Recruiting Guesses

[JimmiLegs]

We have all heard that we are not taking a QB this year but I think we would if we found one we really like. <st1:state w:st="on">Washington</st1:state> out of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1 ="">Fla</st1> seems a very interesting prospect and who knows what may pop up at camp. I'm thinking dual threat.<o =""></o></st1:state>
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I really believe we are done at RB with Saine but FB is another matter. I see us taking a FB with White leaving. He must be a viable receiver out of the backfield. How are Elliot's hands?<o =""></o>
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It looks like we would take two at WR and no TE. I don't see TE as a position of need and I don't see us taking anybody at TE who might eventually play OT. Clifford looks like a good WR prospect and the other guy might come from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1 ="">Fla.</st1> How does Hankerson sound? <o =""></o></st1:state>
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I thought we would take four OL this year but I'm starting to believe those that say three. Apparently we look to be in good shape with several excellent prospects for '08. We have a few offers out there besides Blankenship, Claytor & O'Dowd but look to be in decent shape with those three.<o =""></o>
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I think the staff wants to take two guys they see as VERY good CB prospects, two that are not long term projects. I see us taking two besides Torrence but also taking Torrence. There are several offers out there. Maybe Evege gets one spot but the other is iffy. Reports don't sound promising for the guys from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1 ="">Michigan</st1>. The Evans kid from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1 ="">Fla</st1> sounds interesting.<o =""></o></st1:state></st1:state>
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We seem to be done at S with Oliver. Not a position of need.<o =""></o>
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I'd guess we take two LB. I think Peake would get one position if he would agree to play OLB, maybe Dailey if not. Lindsey looks good for one spot.<o =""></o>
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If we don't get Martin there are several other good DE prospects out there. One would be plenty. DE is not really a position of need but you don't pass up a real stud. Martin = stud.<o =""></o>

It looks like three DTs to me. Apparently we are in good shape with Barksdale who likely would be in the two deep (which at tOSU means you play a lot) when he steps on campus. Jeremiah, Morgan, etc are excellent options for the other two spots. I think that two of the three need to be able to contribute right away.<o =""></o>
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I agree with those saying we take 18 in this class.<o =""></o>

 

[RB07OSU]

1. I don't think we take a QB.
2. I think we take one more RB if we can get Clay or Hughes. In the crazy event that we get Clay, I say he may play LB. If Herron has a huge senior year like I think he will, he could get an offer. I don't think there is any way we take a FB after we got Olson last year.
3. I doubt we get a TE either because neither Gronkowski or Hammons is coming to OSU. Hubbard may get an offer with a big season but I'm not thinking he does. I say we take 2 pure WR's and one other athlete that could play either or, like Torrence or Clifford. I really don't know what we are doing with the WR situation but I trust the staff. Aaron Johnson may be legit, Hankerson's coach is Chris Carter and we may have a shot, and I think some other names will surface. Haden doesn't look likely at all either.
4. We take 2 OL, 3 OL if they are studs. I doubt we make any last minute offers like Browning and Miller(not taking anything away from them at all). If we can get 3 out of Wilson, Blankenship, O'Dowd, and Clayor, then we take them. I tend to think we get 2 out of those and we get Barksdale in as a possibility as an OL and just clean up in '08.
5. I agree with your assessment at CB. I say we get Torrence with the possibility of him playing offense and take 2 CB prospects. I don't think there is a totally clear picture here but if I were to take a guess, I would say we take Mabin and Bernstine at CB. Btw I would be more than happy with that. RoJo and Allen chances look very slim and always have really. Berry will stay south. Also, I think we go after James Scott hard and we would love to get him or Evans of Florida, who could play either way(though I think he plays WR at the next level).
6. I disagree here...well kind of. We want Clifford but there is talk of him playing CB. I don't buy it and I think he is a safety all the way and a great one. If he were to play anywhere else, I would think it would be WR.
7. I'm not sure what the staffs intentions are here. I would think 2 LB's sounds about right though. I really don't think Peake gets an offer(btw we could offer him as an OL if we wanted and still land him) and Dailey sounds doubtful, though I really think a good senior year could change that. Hines is a possibility and I agree, Lindsey sounds very good right now.
8. I agree. If we get Martin, we are done here. Wilson goes elsewhere and I have heard good things on Martin. If he falls through though, look to Solomon Thomas.
9. We get Barksdale and he can play OL but I agree we try and take 2 other DT's. I think Jeremiah and Derrick Morgan look like they will fill out this class and that is one heck of a haul at DT if we can pull it off. I think Brent either goes to scUM or stays in Illinois.
10. I really haven't took an in-depth look at the numbers yet so I can't offer a guess here.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Here is my "realistic wish list":

QB - none
RB - none
FB - none
WR - Leonard Hankerson
OL - Evan Blankenship, Kris O'Dowd, Nick Claytor
TE/DE - Rob Gronkowski, Brian Linthicum
OL/DL - Joseph Barksdale, Antonio Jeremiah
DL - Ben Martin, Derrick Morgan
LB - Brandon Lindsey, CJ Peake
DB - Nate Oliver
ATH - Brandon Saine, Eugene Clifford, Devon Torrence

Offered prospects in bold, verbal commitments in scarlet​

To break the players down by speed, big speed, and power:

Speed (5) - Oliver, Saine, Clifford, Hankerson, Torrence
Big Speed (5) - Martin, Gronkowski, Lindsey, Peake, Linthicum
Power (6) - Blankenship, Barksdale, O'Dowd, Claytor, Morgan, Jeremiah​

I have saved a couple spots for kids who show well at camp and/or during the season (Charlie Hatcher, David Arnold, Myles Caragein, Jordan Mabin, Solomon Thomas, Jermale Hines, just to name a few), or sleepers who emerge during the upcoming months.

