Recruiting Strategy

[sparcboxbuck]

When I said worst period in at least the last decade I meant in terms of challenges faced by the staff (pending sanctions, temporary lack of long term stability, loss of a legendary head coach, etc.) not necessarily the quality of the commitments, even though based on offer lists alone the latest commits are a bit lacking. However, given the intangibles (true buckeyes, hard workers on and off the field) there is no reason to think they won't have successful careers in scarlet and gray.

I look at a lot of the players in 2012 as the glue that holds championship teams together. Ohio State has it's stars, will continue to get stars, and will even find some stars in the 2012 class. However, it takes more than stars to win championships, and the intangibles that many if the players in the 2012 class have will be a huge asset in the locker room and on the field.

Oh I understand what you're saying. I think that what I was trying to say is that even in light of the challenges we've got one heck of a fine group coming in... and it ain't over yet. Few programs could go through what we've been through this summer and come out shining. I'm sure that has to hork off the rest of the CFB world, but meh... I really don't care what they think. We'll be just fine.

 

[Buckeye86]

 

[calibuck]

I'd just like to add that the interviews with the incoming freshmen were pretty positive. The attitudes were those of winners, and this fiasco is something that could cauterize this class into one of extreme closeness. If we recall, this is probably the most complete recruiting class (at least that I can remember). All positions were filled (except for running back and kicker) with at least one body, so these kids will have 4-5 years to play together.

With the player defections, to grades, second thoughts, depth chart, whatever, the class this year could hit 20-21. I, too, am a believer that when the NCAA gives it's preliminary report, that OSU will NOT be penalized more than it already has penalized itself. If what I read is fairly close to the truth, then everything is being heaped on Tress's head, and without the lack of institutional control moniker, there should be minimal penalties imposed. Heck, losing Tress is penalty enough.

Anyway, the incoming class (reported yesterday?), plus this one, all want to be Buckeyes. There will be some 5*'s that join in as well, so OSU will be fine. PS, I also predict that there'll be 3-4 more transfers, from some 'big' names.

:gobucks3::gobucks4:

 

[Taosman]

"Winning cures everything!"

 

[pnuts34]

Oh I understand what you're saying. I think that what I was trying to say is that even in light of the challenges we've got one heck of a fine group coming in... and it ain't over yet. Few programs could go through what we've been through this summer and come out shining. I'm sure that has to hork off the rest of the CFB world, but meh... I really don't care what they think. We'll be just fine.

I agree with this. As I watch College Football Live and see some of the other schools going through sanctions as well(i.e. Oregon, UNC, USC, GA Tech) most of these programs will be dealt loses that affect their programs for years to come. Even though we don't know our fate as of yet, I don't see tOSU falling off in terms of recruiting, coaching, or talent. Many of the media and non fans of tOSU, don't seem to realize the amount of talent that Tress stockpiled for us over the past few years. We're going to still be one of the 2-3 teams in the Big 10 in a year where we've had our head coach and face of our state and football team fired and lost our starting QB who was one of the most talented players in the nation. How many teams in CFB can say the same about their teams if they were dealt such blows in offseason? USC couldn't last year, and I doubt many others can either, but tOSU can. Regardless of who our coach will be after this season, we are going to be just fine. Can't wait for the season to start so we can let our play do the talking, and we climb up the polls. I honestly kind of like this underdog mentality, I/we haven't had to feel like this in conference, in a very long time, lol. Pretty used to being the favorite, but it's cool, Fickell and staff has the Big 10 where they want them! :osu:

 

[79Redmen]

The Tressel & Bollman strategy has been successful -- use most of the scholarships on speed and flexible athletes that, even if they are not starters, can be utilized on special teams, and will be available in case of injury. So, OSU will have only 10-14 scholarship offensive linemen - for 5 full time field positions.

But, I don't understand why they are pursuing so many wide receivers; and to some extent D-backs. It would be great to get another elite D-Lineman or two, and maybe a LB -- but they must have two or three more O-Lineman with Adams, Brewster and Shugarts graduating.