FB/LB Zach Boren (Official Thread)

[craigblitz]

I am psyched about this offer.....now if we can only get both Zach and Justin to commit here!

two for one special maybe!!

 

[Buckeyecty4]

Why are we offering so many FBs? I dont really understand... im assuming this is more of a Tressel sticking it to UM, than anything else.. because Im just not really sure that Zach Boren projects anywhere on our defense.. and we already have taken 2 FBs in the past two classes..

 

[billmac91]

interesting...kid looks like he is a very hard worker

let's just hope he doesn't take after his brother, who clearly isn't a hard worker

 

[Oh8ch]

Why are we offering so many FBs? I dont really understand... im assuming this is more of a Tressel sticking it to UM, than anything else.. because Im just not really sure that Zach Boren projects anywhere on our defense.. and we already have taken 2 FBs in the past two classes..

There are some questions about Olsen's future (health). Without him Martin is the only FB on the roster.

 

[Oh8ch]

two for one special maybe!!

 

[mross34]

There are some questions about Olsen's future (health). Without him Martin is the only FB on the roster.

Adam Homan was reportedly recruited as a fullback too. But as has previously been reported, doesn't Tressel just recruit Big players, Speed players, and Big Speed players and then let things sort out later?

 

[Buckeyecty4]

There are some questions about Olsen's future (health). Without him Martin is the only FB on the roster.

We have Adam Homan.. i find it odd, we're taking two FB prospects in one class.. when there are better players at bigger need positions out there..

I dont want to get off on a tangent about who we should or shouldnt be recruiting..

But IMO this offer has more to do with Justin Boren, their dad, and sticking it to Michigan..

Not saying Zach isnt a fine HS football player.. but as a college prospect, I never thought he would be an OSU caliber player..

Edit: MRoss.. yea we recruit those categories.. but im not sure Boren falls into any of them.. he's limited in the speed and athleticism department.. he's 6 foot tall, and although he has tremendous strength... a projection to the Dline seems far fetched.. he's not fast or agile enough to play LB at OSU.. so you are left at FB.. we have Martin and Homan for that..

 

[jlb1705]

There are some questions about Olsen's future (health). Without him Martin is the only FB on the roster.

Not to mention that FB duties were carried out in part last year by a former walk-on center.

 

[westbuck04]

Same deal as Josh Kerr. Pay for the younger brothers education because the older brother can't go on scholarship. Tressel is a class guy, and this is more than likely a favor to the Boren family. I really doubt Zach gets an offer if Justin is still at scUM, but good for him.

 

[jwinslow]

If Zach had not received an offer and chosen to walk on at OSU, he strikes me as exactly the type who would outwork everyone and land a scholarship promotion for at least a few years, if not sooner.

It's also worth nothing what the expectations were for AJ Hawk as a FB in a class of other standout LBs, among other recruiting expectations (Zwick - Smith, ONeal - Russell, etc). I'm not suggesting the same will hold true here, merely that recruiting projections are too volatile to pidgeon-hole a kid this early.

Not to mention that FB duties were carried out in part last year by a former walk-on center.

And at a higher level than the scholarship captain (with NFL & OSU-great pedigree no less) as well.

Same deal as Josh Kerr. Pay for the younger brothers education because the older brother can't go on scholarship. Tressel is a class guy, and this is more than likely a favor to the Boren family.

Perhaps, but not one requested.

 

[BeanieWells28]

People also questioned A.J. HAWK and raved about MIKE D'ANDREA!!! Look at how each of them turned out, give it time and TRUST IN TRESSEL. Besides if we get JUSTIN BOREN out of the deal that will be AMAZING!!!

 

[Oh8ch]

But as has previously been reported, doesn't Tressel just recruit Big players, Speed players, and Big Speed players and then let things sort out later?

This may apply at FB more than any other position.

