OSU in the lead Posted on Sat, Dec. 18, 2004
Tressel puts OSU in lead
Buckeye coach's visit to basketball game impresses St. V-M two-sport star Wilson
By Darnell Mayberry
Beacon Journal staff writer
Lawrence Wilson indulged in his favorite part of recruiting Friday night -- the attention.
Wilson was graced with Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's presence for St. Vincent-St. Mary's 70-50 win over Lakewood St. Edward.
Wilson, who had orally committed to Notre Dame, recanted his commitment when the Irish fired Tyrone Willingham as head coach.
``I was very disappointed,'' Wilson said. ``I felt like I could talk to him. I really trusted him and his staff.''
Now, Ohio State is the leading school. Tressel's visit only solidified that.
``It means a lot,'' Wilson said of Tressel's appearance. ``They tell you on the phone how much they want you, but he actually came and talked to me and watched my game. That means a whole lot.''
Tressel, who by NCAA rules was not allowed to talk to Wilson until after the game and can't comment directly on Wilson, walked through St. V-M's doors just before halftime of the junior-varsity game. Tressel sat with Wilson's parents, Eugene and Sarah, throughout Wilson's game. The quartet was scheduled to ``grab a cup of coffee'' after the game, Eugene said.
Tressel couldn't comment on the circumstances leading to the Buckeyes getting back into what is becoming the ``Lawrence Wilson Sweepstakes.''
``All I can do is acknowledge that we're recruiting him,'' Tressel said. ``Yes, we are interested in him.''
Tressel couldn't discuss his conversations with Wilson, but said he tries to sell to all recruits Ohio State as a quality institution, the opportunity to play and proximity for in-state prospects.
Tressel's visit comes just before the NCAA cutoff for its ``dead period'' during recruiting from Dec. 19 through Jan. 2, when recruiters can't visit or bring in a prospective student-athlete. Tressel's arrival didn't conflict with the Buckeyes preparing for Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29. The team finished practicing Friday at noon and will be off until the 21st before leaving for San Antonio on Dec. 22.
Wilson said his top three choices are now Ohio State, Michigan and Florida, which recently hired former Utah coach Urban Meyer. New England Patriots offense coordinator Charlie Weis, who was named Notre Dame's new coach on Monday, is scheduled to fly in from New England today to see Wilson. Wilson said the Irish still have a chance.
But the Buckeyes are far and away the favorite.
``Ohio State, they've been there since the beginning,'' said Wilson, whose brother, Eugene III, is currently enrolled at Ohio State. ``I really like Ohio State, and I really like coach Tressel.''
Wilson and his parent did say that they would keep an open mind when Weis visits today. All three were impressed with Weis' dedication to charter a flight, then return to New England to finish preparing for the Patriots' game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
``You've got to stop and pay attention to what he's saying,'' Eugene said.
Weis e-mailed the Wilsons soon after he was introduced as coach on Monday morning, Sarah said. She added that Weis said he looked forward to talking to the family and that Wilson was ``a very high priority.''
