Archives for April 2015

ESPN recruiting has been a roller coaster since they started. They continue to evolve with how much investment they will put into recruiting and how much focus they want to make so take these rankings with a grain of salt but here are how OSU guys ranked….

TOP 300

Kareem Walker- #20
Demario McCall- #50
Tyler Gerald- #94
Jonathon Cooper- #118
Jake Hausmann- #139
Tristen Wallace- #145
Terrell Hall- #154
George Hill- #183

FOUR STARS

Malik Barrow
Kierre Hawkins

THREE STARS

Tuf Borland

UNRANKED

Jack Wohlabaugh

TOP 300 TARGETS

Rashan Gary- #1
Greg Little- #2
Nick Bosa- #3
Trayvon Mullen- #18
Antwaun Jackson- #21
Ben Bredeson- #53
Caleb Kelly- #54
Jauan Williams- #60
Dredrick Snelson- #93
Michael Jordan- #110
Prince Sammons- #115
Damar Hamlin- #120
Khalid Kareem- #126
Brendan Ferns- #131
Jordan Fuller- #137
Auston Robertson- #143
Luke Farrell- #146
Josh King- #172
Tre Nixon- #177
Brad Hawkins- #180
Terrance Davis- #193
Ahmir Mitchell- #199
Jared Mayden- #202
Josh Imatorbhebhe #204
Austin Mack- #215
Chad Clay- #230
Justin Layne- #234
Donnie Corley- #261
Binjimen Victor- #264

Ohio State is known for grabbing the top talent out of the state of Ohio. With all of its D-1 prospects, tight end Luke Farrell is among the best in his class coming out of Buckeye country, even the country. Being rated the 10th prospect and the 7th tight end in his class (per 247Sports), Farrell is on the radar for programs across the country.

The 6’6, 240 Perry, Ohio native currently holds 14 offers, including Ohio State. He also holds offers from programs such as Boston College, Michigan State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Rated a four-star, The Crystal Ball per 247Sports has Farrell going to Ohio State 100%, coming from twenty predictions. With the way the Buckeyes have implemented the tight ends in the last couple seasons, Farrell would be a perfect fit.

The recruiting process began for Farrell back in May of 2014 when he received his first scholarship from Illinois. Following that, a pair of Big Ten offers came along. Recruitment blew up from that  point, with offers from several programs from several conferences across the country awarding a scholarship to the Perry tight end. “The process has been a little hectic lately with the visits over spring break. I am trying to narrow it down and figure it out to where I commit by the end of the summer.” said Farrell.

The schools leading the race include Ohio State, Boston College, Penn State, and Michigan. Farell’s most recent visits came in April as he went on to visit Boston College, Penn State, Oregon, and Michigan State. But, Ohio State has been visited the most. “I’ve visited Ohio State the most. All the support they have and attention they get is great. Also, Boston College really impressed me academically. I also liked Penn State.” said Farrell.

“Our team is going to Michigan State for a 7 on 7, so I will stay there an extra day or two for a visit. Other than that, I have no other planned visits right now.”

Farrell visited Ohio State on March 28th to see a practice, which was not his first visit. “I was able to see how they run their practices. I talked to Coach Hinton and Coach Meyer, both were asking how recruiting was going and if I was close to my decision.” said Farrell.

Ohio State has implemented the use of the tight ends more frequently, which is appealing to Farrell. He likes how there are packages with the use of two tight ends. “They can put two out there at a time. People ask if Jake Hausmann commits, would I still go to Ohio State? Since the Buckeyes use two tight ends this has no factor in my decision. I like how they split them out, as well as their hand on their ground.” said Farrell.

When asked about his type of play, Farrell explained how is an overall well tight end. He can block, and run routes well. Which, Jeff Heurman and Nick Vannett have both been successful at these past couple seasons at Ohio State.

Farrell is planning on committing over the the summer. He gave an estimate around the beginning of August.

If you had hoped that D’Angelo was going to pull a Sullinger and return to OSU for a second year I hate to be the one to disappoint you but it is not happening. D Russell announced his plans via ESPN….

Ohio State freshman D’Angelo Russell has decided to go pro, declaring for the NBA draft Wednesday.

“This was a hard decision because I knew I could come back and play with my teammates who I love and to be coached by Coach Thad Matta again would have been awesome, but at the same time I wanted to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA,” Russell told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “I know what I am capable of and the sky’s the limit with effort. I know I have a lot to work on.”

Russell also talked about his love of being a Buckeye….

Russell said he will miss Ohio State and expressed gratitude for his time in Columbus.

“It’s a great place, the fan base is crazy for basketball …hopefully it will open doors down the road after basketball,” he said. “The staff did a great job of challenging me from the X’s and O’s [standpoint], strengthening my body, and academically I got named as one of two players as a scholar-athlete on our team.”

Go forth Mr. Russell and make all of Buckeye Nation proud as you dominate the NBA for many years to come.

