The Buckeyes' Top Prospects for 2006

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The Buckeyes' Top Prospects for 2006
May Evaluation Edition

In this article, we examine 75 of the top prospects for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the recruiting class of 2006. We have included players who have both expressed a serious interest in the Bucks, and either have or reasonably might receive an offer from Ohio State. By nature, a list such as ours is fluid (during the production of this article, two players committed to other schools - we left them in anyway, and added two others to bring our total back up to 75); many of the names which appear below will be long forgotten by February, and some new names will undoubtedly arise as relatively unknown players begin to make reputations for themselves at the various combines and summer camps. We will update our list several times before Signing Day - the next article will occur after Ohio State's summer camp, when we should have a better idea of which players will receive offers from the Buckeyes.

Quarterbacks

1. Tim Tebow, Jacksonville (Florida) Nease (6' 3", 225 lbs, 4.6 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Florida, Michigan, Southern Cal, Alabama, all offered). Lefty Tim Tebow may be the best QB prospect in the country this season: he is an Elite 11 quarterback, the number two overall prospect in the state of Florida according to FloridaKids, and a member of the Rivals 100 list. After an outstanding sophomore campaign in 2003 (809 yds rushing, 18 TD's; 2,194 yds passing, 64.8 %, 18 TD's / 8 Ints), Tebow had a phenomenal junior season during which he compiled some mind-boggling numbers: not only did he rush for 1,227 yards and 24 touchdowns, he also threw for 4,304 yards, completing 61.4 percent of his passes for 46 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Despite playing football for Nease, Tim is home-schooled; he has a strong Christian faith and will journey to the Philippines this summer where he will attempt to spread the gospel. Last season, Tebow visited Ohio State for the Penn State game, and later called his experience "incredible" and "impressive". Tim was a Gator fan growing up, and he has family ties to UF, so Florida is his probable leader. However, Tim has some legitimate interest in Ohio State, and if the Bucks offer, they might still get a serious look.

:ill: 2. Isiah "Juice" Williams, Chicago Vocational (6' 1", 210 lbs, 4.61 forty); Illinois verbal. Although he is an athletic player, Williams is definitely a quarterback prospect who will be a "dual threat" signal caller in college. In ten games as a junior, Juice rushed for 843 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, while passing for an additional 982 yards and 17 touchdowns. Isiah is much more comfortable and patient in the pocket than fellow Chicagoan Demetrius Jones - he exhibits a quick and confident set up, excellent footwork, good vision, and an ultra-fluid delivery; in addition, Isiah is adept at play faking, and he runs play-action passes like a pro. To complete the package, the kid has an absolute rocket arm, with the ability to send the ball forty yards downfield with a mere flick of his wrist. During the recent Ann Arbor Nike camp, Williams displayed his tremendous arm strength, on one occasion throwing a pass 85 yards and hitting his receiver in stride. In the videos which we reviewed, most of Isiah's runs were planned, either as rollouts, options, or quarterback draws; although he has obvious natural skills as a rusher, Williams was able to set up his runs with deft play fakes and instinctive timing. Juice is close to a finished product already, and with a coat of polish he should be ready to take over the reins of a major college program.

3. Demetrius Jones, Chicago Morgan Park (6' 3", 192 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (offered) in top 6 (Notre Dame, leader; Illinois, Oregon, Tennessee, and Northwestern, all offered). Jones, a member of the Rivals 100 list, is a teammate and cousin of blue chip wide receiver prospect Chris James, and the two make quite an impressive tandem on the football field. Demetrius is a true dual-threat quarterback who rushed for 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns, while throwing for 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jones is definitely a raw prospect who currently relies more on his innate athleticism than technique. When throwing from the pocket, Demetrius tends to be off balance with his weight too far forward; he seems to be more natural when throwing on the run, and when he improvises, some exciting plays can result. In order to take his game to the next level, Demetrius will need to accept a bit of coaching and to learn some patience in the pocket, but all of the physical tools are there. At the present time, Demetrius favors Notre Dame, but he will take some visits this summer (along with his cousin Chris and several other Chicagoland recruits, including QB prospect Isiah Williams), and Columbus should be one of their destinations.

4. Adam Weber, Shoreview (Minnesota) Mounds View (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.65 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 3 (Minnesota, offered; Wisconsin). Weber is another quarterback whose stock rose sharply at the recent Ann Arbor Nike camp; by some accounts, he had the best showing of all the QB prospects in attendance. Adam posted some solid numbers as a junior (1,344 yards and 12 TD's with only 2 interceptions), but he has the skills, mechanics, and athleticism necessary to elevate his game at the next level. Weber has great footwork in the pocket for being a high school junior (almost to the point that it looks like he watches film of Peyton Manning), but also boasts a quick release, keeping the ball very close to his body when throwing. Adam has good elusivity and throws very well on the move. Although he is a pocket passer first, with his 4.6 speed and a "no fear" mentality, Adam should also be considered a legitimate threat to run. Adam's father played for the Golden Gophers, so Minnesota should be considered the team to beat. Weber will camp at Minnesota and Ohio State.

5. Arvell Nelson, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 180 lbs, 4.75 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 2 (Texas, also not offered). Nelson is a relative newcomer to the scene, and his reputation rose considerably after a fine showing at the Blacksburg Nike combine, where he out-dueled fellow Ohioan Michael Hartline for top QB honors at the camp; based on that performance and his huge "upside", Arvell should now be considered the leading quarterback prospect in the state of Ohio for the class of 2006. Despite the fact that he leads Glenville's run-oriented offense, Nelson is a pro-style pocket passer with a big arm. In limited action last season, he threw for 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. If Ohio State would offer, then Arvell would likely follow the Glenville pipeline to Columbus.

6. Michael Hartline, Canton Glen Oak (6' 5", 175 lbs, 4.8 forty); OSU (not offered) leads. It has long been thought that Michael will eventually receive an Ohio State offer, and shortly thereafter become a Buckeye like his older brother Brian. However, heading into summer camp, the younger Hartline still does not have that coveted offer, and several other prospects (Isiah Williams, Arvell Nelson, Adam Weber) are coming on strong; at OSU's camp, Michael will likely have the opportunity to go head-to-head against all three of the aforementioned, and he will need a solid performance to secure his place in the Bucks' class of 2006. Like his older brother, Michael is a good all-around athlete (he is a sprinter and hurdler on his school's track team), but he is being recruited strictly as a quarterback. It will be interesting to follow Michael's situation during the upcoming months.

7. Nate Davis, Bellaire (6' 3", 215 lbs, 4.85 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (several schools). Davis is a true two-sport star who will likely earn scholarship offers in both football (2,200 yards passing, 26 TD's) and basketball (29 ppg, 14 rpg); he also excels on the baseball diamond (.500 BA, 9 HR's). On the football field, Nate moves well both in and out of the pocket, and he shows a very impressive arm. Although his level of competition could be questioned (Bellaire is a Division IV school), no one can doubt Nate's athleticism, accuracy, and arm strength. At this point, Davis is somewhat of a dark horse candidate for a Buckeye offer, but he will be at the Ohio State camp this summer trying to prove himself against the likes of Michael Hartline, Arvell Nelson, and Adam Weber.

Running Backs

:osu: 1. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Akron Garfield (6' 1", 228 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU verbal. Wells is the clear number one recruit in the state of Ohio, and a member of the Rivals 100 list. As a junior, Chris rushed for 1,929 yards (9.1 avg) and 20 touchdowns for his Division II playoff team. Wells has an excellent combination of size and speed (10.8 in the 100m), but he is essentially a power runner who will gain most of his yardage between the tackles. After exploding through the hole, Chris shows great vision and acceleration to go along with his punishing running style. Once he reaches the open field, Beanie has just enough "shake and bake" to get himself into one-on-one situations where he can then use his strength to manhandle the defender. Because of Wells's early commitment to Ohio State, many other top national running back prospects (LeSean McCoy, Javarris James, Stafon Johnson, James Aldridge, etc.) have essentially dropped the Buckeyes from their respective lists. On February 6th, Chris committed to Ohio State over Michigan (his childhood favorite), which was thought by many to be the leader for his services.

2. Josh Adams, Cary, North Carolina (5' 11", 171 lbs, 4.58 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Clemson, others, all offered). Adams is one of the few top-level running backs who is still considering Ohio State after the early commitment of Chris Wells. Adams is a slippery scat back with quick feet, good vision, and excellent change of direction, and he would make a nice complement to power-runner Wells. Although he does not boast true world-class speed, Josh has no problem getting to the corner and then out-racing the defense. On the other hand, despite his lack of size, Josh is a surprisingly effective runner between the tackles, and he is not afraid of contact when he is unable to elude it. Adams, a member of the Rivals 100 list, rushed for 2,884 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Josh claims to be wide open in his recruitment, so the Bucks still have a chance, however slight it might be.

