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- Thread starter ScarletNGry
- Start date
I understand the lack of excitement over this recruit due to the fact that he verballed to tOSU while still in his mother's womb, but seriously this might be our biggest recruit this year (in terms of fulfilling a need in 05).
Perhaps Erik Haw will turn out to be the stud we all hope he will be. If so then MWells might not be as necessary at all (i.e. Pittman fills the small back role for a year, then CWells comes on board...). I think MWells is gonna be a stud too, but there's always a chance it'll take him a year to bulk up and take the hits at this level (i.e. Pittman, who didn't struggle much but admitted he was too small). MWells could be a great one, I'm just playing the devil's advocate here to support my point.
The DL seems like it has enough guys to at least fill Frasers departure.
Boone will have an immediate impact, but I think our team could have survived next year without him.
However at corner, we have one stud in Youboty and then no one. Maybe Everett/Mitchell can do a good job there but he is definitely a safety first. Welch and others have shown some talent, but are untested. With the looming vultures circling the Underwoods' tOSU future, we could be remarkably thin in terms of returning corners.
This kid looked fantastic in the AA game, which was quite a refreshing surprise to see how well he could play corner (many on this board felt he would be a safety first DB) against the best HS WRs. Maybe he still is a better safety, but next year while other corners are being developed he may provide a priceless asset as the #2 corner.
Plus keep in mind that while I love Fox, he could be beaten. We're not talking about replacing Springs or Winfield. Our defense was that astounding against Michigan with a corner who got beat badly twice by Edwards. Fox had some big plays too, I'm just trying to point out that O'Neal does not have to become the #1 cb on the team.
Most of us understand that talent does not always equate to success, ala EJ. Yet if EJ does not make it, he showed a lot of potential to at least slightly outdo EJ at the other corner position.
At worst, he'll make a very good 3rd corner in 05.
Perhaps Erik Haw will turn out to be the stud we all hope he will be. If so then MWells might not be as necessary at all (i.e. Pittman fills the small back role for a year, then CWells comes on board...). I think MWells is gonna be a stud too, but there's always a chance it'll take him a year to bulk up and take the hits at this level (i.e. Pittman, who didn't struggle much but admitted he was too small). MWells could be a great one, I'm just playing the devil's advocate here to support my point.
The DL seems like it has enough guys to at least fill Frasers departure.
Boone will have an immediate impact, but I think our team could have survived next year without him.
However at corner, we have one stud in Youboty and then no one. Maybe Everett/Mitchell can do a good job there but he is definitely a safety first. Welch and others have shown some talent, but are untested. With the looming vultures circling the Underwoods' tOSU future, we could be remarkably thin in terms of returning corners.
This kid looked fantastic in the AA game, which was quite a refreshing surprise to see how well he could play corner (many on this board felt he would be a safety first DB) against the best HS WRs. Maybe he still is a better safety, but next year while other corners are being developed he may provide a priceless asset as the #2 corner.
Plus keep in mind that while I love Fox, he could be beaten. We're not talking about replacing Springs or Winfield. Our defense was that astounding against Michigan with a corner who got beat badly twice by Edwards. Fox had some big plays too, I'm just trying to point out that O'Neal does not have to become the #1 cb on the team.
Most of us understand that talent does not always equate to success, ala EJ. Yet if EJ does not make it, he showed a lot of potential to at least slightly outdo EJ at the other corner position.
At worst, he'll make a very good 3rd corner in 05.
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Seemed like this article belonged inside Jam-O's thread.
http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/stories/20050206/football/1960688.html
O'Neal serves as recruiter for Buckeyes
By Jon Spencer
Gannett News Service
COLUMBUS -- Jamario O'Neal has been described as a lock-down cornerback and special teams sensation, but persuasive recruiter?
Yep, recruiter.
In unveiling his 2005 recruiting class Wednesday, Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel said O'Neal paved the way for what is viewed by some analysts as a top 10 haul by verbally committing to the Buckeyes two years ago.
