Archives for January 2016

2016 OSU Recruiting: Buckeyes Secure Most Top OH Players, But Sparty Takes A “Layne”

National Letter Of Intent Signing Day is on February 3rd, 2016. With the date rapidly approaching, Ohio State fans such as myself are eagerly anticipating the new crop of talented recruits that Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer and his staff will be welcoming into Columbus for the 2016 season and beyond.

Ohio is one of the top football states in the country. It is inevitable that other programs will try to come into Ohio, and recruit top players to their respective programs. Ohio State can do their best to keep these players at home, but it is almost impossible for Ohio State to sign all of them.

Below are some top players from Ohio who have Ohio State offers, but have decided to go elsewhere to further their football careers…

1. OT Tommy Kraemer, Cincinnati Elder ~ Kraemer will be signing with Notre Dame. The top rated player in the state of Ohio, Kraemer committed to Notre Dame back in October 2014.

2. OT Liam Eichenberg, Cleveland St. Ignatius ~ Eichenberg committed to Notre Dame last April, despite Ohio State’s strong recruiting effort. Eichenberg ranks as the fourth best player in the state of Ohio.

3. ILB Brendan Ferns, St. Clairsville ~ Ferns has not yet announced a decision, but will probably choose between West Virginia and Penn State. Ferns seemed like an Ohio State commitment last spring and summer, but Ohio State does not offer a petroleum engineering major, and Ferns wants to go to a school that offers that course of study.

4. ATH George Hill, Hubbard ~ Hill was actually the first player to verbally commit to Ohio State back in June 2014, but rescinded his commitment in October 2015. Hill will be signing with Pittsburgh.

5. WR Justin Layne, Cleveland Benedictine ~ Layne verbally committed to Michigan State in April of 2015. Layne stated that Ohio State’s recruitment of him “went about things the wrong way.”. Layne may be a thorn in Ohio State’s side over the next four to five seasons, so this one will bear watching for certain.

6. DE Prince Sammons, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy ~ Sammons was extended an Ohio State offer, but never visited. Sammons has not yet announced, but it could be Auburn, Michigan State, Duke, or Oregon, based on the 247Sports recruiting timeline of Sammons. Hoping it is not Michigan State, as the Buckeyes would then have to face him every season for the next few seasons.

Considering Ohio State has landed a significant number of the top twenty players in the state, Buckeye fans need not be overly concerned or worried. Losing both Kraemer and Eichenberg hurts, but Ohio State will not face these players, unless in a bowl game, and Ohio State has been doing well in that capacity when given the chance. Same for Hill and possibly Sammons; Ohio State won’t see these players, unless in a bowl game.

As for Layne, and possibly Sammons? Anytime Ohio State has to face an Ohio player in conference play, especially the way Ohio State and Michigan State have battled these past few seasons, only will make watching Layne’s career and performances against the Buckeyes even more tantalizing.

Here is to wishing all of these young men on this list, as well as all of the Ohio players who will sign on the dotted line on February 3rd, the very best in their respective college playing careers.

Going Into 2016, Buckeyes May Be Carrying a “B1G” Burden

As soon as the calendar turned from 2014 into 2015, the entire B1G was riding a wave of optimism and positive accolades. Rutgers defeated North Carolina 40-21 in the Zaxby’s Heart Of Dallas Bowl. Penn State had defeated Boston College 31-30 in an overtime victory in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Michigan State had defeated Baylor, a team many thought could have been a worthy College Football Playoff participant, 42-41 in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. Wisconsin defeated Auburn 34-31 in overtime in the Outback Bowl. Of course, Ohio State delivered the most emphatic statement, beating SEC and perennial college football bully Alabama in the Allstate Sugar Bowl 42-35, en route to winning the inaugural College Football Playoff championship over Oregon 42-20.

Even though That Team Up North had not qualified for a bowl, praise was showered for the arrival of Jim Harbaugh as the new Wolverines head coach for the 2015 season. Talented coaches such as Harbaugh, Mark Dantonio, James Franklin, and Urban Meyer all were admired for making The B1G East Division such a competitive division, worthy of whispering in the same category as the mighty SEC West Division.

