tOSU Recruiting Discussion

[Smudger]

Just going to do this by position to make it easier.

QB:

Situation: With Danny Clark in the fold for a while now there's only been two other offers extended, to Tate Martell & Kellen Mond respectively. The staff appears to be pursuing a 2nd QB in the '17 class & these two pretty hard. The whispers say this a contingency plan in case J.T. Barrett goes pro this year, although that is not the expectation at this point. Now Kellen Mond, while currently committed to Baylor, says he will make an ultimate decision in late June or July. He's expected to visit tOSU again before this, most likely for camp in mid-June. Tate Martell on the other hand will be making a plethora of visits across the country & will be narrowing down his choices in the fall while taking all five official visits from there and ultimately deciding afterwards.

Verdict: Will tOSU accept a commitment from Kellen Mond if he desires so this summer? I would lean yes at this point, seeing as how hard the staff is currently pursuing him & Coach Meyer's fondness of him. I believe they also want to see him workout again in person during camp as well even though Coach Beck saw him throw recently at IMG. What Mond does is going to directly impact the Tate Martell situation as he's going to play things out longer. Since Mond seems set on choosing first, we really don't know how things are truly going to pan out until then.

 

[Smudger]

RB:

Situation: Todd Sibley has been committed for a while, but he was recently asked to Grayshirt & although I believe he's truly weighing that option, I feel he will ultimately end up elsewhere. J.K. Dobbins seems to be solid at the moment, but you can't rule out late runs from the Texas' & OU's of the world down the line. Najee Harris visited for the Spring Game, but he's currently committed to 'Bama. Cam Akers decommitted from 'Bama & is currently entertaining the rest of the SEC as well as giving tOSU a serious look.

Verdict: Dobbins will be in as long as he wants to. I would be shocked if Sibley accepts a Grayshirt if he's given the chance at a better opportunity elsewhere. Najee Harris apparently hasn't been visited by anyone from the staff during the spring evaluation period yet, which I think is a telling sign of where the Buckeyes stand despite a Spring Game visit. That leaves Cam Akers, who will be visiting again in early June & will be making his third trip to tOSU. Both of his parents have already been on campus as well. Despite the obvious hardships of pulling a player of his caliber from the South, the Buckeyes are truly in great shape with him as is Tennessee. As of now, I see him as the only other realistic option at the RB position as things currently stand, but it will take quite an effort to reel him in.

 

[Smudger]

WR:

Situation: This is where things are truly up in the air. The Buckeyes are in great standing with some of the nation's best at this position, but don't have enough spots to take them all. Ohio State has been the leader for Trevon Grimes for a few years now and also lead for in-state WR Jaylen Harris. They're also in great shape with Tyjon Lindsey as well. The two more interesting targets are of course Donovan Peoples-Jones & Jerry Jeudy, who are both top-tier guys that you fight for regardless of where your school stands in there eyes.

Verdict: While it was initially thought tOSU would take three WR's in this class, there have been whispers they may ultimately only take two if it's the right two guys. Those two guys IMO are Trevon Grimes & Tyjon Lindsey. I wouldn't guarantee both will be Buckeyes at this point, but I would be shocked if they weren't if that makes sense. That would give Ohio State exactly what it wants in elite wide & slot guys. Now, that leaves the other three & although I believe Jaylen Harris does want in, I don't think there's room at the inn, but I would love to be wrong here. Jerry Jeudy is likely 'Bama bound, so despite any efforts, it will probably be for naught in the end. Donovan Peoples-Jones is the real wildcard, because he's as good as anyone in the country & you just can't turn down a guy of his caliber. It's really unknown where things stand with him as he keeps things close, but I would expect the staff to pursue him to the end regardless.

 

[Smudger]

TE:

Situation: The Buckeyes have extended six offers to TE's in the '17 class & two have committed elsewhere. While three of them have been in the last month + change, I believe the staff is going to wait this one out until the end to decide if they truly want a TE in the class.

Verdict: It would have to be a special player too good to turn down for them to take a TE in this class & right now, I just don't see one. It's still early, but there's really no urgency to take a guy at this position with the numbers being so tight for the class. The only guy I see them making a real push for right now is Alexander Marshall.

 

[Smudger]

OL:

Situation: Josh Myers & Jake Moretti have been committed for a good period of time now & with the large number of OL taken in recent classes, the staff hasn't really pursued any others here since. The dropoff in interest in many guys that had listed the Buckeyes high on their lists after NSD '16 was a telling sign of how the staff feels here.

Verdict: The staff seems content with the two they've currently got here, but you never know who may catch their eye down the line. The only guy they've offered at this point they would entertain would be Trey Smith, because he's one of those too good to pass up on type of players. That remains to be seen however, as with a position not of the highest need, he hasn't been pursued as strongly as others.