I honestly think that Ohio State has at least a decent chance at every player on my list, with the longest shots being Hankerson, O'Dowd, Claytor, and Gronkowski (and all four currently have genuine interest in tOSU):

Oliver - verbal
Saine - verbal
Blankernship - Buckeye lean
Barksdale - Buckeye lean
Peake - Buckeye lean if offered
Jeremiah - Buckeye lean if offered
Torrence - Buckeye lean if offered
Morgan - Buckeyes were childhood fave
Claytor - Buckeyes were childhood fave
Martin - Buckeyes in top 2 (Notre Dame)
Clifford - Buckeyes in top 2 (Michigan)
O'Dowd - Buckeyes in top 3 (USC, UCLA)
Gronkowski - Buckeyes in top 3 (Maryland, Michigan)
Lindsey - Buckeyes in top 4; Columbus connection
Linthicum - will strongly consider Buckeyes if offered
Hankerson - Buckeyes in top 7; strong tOSU connection​

However, even though the Bucks have a decent to excellent chance with each prospect individually, the odds are that 10 or less will actually sign with Ohio State.

 

[RhodeIslandBuck]

Here is my "realistic wish list":

QB - none
RB - none
FB - none
WR - Leonard Hankerson
OL - Evan Blankenship, Kris O'Dowd, Nick Claytor
TE/DE - Rob Gronkowski, Brian Linthicum
OL/DL - Joseph Barksdale, Antonio Jeremiah
DL - Ben Martin, Derrick Morgan
LB - Brandon Lindsey, CJ Peake
DB - Nate Oliver
ATH - Brandon Saine, Eugene Clifford, Devon Torrence

Offered prospects in bold, verbal commitments in scarlet
​

To break the players down by speed, big speed, and power:

Speed (5) - Oliver, Saine, Clifford, Hankerson, Torrence
Big Speed (5) - Martin, Gronkowski, Lindsey, Peake, Linthicum
Power (6) - Blankenship, Barksdale, O'Dowd, Claytor, Morgan, Jeremiah
​

I have saved a couple spots for kids who show well at camp and/or during the season (Charlie Hatcher, David Arnold, Myles Caragein, Jordan Mabin, Solomon Thomas, Jermale Hines, just to name a few), or sleepers who emerge during the upcoming months.

I honestly think that Ohio State has at least a decent chance at every player on my list, with the longest shots being Hankerson, O'Dowd, Claytor, and Gronkowski (and all four currently have genuine interest in tOSU):

Oliver - verbal
Saine - verbal
Blankernship - Buckeye lean
Barksdale - Buckeye lean
Peake - Buckeye lean if offered
Jeremiah - Buckeye lean if offered
Torrence - Buckeye lean if offered
Morgan - Buckeyes were childhood fave
Claytor - Buckeyes were childhood fave
Martin - Buckeyes in top 2 (Notre Dame)
Clifford - Buckeyes in top 2 (Michigan)
O'Dowd - Buckeyes in top 3 (USC, UCLA)
Gronkowski - Buckeyes in top 3 (Maryland, Michigan)
Lindsey - Buckeyes in top 4; Columbus connection
Linthicum - will strongly consider Buckeyes if offered
Hankerson - Buckeyes in top 7; strong tOSU connection
​

However, even though the Bucks have a decent to excellent chance with each prospect individually, the odds are that 10 or less will actually sign with Ohio State.

No Evege?

 

[LordJeffBuck]

No Evege?

That is correct.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

Hey LBJ you know your list contains 7 off my initial list and 2 of the other guys you listed were my list. That could make 9 and I would win the bet.:tongue2:

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Hey LBJ you know your list contains 7 off my initial list and 2 of the other guys you listed were my list. That could make 9 and I would win the bet.:tongue2:

We'll just have to wait and see....

I'm scepitcal of my own list, as I seriously doubt that we sign more than 10 - I'd be happy with Saine, Oliver, Martin, Barksdale, Blankenship, Jeremiah, and Clifford (I'd say that the Bucks end up with at least 5 of these prospects, 6 if Jeremiah has his academics in order), with either O'Dowd or Claytor being a huge bonus.