Going into the 2015 bowl season, optimistic thoughts were rampant for fans of The B1G. Indiana would lead off the B1G bowl game slate against Duke in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 26th. Michigan State had been able to outlast Iowa in The B1G Championship, carrying The B1G banner into the College Football Playoff against Alabama, again in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. Iowa would battle Stanford in The Rose Bowl, in a traditional B1G/Pac-12 matchup. Ohio State, smarting from a three point defeat at the hands of the Michigan State Spartans, would have an opportunity to showcase their talent against Notre Dame, another team who came tantalizingly close to a College Football Playoff spot, like the Buckeyes. Other B1G teams, such as That Team Up North, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern would all have opportunities to battle SEC opponents, while Nebraska and Minnesota were both awarded bowl berths, despite finishing their respective seasons with 5-7 records.

We all know how this turned out ~ Indiana lost on a disputed field goal in overtime. Michigan State and Iowa? Both were beaten like Rocky Balboa in his first bout against Clubber Lang; actually, it was worse, as Rocky at least seemed to get some decent shots in at the onset of his fight – Michigan State and Iowa never knew what hit them. Penn State made it worthwhile, but was being embarrassed by a Georgia team that was essentially without a coaching staff; Penn State lost 24-17. At least Penn State made it somewhat competitive against its SEC opponent; Northwestern was whupped soundly by Tennessee 45-6 as 2016 began. Of the ten B1G bowl teams, only Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and yes, That Team Up North, came out on the winning side of the ledger.

If you have not done so, do yourself a favor and listen to this Podcast Ain’t Played Nobody episode, with @ramzy from elevenwarriors.com. Listen to Ramzy Nasrallah’s typically astute analysis of where things stand as they relate to teams within The B1G.

When one takes a discerning look at the victories, it is painful to remember that both Nebraska and Minnesota were 5-7, and essentially gifted into their respective bowl appearances. Wisconsin won over USC, yet has lost its well-respected defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to LSU. That Team Up North won handily over Florida, a team that was offensively challenged throughout the latter portion of the 2015 season. You know who that leaves to carry The B1G mantle into the 2016 season, against the ESPN talking heads, Paul Finebaum-types, when they chatter on about the big, bad SEC?

Yep. You guessed it. The Ohio State Buckeyes.

You are probably saying, “Hey Chip – The B1G had only five bowl wins after last season. Why are you sounding so glum and pessimistic?”. Fair point. Here is why – the bigger the stage, the more important it is to represent your team, and conference, well. Last season, Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State truly seized the moment, in front of the national college football fans’ television audience.

This year? Go back up a little in this piece, in case you have forgotten how everything turned out on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with the exception of the Buckeyes and That Team Up North.

William Shakespeare once wrote, “Uneasy is the head that wears a crown…”. In 2016, Shakespeare could possibly be making that same comment, albeit about the young men who wear a football helmet adorned with Buckeye leaves, as it relates to upholding The B1G Conference’s reputation and standing.

All Things Buckeyes

I have been a Buckeye fan since I joined the U.S. Air Force and man, I haven’t seen a day like yesterday!  What day am I talking about you ask?  I am talking about yesterday’s amazing recruiting coup.  The Buckeyes had a day to remember and the future is very much as bright as the stars that fill the night sky.  12 stars that is!  TWELVE!  Long time target from Florida, Binjimen Victor finally joined the Dream 16 and it essentially triggered the start of the Buckeyes huge day.  Later in the day, after Victor accepted the offer from Ohio State, a pair of Maryland commits made their decision to flip to the Buckeyes.  There had been a bevy of rumors swirling about the dynamic duo about their commitment status.  Eventually, the two finally acknowledged the rumors and made it official.  Maryland’s own, QB Dwayne Haskins and OLB Keandre Jones made their decision to bring their talent to Columbus.  After weeks of silence, the inevitable was finally taking effect.  Since his arrival, Coach Meyer and company have had at least one quarterback commitment per recruiting cycle.  In his first class, although he was committed to Coach Tressel, Cardale Jones was the first to pledge to Meyer.  Secondly, J.T. Barrett.  Thirdly, Stephen Collier.  Then Joe Burrow and former QB prospect turned Wide Receiver Torrance Gibson.  Now with Haskins’ commitment in the 2016 class and Danny Clark in 2017, the Buckeyes can essentially concentrate on key skill position players and blue-chip prospects.  Once again, I cannot explain how great of a day in recruiting yesterday was and the class of 2016 is far from finished.

