Archives for August 2013

I had the pleasure of chatting with 2015 safety prospect Tyler Green from Hyattsville, Maryland. Tyler has great coverage skills for a safety and his name is just starting to get out in the recruiting world. He is currently unranked by all sites however he is receiving interest from every ACC school and a few Big Ten schools. Growing up A Buckeye fan certainly does not hurt our chances to land this outstanding prospect.

Q: Can you give us your current stats such as height, weight, 40 yard time, bench press, etc?

A: I am 6″3, 185lbs and run a 4.5 40 yard dash

Q: Do you prefer offense or defense and why?

A: Defense, I love playing safety

Q: When you think of Ohio State what comes to your mind?

A: Winning, 12-0 and really good players. I also think of how they send players to the NFL. Urban is a great coach

Q: Which schools are recruiting you the hardest?

A: NC State and Maryland, I have offers from both.

Q: What college football team did you grow up being a fan of and why?

A: Florida, Ohio State and now especially Ohio State because I am an even a bigger fan of Urban Meyer.

Q: What do you personally feel is your biggest strength on the field?

A: Covering routes being able to play both man and zone coverage and reading the play.

Q: What do you feel you need to improve the most on this year?

A: Becoming quicker in bump and man to man coverage but I feel its getting better and will come in time

Q: What are your personal and team goals for this season?

A: Personal is being a part of a state title team and helping my teammates, Team goals are to focus on game by game and just focus on the task at hand and not looking ahead

Q: Do you have a timetable on when you would like to make a commitment?

A: Next Summer

Q: What are some of your other interests besides football?

A: Track, and non sports wise would be architecture.

You can watch his highlights here…

Also you can follow him on twitter @Ty_Road2Riches

(This is a post from our Guest Columnist, Chip Minnich. Chip is a formerly blogger at Land Grant Holy Land and blogs regularly at his site, From the Mind of Minnich. He will be posting here periodically on a variety of topics. This week he looks at Ohio State’s 2013 schedule)

Every college football fan, myself included, likes to look at their favorite team’s schedule and speculate on where the easy wins will come from, where the toughest game will be, and where there may be a sleeper team that will surprise their team. How accurate was I last year with this little exercise? Feel free to take a look, as the so-called “easier” games turned out to be anything but that for the Buckeyes.

The 2013 Ohio State Buckeyes are being touted as a possible national championship contender. The talent is definitely on the upswing with Coach Urban Meyer’s pronounced emphasis upon recruiting, but the 2013 schedule is also a factor, as Ohio State’s opponents are considered to be relatively easy for the Buckeyes this upcoming season.

Below are the games I have ranked, from easiest to toughest, as I see them. Will I be right, or will the opponents prove me wrong as last season?

**

Easiest

1. Florida A&M (09/21/2013; kickoff TBA; Ohio Stadium): When the national media rip on Ohio State for not playing anybody, look to this game as Exhibit A. An FCS school, that went 4-7 in 2012?!? Ohio State should win this one comfortably and easily by about thirty points, maybe more. Look for Coach Meyer to play as many backup players as possible in this one, as this is the last game before B1G conference play begins the next week. The most notable thing about this game – this is the game that marks the possible return of Carlos Hyde from his early-season suspension.

2. Buffalo (08/31/2013; 12pm EST kickoff; ESPN 2 telecast; Ohio Stadium): Originally scheduled for the September 21st game, Buffalo agreed to move up to the season opener after Vanderbilt cancelled its trip to Ohio Stadium. A 4-8 MAC opponent to start the 2013 season is another example of a lackluster schedule in the eyes of the national media.

3. Iowa (10/19/2013; 3:30pm EST kickoff; ABC telecast; Ohio Stadium): The last time Iowa came into Ohio Stadium in 2009, this game went down to the wire, as Ohio State won in overtime 27-24 to secure a trip to The Rose Bowl. Why am I being so sure of an Ohio State victory this time, you ask? First, Iowa is coming off a 4-8 season in 2012, and most believe Iowa will not be much of a factor within B1G conference play. Secondly, Ohio State will be coming off a bye week, while Iowa will have played the week before against Michigan State. Lastly, this game is Ohio State’s homecoming weekend – Ohio State usually does well in its homecoming games.

