The Buckeyes' Top Prospects for the Class of 2009
January Updates
January Updates
A few brief updates on the remaining targets in the class of 2009. At this point, it appears that offensive tackle Marcus Hall (Cleveland Glenville) will ultimately follow the Tarblooder pipeline down to Columbus, and that quarterback Tajh Boyd (Hampton, Virginia) and wide receiver Marlon Brown are the only other prospects whom Ohio State is currently pursuing. Offensive lineman Morgan Moses (Richmond, Virginia) has academic issues which at this point have prevented the Buckeyes from getting more heavily involved in his recruitment. All of the current Buckeye verbals seem solid at this point.
Speed
1. Marlon Brown, Memphis Harding Academy (6' 5", 205 lbs). Ohio State (offered) in top 5. Surprisingly, the Buckeyes are still very much in the thick of things with the top overall prospect in the state of Tennessee, and one of the most highly-touted wide receiver recruits in the nation. Although a kid from Tennessee would normally be considered a lock for the home state school, Memphis isn't exactly in the heart of Vol Country (much like Cincinnati is on the fringes of the Buckeye Nation), and Phil Fulmer has had his share of problems keeping the top talent at home (Don'ta Hightower, Golden Tate, Brandon Warren, Patrick Turner, and Michael Oher being just a few of many notable defections in recent years). With that being said, Ohio State has had no success in Tennessee, and very little success anywhere in the deep south outside of Georgia and Florida. New Volunteer head man Lane Kiffin has already made Marlon his top priority, and Tennessee will get Brown's last official visit on January 31st, which is on the eve of Signing Day (February 4th). Georgia (visit 09/26) is also a very serious player, and Florida (visit 01/10) and LSU (visit 01/24) will also get some consideration. Marlon has already made an official visit to Ohio State (10/10) for the Purdue game, but there has been some talk of a return (unofficial) visit some time this month. Update 01/11 - Marlon did in fact make a return (unofficial) visit to Ohio State for the Buckeyes' big December recruting weekend (the 12th through the 14th). Brown left Columbus with the Buckeyes at the top of his list, but a subsequent visit to Georgia (his second unofficial, to go along with his September official) brought the Bulldogs back to even with the good guys. Marlon participated in the Under Armour All American game last weekend (he had a 71-yard touchdown reception), and he was tutored by none other than legendary Buckeye Cris Carter (who attended the game with his son, Duron, who has been an OSU verbal for several months). Although Marlon has dropped LSU from consideration, he is still planning to take scheduled official visits to Ole Miss (01/17), Florida (01/24), and Tennessee (01/31) later this month. Unless the Gators can pull off some late magic, it looks like this will be a three-team race among the Bucks, the Dogs, and the Vols. Still to close too call, and Ohio State has a legitimate shot ... but it's always tough to beat two southern schools for a southern prospect. Update 01/23 - Georgia and Ohio State are the current leaders, with Ole Miss making a late push. Marlon is still scheduled to visit Florida this weekend, and Tennessee during the final weekend before Signing Day. Of course, the Vols will have the last chance to sway Marlon, so the home state school can't be counted out just yet. Georgia seems to be Brown's likely destination, but Ohio State still has a decent shot.
