The Buckeyes' Top Prospects for 2006 - January 18th Edition
Well, last weekend was as crazy as any in the world of Buckeye recruiting. Only five players visited Ohio State, but plenty of news swirled about them. First and foremost, Virginia star Damon McDaniel, the #6 wide receiver prospect in the country according to Rivals, made a surprise visit to Columbus; although McDaniel committed to Florida a few weeks ago, he is apparently having second thoughts about being part of a Gator recruiting class that contains no less than seven wide outs. Although McDaniel remains a long shot to become a Buckeye, we have to believe that he is seriously reconsidering his verbal commitment to the Gators. Another committed player also tripped to Columbus last weekend - Michigan wide out Anthony Bowman, who verballed to Iowa way back in July. Bowman visited with teammate defensive back Aaron Gant, who just committed to the Buckeyes yesterday. Euclid linebacker Thaddeus Gibson was also on campus, which indicates that he at least has a chance to pass admissions at Ohio State; Gibson will likely be a Buckeye if his academics are in order. Cincinnati Colerain offensive lineman Connor Smith was the only committed player to visit, and fortunately there is nothing new to report with him.
There are now only two weeks until Signing Day, and the Buckeye staff still has a little bit of work to do. Although the Bucks are set in the offensive backfield and along the o-line, the staff is still trying to fill spots at wide receiver and thoughout the defensive front seven - ideally, the Buckeyes would like one each at WR, DL, and LB, with a scholarship or two available for a "special" player, regardless of position, who wants to make a late commitment; another quality cornerback would be a luxury, although no serious candidates have emerged in the eleventh hour. Players still "on the board" include New Jersey defensive lineman Johnnie Troutman, who seems torn between Ohio State and Penn State; Pennsylvania wide receiver Wesley Lyons, who likes both Ohio State and West Virginia; Florida linebacker Colin McCarthy, who really wants to go to Ohio State, but is attracted to Miami because Coral Gables is so much closer to home; Michigan speedster Anthony Bowman, who is on the fence between Iowa and Ohio State; and several players who might already be Buckeyes if their academics were in order, including Euclid linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney athlete Derrell Johnson, Glenville wide out Raymond Small, Orlando Edgewater receiver Greg Mathews, and Duquesne Pennsylvania athlete Elijah Fields.
Currently, Ohio State has eighteen verbal commitments: QB Antonio Henton from Peach County Georgia; RB Chris Wells from Akron Garfield; FB Aram Olson from Columbia (South Carolina) Irmo; WR Josh Chichester from Lakota West; OL/TE Andy Miller from Washington Pennsylvania; OT/TE Jake Ballard from Springboro; OL Connor Smith from Cincinnati Colerain; OL Bryant Browning from Cleveland Glenville; DE Walter Dublin from Sarasota Florida; DL Robert Rose from Cleveland Glenville, DT Dexter Larimore from Merrillville Indiana; LB Tyler Moeller from Cincinnati Colerain; LB Ross Homan from Coldwater; LB Mark Johnson from Los Angeles Dorsey; DB Kurt Coleman from Clayton Northmont; DB Grant Schwartz from Dana Hills California; DB Chimdi Chekwa from Clermont Florida; and DB Aaron Gant from Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's.
Quarterbacks
1. Antonio Henton, Fort Valley (Georgia) Peach County (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Ohio State! Antonio led his team to the Georgia state title. In his two years as a starting quarterback, Antonio amassed over 3,700 yards passing for 48 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions, and also added 900 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns on the ground.
Running Backs
1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Akron Garfield (6' 1", 228 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State! For his senior season, Wells gained 2,134 yards rushing (9.56 avg) and 27 touchdowns.
2. Kylan Robinson, Tampa Chamberlain (6' 1", 215 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (offered) in top 4 (Miami, Florida, South Carolina, all offered). Update 01/08 - Kylan visited Ohio State this weekend, and enjoyed himself. Miami (visit 1/20) probably still leads, with South Carolina (visit 1/13) also being a strong contender. Update 01/18 - Kylan enjoyed his visit to South Carolina, and moved the Gamecocks ahead of the Buckeyes. However, it's probably a moot point, as the Hurricanes will most likely pick up his verbal after he visits Coral Gables this weekend.
3. Aram Olson, Columbia (South Carolina) Irmo (6' 1", 237 lbs, 4.9 forty, 4.25 shuttle; 4.0 GPA); Update 01/18 - Despite the conventional wisdom that the Buckeyes couldn't land a kid from the South if an SEC school was pursuing him, Aram committed to Ohio State over Auburn.
Receivers
1. Damon McDaniel, Virginia Beach Landstown (6' 0", 192 lbs, 4.51 forty); Florida soft verbal. Despite being verbally committed to Florida, Damon made a surprise visit to Ohio State last weekend. To date, there has been no official news concerning his visit, although we feel that it is very unlikely that Damon will end up at Ohio State. A visit to Florida State is also in the works.
