, not sure on time, get his mom here and it is over with IMO...No change here...Just a matter of time when he and his mom can visit...Might be an official visit in the fall, but I think this one is over)

RB: Hall (Hall is a great player to utilize in a spread offense and in space...He is not the type of running back that you just pound up the middle like Beanie as he is only 5'9'' 180, but he is very shifty, has the ability to make guys miss, he also has the ability to be a slot receiver or a receiver out of the backfield and there has been talk about DB a little as well. I really like Hall's game, just watching TP you just can't help but notice Hall)

RB: Hyde ()

FB: Boren (I am not going to lie, I really think the fact that his brother was transferring helped him get the offer, but Boren is a bad dude on the field...He just lacks in the area of overall quickness, side to side to really be relied on to be a LB at this level, and we had already brought in Homan...With that said I am not going to sell him short, he has qualities to like, like his 240 lb frame, his ability to hit. I think he will make an impact here before he leaves tho...)

FB: Homan (I am not ruling out LB or DL just yet...Some did that with A.J. Hawk and they were majorly wrong...He is builty like a truck, maybe the most impressive physically pound for pound in this class...As a FB he will get up in there and open holes, and fills great from the LB position, just like his brother at the high school level it seems they know where they play is going before it starts as they get to the ball so quick...Just a very good football player, that isn't going to get high rankings, but the kind you love to have on your team...Also sports a 3.9 GPA)

WR: Jackson (Well I thought this one was going to play out a little bit longer, but Jackson just loved it here and he got it over with, he is a blazer, was the top WR on the board, will be a huge playmaker here, some are saying he is comparable to Teddy, not me, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to be good, Teddy was just on another level, but Jackson has 10.5100 time, and once again I will mention how much the staff liked this guy and targeted him from the start...Huge get IMO...)

WR: Fields (It took a little longer then some would like, but he got his offer, which is well deserved...He is such a great athlete, he runs well after the catch, has solid hands, and could provide great ability in the return game...He has very godo speed as well and is a threat anytime he touches the ball...I see him playing in the slot here...)

WR: Carter ()

TE: Fragel (Fragel is a bad dude...He might not have quite the frame to play tackle, but the kid can block, worksout like a freak, and can also run pretty well for a 6'8'' kid and can catch...You aren't going to confuse him with a WR playing at TE, but I think with his size and speed he will be able to get open and make some plays down the middle of the field, and he really fits our scheme of the blocking TE very well...)

TE: Sims/Hageman (Think the staff is looking for two if one of those guys want to join the class I think they better get a move on...)

OL: Linsley (He is another one that is a bad dude...He is ranked the number 4 guard in the country and soon to be a 4 star on scout as well...He picked up offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Miami few days before his verbal...He has that nasty in his game you look for in an olineman, he will be a lock to play inside somewhere, probably one of the guard spots, and he has good technique and gets to the next level very well...Really like this pick up...)

OL: Mewhort (Gotta love his versatility...I think he could play anywhere along the line...he plays C for his high school team and you have to love a kid that can snap the ball and still get to the next level with ease...He has a great frame, could play C, G, T...I eventually see him as an interior guy, but I am not ruling out RT with his frame, and quickness off the ball, just not sure if he would be a mauler type that you look for at RT, that say a Shugarts, Browning, etc are...Some are down on him, but he was injured off and on this season and those that saw him late in the season were very impressed...)

OL: Hall (late, but to the good guys)

OL: Watt (Added him, still think that ND/Mich are big players here, but we still have a solid shot...No real update here, but still looks like a solid shot...)

DE: Fellows (#1 player in the state and a 5 star player IMO...Glad we were able to get him to switch his veral and stay with the home team...He is a little raw in his technique in terms of playing a little too high but that is about the only thing anyone would be down on...he arrives in the backfield with bad intentions...At times in his film he is getting blocked by 3 guys and still makes the play...He is very quick off the edge, and doesn't stop until the whistle blows...He blows up fullbacks all the time that try to block him...He has the potential to add about 30 lbs to his frame and could end up inside or he could stay on the outside, but he provides lots of versatility and will be a beast here...)