3. Carlos Brown, Heard County, Georgia (6' 0", 195 lbs, 4.57 forty); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Miami, all offered). Brown is a four-sport star (football, basketball, baseball, and track) for Heard County. On the gridiron, Carlos lines up all over the field (QB, RB, WB, WR, S, KR, and he even K on occasion), though his future is definitely at tailback. He shows great explosiveness at the line, and has some shiftiness once he gets into the open field. Although Brown does not possess either the pure power of Chris Wells or the elusiveness of Josh Adams, he provides a nice combination of both qualities. Carlos has average speed for a tailback, so he'll have to become more adept at running between the tackles, and rely less on bouncing to the outside (where equally fast OLB's will be waiting for him at the next level). Brown is an "Elite 11" prospect from the state of Georgia who should enjoy some success in the college ranks. Ohio State has been one of Carlos's favorites for quite some time, so the Bucks should be considered legitimate contenders in this recruiting battle.

4. Chane Moline, Mission Viejo, California (6' 1", 235 lbs, 4.7 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 5 (UCLA, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech). Chane is yet another in the long line of stars from Mission Viejo, including Buckeye DE Ryan Williams, USC Trojan QB Mark Sanchez, and Cal Golden Bear OL Kevin Bemoll; he is a teammate of 2006 TE prospect Konrad Reuland, who is also considering Ohio State. With his size, Moline projects as a fullback in college; however, he is a legitimate rushing threat (1,200 yds, 16 TD's as a sophomore; 1,800 yds, 39 TD's as a junior) who might also get a look at tailback in the right system (a la Brandon Joe in the Buckeyes' offense). Chane's older brothers, Chase and Chad, both signed with UCLA in February; for this reason, the Bruins (who have offered) might be the team to beat for the younger Moline's services.

5. Norman Whitley, Rockingham (North Carolina) Richmond County (5' 8", 176 lbs, 4.46 forty, 4.00 shuttle); OSU (not offered) in the mix (North Carolina, only offer; many others). In 2004, Whitley accumulated an incredible 3,540 all-purpose yards (2,666 rushing, 268 receiving, 606 returning), which set a single-season record in the state of North Carolina. As you might expect from a player who scored 39 times last season, Norman's videos are quite impressive. He can cut on a dime and has an amazing ability to weave through traffic, and once he gets into the open it's a footrace that Norman will win almost every time. Whitley has a decent amount of power for his size, and can break the occasional tackle; but speed and quickness are the essence of his game, and he can usually outrun the defense, or avoid contact with a well-timed juke or spin move. The big question concerning Norman is obviously his size, and that fact appears to be the sole reason that he has just one scholarship offer as we head into the summer camp season. Norman performed well at the recent Athens Nike combine, running 4.4 forties, 4.0 shuttles, and confirming the excellent cutting ability, agility, and lateral speed which he demonstrates on the football field. Ohio State is always a long shot to draw talent from the south, but an offer would certainly keep the Bucks in contention for one of the most exciting and prolific players in the class of 2006.

6. Keith Payne, Vienna (Virginia) Oakton (6' 2", 220, 4.4 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest, others). Payne certainly has impressive measurables (he is somewhat of a Chris Wells clone in that respect), but he has yet establish his credentials on the gridiron. Last season, Keith posted some solid but unspectacular numbers, rushing for approximately 1,000 yards (6.4 avg) and 17 touchdowns in 12 games. Nevertheless, we like his size and raw potential, and have tabbed him as one of our "sleeper" prospects for the class of 2006; we look for him to bolster his reputation at various summer camps (he may attend Ohio State's) and throughout his senior season. Some feel that Keith may outgrow running back and end up as an outside linebacker in college. Virginia Tech is Keith's lone offer and presumptive leader at this early stage.

7. Xylon Purkiss, Ravenna, Ohio (5' 10", 255 lbs, 4.85 forty); OSU (not offered) leads. Purkiss is a two-way player for Ravenna, lining up at fullback on offense (385 yards, 2 TD's in 2004) and nose tackle on defense (54 tackles, 8 TFL's, 4 sacks last season). We like him better at fullback, where his power and low center of gravity could serve him well as a lead blocker. Xylon is an intriguing prospect who is extremely strong (375 bench max, 600+ squat max) and very active on the football field, but probably three inches too short to attract the attention of the major programs. As a first-time wrestler this winter, Purkiss had a successful season, and even participated in the state tournament. Xylon's dream is to play for Ohio State, but the Bucks seem to be lukewarm for the moment; however, Cincinnati and all of the MAC schools are showing a lot of interest in this kid who doesn't fit the "profile", but who can flat out play the game.

Wide Receivers

1. Vidal Hazelton, Staten Island (New York) Moore Catholic (6' 3", 192 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (many offers). Although Staten Island is not generally considered a hot bed of football talent, Hazelton has quickly established a name for himself on the national recruiting scene. At the recent Penn State Nike combine, Vidal was the most outstanding wide receiver in attendance, and his combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him stand out from the crowd. Vidal continued to elevate his stock with an equally impressive performance at Elite College Combine, where he garnered Offensive MVP honors and gained much praise from the defensive back prospects who attempted to cover him. Vidal not only possesses incredible natural athleticism, but he is also a polished receiver who runs precise routes and loves to block when the ball does not come his direction. Hazelton likely projects as a wide receiver in college (he caught 39 passes for 780 yards and 17 TD's as a junior), but he also excelled on defense, where he intercepted four passes and returned two for touchdowns. Vidal is claims no favorites at the present time, but Ohio State is just one of the many schools recruiting this top receiver prospect.

2. David Ausberry, Lemoore, California (6' 4", 200 lbs, 4.72 forty); OSU (childhood fave, offered) trails Southern Cal (strong leader, offered). Although Ausberry was born in Columbus and grew up rooting for the Buckeyes, he has never been to the Ohio State campus and does not know much about the football program. In the mean time, his family relocated to California, and David became a fan of Southern Cal, which is now his clear leader. However, David will travel back to Columbus this summer to attend Ohio State's camp, and a strong visit will be necessary in order to even the score with the Trojans. As a sophomore in 2003, Ausberry was one of the top wide outs in California (800 yards, 10 TD's), but a high-ankle sprain hindered him throughout his junior season, and limited his productivity. Nevertheless, he is regarded as one of the top talents in the state, and should draw interest from many major programs besides the Buckeyes and Trojans.

:ill: 3. Chris James, Chicago Morgan Park (6' 0", 169 lbs, 4.55 forty); Illinois verbal. James doesn't have the measurables of some of the other top receiver prospects, but he simply makes plays. Chris runs nice routes, has excellent hands, and uses his leaping ability to get the ball in traffic. As a junior, James had 30 receptions for 550 yards and 7 touchdowns. Although many schools initially shied away from Chris due to his lack of size and subpar forty time, his stock has been soaring recently as coaches across the country have begun to realize that this kid is a natural playmaker; in fact, he may end up being the number one prospect in the state of Illinois for the class of 2006. Chris had long been an Illinois lean, and a few days ago he finally committed to the Fighting Illini.

4. Wesley Lyons, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 6", 205 lbs, 4.65 forty); OSU (offered) co-leader (Miami, also offered). No one's stock is rising faster than Wesley Lyons's - two months ago, he was flying under the radar, but now he boasts offers from several top programs including Ohio State, Miami, Penn State, and West Virginia. Although Lyons had a fairly productive year as a junior (33 receptions for 600 yards and 7 TD's), his size and potential are what have begun to attract the college recruiters. Despite his height, Lyons is being recruited as a pure wide out and not as a tight end. Wesley is the younger brother of current Ohio State sophomore wide out Devon Lyons, and the smart money says that "little" Lyons will follow his brother to Columbus. However, Wesley also really likes Miami, and a few other schools may get a look as well.

5. Crawford Kilpatrick, Suwanne (Georgia) North Gwinnett (6' 5", 197, 4.62 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 4 (Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, none offered). Kilpatrick is still somewhat of a sleeper prospect, but he has the requisite size (he is a legit 6' 5", and his frame is beginning to fill out) and has produced well at the high school level (60 receptions for 925 yards and 9 TD's in 2004), so it is only a matter of time before college recruiters start swarming. Crawford has excellent speed and quickness, but his primary attributes are his height, leaping ability, and soft hands, which are an ideal combination for a possession receiver. In addition, Crawford's coach states that he is very physical football player who enjoys contact and loves to block. Kilpatrick has only two offers to date (Duke and Maryland), but he appears content to show his talents at the spring combines and summer camps and wait for more offers to roll in. Ohio State has consistently been a member of Crawford's top five list, and the Bucks would certainly be in contention if the staff would decide to send him an offer.

