Last Updated: November 17. 2011 12:02PM
Sam Webb: Recruiting
The talent pool in Ohio won't be as deep for the class of 2013 as it is for the class of 2012, but the cream at the top will still be among the best in the country. One of the players considered to be in that elite group of juniors is Austintown Fitch defensive lineman, Billy Price. The 6-4, 295-pounder combines impressive size, explosiveness and a non-stop motor. Just three months into his junior year he has already emerged as a national recruit. Rated a four-star prospect by Scout.com, he currently has 11 offers, including the tenders he received last month from Michigan and Michigan State.
While both the Spartans and Wolverines are more recent additions to Price's scholarship tally, they each possess characteristics that have allowed them to make up ground fairly quickly. For Michigan, the presence of three defensive line specialists - head coach Brady Hoke, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison and DL coach Jerry Montgomery - has certainly gotten the talented youngster's attention.
"It obviously shows that is a there huge (emphasis on the defensive line) in the program," said Price. "With three D-line coaches you're getting the best possible coaching to be the best possible player for your position. So three D-line coaches is awesome to have compared to one D-line coach or maybe a guy who has a little experience."
Another of the Maize and Blue's appealing qualities is the strong defensive line class they've assembled for 2012. Michigan has secured verbal commitments from five highly-regarded defensive trenchmen.
"Actually, at a state track meet I met Chris Wormley," he recalled. "He was a discus thrower. I've watched (Tom) Strobel play on TV. Wormley, I have seen his highlight tape. That is good competition because those are great (players). The other player they just signed, Ondre Pipkins, is from Missouri. He was at Ohio State for the Nike football training camp (in May). The kid is just absolutely massive. He's explosive, he is mean, and he's aggressive. Everything that you're supposed to be on the D-line, that kid is."
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