2. Raymond Small, Cleveland Glenville (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads Southern Cal (offered). Update 01/07 - Still waiting for the official word.... Update 01/12 - Raymond has all but committed to Ohio State, and it is only a matter of time before he makes gives his verbal to the Buckeyes. Update 01/18 - Raymond's academic status has never been entirely clear, and now some are beginning to speculate that he might not be able to pass admissions at Ohio State. The uncertainty concerning Small's academic standing may be the reason that the Buckeye staff is still pursuing a half dozen other receiver prospects, including three who were already committed to other schools.
3. Josh Chichester, West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West (6' 8", 210 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Ohio State!
4. Greg Mathews, Orlando Edgewater (6' 3", 190 lbs, 4.85 forty); Ohio State (offered) trails Michigan (soft verbal). Update 01/07 - Mathews has already committed to Michigan, but he is visiting Ohio State this weekend. Grades are an issue. Update 01/09 - Mathews visited Ohio State, but he remains committed to Michigan. Update 01/18 - Nothing new to report here - assume that it's still Michigan for Mathews, although some are still holding out hope for a late switch to the Buckeyes; Florida State has also jumped back into the mix.
5. Wesley Lyons, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 6", 205 lbs, 4.65 forty); OSU (offered) in top 2 (West Virginia, offered). For the year, Wesley caught 22 passes for 450 yards and 6 touchdowns. Update 01/07 - Ohio State and West Virginia are tied atop the leader board. With Ausberry having committed to Southern Cal, the Buckeyes may now make a stronger push for Lyons. Update 01/18 - The Buckeyes are moving up and may actually lead; Lyons is planning to announce on January 26th, the day after Coach Tressel's in-home visit. West Virginia is still pushing hard, and the Bucks might lose interest in Wesley if another WR prospect should pull the trigger first.
6. Derrell Johnson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6' 2", 185 lbs, 4.49 forty, 4.08 shuttle); Ohio State is Johnson's clear leader, but his academics are such that he may not qualify. Although there is still some chance that he will pass admissions, it is quite possible that Derrell will take a year at prep school and try again in 2007.
7. Anthony Bowman, Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's (5' 11", 175 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) tied with Iowa (offered). Bowman is a teammate of Buckeye commitment DB Aaron Gant. Although Anthony committed to Iowa back in July, he asked the Buckeye staff for an opportunity to visit Ohio State, and did so last weekend. As it now stands, Bowman is 50/50 between the Hawks and the Bucks. Now that fellow OLSM recruit Gant has chosen Ohio State, it is more likely that Bowman will follow suit some time soon. JT and staff will make an in-home visit to Anthony later this week.
8. Elijah "Scoot" Fields, ATH, Duquesne, Pennsylvania (6' 1", 198 lbs, 4.55 forty); OSU (offered?) in the mix (Pitt, West Virginia, Penn State, all offered). Fields has been hanging around the periphery for months. Although Scoot is a great athlete with a nose for the endzone (this season, he scored 27 TD's in six different ways - run, reception, kick return, punt return, interception, fumble recovery), his academics are questionable, and he might not pass admissions at Ohio State. However, he is scheduled to visit Columbus on January 27th.
Offensive Linemen / Tight Ends
1. Connor Smith, Cincinnati Colerain (6' 5", 280 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Ohio State!
2. Jacob Ballard, Springboro, Ohio (6' 7", 255 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Ohio State!
3. Bryant Browning, Cleveland Glenville (6' 3", 328 lbs, 5.4 forty); Update 01/16 - As we have all expected for the past several months, Bryant was a lock to the Buckeyes, and he finally made it official and committed to Ohio State!
4. Andy Miller, Washington (Pennsylvania) Trinity (6' 6", 249 lbs, 4.9 forty); committed to Ohio State!
Defensive Linemen
1. Robert Rose, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 238 lbs, 4.6 forty, 4.6 shuttle); committed to Ohio State!
2. Dexter Larimore, Merrillville, Indiana (6' 3", 265 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Ohio State!
3. Walter Dublin, Sarasota, Florida (6' 3", 235 lbs, 4.58 forty); committed to Ohio State!
4. Johnnie Troutman, Browns Mills (New Jersey) Pemberton Twp (6' 4", 289, 4.9 forty); OSU (offered) trails Penn State, (offered). Update 01/08 - Troutman was really impressed by Ohio State, and states that the Buckeyes are now tied with the Nittany Lions. He may take a couple of more visits and then decide close to Signing Day. Update 01/18 - Troutman visited Maryland last weekend, but the Terps still trail OSU and PSU; he visits Virginia this weekend, and will decide shortly thereafter. Penn State is probably a slight leader at this point.