 

[Smudger]

DT:

Situation: Two commits already in Jerron Cage & Haskell Garrett. While I believe the staff would be perfectly fine with signing just these two in the end, they are also entertaining three others that fall into the elite category that they would LOVE to have as well. Those three would be Aubrey Solomon, Jay Tufele & Marvin Wilson.

Verdict: While not necessarily vital to add a third DT to the '17 class, they would certainly not turn down any of these three & they've all been visited by the staff at their respective schools this spring. Haven't heard much from Aubrey Solomon lately, so who knows where things stand on that front, but Jay Tufele is certainly getting a hard look from the staff. Marvin Wilson is entertaining the entire country, so he is pretty unlikely at this point, although a visit could currently change that as would a commitment from a good friend of his in Jeffrey Okudah.

 

[Smudger]

DE:

Situation: Chase Young, Chase Young & Chase Young.

Verdict: Mr. Young is going to receive the full-court press & there's really nobody else at this position being strongly considered at this point. The Buckeyes are in good position right now & haven't really been looking elsewhere, so confidence is high. If he ultimately chooses tOSU, he will likely be the only DE taken in the '17 class.

 

[Smudger]

LB:

Situation: Brendon White & Antjuan Simmons both seem solid at this point & there's really no need to add a 3rd LB to the class, but you just can't say no to Baron Browning or Anthony Hines III. Both are Texas guys & have been previously committed, while Hines has like 90+ offers.

Verdict: White & Simmons would be enough, but they would take Browning or Hines in a heartbeat if they wanted in. Browning is close friends with Jeffrey Okudah & is visiting tOSU for three days this weekend, so we may see a strong push from the Buckeyes for him, but it would take an incredible effort to eventually land him. Anthony Hines III has coast-to-coast offers, but continually lists Ohio State as a school of interest. Until he visits, he's just a pipe dream. You can also add Dylan Moses to the pipe dream list as well, but there's almost certainly no chance to pull him out of SEC territory.

 

[Smudger]

DB:

Situation: Where to even begin here, this is easily the most hazy position to predict at this point in time. With three guys currently committed & one looking more unlikely by the day, it will be interesting to see where things settle. The Buckeyes are certainly heavily involved with the some of the nations best here, but with so few spots, it's difficult to assess who they covet the most.

Verdict: Of the uncommitted lot, Jeffrey Okudah, Lamont Wade & Amir Riep seem to be the most likely to end up as Buckeyes, but there's just really no telling at this point. You can't say no to Darnay Holmes or Jamyest Williams, but tOSU is fighting uphill battles for both as things stand now. The real question here is how many DB's does the staff take for '17? The answer is nobody really knows at this point. Riep seems likely to decide first, but the others all plan to play things out into the fall & beyond so this will be the most intriguing position group to follow leading to NSD '17.

 

[Smudger]

Overview:

QB: Kellen Mond & Tate Martell. Mond's ultimate decision in the summer will be telling.
RB: Cam Akers seems the only realistic addition, but Najee Harris would not be turned down.
WR: Trevon Grimes, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Jerry Jeudy & Tyjon Lindsey. Jaylen Harris on the outside looking in, but I expect it to be at least Grimes & Lindsey.
TE: None. Just don't see the staff taking a TE in this class.
OL: Trey Smith or bust at this point, but not the biggest position of need.
DT: Aubrey Solomon, Jay Tufele & Marvin Wilson. Best chance at probably landing Tufele if I had to guess.
DE: Chase Young, Chase Young & Chase Young.
LB: Dylan Moses, Baron Browning & Anthony Hines III. All three unlikely, but perhaps a punchers chance with Browning.
DB: Jeffrey Okudah, Lamont Wade, Amir Riep, Darnay Holmes & Jamyest Williams. Only the first three seem realistic as things stand now.

 

[Smudger]

Anything to add here @wadc45 @LordJeffBuck @Krenzelicious @RB07OSU @jwinslow ?

 

[RB07OSU]

I think @Smudger hit on the "WANT/OFFER" list as of right now for the most part. My take right now by position:

QB: Staff takes Martell in a heartbeat and it seems they really like Mond. While I think Mond is a better QB than Clark, I don't see us taking both. If Mond is in, Clark is out. To wit, Clark is a great player a true leader for this class...I just don't know if we bump him. On the other hand, I absolutely think we keep Clark if we take Martell...two player who could not be any different. In sum, Martell is an OFFER that we chase all the way to NLOID regardless of if Mond commits or not. Mond is an OFfer (I know, I am hedging)...question is if we are willing to replace Mond with Clark imo.