2. Tajh Boyd, Hampton (Virginia) Phoebus (6' 1", 210 lbs, 4.6 forty); Ohio State (offered) in the mix. Back in March, Boyd, who is one of the top dual threat quarterback prospects in the country, committed to West Virginia. By October, he was having second thoughts, and in early November he dropped the Mountaineers and committed to Tennessee. However, new Volunteer head coach Lane Kiffin recently informed Tajh that he would not necessarily be welcome in the pro-style offense that Kiffin was going to install, so Boyd is now on the market for a third time. While Boyd's situation is understandably still in flux, some of his current favorites are Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. Although Tajh does not yet have a Buckeye offer, he is expected to receive one if and when he takes an official visit to Columbus ... which he probably will, given his strong level of interest in Ohio State. On the field, Boyd definitely has enough speed and athleticism to be an option quarterback, but he seems more comfortable in the passing game, where he exhibits good pocket presence, excellent escapability, a quick release, and accurate delivery. Tajh admits that he is a fan of Troy Smith and Ohio State, and that will certainly help the Buckeyes' cause. An impressive prospect who would be the perfect heir apparent to Terrelle Pryor. Keep an eye on this one.... Update 01/03 - Boyd made an official visit to Ohio State on the weekend of December 12th, and he very nearly committed to the Buckeyes before leaving Columbus. However, Tajh made an official visit to Oregon the following week, and afterwards the Ducks moved into a virtual tie with the Bucks. Boyd had planned to make his announcement at the Army All American game (by the way, he was the co-MVP of the game after completing 7 of 9 passes for a game-record 188 yards and three touchdowns), but the late charge from Oregon caused him to postpone his selection. Tajh may still visit Boston College before deciding. Distance - and parents - indicate that Ohio State will win this battle ...but Tajh is concerned that he will have to sit behind Terrelle Pryor for two or three seasons before getting his own chance to start, and that fact alone makes Oregon attractive to him. This could still go either way (BC doesn't seem to be much of a factor at this point) ... and it might go back and forth a few times before Signing Day. Update 01/06 - Clemson and Michigan are now trying to get into the mix, and the Tigers may receive Boyd's final official visit (possibly this weekend). One of Tajh's close friends (WR Bryce McNeal) recently committed to Clemson over Oregon, which helps to explain Boyd's sudden interest in the Tigers. Ohio State seems to be the one steady player in this game, which should help come Signing Day. Update 01/08 - Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel, along with offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and assistant Nick Siciliano, had their in-home visit with Tajh. Although Boyd seemed close to a commitment, he remained concerned that he would see little or no playing time behind current Buckeye phenom Terrelle Pryor. Update 01/11 - As time goes on, Ohio State is beginning to fade, as the lure (however illusory) of early playing time favors Oregon. For the moment, Clemson (no official visit scheduled) is out of the running. Update 01/13 - Tajh postponed his announcement, which was originally scheduled for today. Oregon and Ohio State are still the two finalists. Update 01/23 - Tajh did in fact make an official visit to Clemson last weekend, and now the Tigers are tied with the Bucks and the Ducks. Each of the three schools has its real (and perceived) plusses and minuses, so it is still very difficult to predict where Boyd will end up. Devin Gardner, a 2010 quarterback prospect from Inkster, Michigan, will visit Ohio State this weekend for a Junior Day. If Gardner leaves Columbus with a Buckeye offer, would that signal the end of Ohio State's recruitment of Boyd? Stay tuned....
3. Frankie Telfort, Miami Gulliver (5' 11", 194 lbs, 4.5 forty); Ohio State (offered) in the mix. Telfort is an undersized linebacker who plays with enormous intensity. At the college level, Frankie will likely make the switch to safety, where he could be a Jermale Hines type of player. Telfort has talked about making an official visit to Ohio State for the Michigan game (11/22), but as far as we know, that trip has not yet been confirmed. The other top contenders for Frankie's services are Southern Cal, Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke, LSU, and Florida, with the Trojans and the Gators currently being in the lead. Update 11/03 - It looks like Telfort has dropped Ohio State, and that he will not be visiting Columbus for The Game. Not a surprise.... Update 01/11 - Apparently, Ohio State is back in the picture, but it might be because Southern Cal and Florida are shying away from a kid who has linebacker skills but a safety's body. Telfort wants to make an official visit to Columbus (01/23) after first seeing Stanford (01/09) and Florida (01/16); he has already made trips to USC (10/31) and LSU (11/07). Update 01/23 - Telfort will not make an official visit to Ohio State, and it appears that Florida, Southern Cal, and Stanford will be his three finalists.
