A look back at the 2013 recruiting class: Cornerbacks

Eli Apple

A young Eli Apple with Coach Tressel

A young Eli Apple with Coach Tressel

Eli Apple was the fourth recruit to commit to the Buckeyes in the 2013 class, so he was sort of forgotten during signing day. Depending on the recruiting service, Apple was regarded as one of the best cornerback recruits in the country. The 6’1″ 190 lb US Army All-American from New Jersey recorded 45 tackles to go along with two interceptions and 17 pass break-ups. Apple’s great instincts and ball skills jump out on film, as he makes a huge impact from his cornerback position, whether it be in run support or in coverage. He also has the size and athleticism to play right away whether it be at cornerback or on special teams. Apple has yet to play a down in his Buckeye career, but expect him to be the next great cornerback to come through Columbus. ESPN ranked Apple as a 5 star recruit and the 11th best prospect in the country. Rivals, 247 and Scout ranked Apple as a four star recruit.

Cameron Burrows

cameron burrows

Cameron Burrows is a 5’11” 203 lb Under Armour All-American cornerback from Trotwood, Ohio. Like Apple, Burrows excels in both man and zone coverage, as well as in run support. He possesses great instincts that stand out in his film as he always seems to put himself in the right position to make a play. Burrows has great size, which could remind Buckeye fans of  an even taller Malcolm Jenkins. Rivals, ESPN, 247 and Scout all ranked Burrows as a four star recruit.

Gareon Conley

Gareon Conley

Gareon Conley is a 6’2″ 170 lb Under Armour All- American from Massillon, Ohio, who decommited from TSUN to join the Buckeyes. ESPN ranked Conley as a 4 star and described him as a “national sleeper who brings a great blend of height, speed, smarts and ball skills to the position.” He is a ball hawk with great instincts and has a knack of reading the opposing quarterback. Conley will have to fill out his tall, slender frame to make a physical impact for the Buckeyes but he has the athleticism and talent to eventually become a play making defensive back. He may be a candidate to redshirt to fill out his frame. 247 and Scout ranked Conley as a four star recruit while Rivals ranked him as three star recruit.

Conclusion:

247 Sports ranked Ohio State with the number one defensive back class (cornerbacks and safeties) in the country. With numerous players whom could see time right away either on defense or on special teams, this is the positional group to be most excited about. In all honesty, barring injury or transfer, every defensive back could make an impact by the time they leave Columbus. Their instincts and ball skills are off the charts but their size is what stands out. All three corners have great height and the talent to become lock down corners in the B1G.

Comments

  1. I cant decide which group has more talent DBs or WRs…… clearly we are building a lot of depth and talent in both groups for sure.

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