"A lot of times we talk about that last, midnight-hour guy to commit, but we can't lose sight of those guys who set the foundation for that class," Tressel said. "Jamario O'Neal and Alex Boone (a 6-8, 315-pound lineman from Lakewood St. Edward's who committed midway through his junior year) are marquee guys
"The rest of the guys who are looking around to where they would like to have good teammates, they look at Jamario and Alex and say, `Gosh, I would love to be on their team.' "
A lot has happened to O'Neal in the two years since he pledged his allegiance to OSU soon after his sophomore season at Mansfield Senior.
An off-the-field incident led to a two-game suspension at the start of the 2003 season and his transfer to Cleveland Glenville. O'Neal lost most of his junior season waiting for clearance from the OHSAA to play for the Tarblooders, but he complemented Ted Ginn Jr. in helping Glenville win a state track championship the following spring.
Last fall, O'Neal made 65 tackles, three interceptions and three sacks to help Glenville reach the state semifinals. He was named a Parade All-American and competed with Boone and fellow OSU signee, running back Maurice Wells, in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last month in San Antonio.
"It (national signing day) is finally here and I feel good about it," said O'Neal, who along with Tarblooder linebacker Freddie Lenix will join Glenville alums Ginn, quarterback Troy Smith, safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Curtis Terry at Ohio State.
"I'll come in and try and stay focused. I've talked to them a couple of times about playing some on offense. We'll see how it goes. I just want to get on the field."
O'Neal could be another kick return threat for a team that already has a dazzling duo in Ginn and Santonio Holmes.
"After Jamario's 92-yarder against Canton McKinley (in the playoffs), I told Santonio, `You'd better watch it,' " Tressel joked. "I know Jamario is going to be a great one. I told him (Wednesday morning) I could see him smiling on the phone ... and it wasn't a camera phone."
O'Neal never wavered in his decision, even though some potential Buckeyes were scared off by the on-going NCAA investigation of the football program and improprieties alleged by former tailback Maurice Clarett.
"I think Ohio State is going to be OK," O'Neal said about the probe. "I was always solidly a Buckeye. I grew up watching them."
O'Neal will be reunited at Ohio State with Stan Jefferson, the associate director of football operations. Jefferson was O'Neal's head coach at Mansfield Senior for two years and the high school principal when O'Neal was suspended.
A meeting to clear the air was held at OSU last summer involving O'Neal, Jefferson, Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. (O'Neal's legal guardian) and Tressel.
"Ted told me that Jamario has matured a lot since being in Cleveland," Jefferson said. "He's going to have a great career here. That kid can do such much. After seeing what (wide receiver) Troy Brown did for the New England Patriots as a nickel back, coaches are looking at what they can do with their personnel. Jamario has the athleticism, the genetics ... and he's fast enough, too."
Ohio State scored a major victory late Wednesday afternoon when Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive end Lawrence Wilson picked the Buckeyes over Notre Dame and Florida. Bagging Wilson helped soften the blow of losing New York running back Jason Gwaltney to West Virginia and Minnesota defensive end Walker Ashley to USC.
"If you don't get a guy at the end, that tends to overshadow the guys you got at the beginning," Tressel said. "We always talk about finishing plays, finishing games and finishing bowls, so (signing Wilson) was huge for us."
Rob Schoenhoft of Cincinnati St. Xavier, the only quarterback signed by OSU, didn't put up big numbers, but Tressel said the 6-6, 225-pounder has tremendous upside.
"I think he could be special," Tressel said. "He's big, strong, competitive and has a rocket arm. He moves better than some might anticipate and I like the way he managed his team."
The one downside, Tressel admitted, was signing only one running back. They had hoped to mesh Wells and Gwaltney with the only two tailbacks already on scholarship -- freshmen Antonio Pittman and Eric Haw.
Wells is generously listed at 5-10, 185 pounds. He more of a mighty mite, built along the lines of Michigan's Michael Hart and Kansas State's Darren Sprowles. Wells had an injury-marred senior year, but still ran for over 1,908 yards and 18 touchdowns after rushing for 3,076 yards and 31 touchdowns at the highest level in Florida.