4. Darren Myles, Jr., Atlanta Carver (6' 1", 175 lbs, 4.49 forty); Ohio State (offered) in top 7 (Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Purdue, all offered). Myles received an early offer from Ohio State, but the Buckeyes moved on after gaining commitments from fellow safety prospects Bradley McDougald and Jamie Wood. However, the Buckeyes subsequently dropped McDougald after he experienced some off-the-field issues, and now Myles is back in play. Darren has already made official visits to LSU (12/05) and Purdue (12/12), and he has a visit planned for Alabama (01/09); he would also like to visit Ohio State and West Virginia. Myles was an Under Armour All American, and (according to Rivals) he is currently the #3 prospect in the state of Georgia and the #87 prospect nationally. Update 01/13 - After his official visit to Alabama last weekend, the Tide are Darren's current leader. Myles is still planning on making an official visit to Columbus this weekend. Update 01/23 - Myles did not visit Ohio State last weekend as planned,
5. Jayron "JR" Hosley, Delray Beach (Florida) Atlantic (5' 11", 175 lbs); Ohio State (offered) in top 4 (South Florida, Michigan, Vanderbilt; all offered). Although he is one of the top cornerback prospects in the Sunshine State, Jayron Hosley has not received much attention from the Big Three, but he does have an offer from South Florida. With that being the case, Hosley will likely head out of state, and Michigan (visit 01/16), Ohio State, and Vanderbilt are three of his current favorites. On the gridiron, Jayron exhibits excellent coverage and ball-hawking skills at corner, and great speed, acceleration, and elusiveness as a punt and kick returner. In fact, Hosley is such an accomplished return specialist that he would merit a scholarship strictly for that aspect of his game (a la Florida's Brandon James), but the fact remains that JR is a top prospect primarily because he is a coveted cover corner. Although it's still too early to get an accurate read on his recruitment, Ohio State seems to be a serious player along with Michigan ... but don't be too surprised if a Florida school "steals" Hosley with a late offer. Update 01/11 - Hosley's Buckeye offer seems to be contingent upon the decisions of certain more highly-rated recruits (Brown, Hall, Boyd, Adams, possibly Telfort or Myles). A "Plan B" player for the moment, but Ohio State has a history of sending out very late offers to Plan B kids (Curtis Terry, Donald Washington, Brian Robiskie, Orhian Johnson, Zach Domicone). JR plans to visit Ohio State during the weekend of January 23rd. Update 01/23 - Hosley was not offered by the Buckeyes, and he will not visit Ohio State. Jayron will likely select South Florida.
6. Justin Green, Louisville Male (5' 10", 170, 4.4 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 22, 2008. Justin claims to be 100% solid to Ohio State ... but he still wants to take some official visits to other schools (perhaps Illinois, perhaps Clemson, perhaps Alabama...). Although that doesn't sound "100% solid" to us, we still think that Green will sign with the Buckeyes in the end ... but don't count out Clemson just yet. Update 01/11 - Green is on an official visit to Clemson this weekend. Update 01/23 - Green liked his official visit to Clemson, but he re-affirmed his commitment to Ohio State shortly thereafter.
Power
1. Marcus Hall, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 285 lbs). Now that his high school season has ended after a heart-breaking 8-7 loss to eventual state champion St. Ignatius, Marcus will begin his official visit tour. The first stop will be Ohio State (12/12), with subsequent trips to Illinois (01/09), LSU (01/16), Miami (01/23), and Michigan (01/30). Although a lot of people are concerned that Hall will end up somewhere other than Ohio State, we are almost certain that he will be a Buckeye. Not only is the Buckeye depth chart favorable (he could be a starting guard from day one), but the Glenville pipeline is still a formidable obstacle for any other school. And let's face it - some kids want the appearance of intrigue even when there is none. Remember last season when Michael Brewster was actively recruiting kids to Ohio State, yet was still talking about taking official visits to Florida, Southern Cal, etc. and waiting until January to announce? Well, when the charade became painfully obvious to everyone involved, Brewster took the sensible course and made an early commitment to Ohio State, thereby becoming the acknowledged leader of the 2008 recruiting class. Similarly, we believe that Marcus made up his mind a long time ago, but that he is simply doing it the Glenville way by giving token consideration to other schools before committing to Ohio State. Will a formal announcement be forthcoming soon after his official visit to Columbus, or will he take a few additional visits just to keep his name (and his fellow Tarblooders') in the news for a while longer? We can't really say at this point, but it shouldn't really matter come Signing Day. Update 01/11 - Hall is still planning to take his official visits, but he should be a Buckeye in the end. Update 01/13 - After visiting Michigan, Marcus declared that the Wolverines were his new leaders. Believe that at your own risk. Hall is still planning to visit Miami on January 23rd, and Tennessee on January 30th, but he has dropped Illinois from consideration. Update 01/23 - Marcus has dropped Michigan, but he will still visit Miami this weekend, and possibly Tennessee the following weekend. The Buckeyes are still the strong leader.