6. Markeith Summers, Olive Branch, Mississippi (6' 4", 190 lbs, 4.5 forty, 37" vertical); OSU (not offered) co-leader (Florida, also not offered). Despite his coach's claim that he is "a legit 4.45 guy", Summers is a rangy, possession-style receiver who makes more plays with his soft hands than with raw speed. Markeith combines superior body control and excellent concentration with an uncanny ability to find the open spot on the field. Last season, Summers named a first team all-state selection after catching 21 passes for 650 yards (31.0 avg) and 6 touchdowns. As far as recruiting goes, following Markeith should be interesting, to say the least. He has claimed Ohio State and Florida as his co-leaders, yet neither school has offered him a scholarship to date; however, he does hold offers from a number of other top programs, including LSU (another favorite), Oklahoma, Nebraska, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. To further complicate the situation, Markeith's brother Anthony (also a senior, but a year older) is the quarterback at Olive Branch, and the two would like to attend the same school, if possible; Anthony's offer list is similar to Markeith's, but unlike his younger brother, he has no current interest in Ohio State. Grades may also be an issue. So, where does that leave the Bucks? We'll all just have to wait and see....

7. Troy Pascley, Alliance Marlington (6' 2", 180 lbs, 4.39 forty, 35" vertical, 10' 4" broad jump); OSU (not offered) leads. Pascley is a superior athlete who just needs some more experience in order to become an excellent football player. However, as a receiver in a wing-T offense, Troy probably will not get much of a chance to hone his skills on the field (only 23 receptions for 500 yards as a junior), so any prospective suitors will be taking him for his potential to develop at the college level. Pascley is an unabashed Buckeye fan, and he would most likely commit soon after receiving an offer from Ohio State. Whether that offer eventually materializes will largely depend on his showing at camp this summer.

8. Ray Fisher, Cleveland Glenville (5' 10", 170 lbs, 4.4 forty, 3.97 shuttle; 3.7 GPA); OSU (not offered) leads. Fisher is the rare Glenville prospect who is receiving little buzz in recruiting circles, probably because his teammates DE Rob Rose, QB Arvell Nelson, and ATH Raymond Small are drawing most of the attention. Ray has speed and quickness to burn, but his size is a major concern (in an era of big wide outs, he is quite short, and his weight might be closer to 150 than 170), as is his strength (only two bench reps at 185 pounds). Ray currently holds offers from several schools, including Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, Ball State, and Syracuse, and he expects an offer from from Ohio State in the near future. However, the Buckeyes are currently "in" on several top receiver and "athlete" prospects (including Raymond Small, who is a strong OSU lean), and Fisher might end up being yet another late Glenville offeree (Troy Smith, Curtis Terry, Freddie Lenix).

Tight Ends

1. Konrad Reuland, Mission Viejo, California (6' 6", 235 lbs, 4.75 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Southern Cal, UCLA, Notre Dame, others). Reuland was born in Springfield, Ohio, grew up rooting for Ohio State, and is still a fan of the Buckeyes. Konrad is a teammate of 2006 FB prospect Chane Moline, and attends the same school as incoming Buckeye freshman DE Ryan Williams. Although he is currently one of the top tight end prospects in the country, Konrad, like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez (his idol), began his athletic career on the basketball court. With only two years of experience on the gridiron, Konrad should have tremendous upside despite the fact that he already made the Rivals Junior All-American Team after his performance last season (47 receptions, 800 yards, 7 TD's for the second-ranked team in the nation). Konrad has very good hands and enough speed to beat linebackers to the seams in the zone; he is also a very good blocker who seems to enjoy the task. Off the field, Konrad is an outstanding student who carries a 3.8 GPA. Reuland hasn't seen Ohio State yet, but he is excited to visit the school, probably this summer, possibly for camp. If Ohio State should offer, then the Bucks would likely be a serious contender for Konrad's signature on Signing Day.

2. Nate Byham, Franklin, Pennsylvania (6' 4", 220 lbs, 4.65 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Miami, Southern Cal, Pitt, Iowa, others, all offered). Although he is listed as a tight end prospect, Byham is not a physically imposing player, especially for a lineman. However, Nate displays excellent hands, decent speed, and shifty moves after the catch, and these qualities make him a serious offensive threat (45 receptions for 883 yards and 9 TD's in 2004). Unless he can add some bulk (at least 20 pounds), Nate will probably end up switching from tight end to wide receiver in college, where he could present some serious match-up problems for opposing defenses. Byham is also a productive middle linebacker at the high school level, having posted 91 tackles, 14 TFL's, 9 sacks, 3 INT's, and 4 fumble recoveries last season; however, his future is definitely on the offensive side of the ball, where he has the potential to be a true star. Although Nate will visit Ohio State this summer, the Buckeyes appear to be a long shot here.

3. Jeff Cumberland, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 220 lbs, 4.55 forty, 34" vertical); OSU (not offered) in top 3 (Miami, Minnesota, neither offered). Cumberland is the number one tight end prospect in the state of Ohio for the class of 2006. Last season was Jeff'’s first on offense, and he responded by leading the 'Haven in receiving (19 receptions, 372 yards, 8 TD's), helping his team to a state championship (Division II) along the way. Jeff has recently mentioned a desire to play wide receiver, but if he grows into his frame, he will be a fixture at tight end (and tip the scales at the 250-pound mark). Although he is also an excellent high school basketball player, Cumberland's athletic future is definitely on the gridiron. Jeff has always been a fan of Ohio State, and it is quite possible that he would accept an offer from the Buckeyes, should one come his way; however, Minnesota has been a haven for Brookhaven (Alex Daniels, Dominic Jones, Keith Massey all signed in 2005), and Jeff may also end up with the Golden Gophers.

4. Josh Chichester, West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West (6' 8", 210 lbs, 4.7 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (see below). Like fellow Ohioan Jeff Cumberland, Josh Chichester is a tight end prospect who also excels on the hardwood. However, unlike Cumberland, Chichester is actually being more-heavily recruited for basketball (he is a member of the RivalsHoops Top 150), and he might end up dropping football at the next level. Many observers feel that such a move would be a big mistake, as Josh could become a special player who would present unbelievable match-up difficulties lining up as a tight end, or even as a wide out on occasion (as Rickey Dudley did so successfully for the Buckeyes during the mid-1990's). As you might expect from a basketball star, Chichester has very soft hands and good leaping ability; conversely, his weaknesses - a lack of bulk and physical strength - also derive from his basketball background. Josh is definitely a football project at this point, but he had some decent production as a junior (27 receptions, 603 yards, 11 TD's), and his upside is huge. Chichester already has several offers for basketball and several more for football. Ideally, Josh would like to play both sports in college, and Ohio State is considering that possibility; head basketball coach Thad Matta has already stated that Josh could also be an integral member of the roundball team even if he accepted a football scholarship from Coach Tressel. If Ohio State would offer, then it is likely that the Bucks would rise to the top of his list.

5. Joe Torchia, North Arlington (New Jersey) Queen of Peace (6' 3", 231 lbs, 4.8 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Duke, Rutgers, Maryland, others). Torchia is a solid tight end prospect (21 receptions for 567 yards and 6 touchdowns as a junior) who doesn't have the upside of a Cumberland or Chichester (much less a Reuland or a Byham), but he has already assembled a very impressive offer list, including the three schools mentioned above, plus Nebraska, Virginia, Michigan State, and Kansas. As a defensive end, Torchia logged 58 tackles and 9 sacks last year, but most teams are recruiting him as a tight end. In addition to his athletic skills, Joe is an excellent student who boasts a 3.98 GPA in the classroom. It appears that Ohio State will concentrate its recruiting efforts on Byham, Reuland, Cumberland, and Chichester, but Torchia may also receive some consideration from the Buckeye staff.

Offensive Linemen

1. Aaron Brown, Cincinnati Princeton (6' 6", 270 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (offered) leads (Florida, Florida State, many other offers). Brown is the top offensive line prospect in the state of Ohio, and one of the best in the entire nation. Not only does Aaron have a great frame with plenty of room to grow, he also is a sound technician with excellent footwork. Moreover, Aaron is a fierce competitor who plays with great intensity. In college, Brown projects as a left tackle, which only increases his stock among recruiters. Aaron has been fairly reticent to discuss recruiting, but all indications seem to indicate that Ohio State will be the school to beat.

2. Connor Smith, Cincinnati Colerain (6' 5", 280 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (offered) leads Michigan (offered). Smith is a versatile O-line prospect who could play either guard or tackle in college. Connor is a devastating run blocker who is always looking to maul a defender, even if he is 25 yards downfield. In last year's Division I state title game (which was won handily by Colerain), Smith absolutely manhandled Antwon Hight, Canton McKinley's highly-rated defensive lineman, often pushing him several yards off of the line of scrimmage, or simply pancaking him. Besides possessing dominating physical power, Connor also has excellent quickness and footwork, which allow him to pull from any position on the line. Connor's father, Joe, was an Academic All-American offensive lineman for Ohio State in the early 80's, and it is quite possible that the younger Smith will follow suit; however, Michigan is always a big player for Cincinnati talent (the Wolverines signed Colerain's Mister Simpson in 2005), and That School Up North will battle the Bucks to the end for this Rivals 100 blue chipper.