Personally, I think this class could improve more.  I am still counting on having at least 3-5 spots left in this years class.  Give or take, I think Coach Meyer and company can drastically improve the future and as it stands now, it is as bright as it can be, but the scary thing about it, it can get better.  There are still targets out there that the Buckeyes still have a good, if not great shot at.  The biggest fish in the proverbial pond is an obvious one.  A huge one at that.  Louisiana’s Rashard Lawrence.  A mammoth and a beast of a Defensive Tackle, he has the Buckeyes in his final two, along with the hometown LSU Tigers.  Lawrence will be announcing this Friday, shortly before noon and it is an even 50/50 shot.  We will see on Friday, but I do not want to get my hopes up.  The Buckeyes have a good shot and now that they are in the final two, they are in great shape.  There is also New Jersey product, Jordan Fuller.  He is another prospect who is another one to watch.  He is visiting TTUN soon and we will just have to see if the Jersey pipeline will reel him and Gary in.  I think the Buckeyes have a good shot with Fuller as well.  Barring any surprise sleepovers or intimate tree climbing “recruiting dates” with Harbaugh, I fully expect Fuller to become a critical piece to the Buckeyes future plans.  Another name that recently came up is Mecole Hardman from Georgia.  With the help or early enrollee Austin Mack, he took an surprise official and came away impressed.  Coming away impressed is one thing, but on twitter, he teased about wrecking defenses together with Dwayne Haskins.  It is something to keep an eye on.  Speaking of Haskins, he also tweeted current Miami commit Sam Bruce.  Haskins either jokingly or seriously asked Bruce “So what’s up”.  Bruce is another offensive weapon that the Buckeyes could unleash on unsuspecting defenses, IF he decides to flip and pledge to the Buckeyes.  Other big names to watch are Pennsylvania’s own Damar Hamlin, Kentucky’s Rodjay Burns, Florida’s Carlos Becker, Ohio’s Malik Harrison and a current Vols commit who will be visiting Columbus, North Carlonina’s Marquill Osborne.  A combination of a big-time recruit in Hamlin and four underrated targets, with big-time potential.

The countdown to National Signing Day will be an interesting storyline to follow until the 2017 cycle begins.  With two weeks left until Signing Day, I am too excited for what may or may not occur.  There is nothing like being ecstatic about a recruit who surprises and/or shocks the world and their parents with their decisions and the disappointment of a big-time recruit spurning the Buckeyes for another school.  I will have my eyes peeled and will be paying close attention.  Here’s to a boom filled National Signing Day.  Go Buckeyes!!!

Buckeyes Have 4 Star Massive Monday

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The Ohio State Buckeyes had a massive Monday in the recruiting world. Urban Meyer and staff picked up three more commitments as we are fast approaching National Signing Day. A quarterback, wide receiver and linebacker made it known they will be playing in Columbus for the Scarlet and Gray starting next season. 12 Star Monday is a day that might have shaken the Big Ten again since two new Buckeye commits were flips from Maryland plus it made everyone remember Buckeyes are the head of the class still. Many have been jumping on that maize and blue bandwagon crowning them the East winners next year over a top recruiter that has three national championship rings (Senor Khakis has zero for the record).