Same deal as Josh Kerr. Pay for the younger brothers education because the older brother can't go on scholarship. Tressel is a class guy, and this is more than likely a favor to the Boren family. I really doubt Zach gets an offer if Justin is still at scUM, but good for him.

Interesting that in two intra-Big Ten transfer situations in both cases there has been a brother who many considered borderline in meriting an offer. Might be unfair to the kids to put it that way, but who knows? On the other hand, both Josh and Zach merited offers at other schools, so it is not like the parents couldn't have gotten free rides for both if they had so desired.

(Pardon me for getting a bit ahead of ourselves on the Borens.)

 

[jlb1705]

But IMO this offer has more to do with Justin Boren, their dad, and sticking it to Michigan..

Exactly what is wrong with sticking it to the Skunkbears? :tongue2:

Not saying Zach isnt a fine HS football player.. but as a college prospect, I never thought he would be an OSU caliber player..

You could probably field a team full of All-Americans about whom that has been said. That's not to say that kind of assessment never turns out to be true, and it may be right about the younger Boren - I don't think we really know.

That said, would you have been happy if Justin Boren had come aboard on scholarship two years ago and Zach ended up walking on? I'd take that anytime. Essentially, that's what they might end up getting - 2 Borens with one on scholarship. The way it may be turning out now though, the other kid is the one that gets his tuition paid for, and I don't see why that should bother any of us.

Edit: MRoss.. yea we recruit those categories.. but im not sure Boren falls into any of them.. he's limited in the speed and athleticism department.. he's 6 foot tall, and although he has tremendous strength... a projection to the Dline seems far fetched.. he's not fast or agile enough to play LB at OSU.. so you are left at FB.. we have Martin and Homan for that..

I think this team has had trouble finding and developing solid, consistent production out of the fullback position under Jim Tressel. I have no problem with them bringing in more players at that position right now if the coaches think they can contribute.

 

[wadc45]

Scout $

4/2

By The Bank...very candid interview with Zach...talks about the offer, which he has been told is completely independent of whatever decision his brother makes, about the infamous story of his brother considering a verbal to OSU and about where he projects at the next level.

Rivals $

4/2

More of the same...he says he thinks he is being recruited on the defensive side of the ball.

and mross' bring up a valid point...I don't think it is inconceivable to imagine that Homan grows into a LEO/DE...and FYI Boren was recently clocked at 4.65.

 

[Buckeyecty4]

Exactly what is wrong with sticking it to the Skunkbears? :tongue2:



You could probably field a team full of All-Americans about whom that has been said. That's not to say that kind of assessment never turns out to be true, and it may be right about the younger Boren.

That said, would you have been happy if Justin Boren had come aboard on scholarship two years ago and Zach ended up walking on? I take that anytime. Essentially, that's what they might end up getting - 2 Borens with one on scholarship. The way it may be turning out now though, the other kid is the one that gets his tuition paid for, and I don't see why that should bother any of us.



I think this team has had trouble finding and developing solid, consistent production out of the fullback position under Jim Tressel. I have no problem with them bringing in more players at that position right now if the coaches think they can contribute.

What has been wrong with our FB play?? They've done a solid job.. even guys like Tank, who dont look like they have an ounce of skills in them...

If u were telling me that Boren projects as a dynamic FB.. then cool.. but Homan and Martin both project better in that role than Boren would..

For those using the typical AJ Hawk response.. IMO this kid doesnt display the agility, sideline to sideline ability, or quickness which AJ displayed in HS.. It's a myth that Hawk was a no name player.. he would have been a 4 star player if not for the injury he suffered..

As Ive said, this is just my opinion based on the highlights Ive seen and what other people have told me about Boren... I see a kid who doesnt project anywhere on defense.. and would probably be a very nice lead FB..

My questioning the offer is more about the fact that we are dedicating 3 ships in 2 seasons to FB prospects?? And to be honest i dont see any difference between the three.. none seem dynamic types that could really get involved in the passing game.. so therefore, why the need for three of them when there are more important positions that could use depth and quality players