5. Corey Peters, Louisville Central (6' 3", 270 lbs, 4.9 forty); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Michigan, Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville). Update 01/18 - Peters claims that he has offers from the Buckeyes and the Wolverines, and that he will visit Ohio State on January 22nd and Michigan on January 27th; Auburn and Kentucky lead at this point. Corey's former teammate, DT James McKinney, signed with Michigan in 2005.
6. McKenzie Mathews, Syracuse Christian Brothers (6' 3", 235 lbs, 4.8 forty); OSU (offered) in top 4 (Pitt, Michigan, Miami, all offered). Mathews originally favored Ohio State, and apparently came close to committing to the Buckeyes during his official visit to Columbus, but now he is seriously looking at his other favorites. Although we were once fairly confident that McKenzie would sign with the Buckeyes, we now feel that this is a true four-team race, with Ohio State fading. Update 01/13 - With Rose, Dublin, and Larimore already in the fold, and Troutman and Peters still being strong possibilities, Mathews looks like the odd man out. McKenzie will visit Boston College this weekend.
Linebackers
1. Ross Homan, Coldwater, Ohio (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Ohio State!
2. A.J. Jones, Tampa Middleton (6' 1", 182 lbs, 4.64 forty); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Florida, Alabama, LSU, USC, all offered). Update 01/18 - Jones is expected to verbal to Florida this evening.
3. Mark Johnson, Los Angeles Dorsey (6' 4", 230 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Ohio State!
4. Tyler Moeller, Cincinnati Colerain (6' 1", 205, 4.48 forty); committed to Ohio State!
5. Colin McCarthy, Clearwater (Florida) Central Catholic (6' 1", 210 lbs, 4.53 forty, 4.13 shuttle); OSU (offered) in top 2 (Miami, offered). Update 01/07 - McCarthy is scheduled to announce in the near future; many say Ohio State will be his choice, but some others feel that Miami will win out in the end. Update 01/18 - Colin is still torn between Ohio State and Miami, with the 'Canes likely leading due to the "distance factor". If Thaddeus Gibson and/or Larry Grant can pass admissions, then "losing" McCarthy will be only a minor blow to this year's recruiting class.
6. Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Euclid, Ohio (6' 3", 208 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads Michigan and Tennessee. Update 01/18 - Gibson visited Ohio State last weekend, and will decide among Ohio State, Michigan, and Tennessee; most experts are still calling the Buckeyes in this one. Regardless of his choice, Thad still needs to do some work in the classroom before he becomes fully qualified.
7. Larry Grant, City College of San Francisco (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU leads Texas A+M. Grant, one of the top JUCO players in the country, had originally committed to Florida, but a quirk in his transcript will prevent his admission to that university, or to any other SEC school. Grant's Plan B is Ohio State, and the Buckeye staff is currently checking to see whether Larry can pass admissions at tOSU. If so, expect Grant to make an official visit to Columbus in the near future (like this weekend, if possible), and to commit shortly thereafter; if not, he'll be an Aggie. Grant would be Ohio State's first JUCO signing since Chris Vance in the class of 2001.
8. Culmer St.-Jean, Naples (Florida) Lely (6' 1", 215 lbs, 10.9 100m); Update 01/18 - Apparently the Buckeye staff did not come through with a last minute offer for St.-Jean and his Lely teammate, Wondy Pierre-Louis. Culmer's two finalists are West Virginia and Wisconsin, with the Mountaineers (Pierre-Louis's selection) being the likely leader.
Defensive Backs
1. Kurt Coleman, Clayton (Ohio) Northmont (5' 11", 190 lbs, 4.44 forty); committed to Ohio State!
2. Grant Schwartz, Dana Point (California) Dana Hills (6' 0", 201 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State!
3. Chimdi Chekwa, Clermont (Florida) East Ridge (6' 0", 165 lbs, 4.67 forty); committed to Ohio State!
4. Aaron Gant, Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's (6' 0", 200 lbs, 4.5 forty); Update 01/17 - Despite being from a heavily pro-Michigan high school, Gant committed to Ohio State! Aaron's teammate, Anthony Bowman, might follow suit later this week.
5. Wondy Pierre-Louis, Naples (Florida) Lely (6' 0", 176 lbs, 37" vertical, 24' long jump, 48' triple jump); Although Ohio State showed a late flurry of interest, the Buckeye staff never offered, and Wondy committed to West Virginia.
Committed Elsewhere
Justin Boren, OL, Pickerington (Ohio) North (6' 3", 319 lbs, 5.2 forty); committed to Michigan.
Steve Brown, ATH, Columbus (Indiana) East (6' 1", 200 lbs, 4.39 forty); committed to Michigan.
Cobrani "Cobra" Mixon, LB, Cincinnati Colerain (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Michigan.
Carlos Brown, RB, Heard County, Georgia (6' 0", 195 lbs, 4.57 forty); committed to Michigan.
