Grant Freking-BlockONation Featured Contributor
National Signing Day 2011 is fast approaching and the Buckeyes currently have 21 commitments in their 2011 class, which is ranked No. 6 by ESPN.com, No. 2 on Scout.com and No. 7 on Rivals.com.
After considering talent level, immediate and future impact, rankings and video evidence, here are the top 10 2011 Buckeye football commitments.
No. 10-Jeremy Cash
There isn't a recruiting category for hybrid defensive backs. If there was, Cash would be higher on that list than he is on some safety rankings. He fits the mold of the "Star" position at OSU, a combination of a linebacker and safety.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound Cash will probably need to pack on a few more pounds before he can take the punishment of the Star position at the college level. However, he does have a nose for finding the ball-carrier and tackles like the former linebacker that he is.
It takes awhile for players to grow into the Star position. Both Jermale Hines and Tyler Moeller earned their stripes as backups and as special team players before they matured into their hybrid roles on defense. Expect Cash?s route to be similar.
No. 9-Evan Spencer
The only wide receiver in this top 10 is Spencer, who hails from Vernon Hills, Illinois. After seeing video of Spencer, two things are clear: he's got good hands and he's got the so-called Ginn Stride. He's not as fast as Ted Ginn Jr., but the two have similar 180-pound body types (Spencer is two inches taller at 6-foot-1) in addition to running with longer strides than of what one sees out of your typical player.
Spencer is your prototypical do-it-all receiver: he sets up his blocks well on reverses, he's not afraid to take a screen pass over the middle and he great on "go" routes because of his ability to hit top speed quickly.
Odds are, Spencer probably won't see the field as a freshman. DeVier Posey (once he's back from suspension) is the No. 1 with Philly Brown and Chris Fields probably next in line. Check back on Spencer in 2012.
No. 8-Chase Ferris
A lot of scouts dog Farris for being relatively slow-footed as far as change of direction plays. I don't see it. Is he DeMarcus Ware? No. But he's no sloth either.
Farris stands 6-feet-6-inches tall, weighs 265 pounds and exhibits great strength both as an offensive and defensive lineman. On the defensive side, he sheds blocks very well and while he may not be great in pursuit, he still causes havoc in the backfield.
There's a good chance Farris could be a poor man's Cam Heyward. Or he could be moved to the offensive side of the ball. It's too early to tell. But the key for Farris is once he finds a position he needs to perfect the technical aspects of his game, because he's already got all the physical gifts.
No. 7-Kenny Hayes
Hayes edged Farris by the slimmest of margins because the vibe is Hayes is slightly more ready for college football. At 6-foot-5-inches and 250 pounds, Hayes is built like an NFL defensive end, but could move inside if he adds more weight.
He doesn't have the speed of Steve Miller or Ryan Shazier, but Hayes is very, very strong and looks like he would be able to handle a double-team pretty well. It will be interesting to see if he's moved inside to defensive tackle or remains at end.
As far as an immediate impact, I just don't see Hayes cracking the rotation in 2011. He should, however, make a big impact at OSU before his career is over.
No. 6-Brian Bobeck
Think current OSU center Michael Brewster but only three inches shorter. Bobek doesn't grade out quite as well as Brewster did as a prospect, but he's not far behind. Those who have watched him play say Bobek is a very cerebral lineman who is able to recognize blitzes quickly.
Bobek, who is stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 275 pounds, chose OSU over Michigan State, where his brother Jeff is a fullback. During his U.S. Army All-American Bowl practice interview, Bobek cited aggressiveness what seemed like a dozen times. He claimed he was a really aggressive lineman style-wise, but that he also needed to be more consistent with that style.
With Brewster coming back for his senior year and Corey Linsley being a safe option as a backup, Bobek may redshirt and sit a few years before seeing the field. But when he does secure playing time, OSU fans can expect to see a center that won't be fooled by blitzes and has the technique to handle any defensive linemen.
Continued...