"I'm sure (the recruits) heard a lot of things," Tressel said, downplaying the cloud cast by the NCAA probe. "That stuff didn't override where they wanted to be. So we do feel a sense of accomplishment." Originally published Sunday, February 6, 2005
http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/stories/20050206/football/1960688.html
O'Neal serves as recruiter for Buckeyes
By Jon Spencer
Gannett News Service
COLUMBUS -- Jamario O'Neal has been described as a lock-down cornerback and special teams sensation, but persuasive recruiter?
Yep, recruiter.
In unveiling his 2005 recruiting class Wednesday, Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel said O'Neal paved the way for what is viewed by some analysts as a top 10 haul by verbally committing to the Buckeyes two years ago.
"A lot of times we talk about that last, midnight-hour guy to commit, but we can't lose sight of those guys who set the foundation for that class," Tressel said. "Jamario O'Neal and Alex Boone (a 6-8, 315-pound lineman from Lakewood St. Edward's who committed midway through his junior year) are marquee guys
"The rest of the guys who are looking around to where they would like to have good teammates, they look at Jamario and Alex and say, `Gosh, I would love to be on their team.' "
A lot has happened to O'Neal in the two years since he pledged his allegiance to OSU soon after his sophomore season at Mansfield Senior.
An off-the-field incident led to a two-game suspension at the start of the 2003 season and his transfer to Cleveland Glenville. O'Neal lost most of his junior season waiting for clearance from the OHSAA to play for the Tarblooders, but he complemented Ted Ginn Jr. in helping Glenville win a state track championship the following spring.
Last fall, O'Neal made 65 tackles, three interceptions and three sacks to help Glenville reach the state semifinals. He was named a Parade All-American and competed with Boone and fellow OSU signee, running back Maurice Wells, in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl last month in San Antonio.
"It (national signing day) is finally here and I feel good about it," said O'Neal, who along with Tarblooder linebacker Freddie Lenix will join Glenville alums Ginn, quarterback Troy Smith, safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Curtis Terry at Ohio State.
"I'll come in and try and stay focused. I've talked to them a couple of times about playing some on offense. We'll see how it goes. I just want to get on the field."
O'Neal could be another kick return threat for a team that already has a dazzling duo in Ginn and Santonio Holmes.
"After Jamario's 92-yarder against Canton McKinley (in the playoffs), I told Santonio, `You'd better watch it,' " Tressel joked. "I know Jamario is going to be a great one. I told him (Wednesday morning) I could see him smiling on the phone ... and it wasn't a camera phone."
O'Neal never wavered in his decision, even though some potential Buckeyes were scared off by the on-going NCAA investigation of the football program and improprieties alleged by former tailback Maurice Clarett.
"I think Ohio State is going to be OK," O'Neal said about the probe. "I was always solidly a Buckeye. I grew up watching them."
O'Neal will be reunited at Ohio State with Stan Jefferson, the associate director of football operations. Jefferson was O'Neal's head coach at Mansfield Senior for two years and the high school principal when O'Neal was suspended.
A meeting to clear the air was held at OSU last summer involving O'Neal, Jefferson, Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. (O'Neal's legal guardian) and Tressel.
"Ted told me that Jamario has matured a lot since being in Cleveland," Jefferson said. "He's going to have a great career here. That kid can do such much. After seeing what (wide receiver) Troy Brown did for the New England Patriots as a nickel back, coaches are looking at what they can do with their personnel. Jamario has the athleticism, the genetics ... and he's fast enough, too."
Ohio State scored a major victory late Wednesday afternoon when Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary defensive end Lawrence Wilson picked the Buckeyes over Notre Dame and Florida. Bagging Wilson helped soften the blow of losing New York running back Jason Gwaltney to West Virginia and Minnesota defensive end Walker Ashley to USC.
"If you don't get a guy at the end, that tends to overshadow the guys you got at the beginning," Tressel said. "We always talk about finishing plays, finishing games and finishing bowls, so (signing Wilson) was huge for us."