Tom McEowen, DL, Feasterville (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (6' 4", 279 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Penn State.
Aaron Maybin, DL, Ellicott City (Maryland) Mt. Hebron (6' 3", 220 lbs, 4.64 forty); committed to Penn State.
Navorro Bowman, Suitland (Maryland) Suitland (6' 0", 218 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Penn State.
A.J. Wallace, Pomfret (Maryland) McDonough (6' 1", 195 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Penn State.
J.B. Walton, OL, Indian Head (Maryland) Lackey (6' 3", 270 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Penn State.
Bani Gbadyu, Gaithersburg (Maryland) Quince Orchard (6' 1", 205 lbs, 4.52 forty); committed to Penn State.
Isiah "Juice" Williams, Chicago Vocational (6' 1", 210 lbs, 4.77 forty, 4.19 shuttle); committed to Illinois.
Chris James, WR, Chicago Morgan Park (6' 0", 169 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Illinois.
Ryan Palmer, Canton Glen Oak (6' 7", 280 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Illinois.
Jake Miller, Zoarville (Ohio) Tuscarawas Valley (6' 6", 321 lbs, 5.3 forty); committed to Illinois.
Joe Morgan, Canton McKinley (6' 2", 175 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Illinois.
A.J. Edds, Greenwood, Indiana (6' 4", 215 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Iowa.
Dominique Douglas, Detroit Murray-Wright (6' 0", 174 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Iowa.
Arvell Nelson, QB, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 180 lbs, 4.75 forty); committed to Iowa.
Jovani Chappel, DB, Trotwood (Ohio) Madison (5' 8", 169 lbs, 4.53 forty); committed to Purdue.
Kyle Sheehan, Fairmont, Minnesota (6' 5", 260 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Purdue.
Royce Adams, Cleveland Glenville (5' 11", 165 lbs, 4.68 forty); committed to Purdue.
Kevin Green, Jr., LB, North Chicago, Illinois (6' 2", 213 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Purdue.
Adam Weber, QB, Shoreview (Minnesota) Mounds View (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.65 forty); committed to Minnesota.
Tommy Becker, Plymouth (Minnesota) Wayzata (6' 2", 230 lbs, 4.77 forty); committed to Minnesota.
Bill Nagy, Hudson, Ohio (6' 4", 285 lbs, 4.85 forty, 4.5 shuttle); committed to Wisconsin.
Ray Fisher, WR, Cleveland Glenville (5' 10", 170 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Indiana.
Raeshon McNeil, DB, Mocksville (North Carolina) Davie County (6' 0", 175 lbs, 4.40 forty); committed to Notre Dame.
Demetrius Jones, Chicago Morgan Park (6' 3", 192 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Notre Dame.
Darrin Walls, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 1", 175 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Notre Dame.
Konrad Reuland, Mission Viejo, California (6' 6", 235 lbs, 4.75 forty); committed to Notre Dame.
Nate Byham, TE, Franklin, Pennsylvania (6' 4", 220 lbs, 4.65 forty); committed to Pitt.
Dorin Dickerson, ATH, Imperial (Pennsylvania) West Allegheny (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.51 forty); committed to Pitt.
Jason Pinkston, DL, Pittsburgh Baldwin (6' 5", 273 lbs, 4.9 forty); committed to Pitt.
Greg Webster, LB, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 2", 225 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Pitt.
Joe Thomas, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edwards (6' 5", 310 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Pitt.
Ricky Gary, Pahokee, Florida (5' 8", 165, 4.4 forty); committed to Pitt.
Chris Fox, Westwood (Massachusetts) Xaverian Brothers (5' 11", 191 lbs, 4.47 forty); committed to Boston College.
Steven Wesley, Bartow, Florida (6' 2", 235 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Miami.
Ryan Hill, Tallahassee Rickards (6' 0", 178 lbs, 4.53 forty); committed to Miami.
Terron Sanders, DL, Bradenton (Florida) Southeast (6' 2", 298 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to Florida.
Jamar Hornsby, Jacksonville Sandalwood (6' 4", 195 lbs, 4.45 forty); committed to Florida.
Bryan Thomas, Zephyrhills, Florida (6' 0", 186 lbs, 4.39 forty); committed to Florida.
Tim Tebow, QB, Jacksonville (Florida) Nease (6' 3", 225 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Florida.
Brandon Warren, ATH, Alcoa, Tennessee (6' 3", 230 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Florida State.
D'Vontrey Richardson, ATH, Leesburg (Georgia) Lee County (6' 1", 205, 4.45); committed to Florida State.
Akeem Hebron, Damascus (Maryland) Good Counsel (6' 2", 193 lbs, 4.45 forty); committed to Georgia.
Asher Allen, Tucker, Georgia (5' 10", 187 lbs, 4.39 forty); committed to Georgia.