RB: Dobbins is in and I do not see that changing. I don't see Sibley sticking much longer and the staff will take another if it is the right guy. Both Akers and Harris are undoubtedly OFFERS. Harris is wildly unlikely despite the talk imo. However, there is no doubt that the Akers interest is very real. If the decision was made today, I would have Akers in. But he will definitely have pressure from the southern powers in the meantime, so I can't say with much certainty he is in. Hold a gun to my head and I would say that we see a class of Akers and Dobbins.

FB: Mike Alstott or bust.

WR: I have Grimes as "IN" and would be shocked if he even looks seriously at other schools. Tyjon Lindsey is pretty much in as well, slightly less confidence. Will the staff stop at those two? They certainly could, but I think they go all out on DPJ...we have a real shot there and he is an "OFFER" no matter what else happens. If we get Grimes and Lindsey in early, I think we just tell DPJ he is our guy and go all in on him to close out. If it looks like he isn't coming here later on or we miss on Lindsey, then Harris is in. Harris has an "offer" at this point it seems...most years he would have an "OFFER" though.

TE: I don't really think anyone has an "OFFER" here except maybe Marshall and I am not even sure on that. This position should be a hard pass for '17, especially with so much activity with the top TE's in '18 and after taking 3 TE's in '16.

DE: All out on Young for sure. But if we miss on him, I still think we take a DE, as many former DE recruits have been moved inside and we just took two last year. I don't have him as "IN" yet but we are the strong favorite. I have a feeling Corey Malone-Hatcher or Villain are in if Young is out.

DT: I don't think either of Garrett or Cage will look elsewhere, I have both firmly committed. We could certainly sit tight with those two but I think we push hard for an elite third guy and see how the guys on the roster develop. If we are not feeling good about what we have, we take another third even if they are not elite. If it is either of Wilson or Solomon, they are in regardless, so they are "OFFERS." We won't know here for a bit.

LB: Right now, I only think Baron Browning has an "OFFER." I absolutely LOVE Brendon White and so does the staff. Simmons is a certified stud. We have recruited this position extremely well in past years...most recently, Borland looks promising and Jones should be a monster, plus Harrison likely ends up at LB imo. You either go big or go home for a final spot, so I see the staff going Browing or bust.

DB: Biggest wildcard for sure, lots of "OFFERS" here...I see all of S. Wade, L. Wade, Okudah, Riep, Gibbs and Holmes in that category. Toeing the line of that category are Kelly-Powell, Ambry Thomas and Kary Vincent. I see Riep and L. Wade as "IN"...matter of time for both. With Pryor and Williamson in as well, that of course could conclude the DB class. But I just don't see us turning away the other OFFERS. Okudah is darn near IN and I would be fairly surprised if he does not end up in S&G. Holmes has real interest but is in the "wait and see" category. I would be surprised if S. Wade ends up here but it won't be for a lack of trying and I truly hope I am wrong. Gibbs is not likely at all. My guess is that we end up with Pryor, Williamson, L. Wade, Riep and Okudah. Very realistic and at least rivals the best DB recruiting class I have ever seen.

K: Don't forget Blake Haubeil y'all :)

 

[Smudger]

@RB07OSU bringing the goods as always.

 

[pnuts34]

I think @Smudger hit on the "WANT/OFFER" list as of right now for the most part. My take right now by position:

QB: Staff takes Martell in a heartbeat and it seems they really like Mond. While I think Mond is a better QB than Clark, I don't see us taking both. If Mond is in, Clark is out. To wit, Clark is a great player a true leader for this class...I just don't know if we bump him. On the other hand, I absolutely think we keep Clark if we take Martell...two player who could not be any different. In sum, Martell is an OFFER that we chase all the way to NLOID regardless of if Mond commits or not. Mond is an OFfer (I know, I am hedging)...question is if we are willing to replace Mond with Clark imo.

RB: Dobbins is in and I do not see that changing. I don't see Sibley sticking much longer and the staff will take another if it is the right guy. Both Akers and Harris are undoubtedly OFFERS. Harris is wildly unlikely despite the talk imo. However, there is no doubt that the Akers interest is very real. If the decision was made today, I would have Akers in. But he will definitely have pressure from the southern powers in the meantime, so I can't say with much certainty he is in. Hold a gun to my head and I would say that we see a class of Akers and Dobbins.

FB: Mike Alstott or bust.

WR: I have Grimes as "IN" and would be shocked if he even looks seriously at other schools. Tyjon Lindsey is pretty much in as well, slightly less confidence. Will the staff stop at those two? They certainly could, but I think they go all out on DPJ...we have a real shot there and he is an "OFFER" no matter what else happens. If we get Grimes and Lindsey in early, I think we just tell DPJ he is our guy and go all in on him to close out. If it looks like he isn't coming here later on or we miss on Lindsey, then Harris is in. Harris has an "offer" at this point it seems...most years he would have an "OFFER" though.