Yesterday’s announcements put Ohio State back in first overall in the recruiting ranking in the nation. They jumped the previously mentioned Wolverines and LSU. The three pickups for the Buckeyes brings the 2016 class to 21 commitments now. We will have something shortly about how many more they can take and targets. Let’s discuss who announced yesterday their intentions to don the Scarlet and Gray for their college career.

Dwayne Haskins
6’3 198 QB Potomac. MD (The Bullis School)

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The pro-style passer announced his commitment to Ohio State flipping from the Maryland Terps. He has dreamed about playing for Ohio State and his dream will now become a reality. Haskins threw for 2,217 yards and 20 touchdowns in 9 games his senior season. He is a drop back passer with a quick release but can run if he has to. Will be interesting to see how he will be used in Urban’s offense. All recruiting services have Dwayne listed as a 4 star.

National Rankings
Scout– 4 star #13 QB
Rivals– 4 star #5 QB
247Sports– 4 star #3 QB
ESPN– 4 star #3 QB

Dwayne Haskins Higlights

Keandre Jones
6’3 198 LB Olney, MD (Good Consel)

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Another flip from Maryland Jones comes in reminding folks of a Ryan Shazier style player. Not as fast as Shazier if memory serves me right but he does possess speed and athleticism. Runs a 4.64 in the 40 yard dash. He plays outside linebacker and can rush the quarterback but has the size and athleticism to play the Will position also. With the departure of Joshua Perry and Darron Lee there is opportunity to possibly see the field but realistically probably needs to red shirt a year get some weight on his frame.

National Rankings
Scout– 4 star #13 OLB
Rivals– 5 star #6 OLB
247Sports– 4 star #12 OLB
ESPN-4 star #9 OLB

Keandre Jones Highlights

Binjimen Victor
6’3 177 WR Pompano Beach, FL (Coconut Creek)

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Buckeyes Zone 6 is in need of some additions and they received one today. The wide receiver corp last year was thinned out due to injuries and it showed. Noah Brown is one of the biggest pieces coming back for Buckeyes but he is going to need some help and the incoming freshman will have just as much a chance to see the field. Victor can fall into the category of maybe seeing the field early, he isn’t a super fast athlete but he has good hands. He caught 42 passes for 846 yards and hauled in 15 touchdowns in his senior season. This is a good get for Ohio State and much needed.

National Rankings
Scout– 4 star #10 WR
Rivals– 4 star #18 WR
247Sports– 4 star #4 WR
ESPN– 4 star #44 WR

Binijimen Victor Highlights

Urban Meyer is proving why he is one of the best recruits. He has Maryland fans upset and crying now declaring this is a rivalry (OK). There is still some more time before national signing day so we will see how he has the Buckeyes positioned for the future which as it has been for some time since he stepped foot on campus: bright and national championship bound.

Trouble for Trimble’s Terps?

This Saturday the Basketbucks have a shot at upsetting another top five team this season as they travel to College Park, Md. to face the Terrapins.

Gametime: Sat, Jan 16 / 12 pm

Where: Xfinity Center, College Park, Md.

TV: ESPN2, ESPN3

 

Both teams share a few common opponents – Northwestern, Mt. Saint Mary’s, and Connecticut. The only difference is the Terps’ win over Uconn, whom the Buckeyes failed to beat.

But ever since defeating Kentucky, this Buckeye team has had a lot more confidence. This has been an odd Buckeyes squad to figure out, from dropping early games against easily beatable opponents to playing their best two games against their toughest competition, UVA and Kentucky. But nevertheless, the Buckeyes will be going into this weekend’s game with a 13-6 record.

On the other side of the tip, the Terrapins boast a 15-2 record and a national ranking of third, right behind Kansas and Oklahoma. However, those rankings will be subject to change after Kansas’ loss to West Virginia as well as Maryland’s most recent loss to the *ichigan Wolverines. Maryland’s toughest win is probably against Wisconsin, having lost their two toughest games to UNC and *ichigan, so they have yet to really defeat a decent opponent.