Chris Slaughter, Fort Valley (Georgia) Peach County (6' 3", 170 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Auburn.
Lee Tilley, OL, Springfield (Ohio) South (6' 7", 300 lbs, 5.0 forty); committed to Auburn.
Markeith Summers, WR, Olive Branch, Mississippi (6' 4", 190 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ole Miss.
Antwine Perez, Camden (New Jersey) Woodrow Wilson (6' 2", 197 lbs, 4.53 forty); committed to Southern Cal.
Vidal Hazelton, WR, Staten Island (New York) Moore Catholic (6' 3", 192 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Southern Cal.
David Ausberry, Lemoore, California (6' 4", 200 lbs, 4.72 forty); committed to Southern Cal.
Chane Moline, FB, Mission Viejo, California (6' 1", 235 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to UCLA.
Troy Pascley, WR, Alliance (6' 2", 180 lbs, 4.39 forty); committed to Louisville.
Micah Johnson, DL, Ft. Campbell (Kentucky) West Potomac (6' 2", 267, 4.7 forty); committed to Kentucky.
Jamil Paris, Vero Beach (Florida) Sebastian River (6' 5", 213 lbs, 4.54 forty); committed to Kentucky.
Michael Hartline, QB, Canton Glen Oak (6' 5", 175 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Kentucky.
Joe Torchia, North Arlington (New Jersey) Queen of Peace (6' 3", 231 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Virginia.
Keith Payne, RB, Vienna (Virginia) Oakton (6' 2", 220, 4.4 forty); committed to Virginia.
Clark Crum, OL, Dublin Scioto (6' 7", 255 lbs, 5.15 forty); committed to VPA.
Aaron Brown, Cincinnati Princeton (6' 6", 270 lbs, 5.1 forty); committed to VPI.
Jason Adjepong, Carteret, New Jersey (6' 3", 248 lbs, 4.69 forty); committed to VPI.
Robert Williams, DB, Cincinnati Withrow (5' 11", 179 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to West Virginia.
Brian Whitmore, Chesapeake (Virginia) Oscar F. Smith (6' 3", 240 lbs, 4.65 forty); committed to Maryland.
Drew Gloster, DL, Damascus (Maryland) Good Counsel (6' 4", 215 lbs, 4.57 forty); committed to Maryland.
Terence Jeffers, Lilburn (Georgia) Berkmar (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.48 forty); committed to UConn.
Kris Luchsinger, Columbus Bishop Watterson (6' 4", 225 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Ohio.
Darius Smith, DL, Euclid, Ohio (6' 3", 195 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Bowling Green.
Jahmal Brown, Cleveland Benedictine (5' 10", 190 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Bowling Green.
Peris Edwards, Toledo Rogers (6' 1", 175 lbs, 4.43 forty); committed to Miami of Ohio.
Bob Gulley, Berea, Ohio (6' 4", 274 lbs, 5.2 forty); committed to Miami of Ohio.
Martin Channels, Huber Heights Wayne (6' 1", 300 lbs, 5.15 forty); committed to Miami of Ohio.
Jacob Ramsey, Columbus Independence (6' 0", 205, 4.5 forty); committed to Cincinnati.
Chris Meenan, Wooster, Ohio (6' 8", 315 lbs); committed to Toledo.
Levi George, OL, Warren Harding (6' 1", 290 lbs, 5.0 forty); committed to Toledo.
Taylor Price, ATH, Hilliard Darby (6' 2", 195 lbs, 4.25 forty); committed to Akron.
Sean Hakes, QB, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (6' 4", 195 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Akron.
Nate Davis, QB, Bellaire (6' 3", 215 lbs, 4.85 forty); committed to Ball State.
Crawford Kilpatrick, WR, Suwanee (Georgia) North Gwinnett (6' 5", 197, 4.52 forty); committed to SE Louisiana.
Chris Hanna, OL, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 4", 292 lbs, 5.0 forty); Milford Academy.
Looking Elsewhere
Josh Adams, RB, Cary, North Carolina (5' 11", 171 lbs, 4.58 forty); NC State, Wake Forest, Maryland.
Norman Whitley, RB, Rockingham (North Carolina) Richmond County (5' 8", 176 lbs, 4.46 forty; East Carolina leads.
Xylon Purkiss, FB, Ravenna, Ohio (5' 10", 255 lbs, 4.85 forty); no offers.
Devven Sutton, FB, Elizabeth City (North Carolina) Northeastern (6' 0", 239 lbs, 4.60 forty, 4.20 shuttle); Virginia Tech leads.
Andrey Baskin, WR, Camden (New Jersey) Woodrow Wilson (6' 4", 192 lbs, 4.45 forty); Syracuse leads.
Jeff Cumberland, WR, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 220 lbs, 4.55 forty); possible JUCO.