2. Morgan Moses; Richmond (Virginia) Meadowbrook (6' 7", 332 lbs); Ohio State (conditional offer) in the mix. Moses is one of the most physically imposing offensive linemen in the class of 2009, and he is a natural right tackle prospect. Morgan was an Army All American, and he apparently developed a friendship with Glenville's Marcus Hall while the two were in San Antonio together. The word on the street is that Ohio State leads for Moses ... but that the Buckeyes will not formally offer him unless they feel that he can get through admissions, which is far from a certainty at this point. If Ohio State falls through (and the Buckeyes have not even scheduled an official visit at this stage), then West Virginia (visit 09/26), North Carolina (visit 01/09), and Alabama (visit 01/16) are possibilities ... as is prep school. Update 01/23 - Still waiting on grades.... Virginia and North Carolina are Morgan's leaders, but that might change if he can gain admission to Ohio State.
:osu: The Ohio State Buckeyes' Recruiting Class of 2009 :osu:
C.J. Barnett, Clayton Northmont (6' 1", 171 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Ohio State on February 10, 2008Dorian Bell, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 23, 2008
Adam Bellamy, Aurora High School (6' 4", 280 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 10, 2008
Jaamal Berry, Miami Palmetto (5' 11", 184 lbs, 4.31 forty); committed to Ohio State on August 30, 2008
Justin Boren, University of Michigan (6' 4", 305 lbs); announced transfer to Ohio State on April 23, 2008
Zach Boren, Pickerington Central (6' 0", 250 lbs, 4.65 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 30, 2008
Corey Brown, Monroeville (Pennsylvania) Gateway (6' 1", 179 lbs, 4.58 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 23, 2008
Duron Carter, Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (6' 3", 180 lbs); committed to Ohio State on June 20, 2008
Dominic Clarke, Frederick (Maryland) Tuscarora (5' 10", 178 lbs, 4.41 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 8, 2008
Melvin Fellows, Garfield Heights High School (6' 5", 265 lbs); committed to Ohio State on April 24, 2008
Chris Fields, Painesville Harvey (6' 1", 181 lbs, 4.39 forty, 38" vertical); committed to Ohio State on February 21, 2008
Reid Fragel, Grosse Pointe (Michigan) South (6' 8", 251 lbs, 4.88 forty); committed to Ohio State on May 27, 2008
Justin Green, Louisville Male (5' 10", 170, 4.4 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 22, 2008
Jordan Hall, Jeannette (Pennsylvania) High School (5' 9", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 23, 2008
Adam Homan, Coldwater, Ohio (6' 2", 230 lbs); committed to Ohio State on December 29, 2007
Carlos Hyde, Naples (Florida) Naples (6' 1", 230 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 22, 2008
James Jackson, Grand Ledge, Michigan (6' 0", 175 lbs, 4.31 forty); committed to Ohio State on May 12, 2008
Storm Klein, Newark Licking Valley (6' 2", 210 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on October 14, 2007
Corey Linsley, Boardman High School (6' 4", 285 lbs); committed to Ohio State on April 28, 2008
Sam Longo, Bellbrook, Ohio (6' 5", 250 lbs, 4.94 forty); committed to Ohio State on July 7, 2008
Jack Mewhort, Toledo St. John's (6' 6", 283 lbs); committed to Ohio State on December 28, 2007
Jonathan Newsome, Cleveland Glenville (6' 3", 215 lbs); committed to Ohio State on June 24, 2008
John Simon, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6' 4", 265 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Ohio State on December 26, 2007
Jordan Whiting, Louisville (Kentucky) Trinity (6' 1", 226 lbs, 4.61 forty); committed to Ohio State on September 1, 2007
Jamie Wood, Pickerington Central (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on February 24, 2008
Prospects of Note Who Are Going Elsewhere
