For the class of 2011, the Buckeyes signed 23 prospects, which earned them the #3 class in the country according to Scout, and the #11 class according to Rivals. Below is a complete list of Ohio State's signees:
01. Michael Bennett, DT, Centerville (OH) HS; 6' 3", 275 lbs
02. Brian Bobek, OL, Palatine (IL) William Fremd High School; 6' 3", 278 lbs
03. Tommy Brown, OL, Akron (OH) Firestone; 6' 5", 300 lbs
04. Jeremy Cash, DB, Plantation (FL) HS; 6' 2", 190 lbs
05. Conner Crowell, LB, Waldorf (MD) North Point; 6' 1" 216 lbs
06. Chase Farris, DL, Elyria (OH) HS; 6' 6", 265 lbs
07. Der'Juan Gambrell , CB, Toledo (OH) Rogers; 6' 2", 180 lbs
08. Curtis Grant, LB, Richmond (VA) Hermitage; 6' 3", 230 lbs
09. Doran Grant, DB, Akron (OH) St. Vincent-St. Mary; 5' 10", 170 lbs
10. Joel Hale, DT, Greenwood (IN) Center Grove HS; 6' 5", 295 lbs
11. Kenny Hayes, DE, Toledo (OH) Whitmer; 6' 5", 240 lbs
12. Bryce Haynes, LS, Cumming (GA) Pinecrest Academy; 6' 4", 185 lbs
13. Jeff Heuerman, TE, Naples (FL) Barron Collier; 6' 5", 230 lbs
14. Cardale Jones, QB, Cleveland (OH) Glenville; 6' 5", 217 lbs
15. Braxton Miller, QB, Huber Heights (OH) Wayne HS; 6' 3", 200 lbs
16. Steve Miller, DE, Canton (OH) McKinley; 6' 4", 230 lbs
17. Ejuan Price, LB, Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills; 6' 0", 235 lbs
18. Ryan Shazier, LB, Plantation (FL) HS; 6' 2", 205 lbs
19. Devin Smith, WR, Massillon (OH) Washington; 6' 1", 175 lbs
20. Evan Spencer, WR, Vernon Hills (IL) HS; 6' 1", 185 lbs
21. Ron Tanner, DB, Columbus (OH) Eastmoor; 6' 1" 180 lbs
22. Antonio Underwood, OL, Shaker Hts (OH) Shaker Heights; 6' 3", 295 lbs
23. Nick Vannett, TE, Westerville (OH) Central; 6' 6", 230 lbs
24. Chris Carter, Jr., OL, Cleveland (OH) Kennedy HS; 6' 5", 330 lbs
General Thoughts - Any time you sign a franchise quarterback, you have landed a potentially great class. In 2011, the Buckeyes were able to get their star signal caller in Braxton Miller (Scout 5*, #2 QB; Rivals 4*, #1 dual-threat QB), who as the heir apparent to Terrelle Pryor should be leading Ohio State's offense from 2012 to 2014. Most of the other big name signees are on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Curtis Grant (Scout 5*, #1 OLB; Rivals 5*, #1 ILB); linebacker Ryan Shazier (Scout 4*, #5 OLB; Rivals 4*, #14 OLB); defensive end Steve Miller (Scout 5*, #9 DE; Rivals 4*, #7 WDE); and defensive tackle Michael Bennett (Scout 4*, #8 DT; Rivals 4*, #3 DT). In general, the front seven signees (5 DL, 4 LB) are all excellent prospects, while the four defensive back signees are more suspect for a number of reasons ...
Earliest Impact - Kind of a trick answer here ... long-snapper Bryce Haynes should be a four-year starter on special teams ... Easiest answer is Grant, but the DL depth will also allow legitimate chances for Hale, Bennett, Miller, and Hayes to steal some snaps ... Haynes, Miller and Grant are all safe choices but I'll say Ryan Shazier...being on campus for Spring ball as well his natural physical ability means he could see early special teams time if not the chance to get on the field in certain third down situations.