Mark Jackson, OL, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 300 lbs, 5.4 forty); Minnesota, Michigan State.
Phillip Taylor, DL, Clinton (Maryland) Gwynn Park (6' 3", 346 lbs, 5.1 forty); Maryland, Penn State, VPI, Florida, Tennessee.
Alex Dekle, DL, Statesboro, Georgia (6' 2", 273 lbs, 4.82 forty); possible JUCO.
Lamar Mapp, DL, Springfield (Ohio) South (6' 3", 234 lbs, 4.65 forty); Akron, Cincinnati, Ohio, Toledo.
Jeremiha Hunter, LB, Manheim (Pennsylvania) Central (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.5 forty); UConn; Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa.
Marcus Ball, DB, Stone Mountain (Georgia) Stephenson (6' 0", 200 lbs, 4.49 forty); Florida, Florida State, Miami, VPI.
Reshad Jones, DB, Atlanta Booker T. Washington (6' 2", 177 lbs, 4.5 forty); Miami, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan.
Mister Alexander, DB, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower (6' 3", 200 lbs); waiting on Florida State.
Cody Blevins, DB, Miamisburg, Ohio (6' 2", 200 lbs, 4.6 forty); no offers.
Chris Duvalt, DB, Lakeland (Florida) Lake Gibson (5' 10", 159 lbs, 4.38 forty); South Florida leads.
Ashton Henderson, DB, Tallahassee Lincoln (6' 0", 180 lbs, 4.43 forty); Ole Miss, UCLA.
Aaron Berry, ATH, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt (5' 11", 157 lbs, 4.49 forty, 4.18 shuttle); Pitt, Michigan State, Minnesota.
Devin Parrish, ATH, Miramar (Florida) Parkway Academy (6' 0", 155 lbs, 4.46 forty); waiting for offers.
Well, last weekend was as crazy as any in the world of Buckeye recruiting. Only five players visited Ohio State, but plenty of news swirled about them. First and foremost, Virginia star Damon McDaniel, the #6 wide receiver prospect in the country according to Rivals, made a surprise visit to Columbus; although McDaniel committed to Florida a few weeks ago, he is apparently having second thoughts about being part of a Gator recruiting class that contains no less than seven wide outs. Although McDaniel remains a long shot to become a Buckeye, we have to believe that he is seriously reconsidering his verbal commitment to the Gators. Another committed player also tripped to Columbus last weekend - Michigan wide out Anthony Bowman, who verballed to Iowa way back in July. Bowman visited with teammate defensive back Aaron Gant, who just committed to the Buckeyes yesterday. Euclid linebacker Thaddeus Gibson was also on campus, which indicates that he at least has a chance to pass admissions at Ohio State; Gibson will likely be a Buckeye if his academics are in order. Cincinnati Colerain offensive lineman Connor Smith was the only committed player to visit, and fortunately there is nothing new to report with him.
There are now only two weeks until Signing Day, and the Buckeye staff still has a little bit of work to do. Although the Bucks are set in the offensive backfield and along the o-line, the staff is still trying to fill spots at wide receiver and thoughout the defensive front seven - ideally, the Buckeyes would like one each at WR, DL, and LB, with a scholarship or two available for a "special" player, regardless of position, who wants to make a late commitment; another quality cornerback would be a luxury, although no serious candidates have emerged in the eleventh hour. Players still "on the board" include New Jersey defensive lineman Johnnie Troutman, who seems torn between Ohio State and Penn State; Pennsylvania wide receiver Wesley Lyons, who likes both Ohio State and West Virginia; Florida linebacker Colin McCarthy, who really wants to go to Ohio State, but is attracted to Miami because Coral Gables is so much closer to home; Michigan speedster Anthony Bowman, who is on the fence between Iowa and Ohio State; and several players who might already be Buckeyes if their academics were in order, including Euclid linebacker Thaddeus Gibson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney athlete Derrell Johnson, Glenville wide out Raymond Small, Orlando Edgewater receiver Greg Mathews, and Duquesne Pennsylvania athlete Elijah Fields.
Currently, Ohio State has eighteen verbal commitments: QB Antonio Henton from Peach County Georgia; RB Chris Wells from Akron Garfield; FB Aram Olson from Columbia (South Carolina) Irmo; WR Josh Chichester from Lakota West; OL/TE Andy Miller from Washington Pennsylvania; OT/TE Jake Ballard from Springboro; OL Connor Smith from Cincinnati Colerain; OL Bryant Browning from Cleveland Glenville; DE Walter Dublin from Sarasota Florida; DL Robert Rose from Cleveland Glenville, DT Dexter Larimore from Merrillville Indiana; LB Tyler Moeller from Cincinnati Colerain; LB Ross Homan from Coldwater; LB Mark Johnson from Los Angeles Dorsey; DB Kurt Coleman from Clayton Northmont; DB Grant Schwartz from Dana Hills California; DB Chimdi Chekwa from Clermont Florida; and DB Aaron Gant from Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's.