With an offer from Ohio State in late March, Center Micah Potter committed to Ohio State, officially on April 20th. Potter joins alongside Lakewood St. Edward center Derek Funderburk. Potter, growing up a Buckeye fan and living in Mentor, Ohio did not have a hard time making his mind up when choosing Ohio State.

“The big thing for me was the visit on Saturday. I went down for the spring game and they gave me a tour of the campus. I never seen the actual school side of things until this past visit. They showed me the dorms, classes, pretty much the lifestyle of Ohio State. I always wanted a big school, big city kind of feel.” Potter said. “Growing up an Ohio kid, its a dream come true for me.”

Potter, had no intentions on committing during his visit this past weekend. It seems as if Thad Matta is a magician in getting recruits to commit while visiting Ohio State. “I even told myself, and my dad that I was not going to commit, and I wasn’t ready to commit. I was going to see and visit some other schools that had just started to recruit me really hard along with the schools that already offered me. But, the visit just really set things off for me. Everything I saw and everything that we did. Ohio State felt like the right place to be.”

Potter will fit into the program well, especially with his size. ” I feel that I will fit in well.” Potter said. Buckeye fans know the feeling of a minimal presence from the big men.”The big thing that the coaches urged on me was that they have not been successful as they were in the past couple years was because their lack of size. They wanted a guy that could spread the floor.”

The coaching staff compared Potter to a Jared Sullinger type of player. With his size and ability to spread the floor, this is a good comparison. “They told me that I was a more athletic Jared Sullinger with a more outside game. That is the type of position that I will play at Ohio State along with the bigs that will be there.” Potter said.

When asked about how he went about committing, Potter laughed a little and began to explain his unique commitment. “It was kind of weird actually. Towards the end of the visit we all went into Coach Matta’s office and talked a little bit. There was a lot of pressure because I knew they really wanted me to commit, but at the same time, I still wanted visit other schools. But then, out loud, in front of the coaches I went through the situation with my dad, going through all my future options. I compared Ohio State and all of the options, and Ohio State outweighed those options.” Potter said.

The Mentor High School Head Coach, Robert Krizancic is very proud of Micah’s decision and how far he has come. “Micah has improved daily in the past two years. He went from an unknown to being offered  from ACC, Big Ten schools, because of his improvement. I think he will continue to improve, being able to go inside and outside.” said Krizancic.

“I think Micah knows he is going to have to compete daily. He would not have went out unless he knew he could compete at that level. He knows exactly what he has to do. His goal, having committed is to play the day he arrives on campus. He is playing at a high level, I think he will be ready when he steps on campus.”

Coach Paulus has developed a great relationship with Coach Krizancic through several years, as Paulus went on to offer Krizancic’s son while he was at Navy. Krizancic expressed great respect for the entire coaching staff, and talked about how the coaches made the entire situation personal. “It is a very special school, and Micah jumped on a great opportunity.” Krizancic said.

Who wouldn’t want a four-star wide receiver on their program? Currently, twenty programs have went out and offered Class of 2016 standout, Austin Mack. Mack, rated the 29th receiver out of his class, and the 2nd player out of Indiana (per 247Sports), has sparked his recruiting process a while ago. It was all the way back in June of 2013 when Mack received his first official scholarship, coming from Indiana University. He ended 2013 with just two offers, now in a completely different situation, holding twenty offers from programs across the country.

Standing 6’2 and weighing in at 205, and coming from Fort Wayne, Indiana (Bishop Luers), Mack had an impressive 2014 season, totaling 69 receptions for 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns. Ultimately, this lead Bishop Luers to an 11-3 record to finish out their 2014 campaign.

Currently, per 247Sport’s Crystal Ball, there is an 82% chance for Ohio State, a 12% chance for Notre Dame, and a minimal 6% for Michigan. Ohio State’s offense would be a great fit for the Indiana standout. The Buckeye’s Class of 2016 is already filling up with offensive studs, such as running backs Kareem Walker, Demario McCall, and George Hill. As of today, the 2016 class has one wide receiver commitment, coming from Kierre Hawkins. Adding Mack to the class would be another top weapon for the dominant Ohio State offense.

Mack’s recruiting process has been very occupied, his last offer came from Alabama in the end of March. When asked about the process, Mack described how he has been enjoying it, even though it has been stressful. “The recruiting process has been really good. Recently, I have picked up some big time offers. Coming into my senior year where I want to make my decision before the season has taken up a lot of time with coaches, visits and what not. Also, it is pretty relieving that the process is done. A lot of people don’t realize how much stress and time it takes to be in this process. Overall, it is going real well.” he explained.

There is no official list this far in this process. Mack wants to keep everything even, mainly because he has not had the opportunity to visit every school that has offered him. He was planning on getting to Michigan state last weekend, but did not have the time. “I’d like to get to Michigan State and Tennessee sometime before the process is over.” said Mack.