 

Projected Starters

Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s best weapon is none other than point guard Melo Trimble. Trimble leads the Terps in scoring with 14.8 ppg. He also is an excellent free throw shooter with a percentage of 87 percent so far this season, and he is also a force to reckon with on the defensive end with 22 steals. Rounding out the other projected starters for Turgeon’s squad, former Duke shooting guard Rasheed Sulaimon will be tough to stop. Jake Layman, Robert Carter, and Damonte Dodd should be the big men starting, all of whom are averaging over ten points per game.

For the Buckeyes, it should stay the same with Jaquan Lyle at the point, followed by Jae’sean Tate, Marc Loving, Keita Bates-Diop, and Trevor Thompson at the center position.

 

Keys to the Game & Matchups

The keys to this game for both teams will be who can control the glass. Despite being the shortest in the starting lineup at 6’4, Tate leads the Buckeyes in rebounds with 108 on the season. Tate’s battle with Carter (6.9 rebounds per game) should be a fun one to watch within the game.

Another interesting matchup to keep an eye on is to see whether or not Lyle will be quick enough to guard Trimble. Lyle has a height advantage on him, but we’ll see if he can limit Trimble’s production. That is who the Bucks have to stop first, but even so, Maryland is fifth in the nation in field goal percentage, so they have scoring production all over the court.

 

OSU X-Factor – Daniel Giddens. If Giddens can provide good minutes off the bench without getting into foul trouble, then he should prove to be a good defensive weapon. Ohio State ranks tenth in the nation in blocks per game with 6.06, but 35 of those this season have come from Giddens. He will have to play solid defense to give the Buckeyes a decent shot at shutting down Maryland’s offense.

Maryland X-Factor – Diamond Stone. Stone is Maryland’s second leading scorer overall this season with 13.1 ppg, and he may not even start, in favor of Dodd, who has started the last few games for the Terps. The 6’11” freshman can also crash the boards with his size.

 

Prediction: OSU 65 / Maryland 72

Despite limiting Trimble, the Terrapins just have too many weapons on offense for the entire team to have an off night. Balance and a well executed gameplan will unfortunately prove to beat out the Buckeyes. But should Maryland have a tough night shooting from the field, Ohio State could have their second top five upset of the season.

Why The Jersey # 15 Will Always Be “Eze” To Remember

In years past, I have written about how certain Ohio State jersey numbers are always associated with specific players. For example, I can vividly recall back in 1996 the minor brouhaha that erupted when prized recruit Andy Katzenmoyer requested, and was granted, the jersey number 45 – anyone with even a small understanding of Ohio State lore knew that the jersey number 45 was, and would always remain, the great Archie Griffin.

Katzenmoyer played well for Ohio State from 1996-1998, and did not tarnish the legacy of Griffin with his on-field performance. Ohio State officially retired Archie Griffin’s jersey on October 30, 1999, ensuring no other player would ever don the treasured jersey number 45.

Throughout my Ohio State fandom until now, I have always associated the jersey number 15 with former Buckeye quarterback Mike Tomczak. Tomczak was the quarterback from Ohio State from 1982-1984, led Ohio State to a Big Ten championship in 1984 and The Rose Bowl in 1985, and had a lengthy NFL career from 1985-2000.

As I wrote up above, “until now”. Henceforth, and probably forever more, the Ohio State jersey number will always be associated with Ezekiel Elliott in my mind. Elliott’s contributions on the field, wearing jersey number 15 for Ohio State, will be difficult for someone to supplant in future seasons.

In 2013, as a true freshman, Elliott made his mark on the coaching staff, fans, and the opposition, with his willingness to participate on special teams coverage…

Who will ever forget this triumphant run that sealed Ohio State’s victory over Alabama in The 2015 Sugar Bowl?

Or how about Elliott’s performance against Oregon in The 2016 National Championship?

Elliott’s performance versus That Team Up North in 2015?

Or his Fiesta Bowl record-tying performance versus Notre Dame?