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
2. Kylan Robinson, Tampa Chamberlain (6' 1", 215 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (offered) in top 4 (Miami, Florida, South Carolina, all offered). Update 01/08 - Kylan visited Ohio State this weekend, and enjoyed himself. Miami (visit 1/20) probably still leads, with South Carolina (visit 1/13) also being a strong contender. Update 01/18 - Kylan enjoyed his visit to South Carolina, and moved the Gamecocks ahead of the Buckeyes. However, it's probably a moot point, as the Hurricanes will most likely pick up his verbal after he visits Coral Gables this weekend.
Receivers
2. Raymond Small, Cleveland Glenville (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads Southern Cal (offered). Update 01/07 - Still waiting for the official word.... Update 01/12 - Raymond has all but committed to Ohio State, and it is only a matter of time before he makes gives his verbal to the Buckeyes. Update 01/18 - Raymond's academic status has never been entirely clear, and now some are beginning to speculate that he might not be able to pass admissions at Ohio State. The uncertainty concerning Small's academic standing may be the reason that the Buckeye staff is still pursuing a half dozen other receiver prospects, including three who were already committed to other schools.
5. Wesley Lyons, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 6", 205 lbs, 4.65 forty); OSU (offered) in top 2 (West Virginia, offered). For the year, Wesley caught 22 passes for 450 yards and 6 touchdowns. Update 01/07 - Ohio State and West Virginia are tied atop the leader board. With Ausberry having committed to Southern Cal, the Buckeyes may now make a stronger push for Lyons. Update 01/18 - The Buckeyes are moving up and may actually lead; Lyons is planning to announce on January 26th, the day after Coach Tressel's in-home visit. West Virginia is still pushing hard, and the Bucks might lose interest in Wesley if another WR prospect should pull the trigger first.
6. Derrell Johnson, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6' 2", 185 lbs, 4.49 forty, 4.08 shuttle); Ohio State is Johnson's clear leader, but his academics are such that he may not qualify. Although there is still some chance that he will pass admissions, it is quite possible that Derrell will take a year at prep school and try again in 2007.
7. Anthony Bowman, Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's (5' 11", 175 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) tied with Iowa (offered). Bowman is a teammate of Buckeye commitment DB Aaron Gant. Although Anthony committed to Iowa back in July, he asked the Buckeye staff for an opportunity to visit Ohio State, and did so last weekend. As it now stands, Bowman is 50/50 between the Hawks and the Bucks. Now that fellow OLSM recruit Gant has chosen Ohio State, it is more likely that Bowman will follow suit some time soon. JT and staff will make an in-home visit to Anthony later this week.
8. Elijah "Scoot" Fields, ATH, Duquesne, Pennsylvania (6' 1", 198 lbs, 4.55 forty); OSU (offered?) in the mix (Pitt, West Virginia, Penn State, all offered). Fields has been hanging around the periphery for months. Although Scoot is a great athlete with a nose for the endzone (this season, he scored 27 TD's in six different ways - run, reception, kick return, punt return, interception, fumble recovery), his academics are questionable, and he might not pass admissions at Ohio State. However, he is scheduled to visit Columbus on January 27th.
Offensive Linemen / Tight Ends
Defensive Linemen
4. Johnnie Troutman, Browns Mills (New Jersey) Pemberton Twp (6' 4", 289, 4.9 forty); OSU (offered) trails Penn State, (offered). Update 01/08 - Troutman was really impressed by Ohio State, and states that the Buckeyes are now tied with the Nittany Lions. He may take a couple of more visits and then decide close to Signing Day. Update 01/18 - Troutman visited Maryland last weekend, but the Terps still trail OSU and PSU; he visits Virginia this weekend, and will decide shortly thereafter. Penn State is probably a slight leader at this point.
5. Corey Peters, Louisville Central (6' 3", 270 lbs, 4.9 forty); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Michigan, Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville). Update 01/18 - Peters claims that he has offers from the Buckeyes and the Wolverines, and that he will visit Ohio State on January 22nd and Michigan on January 27th; Auburn and Kentucky lead at this point. Corey's former teammate, DT James McKinney, signed with Michigan in 2005.
6. McKenzie Mathews, Syracuse Christian Brothers (6' 3", 235 lbs, 4.8 forty); OSU (offered) in top 4 (Pitt, Michigan, Miami, all offered). Mathews originally favored Ohio State, and apparently came close to committing to the Buckeyes during his official visit to Columbus, but now he is seriously looking at his other favorites. Although we were once fairly confident that McKenzie would sign with the Buckeyes, we now feel that this is a true four-team race, with Ohio State fading. Update 01/13 - With Rose, Dublin, and Larimore already in the fold, and Troutman and Peters still being strong possibilities, Mathews looks like the odd man out. McKenzie will visit Boston College this weekend.