DE: Newsome (See Hall)

DT:Simon (Simon is a man amongst boys...He has unreal numbers in the weight room...Has been mentioned as the best player in the state last year as only a junior with guys like Adams, Posey, Stoney on the list...He shows great leverage, and is just a bull on the inside, add 20 more lbs to his 270 lb frame he will be a great 3 technique tackle for our defense. No one is going to want to block him. Rivals is a joke with his ranking as the number 98 player in the country...Might not be the jacobi McDaniel, or McFarland type Dt who are ranked in the top 10, but he is a top 30 player and a 5 star talent...Always great to see a talent like this that wants to verbal early as Simon did...Also sports a 3.5 GPA...)

DT: Bellamy ()

LB: Bell (Probably the best player that we have committed...#1 SLB in the country...Overall LB goes to Te'o...He is built like a truck, runs well, works well in traffic or in space, great at blitzing the QB, running down plays, meeting ball carriers in the hole..Same high school as Shayne Hale and most if not all will tell you he was the best player on their team last year...He is a 5 star player for sure and should be a fixture in the top 20 on most lists all years)

LB: Whiting (The first verbal of the class...He is another impressive backer...He has great weightroom numbers, is also a very good wrestler wrestling at his weight in the 285 lb class and going to state...The best thing I have seen written about him was from a combine last year "he was described as having DB speed with DL strength and aggression." He will be a monster here to just add to our great LB depth...Should be a fixture in the top 100 on most lists all year...)

LB: Klein (Klein is another one of those football type guys that you just want to go to war with...The thing is alot of those guys aren't always quite as talented as Klein...the injury he played thru in the state finals is phenomal, just shows this kids toughness...he seems to live in opponents backfields, and just trucks people when running the ball...Many are underrating his ability, partially I think because of the talk about him just being a warrior type and not really evaluating what his film shows...Also leading up alot of the recruiting efforts for others in the class...)

CB: Brown ()

CB: Barnett (Another very good player from the state of Ohio...Top 5 CB in the country and top 5 player in the state...He reminds many of Jenkins...Big corner with great speed, great ball skills, hip turn, an physical...He also holds a 4.0 GPA...I see a 5 star player on film, maybe a little biased, but it is what it is...Rivals has him at 50 some which isn't bad either...)

CB Clarke ()

CB: McGee (Looks like this is going to be a little bit of a waiting game, but we are still the leader here...He is also the type of player you wait on if he wants to wait...Think USC is the main competition at the moment...)

S: McDougald ()

S: Emilien (Same time frame as Berry, just a matter of getting them up here to visit...)

S: Wood (He is one of the best safeties in the country...At least top 10, maybe top 5. Rivals loves Wood, has him as the best player in Ohio, I have him in the top 5 of Ohio...I really like his ability to come up and play the run from the safety prospect...Reminicent of Doss...he hits like a ton of bricks, doesn't shy away from contact...Will need another 15-20 lbs to his 190 lb frame to really take his game to the next level and come up and stick the big backs in the hole. Great athlete to go along with great ball skills as well...)

ATH: Green ()

So right now I have 28 spots on the list...That might be one too high...Still think the target # is 27...You make room for the right person tho...

Think Vlad and Berry are just a matter of getting them and their moms up here for visits and those two will be sealed...

As for Hall and Newsome just a matter of time, and visits for them IMO...

We will know on the 4th lineman by end of summer...It will either be Watt, or we will send an offer to Longo or Prior who I believe will commit on the spot...

The 2nd TE might cause a numbers jam...If one of them want in I would say jump before a highly rated national guy wants in late in the game, and the spot is taken...

Still leaving McGee on there...Maybe the ship is starting to sail, but I am not ready to say no just yet...

Two guys I make room for if they want to come also are Adams or Ezell...

So that leaves

22 + Hall + Newsome + Berry + Vlad + 4th olineman + TE + McGee + Adams/Ezell = 30...

So it is still a little bit of a numbers crunch, but right now that is what the board looks like IMO, and we will only see 27/28 in the class so for the second TE spot they might want to jump on the offer...

Just in the past week, I have heard solid things about, Adams, Ezell, Watt, Sims, and McGee...So it is hard to take any of them off the list...

Will add write up for the 7 recent commits when I get time...Hopefully later tonight...

Hope you guys enjoy...