Most Star Potential - Easy choice ... quarterback Braxton Miller. We have been spoiled with Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor, and we should get even more indulgence with Miller ... has the ability to change a game single-handedly with his arm or his feet ... the only question is whether he can transition his game to the college level ... Braxton is the answer on offense, but Curtis Grant has the physical tools to etch his name in Buckeye lore. His transition will depend on how fast he can adapt to the college scheme. Nothing slows down a linebacker like thinking too much ... Miller gets the nod from me as well. Has all the tools, can make all the throws, is a student of the game and is a phenomenal athlete. Another player with the advantage of participating in spring ball, Miller will get a chance to knock off Bauserman, Guiton and Graham to start in Pryor's absence.
The Surest Thing - center Brian Bobek ... should follow in the footsteps of Bentley, Mangold, and Brewster ... I would be surprised if he isn't a three-year starter and All Big Ten performer ... Bobek should be ready to step in the two-deep sooner than later ... Bobek is a great choice but I'll say Steve Miller. I think with his combination of size, speed, work ethic and brains, there is no way he doesn't leave OSU without becoming a big time player along the defensive front.
Biggest Upside - offensive lineman Antonio Underwood ... a three-star recruit who should be a multi-year starter at guard like the equally unheralded Bryant Browning ... Devin Smith is blessed with absolute freak athleticism. Combine that with a depth chart of unproven players and you have immediate opportunity for someone like Devin...provided he has the hunger to match the talent ... Comparing where we project a kid to end up compared to where they are ranked is tough because we think almost all of these players must have upside or JT and the staff wouldn't have offered. Having said that, Conner Crowell is a guy that for my money has been ranked way too low all year. He may not have the size and speed of a Grant or the ability to run downhill like Price or the speed off the edge like Shazier but I think he has all the tools to be the next great LB at OSU. Reminds me of Ross Homan when he was coming out of high school.
Biggest Reach - quarterback Cardale Jones ... career back-up, not up to the level of Smith, Pryor, and Miller. Tall and strong-armed, but he lacks both athleticism and accuracy ... Ohio State will still need to find Miller's replacement in the class of 2012 or 2013 ... Not on the list yet, but Chris Carter is a project that may be an All-American or never see the field. Coaches were blown away by his agility but he is way behind in development. This is beyond polishing, this is a complete tear down-rebuild project ... Haynes is a phenomenal long snapper but if he doesn't start from Day 1, OSU could end up having two scholarship long snappers on the roster. Another guy I have concerns about is Joel Hale, but his offer list speaks for itself. So having said all that I'll say Antonio Underwood as an OL. I think he might be the biggest project of the three projects. As mentioned, Carter could be hit or miss but I think we'll know early on. Underwood is a kid that I think is going to need a lot of work.
The One Who Got Away - Early on, I would have said Trey DePriest, but Curtis Grant is a better player ... although he fills a position of need, Aundrey Walker has a history of overweight and underperformance ... Darius Jennings is a nice player but probably not a good fit for the Buckeyes ... which leaves wide receiver JuJuan Story, who almost signed with Ohio State but ended up sticking with his commitment to Florida ... Have to go with DePriest. The jump he made from Junior to Senior year was impressive and he has some good football ahead of him ... Last time I hopefully ever have to say his name. Trey DePreist.
What This Class Most Lacks - an offensive tackle ... for some reason, the Buckeyes never seriously pursued a true OT in this class ... not such a big loss if they hit on some of the excellent 2012 prospects ...Solid class overall but the OL has a few gambles that may come back to hurt ... Running back wasn't a need so the obvious choice is a sure thing along the OL. We all know OL is one of the toughest positions to project, but the height/weight combinations of the three OL OSU is bringing in concerns me that they may all end up playing inside. This is made more evident by the fact that OSU has already verbally offered as many as three tackles in the 2012 class.