Perhaps this final video montage will help you understand why the jersey number 15 will always be “Eze” for me, possibly forever….

Jim Harbaugh’s Sleepover

If you’ve been paying much attention, you would know that Jim Harbaugh, head coach for UM, is attempting to change the game in terms of recruiting. He’s made cakes, he’s made prom/commitment proposals, he’s done new recruiting camps, he’s requested to have some of his team’s spring camp played in Florida at IMG Academy, he’s played shirtless football with recruits, and now he has taken things to a new level of strangeness.

In a recent interview with Scout.com, the nations #1 ranked kicker, and Penn State commit, Quinn Nordin spoke of a recent request Jim Harbaugh had for him. Jim wanted to spend the night with him and spend the whole next day with him the minute the recruiting dead period expired.

“Under the exact rules, he’s going to be at my house at 12:01 he said. That’s when it’s legal for him to be at my house. He said we can watch a movie, see how well we gel and he said he would sleep over after that.” said Nordin. “He told me if I had a 6-foot-3 inch piece of carpet for him to sleep on, that would be enough. I said we have guest rooms, and he said ‘Tell you what, I’ll just sleep on the floor in your room.’ I said ‘Coach, I have Penn State stuff all over my walls.’ He said, ‘Tell you what, I can help you take it down.'”

For a man in his 50’s coming over to hang out, watch a movie with, and sleeping in the same bedroom with a high school senior seems pretty strange. But, then again, it’s not out of character for him.

So, what does this mean for the state of recruiting? Will coaches have to begin to reach to these levels to compete for the blue-chips? Well, since this just recently came out, and the “sleepover” is happening right now, that remains to be seen. Will more coaches do strange things like this? Most likely, yes. Coaches will do anything within the rules to try and get an advantage anywhere on the recruiting trail, and things like this are certainly unique. They’re weird, yes, but if they sign big time recruits, then we’ll have to deal with it.

Do I foresee any Ohio State coaches trying to stay the night at a kid’s house? Heck no. Especially since Urban signed the “Pink Contract” that his daughter, Nicki, made, Urban is a family man. He works extremely hard, but he makes sure to be able to spend time with family. These type of “recruiting pitches” totally take away from that. The limited time you would have with your family; gone. If things like this happen to become the norm, I think some of the CFB coaches would move on, because that consistent level of recruiting would simply be too much.

Again, I don’t think there is any way these type of things could become normal in college football recruiting, but I do expect to continue to see our rivals do weird things. That is their trademark. They do bizarre things that snatch the attention of the media, and more importantly, the recruits.

Overall, though, success on the field will still be at the top of what recruits want when picking schools. That won’t change, so as long as football is still played on the field, Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes will be just fine winning, and letting Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines continue being weird.

Who Wants 45 Mins of Ezekiel Elliott Highlights? #Merica

Enjoy in my honest opinion the greatest player in Ohio State history one last time….

Numbers Crunch: How Many Recruits Can OSU Sign In 2016?

It is that annual time we are three weeks away from National Signing Day and the Numbers Crunch is in full effect. So lets breakdown where OSU sits right now and where they can end up.