3. Justin Boren, Pickerington (Ohio) North (6' 3", 319 lbs, 5.2 forty, 40 bench reps); Michigan verbal. Boren might be the most polished offensive lineman in Ohio this year, but he lacks the upside potential of Brown and Smith. Justin has excellent technique, tremendous power (450 bench max, 600 squat max), and just enough of a mean streak. Justin's father, Mike, played linebacker for Michigan during the early 1980's, and, much to the dismay of Ohio State fans, the younger Boren has decided to follow his father up north.

4. J.B. Walton, Indian Head (Maryland) Lackey (6' 3", 270 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Maryland, offered, leader; many others, all offered). Walton is a Rivals 100 selection as an offensive lineman, and he will probably play guard in college. On offense, J.B. displays excellent footwork, speed, quickness, and athleticism, and he is the rare high school lineman who can pull with skill. On several plays, Walton took out a defender near the line, then proceeded 10 or 15 yards downfield to flatten another one - nice stuff! Walton also plays defensive tackle in high school, and he could get a look on that side of the ball as well; however, on defense, J.B. gets by more on talent than technique, and he just seems to be more comfortable paving the way for a running back than trying to track one down. On either side of the line, J.B. demonstrates real power along with the desire to punish his opponent, a superb combination for a guy who will be operating in trenches. With so many talented Ohioans this year, Walton is one of the few out-of-state offensive line prospects who has piqued the interest of the Ohio State staff. Maryland is the favorite in this race, but J.B. also likes Virginia and Penn State; the Buckeyes seem to be a long shot at this point.

5. Lee Tilley, Springfield (Ohio) South (6' 7", 300 lbs, 5.0 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (several offers). Many talent evaluators believe that Lee Tilley might end up being the best Ohio lineman in this phenomenal class of 2006. Lee has excellent height, very long arms, good balance, and decent feet. Despite his exceptional physical attributes, several factors have kept Tilley somewhat down on our prospect list: (a) he has a tendency to get heavy (he was about 325 pounds this winter); (b) he sometimes lacks intensity on the field, and fails to overpower lesser opponents; and (c) unlike most high school linemen, he is not a very experienced run blocker (on the other hand, he is accomplished at pass blocking, which is a definite plus). Reports indicate that Lee has been working very hard this spring to get into better physical shape (he wants to get down to 285 pounds while increasing his strength). If Tilley can keep his weight in check and crank up the intensity, he could rise to elite status during his senior season. With his size and skill at pass blocking (he has never given up a sack), Lee is definitely a tackle prospect, probably a left tackle. As far as college choices, Lee has about thirty offers and claims to like just about everybody except Ohio State (who has not offered). However, both of Lee's parents graduated from Ohio State, and Lee is thought to be a fan of the program, so an offer from the Buckeyes should put the home team right back in the mix. And, with Justin Boren recently committing to Michigan, a Buckeye offer for Tilley might be imminent.

6. Jacob Ballard, Springboro, Ohio (6' 7", 255 lbs, 4.8 forty); OSU (not offered) leads (Michigan State, Indiana, Louisville, all offered). Ballard may be the best "jumbo" athlete in the state of Ohio this year. While he plays tight end and defensive end in high school, Jake has the frame to bulk up to OL range, and that is where we see him playing at the next level; in that respect, he is similar to current Buckeye Kirk Barton, a rangy, athletic high school end who successfully made the move inside to tackle. Ballard might also wind up on defense (88 tackles, 12 TFL's, 6 sacks in 2004), where he could play strong-side end or three-technique tackle. Jake's twin brother, Josh, plays linebacker for Springboro, but he is probably a MAC prospect. By all accounts, Jake is a huge Ohio State fan, and would likely accept a Buckeye offer.

7. Ryan Palmer, Canton Glen Oak (6' 7", 280 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 5 (Michigan, Notre Dame, Pitt, Purdue, none offered). Palmer is a raw prospect with a great frame and decent athleticism for a big man. If Ryan can add some weight and strength, and gain some experience and confidence, he could join Brown, Smith, and Boren as one of the elite linemen in this fabulous O-line class. Ryan is a teammate of 2006 QB prospect Michael Hartline, and attends the same school as Buckeyes Brian Hartline, T.J. Downing, and Dustin Fox. We feel that the Buckeyes would be the leader if they offered, but Palmer needs to impress at summer camp in order to get the attention of the Ohio State coaching staff.

8. Bryant Browning, Cleveland Glenville (6' 3", 328 lbs, 5.4 forty); OSU (not offered) leads (Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern, all offered; Notre Dame). Browning is an absolutely huge kid, but maybe not quite the way that college recruiters would like to see - at 328 pounds, his weight is obviously a cause for concern. Bryant is also a bit on the short side, and his lack of height will limit him to guard in college. Despite the fact that his body doesn't fit the ideal computer profile for an offensive lineman, Browning is a decent athlete who performed very well at the recent Blacksburg Nike combine. Off the field, Bryant excels in the academic arena, as he currently carries a 4.2 GPA and is on track to become his school's valedictorian. Although Browning is from Glenville, it is unlikely that he will follow the pipeline to Columbus; at this point, the Buckeyes do not seem particularly interested in Bryant, and there are just too many good in-state prospects ahead of him.

9. Clark Crum, Dublin Scioto (6' 7", 255 lbs, 5.15 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, Miami of Ohio, all offered; Notre Dame, Michigan). For the moment, Crum is a sleeper, especially in a class which has so many blue chip O-line prospects like Brown, Smith, Boren, and Tilley. Clark has a great frame and long arms (he is a tackle all the way) and is athletic for a person his size (he averaged 17.5 ppg for his school's basketball team); if he can add some much-needed weight and continue to work on his technique, then he should see some big-time offers rolling in. We believe that Clark favors Ohio State, and would accept an offer from the Bucks; however, with so many other in-state prospects vying for a scholarship, the staff can afford to take a wait-and-see attitude with him.

10. Joe Thomas, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edwards (6' 5", 310 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Michigan, Wisconsin, Pitt, Boston College, all offered; Iowa). Thomas attends the same high school as incoming Buckeye freshman OT Alex Boone. While Boone, a five-star recruit and one of the best line prospects in the entire country last year, received most of the attention and accolades, Thomas also managed to distinguish himself, earning second team all-district honors as a junior. Although Joe has decent height, he is a bit on the stout side, and thus projects as a guard at the college level. Joe has a very good offer list, but might not fit the Buckeye coaching staff's "profile" for an offensive lineman (lean, rangy, mobile, athletic). However, Thomas might be an excellent fit in an offense like Wisconsin's, which is based on a straight-ahead, power-running attack.

11. Mark Jackson, Columbus Brookhaven (6' 6", 300 lbs, 5.4 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Minnesota, offered; Miami, Oklahoma). Jackson plays center for state champ Brookhaven, which must make him one of the tallest centers in the country. In college, Jackson will likely stay in the interior line, but he has decent footwork and enough height to play tackle as well. Mark is a teammate of 2006 TE prospect Jeff Cumberland, and the two players are looking at many of the same schools. Jackson already holds an early offer from Minnesota, and it is quite possible that he will follow the Brookhaven pipeline (Alex Daniels, Dominic Jones, Keith Massey) up north.

12. Chris Hanna, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 4", 292 lbs, 5.0 forty) - Hanna plays left tackle at Gateway, but he projects as a guard in college. He excels as a run blocker (he helped pave the way for 5-star athlete Justin King last season), but has little experience in pass blocking. Chris might be the best pure OL prospect in the state of Pennsylvania this year, as Jared Odrick and Jason Pinkston both project as defensive linemen in college. Hanna is teammates with ATH Aaron Smith (some interest in Ohio State) and LB Dan Loheyde (Pitt verbal), who are also top prospects in Pennsylvania for the class of 2006. Chris has a smattering of offers, including Duke, Illinois, Rutgers, and Akron, but he is still waiting to hear from his favorite programs, namely Pittsburgh, Maryland, Ohio State, Purdue, and Virginia. With the state of Ohio having so many top-flight OL prospects this year, it remains uncertain whether this somewhat raw (and underrated) talent will receive an offer from the Bucks; however, with a strong showing at summer camps and a solid season this fall, Chris's stock will undoubtedly begin to rise.

Defensive Tackles

1. Micah Johnson, Fort Campbell (Kentucky) West Potomac (6' 2", 267, 4.8 forty, 30+ bench reps); OSU (offered) in the mix (many others, all offered). Johnson is close to being in the "freak" category - at nearly 270 pounds, he plays running back (1,249 yards, 10.3 average, 17 TD's in only six games last season) and linebacker (173 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interceptions as a junior) for his high school squad. After his junior season, Micah was named as a first-team all-state selection, and he is currently one of the most highly recruited prospects in the entire nation. In college, Johnson could be a devastating fullback (a la Ironhead Heyward or Pooh Bear Williams or even Brandon Joe), but we feel that he would excel as a defensive lineman who could shift between strongside end and tackle; in fact, with his quickness, explosiveness, and ability to blow up plays in the backfield, he reminds us quite a bit of former Buckeye great Darrion Scott, who had much success in a similar role for Ohio State. As far as recruiting goes, Micah lists several favorites, including Ohio State (which is recruiting him as a RB/FB, his preferred position). Interestingly, Micah has developed a relationship with former Buckeye and NFL wide receiver Chris Sanders, and that contact could assist Ohio State in their pursuit of this Rivals 100 prospect. In recruiting a super blue chipper like Micah Johnson, every little advantage helps.

2. Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh Baldwin (6' 5", 273 lbs, 4.9 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, many others, all offered). Pinskton may be the best pure defensive tackle prospect on the Bucks' list for the class of 2006. At a "mere" 273 pounds, Jason relies more on quickness and technique than raw power and brute strength; although he could probably bulk up a bit at the college level, Jason certainly has plenty of size to play the three-technique tackle, and he might even be quick enough to play the strong-side end (he lines up at both positions in high school). While Pinkston also shows some ability as an offensive tackle, displaying quick feet and an active motor, his future is clearly on defense, where he is a playmaker along the line (100 tackles, 7 sacks, in 10 games as a junior). Jason has been reluctant to name any favorites, but Ohio State has consistently been on his list, and the Buckeyes should be a legitimate player in this recruiting battle.

3. Tom McEowen, Feasterville (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (6' 4", 279 lbs, 5.1 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Boston College, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, NC State, Northwestern, Penn State, Rutgers, and Virginia). Although he doesn't look like much of an athlete on the field, Tom McEowen possess a surprising amount of speed, quickness, and agility (forget the forty time - this kid boasts a 32" vertical, a 9' 6" broad jump, and a 4.34 shuttle). And when Tom gets to the ball carrier, which is frequently (89 tackles, 15 TFL's, 5 sacks as a junior), he hits hard; he is a major disruptive force on the gridiron, and that is a high compliment for a defensive tackle. A non-stop motor and the proper football mentality are bonuses. Although he is somewhat overshadowed by the other top Pennsylvania D-line prospects (such as Jared Odrick, Jason Pinkston, and Jason Kates), McEowen might be the best of the bunch in college. We really like Tom as a prospect, as he already possesses a tremendous amount of natural athleticism but also has huge upside potential. Tom currently holds 16 offers, but his list will undoubtedly get longer as more recruiters discover this diamond in the rough. Ohio State has been in contact recently, and there is apparently mutual interest.

4. Alex Dekle, Statesboro, Georgia (6' 2", 273 lbs, 4.82 forty); OSU (offered) in top 3 (Ole Miss, North Carolina, both offered). To be honest, we do not know very much about Alex Dekle, and we are not alone in that respect - Rivals does not have much more than his height, weight, and forty time, and Scout has no information whatsoever. About all we know is that Alex claims that Ohio State is one of his three favorites, and that each of his favorite schools has offered him a scholarship. Dekle apparently performed well at the recent Athens Nike combine, where he displayed good leg strength and drive. We will be on the lookout for more information concerning this intriguing prospect.

5. Bill Nagy, Hudson, Ohio (6' 4", 285 lbs, 4.85 forty, 4.5 shuttle); OSU (not offered) in top 5 (Louisville, Nortwestern, both offered; Notre Dame, Michigan). Although we have Nagy grouped with the defensive linemen (52 tackles, 8 TFL's in 2004), he is an equally good prospect for the offensive line (78 pancake blocks last season), and he might very well end up on offense in college. We chose to list him as a defensive tackle for several reasons: (a) he prefers defense; (b) he has a very active motor that would be better utilized on the defensive side of the line; (c) he is quick off the ball, another quality that would serve him well on defense; and (d) as an offensive lineman in a class replete with quality players, Nagy is just another name; on the other hand, he is clearly the best defensive tackle prospect in the state of Ohio this year. Bill has a great attitude on the field, and after watching him, it is obvious that he is a guy who simply never takes a play off. Nagy is from a high school that is not known as a football powerhouse, and for that reason he has been flying a bit under the radar. However, if Bill can showcase his talent during the upcoming summer camps, then he should start to see the offers rolling in.

6. Ben Alexander, Anderson (South Carolina) T.L. Hanna (6' 1", 285 lbs, 5.02 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (many offers) - Alexander is one of the premier defensive tackle prospects in the deep south. Last season, Ben registered 77 tackles, 30 TFL's, and 6 sacks, which earned him all-state honors. With his short, stocky body and his ability seemingly to burrow through the offensive line to make plays in the backfield, Ben reminds us a bit of another South Carolina defensive tackle from a generation ago - Michael Dean Perry. Like MDP, Alexander favors Clemson (offered). However, Ben is originally from Ohio, and his dad used to take him to Ohio State games all the time, so the Buckeyes might remain in contention if the staff would come through with an offer.

Defensive Ends

1. Robert Rose, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 238 lbs, 4.6 forty, 4.6 shuttle); OSU (offered) leads (Michigan State, offered; Michigan, Iowa, Southern Cal). Of all the players on the Buckeyes' radar screen this year, Robert Rose may be the one who best personifies the "freak" athlete - he has the frame of a defensive lineman with the speed of a wide receiver and the agility of a running back. At Glenville, Robert has played tight end, defensive tackle, and defensive end, and we feel that he could ultimately end up at any of those positions in college, and maybe even at outside linebacker like former Tarblooder Pierre Woods, whom Robert resembles in both size and athletic ability. Rose is only one of the many Glenville players who will receive serious attention from Division I programs (Raymond Small, Ray Fisher, Arvell Nelson, Bryant Browning, Royce Adams, and Wisconsin verbal Daven Jones), but he might just be the best of the bunch. We suspect that Robert will eventually follow the Glenville pipeline to Columbus, but, as any top recruit should, he will likely visit several other schools before making his decision final.

2. Drew Gloster, Damascus (Maryland) Good Counsel (6' 4", 215 lbs, 4.57 forty, 4.59 shuttle, 33" vertical, 22 bench reps); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Virginia Tech, Penn State, Florida, Miami, all offered). Gloster is one of the top defensive end prospects in the country, despite a lack of production as a junior (only 24 tackles and 2 sacks). However, he has very good measurables and big-time upside, so many of the top college programs are pursuing him as a pure pass rusher. Drew also plays wide receiver on offense (25 receptions, 362 yards, 2 TD's), where he displays very good hands, decent speed, a few moves, and a willingness (and ability) to block. Gloster is a teammate of 2006 LB/DB prospect Akeem Hebron. Drew has been a fan of the Buckeyes since he was a child (a family friend played for the team), but he would also like to play his college football close to home; he plans on making a decision on his birthday (August 10th), and the Buckeyes appear to be in hunt.

3. Aaron Maybin Ellicott City (Maryland) Mt. Hebron (6' 3", 220 lbs, 4.64 forty, 4.30 shuttle, 36" vertical); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Maryland, Penn State, Virginia, Auburn, all offered). Maybin is yet another defensive end prospect whose athleticism borders on "freaky". Besides posting ridiculous measurables, Aaron also placed fourth in the state of Maryland in wrestling last winter. On the football field, Aaron is more than just an athlete in shoulder pads - he posted 79 tackles as a junior (with an amazing 26 going for losses) and also contributed 9 sacks. It is more than likely that Aaron will remain on the east coast (Maryland seems like a logical choice), but he has mentioned Ohio State as a school of interest.

4. Lamar Mapp, Springfield (Ohio) South (6' 3", 234 lbs, 4.65 forty, 4.65 shuttle); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Akron, offered; several others). Mapp is one of our "sleepers" for the class of 2006. Although he has recorded some excellent numbers on the field (118 tackles, 12 sacks as a junior), Lamar has only recently begun to receive attention from college recruiters. Despite the fact that Mapp is on the short side for a defensive end prospect, he deflected 19 passes last season alone. Right now, Mapp excels at rushing the passer, but his run defense needs some work; in the running game, Lamar tends to get locked up with his blocker, but after disengaging, he possesses enough speed to recover and make the play. Lamar is undeniably a tremendous athlete (at a recent track meet, he posted an 11.3 in the 100 meter dash), but one factor will probably keep him on the back burner for a while: grades. While we do not have any specifics, some have reported that Lamar might be destined for a prep school or junior college. If he can make the cut academically, then many major programs will be giving serious consideration to Lamar Mapp.

5. Darius Smith, Euclid, Ohio (6' 3", 195 lbs, 4.6 forty); OSU (not offered) leads. Weighing in at just under 200 pounds, Darius Smith may be the skinniest DE prospect that we've seen in quite some time. However, his high school coach thinks that Smith will start to fill out this season and begin to make a name for himself. Darius is a teammate of blue chip linebacker prospect Thaddeus Gibson, and the younger brother of current Buckeye linebacker Brandon Smith. The older Smith surprised a few experts when he received his Buckeye offer a couple of years ago, and the younger Smith might do the same. Ohio State is Darius' clear leader, and an offer from the Buckeyes would likely be accepted on the spot. In the mean time, Darius needs to bulk up, and to demonstrate his skills at camps this summer and on the gridiron this autumn.