Justin Turner, Massillon Washington (6' 2", 185 lbs); committed to Michigan on March 29, 2008
Fitzgerald Toussaint, Youngstown Liberty (5' 10", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Michigan on April 18, 2008
Vladimir Emilien, Lauderhill (Florida) Plantation (6' 2", 188 lbs); committed to Michigan on November 24, 2008
Taylor Lewan, Scottsdale (Arizona) Chapparal (6' 7", 272 lbs, 4.72 forty); committed to Michigan on December 14, 2008
Darrell Givens, Indian Head (Maryland) Lackey (5' 11", 178 lbs, 4.46 forty); committed to Penn State on May 10, 2008
Eric Shrive, Scranton (Pennsylvania) West (6' 7", 280 lbs); committed to Penn State on May 15, 2008
Kevin Newsome, Chesapeake (Virginia) Western Branch & Hargrave Military Academy (6' 3", 210 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to Penn State on December 16, 2008
Patrick White, Pickerington Central (6' 1", 175 lbs); committed to Michigan State on June 8, 2008
Dion Sims, Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's (6' 5", 230 lbs); committed to Michigan State on January 13, 2009
Steve Hull, Cincinnati Sycamore (6' 2", 175 lbs); committed to Illinois on June 29, 2008
Bud Golden, Cincinnati Sycamore (6' 1", 200 lbs); committed to Illinois on August 7, 2008
Kraig Appleton, East St. Louis, Illinois (6' 3", 190 lbs, 4.50 forty); soft verbal to Illinois on August 11, 2008
Craig Drummond, Chicago Morgan Park (6' 5", 265 lbs); committed to Illinois on October 31, 2008
Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, Cincinnati Taft (6' 4", 220 lbs); committed to Illinois on November 19, 2008
Ra'Shede Hageman, Minneapolis Washburn (6' 5", 233 lbs); commited to Minnesota on November 9, 2008
Will Studlien, Sunbury Big Walnut ( ); committed to Northwestern on
Tyler Scott, Warren Howland (6' 3", 210 lbs); committed to Northwestern on November 13, 2008
Chris Watt, Glen Ellyn (Illinois) Glenbard West (6' 4", 270 lbs); committed to Notre Dame on July 13, 2008
E.J. Banks, McKees Rocks (Pennsylvania) Montour (6' 1", 180 lbs); committed to Notre Dame on August 8, 2008
Shaquelle Evans, Inglewood, California (6' 2", 190 lbs, 4.45 forty); committed to Notre Dame on November 7, 2008
Mike Marrow, Toledo Central Catholic (6' 2", 235 lbs, 4.7 forty); committed to Alabama on June 20, 2008
Russell Sheppard, Houston Cypress Ridge (6' 2", 183 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to LSU on March 3, 2008
D.J. Hunter, Middletown High (6' 0", 196 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Tennessee on July 9, 2008
Morgan Newton, Carmel, Indiana (6' 4", 205 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Kentucky on August 21, 2008
Ryan Cheek, Lancaster, Ohio (6' 1", 235 lbs, 4.51 forty); committed to North Carolina State on May 23, 2008
John Prior, Portsmouth, Ohio (6' 6", 280 lbs); committed to Florida State on July 21, 2008
Brandon McGee, Lauderhill (Florida) Plantation (6' 0", 169 lbs, 4.38 forty); committed to Miami on August 11, 2008
John Martinez, Salt Lake City Cottonwood (6' 3", 270 lbs); committed to Southern Cal on January 3, 2009
Corey Adams, Scottsdale (Arizona) Saguaro (6' 4", 272 lbs, 4.85 forty); committed to Arizona State on January 13, 2009
Bradley McDougald, Dublin Scioto (6' 1", 188 lbs); committed to Kansas on January 22, 2009
Chris Snook, Medina Highlands (6' 2", 212 lbs, 4.6 forty); committed to West Virginia on April 22, 2008
Ricardo Dixon, Hallandale, Florida (5' 10", 160 lbs, 4.42 forty); committed to South Florida on June 21, 2008
James Green, Tallahassee Leon (6' 2", 184 lbs, 4.61 forty); committed to South Florida on June 21, 2008
Victor Marc, Hallandale, Florida (5' 11", 208 lbs, 4.59 forty); committed to South Florida on June 21, 2008
Tyron Ezell, Homestead (Pennsylvania) Steel Valley (6' 4", 248 lbs, 4.75 forty); committed to Pitt on August 9, 2008
Ricky Harris, Westerville South (6' 2", 305 lbs); committed to Cincinnati on June 25, 2008