TE: I don't really think anyone has an "OFFER" here except maybe Marshall and I am not even sure on that. This position should be a hard pass for '17, especially with so much activity with the top TE's in '18 and after taking 3 TE's in '16.

DE: All out on Young for sure. But if we miss on him, I still think we take a DE, as many former DE recruits have been moved inside and we just took two last year. I don't have him as "IN" yet but we are the strong favorite. I have a feeling Corey Malone-Hatcher or Villain are in if Young is out.

DT: I don't think either of Garrett or Cage will look elsewhere, I have both firmly committed. We could certainly sit tight with those two but I think we push hard for an elite third guy and see how the guys on the roster develop. If we are not feeling good about what we have, we take another third even if they are not elite. If it is either of Wilson or Solomon, they are in regardless, so they are "OFFERS." We won't know here for a bit.

LB: Right now, I only think Baron Browning has an "OFFER." I absolutely LOVE Brendon White and so does the staff. Simmons is a certified stud. We have recruited this position extremely well in past years...most recently, Borland looks promising and Jones should be a monster, plus Harrison likely ends up at LB imo. You either go big or go home for a final spot, so I see the staff going Browing or bust.

DB: Biggest wildcard for sure, lots of "OFFERS" here...I see all of S. Wade, L. Wade, Okudah, Riep, Gibbs and Holmes in that category. Toeing the line of that category are Kelly-Powell, Ambry Thomas and Kary Vincent. I see Riep and L. Wade as "IN"...matter of time for both. With Pryor and Williamson in as well, that of course could conclude the DB class. But I just don't see us turning away the other OFFERS. Okudah is darn near IN and I would be fairly surprised if he does not end up in S&G. Holmes has real interest but is in the "wait and see" category. I would be surprised if S. Wade ends up here but it won't be for a lack of trying and I truly hope I am wrong. Gibbs is not likely at all. My guess is that we end up with Pryor, Williamson, L. Wade, Riep and Okudah. Very realistic and at least rivals the best DB recruiting class I have ever seen.

K: Don't forget Blake Haubeil y'all :)

Pretty much how I feel about yours and @Smudger predictions(sorry @Smudger , you had too many posts to quote them all, lol). Great work guys

 

[wadc45]

Spot on fellas. I'll give my uneducated, swinging with my eyes closed, drunk driving while texting guess:

QB: Mond or bust. Martell won't be worth the circus, IMO, and Beck seems to really like Mond. I am on record saying I think we can afford to pass on a 2nd QB in this class, roll with Clark, and go hard after Jones and another possible QB/ATH in '18.
RB: Dobbins and Aker are the dream finish...and very possible. There are some other names floating around like Swift, McFarland and Harris but I think the staff is laser focused on the first two.
FB: I like Alstott but would also settle for Nicky Sualua.
WR: Grimes will be IN. They will chase DPJ until the end of time. I don't feel the same way about Harris, unless he comes down to camp and forces their hand. I think they get Lindsey as well. The only other player that could probably commit to OSU today and be welcomed is Jeudy. Jeff Thomas is still out there but I think the staff prefers Lindsey for days and Thomas seems to favor other schools.
TE: All offers at this point...meaning any one of those TEs who list an offer would need to come to camp and force the staff to pursue. Kmet is the only kid I think they would have taken. Dotson seems to be trending elsewhere and I think the staff wants to see MacCollister, Marshall and McKitty in person.
OL: They would take Trey Smith today and dance naked in the streets. Otherwise, Tony Gray is about the only other guy out there I think could commit today but that isn't happening. They pursued Jedrick Wills for a hot second but haven't seemed to be in touch recently, although they made his last round of cuts. Only spot I could see a late in-state offer: Honingford and Munford being the likeliest candidates. If they really wanted another body they could push for Hainsey but I don't see them pursuing another guard.
DE: Young or bust.
DT: Wilson, Solomon and Tufele seem to be the top targets and the guys who could commit right now. Other guys who should probably camp include Ewell, Hansard, Jeter, Wade-Perry, etc. Don't know enough about Jordan Williams yet but he projects as a DT as well but probably needs to visit and perform.
LB: Browning is the target to go with Simmons and White, IMO. I think White ends up at LB and Pryor stays at safety but both of those are subject to change. There don't seem to be any other legit targets.
DB: As usual DB is where things get fuzzy. Guys who I think could commit are Okudah, Jamyest Williams, Lamont Wade, Riep, Holmes and Wilson. Gibbs is a want but he's not coming here. Likely finish here tough to project because of Shaun Wade. Would love to see a finish of Wade, Wade, Williamson, Riep, Pryor and Okudah but someone will get scared off my the numbers. MSU is already in Riep's ear about that.
K: No one else to entertain.