4. @ Illinois (11/16/2013; kickoff TBA; Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL): Comparable to the Iowa game, Ohio State will travel to Champaign coming off a bye week, while Illinois will have played at Indiana the week before. Illinois is coming off a 2012 season where the record was 2-10. Why am I ranking Illinois a tougher game than Iowa? Champaign has always been a challenging place for Ohio State to play, especially when later season weather might be a factor.

Sleeper Games ~ Ohio State will be favored to win, but could be tougher than anticipated.

5. Indiana (11/23/2013; kickoff TBA; Ohio Stadium): After last season’s scare against the Hoosiers, most Buckeye fans will not overlook Indiana’s capacity to compete against the Buckeyes. In 2011, which was the last time Indiana played the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium, Ohio State did not win this game until late in the 4th quarter. Indiana should be in contention for a bowl bid this season under head coach Kevin Wilson, but I look for Ohio State to emerge victorious in its final home game of the 2013 season.

6. San Diego State (09/07/2013; 3:30pm EST kickoff; ABC telecast; Ohio Stadium): As written up above, the 2013 schedule had to be juggled after Vanderbilt cancelled its game against Ohio State. San Diego State was added to the schedule, and Ohio State fans probably look at this game as another easy lay-up. In the words of ESPN analyst Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend.”. San Diego State was 9-4 in 2012, and have not been intimidated by the Buckeyes throughout the years whenever they have visited Ohio Stadium – 2003 (Ohio State 16, SDSU 13). 2005 (Ohio State 27, SDSU 6), where Ohio State was actually behind after the first play 6-0. Throw in how San Diego State had the 20th-best rushing offense in the country last season, Ohio State’s inexperienced defensive line and linebackers, and Carlos Hyde’s suspension, and I see this game being tighter than most Ohio State fans would prefer.

Part two will focus on the toughest games, as I see them, for the 2013 season.

ESPN came to Ohio State today to watch practice and to do some interviewing. Urban Meyer was interviewed live on the network. Here is the video of that interview…

Braxton Miller also took some time to be interviewed by OSU Great Joey Galloway and some other guy 😉

Who the Buckeyes lost from last years team…

John Simon- The heart and soul of the defense and the team from last year. The Buckeyes will miss this OSU legend and most important his leadership. He was a star for Ohio State and he is irreplaceable but the young Bucks will have to do their best. John Simon was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 4th round and is currently doing his thang for them and trying to earn a spot on the always impressive Baltimore Ravens defense.

Nate Williams- Nate was a guy who always showed so much promise but couldn’t stay healthy enough to become the player we all thought he could be. He was always a fan favorite and after graduating he signed a rookie deal with the Minnesota Vikings but was recently cut to make room for a healthy player while he is still recovering from numerous injuries he has suffered.

Who will replace them…

Noah Spence- Noah Spence came to Ohio State with a plethora of accolades and accomplishments and he is quickly becoming a fine, fine football player on the collegiate scene … he played in 11 games last season as a true freshman, missing only the Nebraska game because of a minor injury, and then came back and had a series of noteworthy and newsworthy 2013 spring practices …

Spence is an OSU Scholar-Athlete and is majoring in sociology … he was a Parade Magazine All-American, a five-star prospect, the No. 2 defensive end prospect in the country and a Top 5 prospect nationally by ESPNU and MaxPreps coming out of Bishop McDevitt … he was also the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania and the state’s two-time big school defensive player of the year.

Adolphus Washington- Washington, on the strength of a fine freshman season in 2012 and an even better spring drills, is furiously gaining top-of-mind awareness as a young player to watch along the Ohio State defensive line … he played in 10 games last year for the undefeated Buckeyes and ranked third with 3.0 quarterback sacks for losses totaling 27 yards … his sacks, part of a nine-tackle freshman campaign, came against Miami (in his first collegiate game), vs. Illinois and vs. Michigan … he managed to play 156 snaps on a veteran defense with a high of 31 plays vs. Central Florida …

Washington is an OSU Scholar-Athlete who is exploring majors … he was a Parade Magazine All-American, U.S. Army All-American and five-star recruit (Rivals.com; Scout.com; 247Sports.com) as a high school senior … he helped lead Taft High School to the 2011 Ohio State playoffs, registering 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 90 tackles for coach Mike Martin’s Senators.