Rob Schoenhoft of Cincinnati St. Xavier, the only quarterback signed by OSU, didn't put up big numbers, but Tressel said the 6-6, 225-pounder has tremendous upside.
"I think he could be special," Tressel said. "He's big, strong, competitive and has a rocket arm. He moves better than some might anticipate and I like the way he managed his team."
The one downside, Tressel admitted, was signing only one running back. They had hoped to mesh Wells and Gwaltney with the only two tailbacks already on scholarship -- freshmen Antonio Pittman and Eric Haw.
Wells is generously listed at 5-10, 185 pounds. He more of a mighty mite, built along the lines of Michigan's Michael Hart and Kansas State's Darren Sprowles. Wells had an injury-marred senior year, but still ran for over 1,908 yards and 18 touchdowns after rushing for 3,076 yards and 31 touchdowns at the highest level in Florida.
"I'm sure (the recruits) heard a lot of things," Tressel said, downplaying the cloud cast by the NCAA probe. "That stuff didn't override where they wanted to be. So we do feel a sense of accomplishment." Originally published Sunday, February 6, 2005
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Not to hijack this from Jamario, but as much as we have been singing Wells praises (myself clearly included) I am grateful to have Pittman and Haw on board as well.
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reading that article makes me think we might have been in some trouble recruitingwise if we didnt have guys like teddy and JamO coming along at the right time. Thanks Jamario!
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http://athletics.findlay.edu/sports/extrainfo/1736.htm
The Oiler High School Invite at Findlay on 2/20/05
Jamario placed 3rd in the 55M in 6.60.
Jamario also placed 14th in the 400M in 54.29.
The Oiler High School Invite at Findlay on 2/20/05
Jamario placed 3rd in the 55M in 6.60.
Jamario also placed 14th in the 400M in 54.29.
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strohs
Go Bucks!
AJHawkfan said:
Gary Housteau had an impromptu chat with Ted Ginn Sr. today on the bnuts recruting board.
He had this to say in regards to JamO and Lennix
GaryHousteau
Varsity
Posts: 815
(5/2/05 1:09:00 pm)
Reply
Yes they already qualified with Ohio State. Not a problem!
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strohs
Go Bucks!
For further clarification on JamO, here is a quote from todays free BN story about Lenix...
http://ohiostate.scout.com/2/379674.html
"Meanwhile, everything appears to be all systems go for Glenville’s other OSU signee, defensive back Jamario O’Neal.
Ginn said O’Neal is fully qualified and has been admitted to OSU. In fact, he will play in the Ohio All-Star Classic in late June, then enroll at OSU for classes this summer. That move would allow him to begin working out full-time with the football program, perhaps preparing him for a chance to play quite a bit this fall as a true freshman. The move, however, would preclude him from playing in the Big 33 Football Classic in July."
Sounds great to me, he should be in for some real PT early this fall.
http://ohiostate.scout.com/2/379674.html
"Meanwhile, everything appears to be all systems go for Glenville’s other OSU signee, defensive back Jamario O’Neal.
Ginn said O’Neal is fully qualified and has been admitted to OSU. In fact, he will play in the Ohio All-Star Classic in late June, then enroll at OSU for classes this summer. That move would allow him to begin working out full-time with the football program, perhaps preparing him for a chance to play quite a bit this fall as a true freshman. The move, however, would preclude him from playing in the Big 33 Football Classic in July."
Sounds great to me, he should be in for some real PT early this fall.
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thackattack
Poison in a Pretty Glass
I was pumped about Freddie, and pretty excited about JamO. Working out with the team will take some of the shock out early and he'll be ready when August rolls around. That'll also get him into the 7-on-7's. Does anybody know if incoming freshmen are allowed to participate in those no matter what or only if they're enrolled like JamO will be? Thanks in advance.
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I noticed the regionals were at my alma mater, Austintown Fitch...do they choose regional sites based on the quality of the site's track?
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