 

[cbrian815]

recruiting

No way that we dont take a couple of pure CB`s this year. Oliver is a safety. Clifford is a safety of wr. On those list that leaves only Torrence, who could play cb. I am not buying it, you guys better redo those list. I have heard that Roberts is heading back to Canada and B. Underwood is having problems. That leaves us very very thin at the CB position. If Lane is still a rb, those lists will have to change. Go Bucks

 

[crazybuckfan40]

We'll just have to wait and see....

I'm scepitcal of my own list, as I seriously doubt that we sign more than 10 - I'd be happy with Saine, Oliver, Martin, Barksdale, Blankenship, Jeremiah, and Clifford (I'd say that the Bucks end up with at least 5 of these prospects, 6 if Jeremiah has his academics in order), with either O'Dowd or Claytor being a huge bonus.

I know just giving you a hard time. I think that Martin might be the wildcard on the list and then a couple of guys without offers that would be buckeye leans if offered.

No way that we dont take a couple of pure CB`s this year. Oliver is a safety. Clifford is a safety of wr. On those list that leaves only Torrence, who could play cb. I am not buying it, you guys better redo those list. I have heard that Roberts is heading back to Canada and B. Underwood is having problems. That leaves us very very thin at the CB position. If Lane is still a rb, those lists will have to change. Go Bucks

Keep in mind that LBJ's list is only a list of 16 players and there is room for at least 1 if not 2 or 3 more recruits, and I am sure that the staff will do what they think is necessary with those ships.

I still think that Evege could get regain his offer so to speak with a good performance at camp, but we will have to see. One thing I think that is hurting Evege is the abundance of db's in the midwest and the fact that he isnt the most versatile of them meaning he is a cb and that is it.

Torrence and Clifford could lineup in any of 3 positions.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

No way that we dont take a couple of pure CB`s this year. Oliver is a safety. Clifford is a safety of wr. On those list that leaves only Torrence, who could play cb. I am not buying it, you guys better redo those list. I have heard that Roberts is heading back to Canada and B. Underwood is having problems. That leaves us very very thin at the CB position. If Lane is still a rb, those lists will have to change. Go Bucks

Thanks for the advice, Mr. Peterson.

Roberts and Underwood are no longer options? Wow, that'll hurt....

Find me a couple of "pure CB's" who have Ohio State offers and are just dying to sign with the Buckeyes, and I'll add them to my list - Ahmad Black committed to Florida, Phelon Jones and Demarcus Van Dyke committed to Miami, Dionte Allen and Ronald Johnson are Michigan locks, and Donnovan Warren is probably a USC lock. Any others that I missed...?

With respect to Donnie Evege, he has had a Buckeye offer for over four months and hasn't committed - hmmm, maybe time to move on....

By the way, I prseume that you noticed that I saved a few spots on my list for players who might emerge down the road. In the past two classes, the Buckeyes have found their "pure CB" prospects (Malcolm Jenkins and Chimdi Chekwa) later in the process. I suppose that something similar might happen this season, but what do I know?

 

[RB07OSU]

I'd agree that I don't think Evege ends up at OSU at this point. I think Mabin and Bernstine(or at least one of them) gets an offer. I've heard that we are looking at Torrence as more of a CB but I think he is best suited for offense personally. I'm not too worried about this position though because we are going to have one heck of a DB class no matter what.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

I'd agree that I don't think Evege ends up at OSU at this point. I think Mabin and Bernstine(or at least one of them) gets an offer. I've heard that we are looking at Torrence as more of a CB but I think he is best suited for offense personally. I'm not too worried about this position though because we are going to have one heck of a DB class no matter what.

Bernstine was originally on my list, but since he hasn't yet received a Buckeye offer and currently claims no interest in Ohio State, I dropped him. If the Bucks do in fact offer (which is a good possibility), I would likely add him to my list, as I think that he would seriously consider Ohio State.

Maybe the staff is waiting to see Mabin before making a decision on Bernstine.

 

[RB07OSU]

Bernstine was originally on my list, but since he hasn't yet received a Buckeye offer and currently claims no interest in Ohio State, I dropped him. If the Bucks do in fact offer (which is a good possibility), Iwould likely add him to my list, as I think that he would seriously consider Ohio State.

Maybe the staff is waiting to see Mabin before making a decision on Bernstine.

I've heard our chances are very good if we offer Bernstine and I think it's a good possibility that we offer as well. Both Bernstine and Mabin are great players so I can see why there is a hold up if only 1 is to get offered. But like I said, this is a great dilema to be faced with and just gives you an idea of how good this DB class will be.

 

[JimmiLegs]

With this being White's last year and Johnson on track to leave the next year I think you take a FB this year.

The number of scholarships is a pretty fluid number. I'd agree with 18 right now but it can easily go higher. The depth at DT and CB must and will be addressed. OL and WR are on the next rung down in areas of need but must also be addressed.

BTW, some of you guys seem pretty dialed in on the recruiting situation. Either that or you just post with a lot of confidence. In any case I enjoy seeing what you have to say about our chances with the different prospects.

 

[crazybuckfan40]

No fullback. We got the number one fullback in the country coming in and we really don't use the fullback enough to really need to have a lot of depth there. We will take one in 08 if the coaches think we need one.