Who are the Backups…

Steve Miller- Steve Miller is a two-year Ohio State letterman who has played in 11 games for the Buckeyes, including nine games last year during the team’s 12-0 season … his playing time last season included 55 plays from the line of scrimmage with a personal-high 17 coming against Central Florida … recorded his first quarterback sack against Central Florida (-10 yards) …

Miller is majoring in history at Ohio State … he was an imposing defensive end who was an all-Ohio pick as a sophomore, junior and senior for coach Ron Johnson and McKinley H.S.

Joey Bosa- Joey Bosa was one of the premier football prospects in the Class of 2013 with impressive national rankings of No. 38 (Scout), No. 47 (Rivals), No. 56 (ESPN) and No. 53 (247Sports) … a Scout five-start prospect, Bosa earned the No. 4 overall ranking at his position – strong side defensive end – by both Scout and Rivals … an Under Armour All-American and second-team all-USA Today pick … the leader of a St. Thomas Aquinas defense that allowed approximately 12 points a game … Aquinas defeated Tallahassee Lincoln, 41-25, to cap a 13-2 season and win the Florida Class 7A state championship in 2012.

A two-time Associated Press first-team all-state selection, Bosa totaled 51 tackles-for-loss in his last two seasons and 19 quarterback sacks, including 27 TFLs and 9.5 sacks as a senior.

Jamal Marcus- Jamal Marcus is in his second season with the Buckeye program … he earned his first Varsity letter as a true freshman in 2012 by playing in 11 games on special teams … he totaled 76 plays, including a personal-high 10 vs. Indiana … was in on eight tackles, including seven solo stops … he played as a linebacker as a freshman but Buckeye coaches moved the slippery fast Marcus to the defensive line’s “viper” position during spring drills where he competed with Noah Spence and Steve Miller.

He was a North Carolina all-state defensive end who was one of the final players in the 2012 recruiting class to commit to Ohio State, doing so in the last two weeks prior to signing day … as a senior, Marcus helped lead Hillside H.S., under the direction of coach Antonio King, to a 16-0 record and the NCHSAA Class 4A state championship … he tallied 89 tackles and 17.5 sacks for the PAC 6 Conference champions and he was named first-team all-state by the Associated Press.

Tyquan Lewis- Tyquan Lewis, one of five from this class who enrolled at Ohio State in January, is a four-star defensive end prospect (Rivals, Scout, 247Sports) from Tarboro, N.C., and Tarboro High School … a Top 25 defensive end who comes from a tremendous program at Tarboro … the Vikings, coached by Jeff Craddock, won three consecutive North Carolina Class 2A state championships and had won 21 consecutive games before falling in the 2012 state championship to East Lincoln … Lewis was injured in the title game but still played and earned defensive player of the game honors … he finished his senior season with 13 sacks and was named to the Associated Press all-state team … he had 12 sacks among his 63 tackles as a junior.

Tracy Sprinkle- Tracy Sprinkle was one of five Buckeyes in the 2013 recruiting class to enroll at Ohio State in January 2013 and take part in spring drills … The 2012 Associated Press first-team all-Ohio selection and Division I co-defensive player of the year, Sprinkle recorded 19 sacks and 30 total tackles-for-loss among his 103 tackles as a senior … dominant games included five sacks against Amherst Steele and four sacks (and 12 tackles) against Hudson … the first defensive player since Matt Wilhelm in 1999 to win the prestigious Lorain County Golden Helmet award as the best player in the county … also was named the Northeast Ohio All-Lake District Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Elyria, coached by Kevin Fell, was 7-3 in both 2012 and 2011 … Sprinkle, a Top 30 strong side defensive end by 247Sports, had 27 sacks his final two seasons of play … he was a third-team all-state pick as a junior after making 94 tackles and eight sacks.

Player who could surprise…

Joey Bosa- This young Freshman has already turned heads at camp and has earned the praises of Coach Meyer, his staff, and his teammates. He will be in the rotation from game one and will be relied on to add depth. He is a true Freshman so we have to take that into account but the highly sought after recruit has now become the highly sought after player. He will have some growing pains I am sure but his talent is undeniable. He has a chance to shine this year and make a real statement.