01. Michael Bennett, DT, Centerville (OH) HS; 6' 3", 275 lbs
02. Brian Bobek, OL, Palatine (IL) William Fremd High School; 6' 3", 278 lbs
03. Tommy Brown, OL, Akron (OH) Firestone; 6' 5", 300 lbs
04. Jeremy Cash, DB, Plantation (FL) HS; 6' 2", 190 lbs
05. Conner Crowell, LB, Waldorf (MD) North Point; 6' 1" 216 lbs
06. Chase Farris, DL, Elyria (OH) HS; 6' 6", 265 lbs
07. Der'Juan Gambrell , CB, Toledo (OH) Rogers; 6' 2", 180 lbs
08. Curtis Grant, LB, Richmond (VA) Hermitage; 6' 3", 230 lbs
09. Doran Grant, DB, Akron (OH) St. Vincent-St. Mary; 5' 10", 170 lbs
10. Joel Hale, DT, Greenwood (IN) Center Grove HS; 6' 5", 295 lbs
11. Kenny Hayes, DE, Toledo (OH) Whitmer; 6' 5", 240 lbs
12. Bryce Haynes, LS, Cumming (GA) Pinecrest Academy; 6' 4", 185 lbs
13. Jeff Heuerman, TE, Naples (FL) Barron Collier; 6' 5", 230 lbs
14. Cardale Jones, QB, Cleveland (OH) Glenville; 6' 5", 217 lbs
15. Braxton Miller, QB, Huber Heights (OH) Wayne HS; 6' 3", 200 lbs
16. Steve Miller, DE, Canton (OH) McKinley; 6' 4", 230 lbs
17. Ejuan Price, LB, Pittsburgh (PA) Woodland Hills; 6' 0", 235 lbs
18. Ryan Shazier, LB, Plantation (FL) HS; 6' 2", 205 lbs
19. Devin Smith, WR, Massillon (OH) Washington; 6' 1", 175 lbs
20. Evan Spencer, WR, Vernon Hills (IL) HS; 6' 1", 185 lbs
21. Ron Tanner, DB, Columbus (OH) Eastmoor; 6' 1" 180 lbs
22. Antonio Underwood, OL, Shaker Hts (OH) Shaker Heights; 6' 3", 295 lbs
23. Nick Vannett, TE, Westerville (OH) Central; 6' 6", 230 lbs
24. Chris Carter, Jr., OL, Cleveland (OH) Kennedy HS; 6' 5", 330 lbs
General Thoughts - Any time you sign a franchise quarterback, you have landed a potentially great class. In 2011, the Buckeyes were able to get their star signal caller in Braxton Miller (Scout 5*, #2 QB; Rivals 4*, #1 dual-threat QB), who as the heir apparent to Terrelle Pryor should be leading Ohio State's offense from 2012 to 2014. Most of the other big name signees are on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Curtis Grant (Scout 5*, #1 OLB; Rivals 5*, #1 ILB); linebacker Ryan Shazier (Scout 4*, #5 OLB; Rivals 4*, #14 OLB); defensive end Steve Miller (Scout 5*, #9 DE; Rivals 4*, #7 WDE); and defensive tackle Michael Bennett (Scout 4*, #8 DT; Rivals 4*, #3 DT). In general, the front seven signees (5 DL, 4 LB) are all excellent prospects, while the four defensive back signees are more suspect for a number of reasons ...
Earliest Impact - Kind of a trick answer here ... long-snapper Bryce Haynes should be a four-year starter on special teams ... Easiest answer is Grant, but the DL depth will also allow legitimate chances for Hale, Bennett, Miller, and Hayes to steal some snaps ... Haynes, Miller and Grant are all safe choices but I'll say Ryan Shazier...being on campus for Spring ball as well his natural physical ability means he could see early special teams time if not the chance to get on the field in certain third down situations.
