One week removed from one of the best recruiting days in Ohio State history, the attention now turns to Friday, July 11th. Â Jerome Baker, one of the nations best linebackers, is set to commit that day. Â Many people feel like Ohio State is the heavy, heavy favorite. Â I tend to disagree with that. Â I think this is a lost closer than most people think and I am going to give you the school(s) that is going to give Ohio State trouble for Baker.
The Contenders:
Ohio State- What many people consider the heavy favorite, Ohio State has long been the favorite for Baker because it just makes sense. Â They are the home state school and Baker plays football for Benedictine in Cleveland, Ohio. Â Baker grew up a Penn State fan as a matter of fact and many thought that they would be giving Ohio State the most trouble in the end. Â After a SEC swing where he visited Tennessee and Florida, it became more and more of an Ohio State vs. SEC battle. Â Urban Meyer has had great success the past couple of recruiting classes with the top players in Ohio, getting the players he wants most in Ohio. Â I think this one is going to come down to Ohio State and my next team on the list.
Florida- Will Muschamp has had his ups and downs at Florida, but there is no doubt that he can recruit. Â Anybody can recruit at the University of Florida, but Muschamp deserves credit. Â But with Baker’s recruitment, I think a lot of the credit has to go to LB coach DJ Durkin. Â Baker has built a very strong relationship with Durkin, and I think is the main reason as to why he might choose Florida. Â Â Baker has made it no secret how much he loves Florida. Â There is some serious smoke out there about Baker and Florida and it is not just his camp trying to build some excitement for the announcement. Â I think he really likes Florida and Florida is going to give Ohio State A LOT of trouble.
Tennessee-Â Whatever kool-aid Butch Jones is selling on the recruiting trail, I sure want some. Â He has been on fire since he has taken over at UT. Â Baker has taken a visit to Tennessee and came away very impressed. Â I think that Tennessee is the dark horse in this race. Â I think a lot of people are writing Tennessee and a lot of other schools for that matter, off because many feel he is an Ohio State “lock”. Â If Jerome were to leave the state, I think an up and coming Tennessee program would be a good fit for him. Â He could become the leader of that defense. Â I like Tennessee to round out the top three for Baker but I think this is going to be a Ohio State and Florida battle.
Prediction: Ohio State. Â Urban Meyer has worked too hard and too long for the top in-state prospect to go somewhere else. Â The Mariano Rivera (I’m a Yankees fan so I love this analogy) of recruiting, I think Meyer closes this one out. Â I think Baker loves Ohio State and is not going to give up the opportunity to play in front of family and friends at the Horseshoe. Â I think Baker chooses Ohio State at his announcement.Â
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