2016 Sophomores and RS Freshman

6 Hubbard, Sam DE 6-5 265 FR
58 Alabi, Joshua DT 6-5 295 FR
3 Arnette, Damon CB 6-0 191 FR
17 Baker, Jerome LB 6-1 215 FR
20 Weber, Mike RB 5-10 215 FR
12 Ward, Denzel CB 5-11 180 FR
71 Trout, Kyle OL 6-6 310 FR
94 Thompson, Dylan DL 6-5 275 FR
79 Taylor, Brady OL 6-5 300 FR
39 Berger, Kyle LB 6-2 230 FR
24 Berry, Rashod TE 6-4 245 FR
87 Stump, Alex WR 6-3 202 FR
42 Slade, Darius DL 6-4 255 FR
67 Schmidt, Grant OL 6-6 300 FR
76 Bowen, Branden OL 6-7 320 FR
59 Prince, Isaiah OL 6-7 305 FR
56 Burrell, MatthewOL 6-4 300 FR
10 Burrow, Joe QB 6-3 208 FR
21 Campbell, ParrisWR 6-1 205 FR
14 Norwood, Joshua CB 5-10 175 FR
83 McLaurin, Terry WR 6-1 200 FR
13 Collier, StephenQB 6-4 225 FR
49 McCullough, LiamLS 6-2 210 FR
34 Conner, Nick LB 6-3 230 FR
2 Lattimore, MarshonCB 6-0 195 FR
9 Cornell, Jashon DL 6-3 265 FR
57 Landers, Robert DT 6-1 290 FR
5 Dixon, Johnnie WR 5-11 194 FR
78 Knox, Demetrius OL 6-4 305 FR
86 Jones, Dre’Mont DL 6-3 280 FR
88 Alexander, A.J. TE 6-2 235 FR
24 Hooker, Malik SAF 6-2 205 FR
47 Hilliard, JustinLB 6-1 230 FR
14 Hill, K.J. WR 6-0 195 FR
77 Feder, Kevin OL 6-9 305 FR
53 Hamilton, Davon DT 6-4 300 FR
19 Glover-Williams, EricCB 5-9 175 FR
6 Gibson, TorranceQB/WR 6-4 205 FR

Total = 38

2016 Juniors

35 Worley, Chris LB 6-2 225 SO
3 Webb, Damon CB 5-11 193 SO
77 Hill, Michael DL 6-3 295 SO
10 Holmes, Jalyn DL 6-5 265 SO
74 Jones, Jamarco OL 6-5 310 SO
16 Barrett, J.T. QB 6-2 225 SO
59 Lewis, Tyquan DL 6-4 260 SO
75 Lisle, Evan OL 6-7 305 SO
8 Conley, Gareon CB 6-0 195 SO
82 Clark, James WR 5-10 185 SO
5 McMillan, RaekwonLB 6-2 240 SO
85 Baugh, Marcus TE 6-5 255 SO
52 Munger, Donovan DL 6-4 300 SO
96 Nuernberger, SeanK 6-1 220 SO
54 Price, Billy OL 6-4 315 SO
80 Brown, Noah WR 6-2 222 SO
4 Samuel, Curtis RB 5-11 200 SO
33 Booker, Dante LB 6-3 233 SO
93 Sprinkle, Tracy DL 6-3 290 SO
1 Smith, Erick SAF 6-0 202 SO

Total= 20

2016 Seniors

2 Wilson, Dontre HB 5-10 195 JR
65 Elflein, Pat OL 6-3 300 JR
95 Johnston, CameronP 5-11 195 JR
16 Burrows, Cam DB 6-0 208 JR
25 Dunn, Bri’onte RB 6-0 215 JR

Total= 5

Possible 6th year SR

84 Smith, Corey WR 6-1 195 SR

Total = 1

Currently OSU has a total of 64 players on scholarship. Corey Smith has an uphill battle in getting his 6th year approved by the NCAA. So based on these numbers OSU has room for 21-22 players depending on Smith’s outcome but there will be some attrition I am sure. The good news is OSU is not already oversigned with just 18 commits right now they can take 3-4 more without counting on attrition to get to 85 by August 1st, 2016. Michigan can not say the same thing that is for sure.

All Things Buckeyes

Recruiting News

Wide Receiver Recruiting:

On the eve of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, all Buckeye fans, including myself are anxiously waiting for Michigan Wide Receiver, Donnie Corley to accept the scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.  Now, Corley has committed and the disappointment sets in.  EXHALE.  Sure he would have been an awesome signing, but there is still a few targets on offense left on the board.  This is where targets like Florida standout, Binjimen Victor and his pal and Miami commit, Sam Bruce come to mind.  The Buckeyes also may still have a chance with another Florida star in Nate Craig-Meyers.  They could also kick a few old tires and re-initiate contact with Florida’s Tre Nixon or go for another timely flip.  This isn’t the end of the world and our class has not fizzled.  Not even close.  We have a Top 5 class in most recruiting websites and Top 3 in a select few as well.