Most Star Potential - Easy choice ... quarterback Braxton Miller. We have been spoiled with Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor, and we should get even more indulgence with Miller ... has the ability to change a game single-handedly with his arm or his feet ... the only question is whether he can transition his game to the college level ... Braxton is the answer on offense, but Curtis Grant has the physical tools to etch his name in Buckeye lore. His transition will depend on how fast he can adapt to the college scheme. Nothing slows down a linebacker like thinking too much ... Miller gets the nod from me as well. Has all the tools, can make all the throws, is a student of the game and is a phenomenal athlete. Another player with the advantage of participating in spring ball, Miller will get a chance to knock off Bauserman, Guiton and Graham to start in Pryor's absence.
The Surest Thing - center Brian Bobek ... should follow in the footsteps of Bentley, Mangold, and Brewster ... I would be surprised if he isn't a three-year starter and All Big Ten performer ... Bobek should be ready to step in the two-deep sooner than later ... Bobek is a great choice but I'll say Steve Miller. I think with his combination of size, speed, work ethic and brains, there is no way he doesn't leave OSU without becoming a big time player along the defensive front.
Biggest Upside - offensive lineman Antonio Underwood ... a three-star recruit who should be a multi-year starter at guard like the equally unheralded Bryant Browning ... Devin Smith is blessed with absolute freak athleticism. Combine that with a depth chart of unproven players and you have immediate opportunity for someone like Devin...provided he has the hunger to match the talent ... Comparing where we project a kid to end up compared to where they are ranked is tough because we think almost all of these players must have upside or JT and the staff wouldn't have offered. Having said that, Conner Crowell is a guy that for my money has been ranked way too low all year. He may not have the size and speed of a Grant or the ability to run downhill like Price or the speed off the edge like Shazier but I think he has all the tools to be the next great LB at OSU. Reminds me of Ross Homan when he was coming out of high school.
Biggest Reach - quarterback Cardale Jones ... career back-up, not up to the level of Smith, Pryor, and Miller. Tall and strong-armed, but he lacks both athleticism and accuracy ... Ohio State will still need to find Miller's replacement in the class of 2012 or 2013 ... Not on the list yet, but Chris Carter is a project that may be an All-American or never see the field. Coaches were blown away by his agility but he is way behind in development. This is beyond polishing, this is a complete tear down-rebuild project ... Haynes is a phenomenal long snapper but if he doesn't start from Day 1, OSU could end up having two scholarship long snappers on the roster. Another guy I have concerns about is Joel Hale, but his offer list speaks for itself. So having said all that I'll say Antonio Underwood as an OL. I think he might be the biggest project of the three projects. As mentioned, Carter could be hit or miss but I think we'll know early on. Underwood is a kid that I think is going to need a lot of work.
The One Who Got Away - Early on, I would have said Trey DePriest, but Curtis Grant is a better player ... although he fills a position of need, Aundrey Walker has a history of overweight and underperformance ... Darius Jennings is a nice player but probably not a good fit for the Buckeyes ... which leaves wide receiver JuJuan Story, who almost signed with Ohio State but ended up sticking with his commitment to Florida ... Have to go with DePriest. The jump he made from Junior to Senior year was impressive and he has some good football ahead of him ... Last time I hopefully ever have to say his name. Trey DePreist.
What This Class Most Lacks - an offensive tackle ... for some reason, the Buckeyes never seriously pursued a true OT in this class ... not such a big loss if they hit on some of the excellent 2012 prospects ...Solid class overall but the OL has a few gambles that may come back to hurt ... Running back wasn't a need so the obvious choice is a sure thing along the OL. We all know OL is one of the toughest positions to project, but the height/weight combinations of the three OL OSU is bringing in concerns me that they may all end up playing inside. This is made more evident by the fact that OSU has already verbally offered as many as three tackles in the 2012 class.
Last edited by a moderator:
