Archives for June 2014

Class of 2015 Running Back Recruiting Targets

With the emergence of Carlos Hyde, the running back has all of a sudden become a major role in Urban Meyer’s offense.  Not that the running backs on previous Meyer Coached teams were not important, but Hyde became the first Meyer coached running back to total the 1,000 yard rushing mark.  Now that does not necessarily mean that the offense is not fit for running backs, but when you have the likes of Jeff Demps, Percy Harvin, and Tim Tebow to all split reps, well rushes can get clustered.  The running back is one of the more important parts of Urban Meyer’s offense now and it was showcased last season by how much we relied on El Guapo.  Below, I take a look at the running backs that I think have a good shot at becoming Buckeyes and take a guess at who I actually think will become Buckeyes.

1. Damien Harris- Berea, Kentucky
Much like Torrance Gibson from last weeks quarterback article, when it comes to running backs in this class, Damien Harris is at the top of the list.  Many, if not all, consider Harris the best running back in the nation.  I have to agree with this, as he is just the complete package when it comes to everything you’re looking for in a running back.  The one time Michigan commit recently released his top choice of schools, but I see this coming down to Ohio State and Kentucky.  Kentucky is the home state school and he has been there multiple times.  But, he has been to Ohio State multiple times too and is good friends with some of the other recruits in this class that are considering Ohio State.  I do not think that he is even close to being ready to decide again, but I think Ohio State is sitting very nice with Harris and I think that when his recruitment is all over, he will choose the Scarlet and Gray.  I am actually very confident right now that he will be a Buckeye.

2. Larry (LJ) Scott- Hubbard, Ohio
This recruitment has been one of the more interesting ones.  There is no doubt that LJ was very interested in Ohio State from the beginning, but there were some academic issues he needed to work out which he did and Ohio State offered.  Now that Ohio State is in the mix, he has visited the school multiple times.  There were some rumors that Michigan State was leading in his recruitment as he said that he was very close to committing there.  But, a visit to Ohio State a couple of weekends ago, has apparently changed his view on Ohio State and a lot of my sources and people with knowledge of the situation, feel confident that he is trending towards the Buckeyes.  In fact, some people even think that he could be the next commit for the class.  I do not think that is the case.  If he were to commit soon it would be in the summer, but he could drag out his recruitment.  His coach also told me that he is not ready to decide yet.  He is one of the best backs in the nation and would be good to keep him home. I think when his recruitment is all said and done, he will be a Buckeye.

3. Mike Weber- Detroit, Michigan
Ohio State has been recruiting the state of Michigan very hard since Meyer became the head coach, and Cass Tech has been good to them thus far.  Dame Webb, a 2014 recruit, is from the same high school as Weber.  I think that when it comes to running backs, Weber will be the odd man out.  He does love Ohio State and I know he loves Michigan State as well, but I just don’t see Weber being a part of this class.  They are waiting on Harris and then I think they are going to pick one of Scott/Weber.  I do not think that Weber is going to be a part of this class.  But if they wiff on LJ, then I think it could be game on for Weber, especially if LJ chooses Michigan State.

4. Nyehim Hines- Garner, North Carolina
Nyheim Hines would be the perfect fit for Meyer’s H-Back position.  He is blazing fast, running a 4.30 forty, has good hands, and is just great out in space.  I have talked to Nyheim on multiple occasions and he loves talking about Ohio State.  He grew up watching Percy Harvin, and how he succeeded in Meyer’s offense and tries to emulate his game after him.  But, he told me that if he comes to Ohio State, he is not trying to become the next Percy Harvin, but instead, win championships.  He does not have leaders but has visited many schools including Ohio State.  He came away speechless at everything Ohio State had to offered.  He is not ready to make a decision and is trying to narrow down his list, but he assured me that Ohio State would be on that list and also be getting a visit, either in the summer or for a game.  I know that he likes Ohio State a lot and was just excited about the idea of playing in Meyer’s system.  I think the H-Back would fit Hines perfectly and he understands that.  This is going to be my dark horse pick or surprise pick right now, for him to be a part of this class as the H-Back.

Tommy Kraemer- Class of 2016’s Best

5star_recruit_iconosuHelmetUrban Meyer does not have to travel very far in 2016 if he wants to recruit some of the best O-linemen in the country.   Standing 6’5 and weighing over 300 pounds, Tommy Kraemer is already physically ready for the college game, even though he’s just a rising junior at Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Instead of growing up rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes, he actually grew up a Michigan fan, something he told me he does not like to tell people often.  The ball has started rolling in terms of his recruitment with offers from some of the top programs in the country including Notre Dame, Kentucky, Louisville, and Ohio State.  He is rated very highly rated by both Scout.com and 247sports in their initial rankings of the 2016 class.  He is a composite 5* recruit on 247sports’ composite rankings.  Kraemer was excited about it but remained humble and hungry to get better.

“It is kind of nuts.  I was not expecting that at all.  It just shows hard work pays off.  It is exciting, but I’ll have to show that I deserve it,” Kraemer said of his high rankings.

Kraemer was getting interest from many schools during the season when Coach Coombs stopped in to see him in school.  He loved talking to Coach Coombs and because of that, he did more research on the program of Ohio State.  All of this research led to a visit to Ohio State, a visit which blew him away, and where he received an offer from Ohio State.

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“It was awesome! Me, a couple of friends and my dad went. We took a tour of the campus and the facilities, which were some of the nicest in the country.  After that Mark Pantoni brought me into Coach Meyer’s office and I was intimidated talking to him.  But he was awesome!  And then he offered me a scholarship to play football for The Ohio State University,” Kraemer said of his visit. “I have been close with them since my freshman year of high school.  I talk to Coach Warriner and Coach Meyer once a week.”Kraemer is very close with the whole coaching staff at Ohio State and he really has a strong relationship with them.  He admires Coach Meyer and the position coach for him, Coach Warriner a lot.  He thinks that Warriner is a good coach and he is hoping to sit down and talk to him more.  I think this will come down to Notre Dame because of their high presence in the Cincinnati side of Ohio, vs. Ohio State for a recruiting battle, but other schools could play a factor as well.

Kraemer has a busy summer with many visits on his agenda.  He visited Northwestern on Tuesday and Notre Dame today.  I did not talk to him about the Northwestern visit, but he told me the Notre Dame visit went well.  He is visiting Ohio State later in June and is staying overnight.  That is good for Ohio State as it gives Urban Meyer a chance to sway him to stay “home” for college.  In the upcoming season, he hopes to improve a couple of skills like his flexibility and lock on to the player, and dive him into the ground.  All offensive linemen need that meanstreak.  If he is not training for football, Tommy is usually doing some sort of outdoor activity like night fishing.  He tells me he loves most outdoor activities, but he loves to fish.

He wanted to say to Ohio State fans, “Go Bucks!”

Watch out for Tommy Kraemer as he is going to be an amazing player at the next level.

Here is Tommy’s 247sports page.

Highlights

And you can follow Tommy on twitter: @Big_TK75

 

Neville Gallimore-Class of 2015- Farther North Than TTUN

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When Neville Gallimore was in the fourth grade, he tried almost every sport.  He realized that he had a bigger body than most of his other classmates, so hockey and soccer were out of the question.  Neville knew that his calling was for football.  Football, in Canada?  That is right.  Standing 6-3 and weighing 300 pounds, it easy to see why he chose to stick with football.  Gallimore attends Canada Prep Football Academy, in Ontario, Canada.   Coached by former Cal WR and teammate of Aaron Rodgers, Geoff McArthur, this football team plays an all United States football schedule.  They play some of the top teams across the United States, so the competition is there.  Gallimore is able to showcase his talents against some of the top players in the U.S., even though he is from Canada.  He holds offers from some of the biggest schools in the country like Oklahoma, Ohio State, Michigan State, and California.  He recently took a visit to Ohio State where he was able to visit the school and also compete in the NFTC.  He finished the NFTC by becoming the first Canadian prospect to ever get an invite to the opening.  Gallimore had a lot to say about his Opening invite and his skyrocket in the rankings for 247sports.com, but remained humble and considered it all a blessing.

“I was very happy about the invite to he Opening! It was one of the goals I had and now I can check it off on the football bucket list.  As for the rankings,feel that it shows how hard I work and that hard work pays off.  It is a big deal, but I am not making it a bigger deal than it is.  I still need to work hard and I am very humbled by it,” said Gallimore of his success at the NFTC.

Not only did he get to compete at the NFTC and showcase his talents, but he got to go to the University and visit the school, meet the coaches and tour the facilities.   He said the experience of meeting Urban Meyer and Larry Johnson was unique also.  “Meeting coach Meyer one on one was a huge deal to me.  This man has a whole bunch of winning credentials,” he said of meeting coach Meyer.  He also talked about how good the facilities were and that they are like non-other.  Another important part of the visit was that he realized how close the coaches are which he thinks are very important.

As for what is next in Gallimore’s recruitment?  He says, “The recruiting process has been a lot of fun, but I hope to make some more visits to schools such as Florida, Miami (FL), and Florida State.”  With playing an all United States schedule, I am sure that he will get to see more of the schools on his list.  He has some big interest and offers from almost every school in the nation.  I know he loved Ohio State but that he is open to many schools.  I think the Buckeyes could be in this till the end of his recruitment.  Watch Neville’s recruitment going forward not only for himself, but for his country.  He is a symbol for so much more than his recruitment.  From talking to both his coach Geoff McArthur, and Neville himself, they represent the whole country and that Canada has some really good football players.  We are writing an article, in conjunction with coach McArthur, on the program he is running in Canada so stay tuned for that article.  Neville Gallimore was a very humble kid and just super excited, but humble of all the opportunities he is receiving.

247sports page

Also you can follow Neville on twitter: @Path2Greatwork 

Keyshawn Johnson JR looks to create own legacy

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When you read the title of this page, chances are, if you’re a big fan of the NFL, you recognized the name right away.  Keyshawn Johnson, a former USC Trojan, had a productive NFL career with several teams including my favorite, the New York football Jets.  While Keyshawn SR had a very good NFL career, his son, Keyshawn Johnson JR, hopes to follow in his footsteps, but also create his own legacy.  For a freshman in high school. the Wide Receiver from California, already has an impressive offer sheet.  He holds offers from some of the bigger programs around the country, such as Clemson, Tennessee, USC, UCLA, and Ohio State.  Others schools have recently been into visit, such as Alabama saying that Lane Kiffin had recently visited him at school.  He recently visited Ohio State, and had nothing but good things to say about Urban Meyer and the program.

“I loved meeting Urban Meyer.  He told me that he loves the way I play the game.  I just loved the environment and the intensity of both the practice and the overall program.  Meeting all of the people, including the coaches like Urban Meyer, and also meeting Braxton Miller was pretty neat,” said Johnson.  “I feel like I trust these coaches can get me to the next level.”  Keyshawn was able to see most of the facilities around the campus and got a good feel for what the campus would be like living there for three or four years.  And Keyshawn loved every part of it.

Because every school around the country is out to recruit him, it can often times get overwhelming.  So, who better to talk to then someone who has been through this whole process, Keyshawn SR.   Because he went to USC, a lot of people think he could follow in his father’s footsteps.  Keyshawn JR told me that his dad gave him advice about that very subject. saying, “My dad told me to not let the fact that he went to USC have a key part in my decision.  He wants me to go to the best place for me.  If it is USC, then awesome.  If it isn’t, he is supportive of that too.  I would be blessed to play for any school.”

Keyshawn hopes that this upcoming season he can hone his strengths which he things are his hands and route running.  He also wants to improve his speed and strength.  He wants to do better on the forty yard dash as well.  He was supposed to attend a Clemson camp this weekend but couldn’t and will camp with the University of Colorado because they are going to his school.  He hopes to visit Ohio State again within the next month, possibly for a camp in June.   He is unsure when he can, but told me he will let me know.

In his spare time, he is just like every other teenager.  He loves music especially Drake, (I told him that the song, “Uptown” by Drake, has lyrics that include the Buckeyes).   He loves clothes and staying fresh in his wardrobe.  So if football is not an option, then maybe he can become the next Calvin Klein.  Or is Calvin Klein out now?  He also likes to spend time with his cousin, Isaiah Hayes, a fellow California recruit,  who is a cornerback, so they improve their skills by going one vs. one.  I asked Keyshawn who usually wins those 1v1’s and he declined to comment, with the point of not wanting to embarrass his cousin.

Keyshawn Johnson JR really does love Ohio State.  But he does live on the West Coast.  I do not know if he wants to leave the West Coast.  If he wants to stay local then I think it is a battle between UCLA and USC.  But, if he wants to leave the west and move more east, then the Buckeyes are a legit threat.  Still a long way to go in his recruitment but it’s one every fan should follow.

Here is Keyshawn’s 247sports page.

Give him a follow on twitter also:  

 

MotSaG Chat with Bailey Byrum

Bailey Byrum is an offensive tackle coming out of the 2016 class. The 6’6 305 pound beast is from Sweetwater Tennessee. Bailey holds offers from a couple schools and is starting to get his recruiting process going. He recently was at a NFTC camp in Columbus and visited Ohio State. An offer from the Buckeyes would not surprise me.

By the end of Bailey’s upcoming season I believe he will hold offers from several schools, including Ohio State. It will be interesting to see what happens! Check out an interview I did with Bailey below:

247 Profile

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Andrew: How was the recruiting process been?

Bailey: It’s going good I hold an offer from UAB and Jacksonville State and in contact with others.

Andrew: What other schools are showing interest?

Bailey: Tennessee, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Vanderbilt. And several invites to attend camps this summer from other schools.

Andrew: Which schools do you plan on camping at?

Bailey: UAB, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. And still deciding on some others.

Andrew: Where have you taken visits so far?

Bailey: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, UAB, Tennessee and Ohio State.

Andrew: How was your visit to Ohio State?

Bailey: It was a great visit I really enjoyed it.

Andrew: What did the coaches tell you?

Bailey: Liked my size and length and wanted to see me in camp. I had a great chance to over the offensive schemes with the offensive line coaches and enjoyed the communication with all the coaches.

Andrew: How was the NFTC camp?

Bailey: Real good a lot of good competition there. And good coaching.

Andrew: Did you get a chance to meet some Ohio State recruits?

Bailey: Yes. Danny Clack and Joe Burrow.

Andrew: How would you describe your game?

Bailey: I work hard on run and pass blocking while focusing on good technique and being physical.

Andrew: What would you like to improve on?

Bailey: I will be improving on my quickness while working on my hand and foot speed.

Andrew: What are your max outs?

Bailey: 300 bench and 445 squat.

Andrew: What do you like doing off the field?

Bailey: Word hard in the classroom where I have a 4.2 GPA and enjoy outdoor activities and weight training.

Andrew: What would an Ohio State offer mean to you?

Bailey: It would be great to get an offer from a program like Ohio State.

Andrew: Anything else you want people to know?

Bailey: I had a great visit at Ohio State. Looking forward to camp and continuing to build relationships with the coaches.

Follow Byrum on Twitter by clicking @BaileyByrum

Ohio State Continues Their Commitment Roll

I wish I could take a break from writing these OSU got another commitment posts…. NOT. In the last 3 days OSU has landed 3 recruits and I am not even sure they are done for the week at this rate. One thing I know about this newest commit is that he plays the greatest position in football or at least that is what Tony (@MotSaG) tells me every chance he gets. You see Tony fancies himself sort of a Long Snapper prodigy whose fame was cut short by a hang nail. But anyhow I digress and need to get back on track OSU has gained a commitment so let’s get to know all about him.

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Liam McCullough committed to Ohio State via his Twitter account…

Liam McCullough is a 6’2″ 230 lbs 2 star Long Snapper from Worthington, Ohio. Sure you could say this isn’t a sexy pick up for OSU but you would be missing the big picture. OSU needs a Long Snapper for the future as Bryce Haynes days at OSU are numbered. Bryce has been unbelievable since taking the job over and consistently has been our best Special Teams player. Liam will take over that roll and has the athletic ability to do so. He has been a highly sought after player for a while now at a position that every team needs but few guys can do. Winning this battle over MSU is huge as it secures OSUs LS spot for the next 5 years or so. Liam will come in and work with Coach Coombs and get that fire he will need to play the spot he does.

Buckeyes Continue Recruiting Roll

4star_recruit_iconosuHelmetYou can never keep Ohio State and Coach Meyer down. Eventually they were going to land some recruits and knowing Coach Meyer he was going to get the ones he wants who also want to be Buckeyes. No stone will be left unturned as OSU searches for players in every corner of the country. Heck he will even go to places Ohio State has never been before like South Dakota to land their latest recruit.

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Grant Schmidt committed to Ohio State as first confirmed by ElevenWarriors.com Recruiting Guru Jeremy Birmingham…

Grant Schmidt is a 6’6″ 275 lbs 4 star OL from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The 247sports Top 247 player has been at OSU for a camp and visit the last few days and committed to OSU while on that visit. He was rumored to be on commitment watch since arriving and pulled the trigger. He brings a lot of size and athleticism and of course is an US Army All American game attendee.

You can see his highlights by visiting Hudl.

MotSaG Chat with Austin Dorris

Austin Dorris is a tight end coming out of the 2015 class. He is from Shadyside, Ohio and was given a three star rating from rivals. Ohio State has not offered him but are showing interest. Austin has offers from many schools such as Colgate, Marshall, Kent State, Ohio and Toledo.

His recruiting is starting to pick up a little bit. Per 247 Sports, he camped at Vanderbilt on June 10th. Austin visited Ohio State this past season for a game. I would not be surprised if the Buckeyes pull out an offer to him. Below is an interview I did with Austin.

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Andrew: How has the recruiting process been?

Austin: It’s been crazy, I’m incredibly blessed to be in the position that I am, but it is a crazy process for sure?

Andrew: What schools are showing interest?

Austin: I have 11 offers, and other schools showing interest are Purdue, Wake Forest, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Michigan State, and I talk to Coach Hinton of OSU a good bit.

Andrew: What schools do you find are the closest to giving you an offer?

Austin: Indiana, Purdue, Wake Forest and Vanderbily.

Andrew: Where have you visit and or plan to visit?

Austin: This year I’ve visited Michigan State, I’m going to Vandy, Purdue, Indiana, Wake Forest and OSU.

Andrew: Have you visited OSU yet?

Austin: Yeah, I was at the SDSU game.

Andrew: How was your visit?

Austin: I loved it! They’re a dream school for me, and since Hale Hentges and Chris Clark aren’t going there, they’ve been talking to me a lot.

Andrew: What position are they recruiting you for?

Austin: TE.

Andrew: What did the coaches tell you?

Austin: I talk to Coach Hinton, told me to come to the Friday night lights camp so they can evaluate me.

Andrew: Do you talk to any other OSU recruits?

Austin: I’m pretty close with CJ Conrad, and I’ve talked to Burrow before.

Andrew: Any favorite schools?

Austin: Marshall, Air Force and OU of the ones that have offered.

Andrew: How would you describe your game?

Austin: Very athletic. I’m elusive for a big man and I’m not afraid to put my nose into someone.

Andrew: What do you want to improve on?

Austin: My blocking technique, I play QB for my school, but run the ball mostly.

Andrew: Is there anything else you want to add?

Austin: I’m a small town kid I can do big things! Don’t count me out.

Twitter: @AUSome_1

Quarterback Recruiting Class of 2015

osuHelmetFor Ohio State recruit nits, we know how much of a slow start this class has gotten off to.  I am sure people have read over and over again the same comments about how this class is going to stink, blah, blah, blah, etc.  Well, we have been spoiled with Top 3-5 recruiting class since Urban has been the head honcho.  I am here to tell you, that you need not worry.  This class, I assure you, will be top 5, and if not top 5, then top 7.  Is top seven good enough for you fans?  It should be.  The reason for the slow start you ask?  Ohio State is going national.  I understand that Tressel’s way of doing things was getting Ohio’s best, then getting the nation’s best.  With Urban, it’s getting Ohio’s best, along with getting the nations best.  With going after these players, a lot of them will not announce until after official visits.  So, that is why the recruiting class has been off to a slow start.  In this next series, I will be diving into each position, as to what each position, COULD, end up like on National Signing Day.  Now, we will look at the Quarterback recruiting for the 2015 class and which quarterback(s) I think will end up in this class.

Joe Burrow- Athens, Ohio-(Commit)

The newest Ohio State commit, committed to Ohio State a little over a week ago.  The 6-4, 205 pound Dual-Threat quarterback was a little bit under the radar until recently.  He was offered by the staff and committed shortly after.  He had a monstrous junior season throwing for 47 TD’s plus rushing for 9 more.  He has all of the size and strength to be a good quarterback at the next level.  Some of the scouts are already comparing him to Urban Meyer’s old quarterback at Utah, Alex Smith.  We all know how well Alex Smith flourished in Urban’s offense.  I think Burrow fits very well in this type of offense.  A big, strong, mobile, quarterback who moves well.  Burrows has all the size you could ask for in a quarterback and I think his stock will rise after camps and the season.   He is a good get for Urban Meyer and this offense.

Torrance Gibson- Fort Lauderdale, Florida 

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I’m sure by now, every person that follows Ohio State recruiting, has heard the name Torrance Gibson.  He is one of the more sought after recruits in the whole nation.  Urban Meyer started on Gibson early and he understands the type of numbers he will put up under Urban’s system.  Without even visiting, Ohio State has remained in Torrance Gibson’s top 5.  At one point they were number three, but have now slipped all the way to number four or five.  He still has not visited and without a visit there is certainly no way he will come to Ohio State.  The trips to Ohio State have been tried, but for whatever reason just could not make it up there.  But, he has been able to go to Auburn a couple of times and Tennessee.  It just questions how much he really likes Ohio State.  I do not see Torrance Gibson being in this class unless he visits Ohio State.  Even if he does, it will be tough to bring him here.

Travis Waller- Anaheim, California

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Day by Day, this story is getting very interesting.  Waller has a lot of interest in many schools such as Oregon, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. Travis has had a crazy past couple of weeks.  Notre Dame offered him yesterday and a lot of Crystal Balls have been piling in for him and Notre Dame.  Waller told me that he did not understand why so many people switched the Crystal Balls to Notre Dame because, “I never said anything to them except what I think of the school.”   In addition to the Notre Dame offer and many people now thinking they are the favorite, Travis had a little bit of a misunderstanding a couple of weeks ago with Oregon, as he felt like a backup to Oregon and there were reports that they were no longer in the running.  So, instead of listening to all of the different rumors,  I decided to ask Travis himself and he told me, “I felt slighted by Oregon, almost like a backup plan, but I talked to them and they are right back up on the list.”   So his recruitment has been a little hectic lately.  Ohio State has not offered the dual-threat quarterback, but he tells me they stay in contact.  Waller is still planned to visit Ohio State at the end of June.  If Waller does make that visit AND they offer, I think it’s game on.  I think they have just as good a shot as anybody in this race, but Oregon and Alabama will be tough to beat.  If they don’t get Waller, I do not think that they will take another quarterback in this class.

 

 

Tyler Green becomes Commit #4 for 2015

Ohio State is on a commitment roll… I mean 2 commits in 2 weeks is huge this year. With what Coach Meyer calls the worst month of the year in June being a month of non-stop camps and visits it was just a matter of time before recruits stated to fall OSUs way. This newest recruit did it the old fashioned way HE EARNED IT.

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Tyler Green committed to Ohio State and announced it on his twitter…

https://twitter.com/Ty_Road2Riches/status/475757194542317570

Tyler Green is a 6’3″ 195 lbs 4* Safety from Hyattsville, Maryland. Tyler has said for months he wanted to come to OSU and earn an offer and would commit as Jeremy Birmingham of ElevenWarriors.Com has said multiple times through out the process. Today he did just that impressing Coach Meyer and Coach Coombs with his Speed and flexibility. Tyler as a big frame at 6’3″ and will bulk up as he gets older and gets to campus. He has everything the coaches want 100% effort for 4-6 seconds all day everyday.

You can follow Tyler on Twitter by clicking @Ty_Road2Riches

You can see his 247sports Profile Page.

You can view his highlights by clicking HUDL.