Now as of now the Buckeyes only have Austin Mack as the only Wide Receiver on board.  It might be too late in the game but after we lost out on Corley, we can now turn up the heat on the aforementioned “Big Three” in Victor, Bruce and Craig-Meyers.  Nixon is a long shot but Urban Meyer has a knack for closing out recruiting classes strong and with authority.  He can flip recruits if needed as well.  And what people forget, we have had success with top-tier Wide Receivers in the past two recruiting classes and we have depth at that position.  Names like K.J. Hill, Alex Stump, Torrance Gibson, Johnnie Dixon, Terry McLaurin and I can go on and on with this.  The fact that they are just waiting in the wings and waiting for their shot at playing time.  I feel like they are as hungry as ever and with the departure of Mike Thomas, Braxton Miller and Jalin Marshall, they have an opportunity and a viable shot to gain some coveted playing time next season.  The Buckeyes are loaded so don’t panic.  Even if we miss out on the big named targets, we will be okay.

The Countdown Until NSD:

Well if you pay attention to the recruiting wars in College Football, then you know that this is where the great coaches and the ace recruiters put a full court press on potential recruits.  This is my favorite time of the year.  And it very well could be my least favorite time, IF the recruit I want in Scarlet and Gray spurns us for another team (ahem, Amari Cooper/Laquon Treadwell/Chirtian Wilkins/Stephon Diggs/Chritian Kirk/Myles Garrett just to name a few).  I have my heart ripped out of my chest and have jumped up and down when any form of Buckeye gear is picked up and raised.  Ideally, I would like to finish out strong but it might not be in the cards.  With how the class stacks up, it is looking like we have a few more spots left.  Between 5-7 spots after the mass exodus that had just occurred.  Not including the yearly offseason attrition that may or may not occur.  Players may see no shot at any playing time and transfer (Mike Mitchell/Jeremy Cash) or a few might end their young careers due to injury plagued seasons at Ohio State.  It is going to be fluid once spring ball is upon us so we might as well sit back and speculate for the time being.  Here is my Class of 2016 wishlist:

High Interest Targets:

Jordan Fuller, DB, New Jersey

Rashard Lawrence, DT, Louisiana

Binjimen Victor, WR, Florida

Sam Bruce WR, Florida

Brandon Burton, DB, California

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Maryland

Nate Craig-Meyers, WR, Florida

Rashan Gary, DT, New Jersey

Jared Mayden, DB, Texas

Rodjay Burns, DB, Kentucky

Demitris Robertson, ATH, Georgia

Damar Hamlin, DB, Pennsylvania

Karamo Dioubate, DT, Pennsylvania

Aaron Hansford, OLB, D.C.

Malek Young, DB, Florida

Carlos Becker, DB, Florida

Malik Harrison, ATH, Ohio

Keandre Jones, OLB, Maryland

Chris Daniels, DT, Texas

Tylin Oden, QB, Tennesse

Prince Sammons, DE, Ohio

Final Predictions:

Jordan Fuller, DB, New Jersey

Rashard Lawrence, DT, Lousiana **Surprise Pick**

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Maryland

Binjimen Victor, WR, Florida

Sam Bruce, WR, Florida **Last Minute Flip**

Malek Young, DB, Florida

Carlos Becker, DB, Florida

Breakdown:

I had to play it safe with a few of these picks.  Jordan Fuller is someone that we need in the fold and to top it off Becker and Young both flip to the Buckeyes.  Rashard Lawrence shocks everyone and creates his own legend in Ohio.  Victor finally comes on board, Bruce makes his move and Dwayne Haskins reveals his intent to don the Scarlet and Gray.  This is a dream scenario for me and I am not afraid to be wrong because with recruiting, you never know.  Here’s to the countdown until National Signing Day.  Go Bucks!!!