Linebackers
5. Colin McCarthy, Clearwater (Florida) Central Catholic (6' 1", 210 lbs, 4.53 forty, 4.13 shuttle); OSU (offered) in top 2 (Miami, offered). Update 01/07 - McCarthy is scheduled to announce in the near future; many say Ohio State will be his choice, but some others feel that Miami will win out in the end. Update 01/18 - Colin is still torn between Ohio State and Miami, with the 'Canes likely leading due to the "distance factor". If Thaddeus Gibson and/or Larry Grant can pass admissions, then "losing" McCarthy will be only a minor blow to this year's recruiting class.
6. Thaddeus Gibson, LB, Euclid, Ohio (6' 3", 208 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads Michigan and Tennessee. Update 01/18 - Gibson visited Ohio State last weekend, and will decide among Ohio State, Michigan, and Tennessee; most experts are still calling the Buckeyes in this one. Regardless of his choice, Thad still needs to do some work in the classroom before he becomes fully qualified.
7. Larry Grant, City College of San Francisco (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU leads Texas A+M. Grant, one of the top JUCO players in the country, had originally committed to Florida, but a quirk in his transcript will prevent his admission to that university, or to any other SEC school. Grant's Plan B is Ohio State, and the Buckeye staff is currently checking to see whether Larry can pass admissions at tOSU. If so, expect Grant to make an official visit to Columbus in the near future (like this weekend, if possible), and to commit shortly thereafter; if not, he'll be an Aggie. Grant would be Ohio State's first JUCO signing since Chris Vance in the class of 2001.
8. Culmer St.-Jean, Naples (Florida) Lely (6' 1", 215 lbs, 10.9 100m); Update 01/18 - Apparently the Buckeye staff did not come through with a last minute offer for St.-Jean and his Lely teammate, Wondy Pierre-Louis. Culmer's two finalists are West Virginia and Wisconsin, with the Mountaineers (Pierre-Louis's selection) being the likely leader.
Defensive Backs
Committed Elsewhere
Chris Hanna, OL, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 4", 292 lbs, 5.0 forty); Milford Academy.
Looking Elsewhere
Josh Adams, RB, Cary, North Carolina (5' 11", 171 lbs, 4.58 forty); NC State, Wake Forest, Maryland.
Norman Whitley, RB, Rockingham (North Carolina) Richmond County (5' 8", 176 lbs, 4.46 forty; East Carolina leads.
Xylon Purkiss, FB, Ravenna, Ohio (5' 10", 255 lbs, 4.85 forty); no offers.
Devven Sutton, FB, Elizabeth City (North Carolina) Northeastern (6' 0", 239 lbs, 4.60 forty, 4.20 shuttle); Virginia Tech leads.
Andrey Baskin, WR, Camden (New Jersey) Woodrow Wilson (6' 4", 192 lbs, 4.45 forty); Syracuse leads.
Jeff Cumberland, WR, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 220 lbs, 4.55 forty); possible JUCO.
Mark Jackson, OL, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 300 lbs, 5.4 forty); Minnesota, Michigan State.
Phillip Taylor, DL, Clinton (Maryland) Gwynn Park (6' 3", 346 lbs, 5.1 forty); Maryland, Penn State, VPI, Florida, Tennessee.
Alex Dekle, DL, Statesboro, Georgia (6' 2", 273 lbs, 4.82 forty); possible JUCO.
Lamar Mapp, DL, Springfield (Ohio) South (6' 3", 234 lbs, 4.65 forty); Akron, Cincinnati, Ohio, Toledo.
Jeremiha Hunter, LB, Manheim (Pennsylvania) Central (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.5 forty); UConn; Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa.
Marcus Ball, DB, Stone Mountain (Georgia) Stephenson (6' 0", 200 lbs, 4.49 forty); Florida, Florida State, Miami, VPI.
Reshad Jones, DB, Atlanta Booker T. Washington (6' 2", 177 lbs, 4.5 forty); Miami, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan.
Mister Alexander, DB, Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower (6' 3", 200 lbs); waiting on Florida State.
Cody Blevins, DB, Miamisburg, Ohio (6' 2", 200 lbs, 4.6 forty); no offers.
Chris Duvalt, DB, Lakeland (Florida) Lake Gibson (5' 10", 159 lbs, 4.38 forty); South Florida leads.
Ashton Henderson, DB, Tallahassee Lincoln (6' 0", 180 lbs, 4.43 forty); Ole Miss, UCLA.
Aaron Berry, ATH, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt (5' 11", 157 lbs, 4.49 forty, 4.18 shuttle); Pitt, Michigan State, Minnesota.
Devin Parrish, ATH, Miramar (Florida) Parkway Academy (6' 0", 155 lbs, 4.46 forty); waiting for offers.