There have been several visits to Ohio State throughout the process by Mack. Most recently, visiting April 11th for a spring practice, which was also Student Appreciation Day. “Overall, it was a great day. I got to witness 2,000 students come in and watch practice. Since some guys were injured, I was able to talk to them during practice. I talked to guys such as Mike Thomas, Devin Smith, and Dontre Wilson. It was inspirational to hear their stories and hear their wisdom.”

“I got to talk to a lot of coaches. Since I been there so many times it was not anything new. We talked about the chances of me playing early, how I would fit into the system and all that.”

Wide receiver’s coach Zach Smith has had a huge impact while recruiting Mack. They have grown very close and comfortable with each other, which started during Mack’s first visit to Ohio State back in September of 2014. “Our relationship is special. Our relationship is pretty fun and jokingly. It is pretty unique, he makes the process fun.” said Mack.

With the high powered Ohio State offense, it is known that the Buckeyes recruit top offensive players. Mack along with others believe he will fit into the Mike Thomas role if he decides to join the Buckeyes. “I see myself in the offense well. They want me to come in and play the role of Mike Thomas. With my frame, I am just like him, all I need to do is get a little bigger. To play that position and play outside and be on that one on one scenario a lot is definitely the best thing for me. Also, after I learn that position, they may move me around a little more, like Jalin Marshall.” said Mack.

“Knowing that in your class that you have a dynamic quarterback such as Tristian Wallace is definitely an eye changer. Knowing that you have great quarterbacks in the system that can produce is a big influence.”

To describe his type of play, Mack explained “My best aspect is routes. I am really trying to perfect my routes. I can get separation from the defender. I am physical and a big body receiver, allowing me to play big. I want to work on size to fit into my frame and gain muscle mass before playing at the collegiate level. I want to improve on my yards after catch. Just perfecting my craft, and keep getting better are my goals.”

Mack is set to commit on June 7th at the RAS Camp in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

You can follow him on twitter @Austin_Mack10.. Below are his highlights from his previous season.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1972066/highlights/161223378/v2

Three-star prospect, twelve offers, and an upcoming senior, Donald Stewart has been catching the eyes of several programs. 247Sports has him as the 148th receiver in his class, and the 32nd prospect coming out of the Garden State. The receiver from Paramus Catholic, NJ has had a huge spike in scholarship offers in the past couple months, totaling to nine since December, currently holding twelve. It is clear that many programs, especially some Big Ten programs have gained a large amount of interest in Stewart.

Standing 6’4, Stewart has been a huge deep ball threat for the Paramus Catholic program. Last season, as a junior he led the team in receiving yards with 662, averaging 19.5 a catch. Along with his 34 receptions, Stewart tied for a team high eight touchdowns. These statistics do not come versus everyday high school football programs. Paramus Catholic plays top programs from several states, such as Pope John XXIII (Noah Brown’s HS), Don Bosco Prep (Commit Kevin Feder’s HS), and St. Josephs (NJ). Stewart has proven he can contribute on the big stage, scoring two touchdowns with 168 receiving yards in the NJSIAA Championship versus St. Peters Prep (NJ).

Stewart reports holding offers from Michigan, Boston College, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Northwestern, Syracuse, Rutgers, Temple, Wake Forest, and Washington State. In the past couple months, Big Ten programs such as Michigan, Maryland, Northwestern, and Iowa.

Stewart, still has one more year to play for Paramaus Catholic and is looking to receive more offers in the future. He sure is not overlooking any offer given to him, as he is very humble to be in this situation. “The recruiting process has been very exciting. It has been a huge blessing to me and my family, knowing that I can go to college and get a great education for free and play football at the same time. Everything is going well and I am just very excited and blessed.” Stewart said.

Currently, there is not a list for favorite schools, but Stewart reported that his most recent Northwestern and Michigan offers have stood out to him. Throughout the process, there have been several visits. Stewart listed Duke, Stanford, Virginia Tech, California, Wake Forest, and Rutgers. “When I went to Stanford I had a great experience. I was able to sit in a lecture, hangout with the kids and stay the night. Also, visiting Wake Forest I was able to sit in a lecture and talk to professors. Which was a great experience.”

With his recruiting on the up-rise, Stewart believes he has a good opportunity in receiving offers from Stanford, California, Georgia Tech, Yale, and Vanderbilt. There has been little interest from the Buckeyes up to today, but he has heard from the program. ” I plan to visit Michigan and Northwestern next month.” said Stewart.

“I plan to visit Ohio State, and Vanderbilt as well.”

Stewart is known to be a play maker. He goes out and makes big plays. “I catch the ball away from my body, I block well, I am a competitor, and I make big plays.” he explained.

“I plan on improving my speed and yards after catch.”

It is easy to say he will receive more offers before he plans to commit, which he would like to do this upcoming summer. Stewart hopes to come up with a list in June, before his senior season, which he aims to win a state title in.

Out of recruiting and football, Stewart likes to hangout with his little brothers, spending a lot of time playing basketball with them. He also likes to relax, mostly by reading. You can follow Donald on twitter, @Donald_Stewart8.

Highlights on Stewart can be found here: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3987781/highlights/215387375/v2