CPD
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Small's big decision: Buckeyes
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 Bob Fortuna
Plain Dealer Reporter
With Glenville linemen Robert Rose and Bryant Browning already in the fold, Ohio State hit the Tarblooders trifecta Monday when Raymond Small gave the Buckeyes his oral commitment.
"It's a big relief," said the 6-0, 177-pound Small, ranked the sixth-best senior in Ohio High Magazine's preseason issue. "It was a very, very tough decision. Tougher than people think.
"People felt just because I'm from Glenville, it was a no-brainer for me to go to Ohio State. But it wasn't."
Fielding more than 50 offers from major Division I programs, Small visited OSU, Southern California, Tennessee and Michigan State.
"USC and Tennessee made it very tempting," said Small, who earned the nickname Mr. Electricity because of his versatility. "The weather alone gave USC and Tennessee an advantage, and both schools showed me a great time."
Small visited OSU with Rose and Browning. Rose committed to the Buckeyes on Jan. 6 while Browning gave his commitment Jan. 16. Signing day is Feb. 1.
"I had my doubts about going to Ohio State, but it felt so much like home when I got there," said Small, who will major in sports management.
He was hosted by former Tarblooders player Jamario O'Neal, while ex-Glenville players Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr. and Curtis Terry return for the Buckeyes.
Small caught 26 passes for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns in helping lead Glenville to an unbeaten regular season, a ninth straight Senate Athletic League championship and a sixth postseason appearance in seven years. He also rushed for 95 yards, totaled 509 yards in punt and kick returns, and accounted for 30 tackles at cornerback.
"The chances of me coming in next year and playing at wide receiver are very good," Small said. "I'll also return punts and kicks."
What about playing defense? "Offense is my thing, but playing defense could eventually happen," Small said.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-4479