How they will fare…

Defensive End is a position where OSU lost not only great players but the teams leader in John Simon from last years 12-0 team. There is a lot of potential for the new players. Both Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington were 5 star recruits who also played quite a lot last year and gained valuable experience. The young guys though have huge shoes to fill and will be relied on heavily for this defense. John Simon was and is an Ohio State legend and that can’t be overlooked. Noah Spence will use his speed and technique more then what Simon used in his bull strength. Adolpus Washington will take over the other side of the line and he is your traditional bull in a china shop guy. He is pure strength and power but has technique as well. These 2 guys in Noah and Adolphus will have to step up and become the players we all believe they are and will need to do it quickly. Their back-ups are even younger and less experienced. Steve Miller is the one veteran who as a JR will help with much needed depth. The other back-ups are Freshman and Sophomore and Jamal Marcus was a Linebacker last year so this is an area of concern yet promise.

I am excited to see how this position works out. I have a feeling by the end of the year they will prove to be a real strength of the team and not a concern. I look for both Noah and Washington to have double digits in sacks. I think Noah Spence will lead the team in sacks. Adolphus Washington will see more double teams just because of his sheer size.

Ryan Shazier comes in at Number Four in our Best of the B1G list. Ryan Shazier, outside linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes brings athleticism and a ballhawking mentality to the Ohio State defense. Ryan, a 6’2″ 222 pound junior will anchor Ohio State’s front seven, bringing the most game time experience and big play making ability to the unit. He averaged 9.7 tackles per game and accounted for five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception last season. He was All-Big Ten and an honorable mention All-American in 2012 and has been named to the All-American First Team by SI.com. He is key to Ohio State’s success and has had two seasons of success under his belt with pressure to mirror his past accomplishments.

Ryan’s 2012 season seemed to start off slow. Not very “Shazier” like. While he did have double-digit tackles against UAB and Cal, he seemed out of sync. Unfocused. Overrunning plays (ahem), missing tackles (ahem) and simply finding himself out of place more often than not.

But that’s what you get with Shazier. He’s going to give you spectacular hits and you’re going to have moments of mental lapses. You take the good with the bad, because the good is VERY good and the bad can sometimes be covered up by the other ten players on the team. This was specifically manifest when Zach Boren moved over to LB. Boren’s move into the middle took some of the pressure of Shazier. He no longer had to compensate for the lack of a play maker in the middle of the field and was able to roam with a little more freedom and make big plays.

Shazier played well and had his way with Nebraska but his real defining moment was against Penn State. A friend of Ryan’s lost his life and Shazier donned the #48 in his honor and went out and played out of his mind. Two huge sacks, an interception for a touchdown and his position as one of the best playmakers was cemented.

Technique and finesse are not his strong points. Shazier is at his best when he is able to rely more on physical abilities than mental ones. Shazier is no dummy. He can fulfill his assingments, be where he needs to be when he needs to be there but when he’s able to play with reckless abandon, he is going to hurt someone. But it’s also a testament to this coaching staff that Shazier showed steady improvement over the course of the season. His discipline was markedly sharper and he was in his spots and making plays where he should.

And when the time comes, he’s there to make plays that become defining moments of the 2012 season.

He is, hands down, the best linebacker in the Big Ten. If he continues his upward improvement and plays like he should he will also be one of the best linebackers in all of college football.

Previously on MotSaG’s Best of the B1G
#5 Taylor Lewan
Best of the B1G, #10-6
Best of the B1G, #15-11
Best of the B1G, #20-16
Best of the B1G, #25-21

Thad Matta is putting together another great class. In other words Thad Matta is doing what Thad Matta does. The 2013 class was small but had impact players. The 2014 class is huge and filled with top notch talent. Now the 2015 class has it’s first member.

AJ Harris committed to Ohio State via his twitter account @FAMOUS_AMOS12.

It was first reported by Brian Snow of Scout.com.

AJ Harris is a 5’9″ 160 lbs 4 star Point Guard from Dayton, Ohio. AJ was on an unofficial visit to Ohio State today and as soon as he was offered a scholarship he accepted and became the first member of the 2015 class. What he lacks in size he makes up for with speed and shiftyness. The Sophomore still has 2 more years of High School to grow and polish his very evident skills. ESPN ranks him a 4 star and the 4th best player in Ohio. Rivals and Scout both rank him a 3 star and 247sports doesnt have any info on the young man yet.

You can see his highlights below…