Linebackers

1. Akeem Hebron, Damascus (Maryland) Good Counsel (6' 2", 193 lbs, 4.45 forty, 33" vertical); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, all offered). According to Rivals, Hebron is the number three prospect in the state of Maryland for the class of 2006, and he is a member of their Top 100 list; last season, Akeem was a consensus all-state selection, and was runner-up for Maryland's defensive player of the year honors. Hebron is a teammate of 2006 DE recruit Drew Gloster, who is also considering the Buckeyes. Akeem plays outside linebacker in high school (110 tackles, 11 sacks, 2 interceptions), but may switch to safety in college if he is unable to add about twenty pounds to his frame. He reminds us a bit of incoming Buckeye freshman LB Freddie Lenix - a bit undersized, but extremely fast, very tough, and a vicious hitter who explodes on the ballcarrier. In addition, Hebron has both great technique (he stays low when he tackles) and natural instincts (he reads plays well and has a real nose for the football). With his great speed, Akeem has the ability to police the field from sideline to sideline, yet he also demonstrates the power to bull rush past the offensive line and administer the type of hits that will have the quarterback constantly looking over his shoulder. If we had to single out one kid in this class who defines the term "football player", it would be Akeem Hebron; he is one of our top overall prospects for the class of 2006, and we will be following his recruitment very closely.

:osu: 2. Ross Homan, Coldwater, Ohio (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.55 forty); OSU verbal. Homan is the best inside linebacker in the state of Ohio for the class of 2006, and one of the top prospects regardless of position. In two seasons manning the middle of the Coldwater defense, Ross has compiled some truly amazing numbers: as a sophomore in 2003, he had 219 tackles, 7 TFL's, 6 sacks, and an interception; he posted similar stats as junior, finishing the season with 234 tackles, 7 TFL's, 6 sacks, and an interception. Homan reads plays like a pro (it sometimes seems like he has been in the opponent's huddle), and he has excellent pursuit and closing speed; after he tracks down the ball carrier, he lays on bone-crushing hits. Ross doesn’t have to shed many blockers because he is usually by them before they realize they have missed their assignment. Although he is an absolute terror against the run, Ross is also very active in pass defense, and has the ability to cover a large zone. In short, Ross is a very heady defender who knows exactly where to be and when to get there. Homan plays running back on offense (806 yards rushing, 299 yards receiving, 14 TD's in 2004), and he displays quick feet and surprisingly good hands for a 220-pounder; however, linebacker is his natural position, and that is where he will play for the Buckeyes, possibly on the outside. In addition to being a superior athlete, Ross currently carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom. Ross is a lifelong Buckeye fan, and on February 7th, he became Ohio State's second verbal commitment for the class of 2006.

3. Thaddeus Gibson, Euclid, Ohio (6' 3", 208 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads Michigan (offered). Gibson is a classic outside linebacker with decent size (with plenty of room to grow) and outstanding speed (he recently ran the 100 meters in 11.1 seconds and the 200 meters in 23.7 seconds). In fact, Thaddeus has already earned the reputation as the best pure pass rusher in the greater Cleveland area (67 tackles, 17 sacks, two interceptions last season), which is high praise considering all of the talent in northeast Ohio. Despite the fact that he tips the scales at just over 200 pounds, Gibson is a lights out hitter who loves to search out and destroy opposing ball carriers. Gibson has visited Ohio State several times, and is friends with current Buckeye redshirt freshman LB Brandon Smith and his younger brother Darius, who is a 2006 DE prospect from Euclid High. At this early stage of the game, it appears that Thaddeus favors the Buckeyes, but Michigan and possibly a few other schools will also get a serious look.

4. Jeremiha Hunter, Manheim (Pennsylvania) Central (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (offered) in top 4 (Michigan, Penn State, West Virginia, all offered). Hunter is yet another outstanding outside linebacker prospect (135 tackles as a sophomore; 143 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions as a junior) who has the Buckeyes on his short list. Jeremiha is also a legitimate fullback prospect (1,500 yards, 21 TD's in 2003; 1,100 yards, 22 TD's in 2004). While Jeremiha was an all-conference selection at both positions, he was named to the Associated Press and Pennsylvania Football News all-state first teams as a linebacker, and he projects as an OLB in college. At the Elite College Combine, Jeremiha was the second-best linebacker in attendance, behind only Akeem Hebron (no surprise there). Until recently, Hunter had been a Michigan lean, but Ohio State and Penn State appear to have closed the gap somewhat, and his recruitment will likely be a three-team race.

5. A.J. Edds, Greenwood, Indiana (6' 4", 215 lbs, 4.7 forty); OSU (not offered) in top 5 (Purdue, Illinois, Indiana, all offered; Notre Dame). Currently, Edds is being recruited as a linebacker (139 tackles, 12 TFL's, 4 INT's in 2004), but he has the frame to grow into a defensive end. On offense, A.J. plays tight end (544 yards, 4 TD's last season), and he could remain on the side of the ball in college. Edds is a great student, as evidenced by his 3.9 GPA and 1170 SAT (old scale). A.J. already has three Big Ten offers, but he is still looking at Ohio State, Notre Dame, and a few other major programs, hoping that some more offers will materialize down the road. He will camp at Ohio State this year, which will give him an excellent chance to showcase his talents for the Buckeye coaching staff.

6. Cobrani "Cobra" Mixon, Cincinnati Colerain (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.6 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Michigan, Louisville, West Virginia, Miami of Ohio, all offered). Mixon is a teammate of 2006 OL prospect Connor Smith. As a junior last year, Cobrani made 49 tackles and 9 sacks, even after losing part of the season to an ACL injury. Apparently, Cobra has fully recovered, and he should post some impressive numbers during his senior campaign for the defending Division I state champs. Word on the street is that Mixon favors Michigan, and the Wolverines have entered the game with an early offer. However, we feel that Ohio State could still be a serious player, if the coaching staff would eventually offer a scholarship.

7. Greg Webster, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 2", 225 lbs, 4.7 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Pitt, Virginia, West Virginia, all offered; Michigan, Iowa). Webster attends the same school as CB Darrin Walls and WR Wesley Lyons, both of whom are also top prospects in the state of Pennsylvania. Greg is a physical specimen who makes a lot of plays (134 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 interceptions as a junior in 2004), and he has the "search and destroy" mentality to man the middle of the defense. Although Greg has some nice offers on the table, he is still waiting to hear from Big Ten powers Ohio State, Michigan, and Iowa before making his decision.

8. Kevin Green, Jr., North Chicago, Illinois (6' 2", 213 lbs, 4.55 forty, 37" vertical); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Minnesota, Purdue, Kansas, Navy, Ball State, Toledo, Bowling Green, all offered; Illinois, Iowa). First off, despite having a similar name and playing the same position, Kevin is no relation to the former Pittsburgh Steeler All-Pro linebacker (who spells his surname "Greene"). As a junior, Green had 55 tackles (14 for losses) and two sacks; he is an active defender who fights through traffic well, but his technique needs some work. Kevin lines up at fullback on offense, and he is a strong runner who is very capable between the tackles; once he gets into the open field, he exhibits decent maneuverability and adequate speed. Kevin might actually be a better prospect as a big back (1,069 yards, 9.1 average, 8 TD's in 2004), but he will be hindered by his upright running style, which is only exacerbated by his height. Kevin has already drawn quite a bit of interest from recruiters, and he will demonstrate his talents at various summer camps, including Ohio State, Iowa, Purdue, and Michigan State. With an offer from Purdue in hand, the Boilermakers should be considered the early leader.

9. Tommy Becker, Plymouth (Minnesota) Wayzata (6' 2", 230 lbs, 4.77 forty); OSU in top 6 (Minnesota, offered; Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan State, Oklahoma). Becker plays for the same high school as incoming Buckeye freshman LB James Laurinaitis, and the two formed quite a tandem in the middle of the Wayzata defense last season. While Laurinaitis racked up nearly 200 tackles on his way to being named Minnesota's Mr. Football, Becker added 139 of his own, together with 3 interceptions. This year, Tommy will have the spotlight to himself, and should post some more huge numbers. Becker plays middle linebacker in high school, and he should remain inside at the college level. Minnesota has offered, and they should be considered Tommy's probable leader; however, Ohio State and many other schools will be watching Tommy closely this season, and he may generate quite a bit of interest down the road.

Defensive Backs

1. Darrin Walls, Pittsburgh Woodland Hills (6' 1", 175 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Michigan, Notre Dame, both offered, lead). Walls is possibly the number one cornerback prospect in the nation, having recorded 110 tackles and 9 interceptions over the past two seasons combined. Not only is Walls a skilled technician with superb coverage abilities, he also has great size for a CB and phenomenal speed in the Teddy Ginn / Justin King range. Darrin makes excellent reads and quick breaks on the ball; although he is not a huge hitter, he does not shy away from run support and is willing and able to go head-to-head with a ball carrier in the open field. Darrin attended two Ohio State games last year, and he hails from the same school as current Buckeye wide out Devon Lyons and 2006 receiver prospect Wesley Lyons (Devon's younger brother). However, Walls seems more likely to follow former Woodland Hills stars Steve Breaston and Ryan Mundy to Michigan. Notre Dame is also a favorite, and several other leading programs may get a look from this top Pennsylvania prospect.

2. Antwine Perez, Camden (New Jersey) Woodrow Wilson (6' 2", 197 lbs, 4.53 forty, 4.15 shuttle, 36" vertical); OSU (offered) in the mix (USC, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Oklahoma, all offered). Although Perez originally came to the attention of the recruiting world as a dual-threat quarterback (1,763 yards, 15 TD's passing; 373 yards, 11 TD's rushing), he has recently stated that he wants to play safety in college. As a defensive back, Antwine is a vicious hitter who enjoys laying out receivers coming across the field, but he also has very good coverage skills (58 tackles, 5 INT's last year). Perez is one of the best overall athletes in this class, and it is possible that he could play several positions at the next level, but safety is where he will get the first look. Although Antwine may camp at Ohio State this summer, it appears that Tennessee (he is good friends with DE Turk McBride) and Southern Cal (he wants to play in the warm weather) are the teams to beat.

3. Jamar Hornsby, Jacksonville Sandalwood (6' 4", 195 lbs, 4.45 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Florida, Michigan, USC, Georgia, Georgia Tech, all offered). Hornsby is a Rivals 100 player at safety (125 tackles, 5 INT's in 2004), but he is also a top-notch wide receiver for Sandalwood High, the alma mater of incoming Buckeye freshman RB Maurice Wells. With his excellent speed, Jamar can cover a lot of ground on the field, but he sometimes relies too much on his inherent athleticism at the expense of sound technique. Nevertheless, he should easily be able to refine his game at the next level and become a dominating force in the middle of the defensive backfield. Although Hornsby has publicly stated that Florida and Michigan lead for his services, we feel that Ohio State still has an outside chance, especially considering the Mo Wells connection.

4. Kurt Coleman, Clayton (Ohio) Northmont (5' 11", 190 lbs, 4.44 forty); OSU (offered) leads Miami (not offered). Coleman is far and away the leading defensive back in the state of Ohio for the class of 2006. As a junior, Kurt played both free safety and cornerback, and amassed 91 tackles and 10 interceptions, returning two of his picks for touchdowns. In college, Kurt will likely play cornerback, but he is a big enough hitter to play safety. Coleman admits to having been a fan of the Miami Hurricanes, but the Buckeyes are his current favorite. However, if Miami should send him an offer, then the race could tighten considerably.

5. Reshad Jones, Atlanta Booker T. Washington (6' 2", 177 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU in the mix (Arkansas, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, all offered; Florida, Tennessee). Although Jones plays adequate run defense (71 tackles as a junior) and can apply the occasional light-out hit on a receiver crossing the middle of the field, he has really made a name for himself as a ball-hawking safety who can read quarterbacks and make quick breaks on the ball (10 interceptions last season alone). Jones is a member of the Georgia "Elite 11", and he was the number one defensive back prospect in attendance at the recent Athens Nike combine. While it is probable that Reshad will remain south of the Mason-Dixon line, he has expressed some serious interest in Ohio State, and there is still a chance that he will follow fellow Georgian safeties Brandon Mitchell and Anderson Russell north to Columbus.

6. Jovani Chappel, Trotwood (Ohio) Madison (5' 8", 169 lbs, 4.53 forty, 33" vertical, 20 bench reps; OSU in the mix (Penn State, Purdue, both offered; Michigan). Inch-for-inch, pound-for-pound, Jovani Chappel might be the best football player in the state of Ohio - the problem is, he's well under six feet tall, and his weight is in the 160 range. Toughness is not an issue with Chappel, as he provides fine run support, loves to hit, and can really dish out the punishment on the field (60 tackles last season); the concern is strictly over his size, more specifically, his height, as many question whether a 5' 8" cornerback can cover the big receivers which seem to be so in vogue these days. Last year, Ohio State did not offer small corners Brandon Harrison (Michigan) and Ryan Brinson (West Virginia), and it seems likely that the Bucks' staff will follow suit this year and take a pass on this hard-nosed but diminutive prospect. Jovani will probably end up somewhere in the Big Ten, but we doubt that he'll be wearing the scarlet and grey.

7. Robert Williams, Cincinnati Withrow (5' 11", 179 lbs, 4.5 forty); OSU (not offered) leads (Boston College, Cincinnati, Illinois, Kentucky, Miami of Ohio Minnesota, West Virginia, all offered; Notre Dame). Williams is a pure cornerback prospect who has 14 interceptions for his high school career. Although he is on the small side, Robert is a tough player who doesn't mind hitting people when he's not busy locking down the other team's best receiver. Williams has several offers to his credit, but he is holding out for one from the Buckeyes, who are his clear favorite. Robert will camp at Ohio State this summer, and he hopes to make such a favorable impression on the coaching staff that they offer him a scholarship. Grades may be an issue here.

8. Peris Edwards, Toledo Rogers (6' 1", 175 lbs, 4.43 forty); OSU (not offered) leads (Miami of Ohio, Bowling Green, both offered; Purdue). Part of the reason that Edwards is somewhat of sleeper recruit at this stage of the game is the fact that he suffered a leg injury during the middle of his junior campaign. Despite the fact that Peris played only five games last season, he still compiled 508 yards rushing and 32 tackles. Although he plays quarterback in high school, Edwards is being recruited as a safety. Peris likes Ohio State, but the Buckeyes have been slow to offer, so Purdue and several MAC schools have entered the race. Peris will camp at Ohio State and Purdue this summer, and with a good performance, he will begin to see the offers arrive in his mail.

9. Cody Blevins, Miamisburg, Ohio (6' 2", 200 lbs, 4.6 forty): OSU in the mix (no offers). Blevins has racked up an incredible 18 interceptions during his first three seasons of high school football, and he managed to record five last year even though opposing quarterbacks threw only 137 passes against Miamisburg all season. As a junior, Cody teamed up with current Notre Dame signee David Bruton to form arguably the best safety combination in the state in 2004. Although Blevins has performed so well on the field, the scholarship offers have not yet begun to roll in. Apparently, Cody will have to have another banner year in order to get noticed by the major programs.

Athletes

1. Marcus Ball, Stone Mountain (Georgia) Stephenson (6' 0", 200 lbs, 4.49 forty, 4.13 shuttle, 19 bench reps, 33" vertical); OSU (offered) in the mix (Auburn, Florida, both offered; several others). Like Akeem Hebron, Marcus Ball is another small but tenacious linebacker who has power and pop well beyond his size. If Marcus should remain near the 200-pound mark, then a move to safety might be in order, but he has more than enough speed to make the switch. Ball recently made the "Elite 11", a group of the best prep players in the state of Georgia, and he is a member of the Rivals 100 list. As a junior, Marcus had 136 tackles, 14 TFL's, and 8 sacks; he also is an outstanding running back prospect, and Ohio State is apparently recruiting him at both positions. On defense, Ball roves the entire field and hits like ton of bricks; his great speed is evident both when blitzing and when pursuing plays to the corner. Ball may not have the technique or anticipation of Hebron, but he is every bit as athletic and quite possibly even more aggressive; it is almost a toss-up as to which is the better player, but we favor Akeem slightly for his instincts and football skills. While he has "plus" speed, exceptional acceleration, and a bevy of shifty moves, Marcus is first and foremost a power back who loves to run through and over defenders - the ones who don't get steamrolled usually get dragged five yards downfield. Although Marcus is the younger brother of Georgia Tech QB Reggie Ball, it appears that he wants to play his college ball out of state (another brother, Raeshon, plays CB for Central Michigan). It has been reported that Ball really likes Ohio State, but that Auburn and Florida will also be major players.

2. Asher Allen, Tucker, Georgia (5' 10", 187 lbs, 4.39 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Georgia, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, Auburn, all offered). Like Akeem Hebron and Marcus Ball, Asher Allen is an undersized player who runs like lightning and hits like thunder. Allen is being recruited primarily as a defensive back or wide receiver, but he could also play running back in the right kind of system (say Florida State); in addition, he will certainly be a contributor on special teams as a return man. Asher's natural position is cornerback, and he has the speed, reactions, and footwork to lock down a receiver in man coverage. However, don't be fooled by his size - Asher is a ferocious hitter who loves to mix it up in run support (as evidenced by his 81 tackles last season), and he would not be out of place as a free safety. For all of the above reasons, he reminds us quite a bit of former Buckeye All-American CB Antoine Winfield. On offense, Allen displays good hands, some shifty moves, and truly outstanding football speed; while he's not as fluid or graceful as Teddy Ginn, Asher is nearly as fast, and his sub-4.4 speed is legit. When he has the ball in his hands, Allen naturally tries to outrun or out-maneuver the defense, but when contact is imminent, he is not afraid to lower his head and drive for extra yardage. Allen is a member of the Georgia "Elite 11", and he could have probably made that list as either a cornerback or a "multi-purpose" running back. Asher is not only a superior athlete, but is also an excellent student who carries a 3.85 GPA. The smart money says that AA stays down south, possibly at UGa, but he does have family in the Columbus area, so the Buckeyes may get a serious look as well.

3. Brandon Warren, Alcoa, Tennessee (6' 3", 230 lbs, 4.6 forty); OSU (offered) in the mix (Tennessee, Florida State, LSU, others, all offered). In high school, Warren plays end, both offensive and defensive, and most pundits predict that he could play either position in college with equal success; for what it's worth, Brandon prefers tight end, and the Buckeyes are recruiting him for that position. As a junior, Brandon posted some truly outstanding numbers, collecting 50 receptions for 950 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, and registering 75 tackles, 24 TFL's, and 20 sacks on defense. If it were our choice, we'd use Brandon on offense, as he has exceptional hands (and he catches with his hands, as opposed to using his arms to cradle the ball against his chest) and surprising mobility and maneuverability for a big kid; after he makes a reception, Brandon is able to weave through the defense to rack up some serious "yards after catch", and once he gets into the clear, he has enough speed to outrun most defenders. On defense, Warren relies on his quickness and agility to make a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage, but he doesn't really seem to enjoy mixing it up in the trenches, and he is not a "lights out" hitter. Growing up, Brandon was a fan of Florida State, but he lives only fifteen minutes from the Tennessee campus, so the Vols will be tough to beat in the end; Ohio State is an extreme long shot here.

4. Dorin Dickerson, Imperial (Pennsylvania) West Allegheny (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.51 forty); OSU (offered) in top 3 (Michigan, Pitt, both offered) - Although he is probably a better defensive prospect, Dickerson wants to play offense at the next level (1,065 yards rushing, 517 yards receiving, 28 total touchdowns in 2004). In any event, Dorin is an excellent all-around athlete, and in 2004 he was named to the Associated Press all-state first team as a "specialist" (he literally plays all over the field for his high school team). Dickerson exhibits good skills as a running back / receiver, but special skills on the other side of the ball; with his excellent speed, hands, vision, and field presence, Dorin could be an outstanding ball-hawking free safety in college, and he possesses the requisite size and attitude to provide valuable run support. If he can add 15 or 20 pounds, he would also be an ideal OLB prospect. Dickerson's list of favorites changes frequently, but the constants are Ohio State, Michigan, and Pitt, with the Bucks having as good a chance as either of the other suitors.

5. Raymond Small, Cleveland Glenville (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.4 forty); OSU (offered) leads (Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, all offered; Southern Cal). Small is the next in the long line of super-talented, multi-dimensional athletes who have been produced by the Glenville football program under the guidance of Ted Ginn, Sr. Fortunately, most of the previous Tarblooder stars (Teddy Ginn, Jamario O'Neal, Donte Whitner, Troy Smith, et al.) have emigrated down I-71 to Columbus, and Raymond will likely join them at Ohio State. Small plays running back, wide receiver, and cornerback for Coach Ginn, and he could play any of those positions in college. Raymond is an excellent cover corner (and cover corners are always in demand), but he is so electric with the ball in his hands that his college offensive coordinator will be lobbying hard to get him on that side of the ball. What a dilemma! Ohio State currently leads, but Raymond also likes USC, which is pursuing him hard.

6. Steve Brown, Columbus (Indiana) East (6' 1", 200 lbs, 4.39 forty); OSU (offered) in top 5 (Michigan, Notre Dame, Purdue, Florida, all offered). Brown is one of those kids who could probably play every position on the field except for the lines. In high school, Steve has played running back (700 yards rushing last year), wide receiver (25 receptions), safety, and cornerback, but he wants to focus on defense in college (15 career interceptions). With his excellent combination of size and blazing speed, he could be the prototype "big" corner whom everyone seems to be recruiting these days. Steve was a Michigan fan growing up, and he also likes Notre Dame, but Ohio State has been on the rise in recent days.

7. Devin Parrish, Miramar (Florida) Parkway Academy (6' 0", 155 lbs, 4.46 forty, 4.12 shuttle); OSU (offered) leads (Tennessee, offered; Michigan, USC, Miami, not offered). Parrish is a true two-way player who lines up at wide receiver on offense and cornerback on defense. Parrish's strengths and weaknesses are pretty obvious - he is very fast, quick, and agile, but quite small, almost diminutive; regardless of where he ends up in college, he'll need to get his weight up around the 180-pound mark. Devin is the cousin of former Miami Hurricane WR Roscoe Parrish (a second round draft pick in 2005), but many believe that the younger Parrish wants to establish a name for himself anywhere but "The U"; in addition, Devin is receiving some family pressure to leave south Florida. It has been reported that Parrish not only wants to play in the Big Ten, but is also a huge fan of Buckeye phenom Teddy Ginn. For these reasons, Ohio State is the current leader for this Florida speedster, but it's still only May - Miami, Tennessee, Michigan, and several other major programs will be pushing hard for Devin's signature on National Letter of Intent Day.

8. D'Vontrey Richardson, Leesburg (Georgia) Lee County (6' 1", 205, 4.45): OSU (not offered) in top 5 (Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, Georgia, all offered). Even though he plays quarterback, all of Richardson's best highlights (and there were plenty of very good ones) were as a ball carrier, either on designed runs or scrambles. On the other hand, his passing skills are most definitely a work in progress. From these facts, it is fairly safe to assume that D'Vontrey will be switching positions in college. Richardson is an electrifying runner who seems to have a move to escape almost any difficulty which he might encounter on the gridiron. Thirty years ago, D'Vontrey would have made the perfect wishbone quarterback, but these days, tailback or wide receiver would be the logical choices for a player who is a legitimate threat to take it to the house on any play. Clemson is D'Vontrey's current leader, but he plans to take an official visit to Ohio State, which is always a good sign.

9. Antonio Henton, Fort Valley (Georgia) Peach County (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.6 forty); OSU (not offered) in the mix (Florida, Georgia, not offered, lead). Henton is the typical raw but athletic dual-threat quarterback who has a nice arm and fine maneuverability. Antonio moves around the pocket well, but he takes too many gambles that might work in high school, but will result in interceptions at the college level. Henton also likes to throw the "home run" ball - as a junior, he connected on 73 of 149 passes (only 49% completion ratio), but for 1,810 yards (nearly 25 yards per completion); if he wants to remain at quarterback in college, he will need to develop a broader repertoire. With his size, speed, and running ability, Antonio would make an excellent wide receiver prospect, and he might also get a look at safety. Henton has offers from Maryland and Illinois, but he is still waiting on several schools, including Ohio State. If Antonio can show well during the summer camps, then his stock should rise rapidly, as he possesses rare athleticism that could easily be refined at the next level.

The Buckeye Planet Recruiting Team is currently comprised of osugrad21, LordJeffBuck, Highstreet, and wadc45. However, we received valuable assistance from many others in the production of this article, including Alan, Nevadabuck, Helpinghand, unionfutura, Honor&Glory, and all of the other "insiders"; MililaniBuckeye, who maintains our prospect data bank; and Bucknuts44820 and many others who provide news and updates on our recruiting forum; and we would like to take a moment to thank all of them.

 

[wadc45]

and thanks to LJB for all his effort on this project...looks great!

 

[jwinslow]

fantastic article again, amazing work... bfs

 

[Holy Buckeye!]

thank you bp great job team

HB

 

[Folanator]

Thanks to all! A few new names here.

 

[ol104]

Great job as always...keep up the good work!!

 

[LordJeffBuck]

Also, many thanks to OilerBuck for the cool BPRT avatar and logo!

 

[madvillebuck]

Excellent job BP!!! Got my recruiting fix for the week!!!

 

[Helpinghand]

Nice job guys. Very informative and well written. A few kids are missing (like QB Sean Hakes TX, Henton GA), I will be looking forward to your next update.

NICE....

 

[FritoBandito]

Exceptional work, guys. Many thanks for the time and effort this must have taken.

 

[LitlBuck]

Very nicely done. I am sure that it took a lot of work and your time to do such an astounding article in such great detail. Thank you very much for your efforts.

 

[getupgetsome]

there needs to be correction on Robert L. Williams-grades are not a concern or issue he is a ncaa qualifier. He grades only come into play if he wants to attend Notre Dame. I have interviewed the kid twice now and he holds a 2.5 gpa and has scored high on the SAT. Otherwise good write up.

 

[LordJeffBuck]

GetUp - thanks for the clarification on Williams. However, it was my understanding that the OSU staff is also concerned about his grades - it could be a situation similar to Freddie Lenix, who passed the clearinghouse, but still couldn't pass OSU's increasingly stringent admissions standards.

 

[getupgetsome]

 

[slobberknocker]

very nice thx for putting in the time guys.