Buckeyes on a Roll, Add Williams

Just hours after the commitment of offensive tackle, J.B. Shugarts, Ohio State reeled in its first verbal on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive End Nathan Williams of Miami Trace became the eighth future Buckeye, selecting Ohio State over offers from Oklahoma, Georgia, and Wisconsin. The 6'5" Williams projects as a strongside defensive end, but has the athleticism to play both linebacker or tight end. Ohio State coaches envision him as a Bobby Carpenter-type player.

It's likely that Williams will be the only defensive end in this class. Ohio State has also offered Kevin Koger, but sees him as a tight end, and Willie Mobley, who could also play inside on the defensive line. With all this excitement, it's strange to think Ohio State may be more than half finished with its 2008 class. Taking a crack at how this class might finish up...

QB (0-1): Holding out for Rivals #1 junior, Terrelle Pryor. If he doesn't sign on, the Bucks may pass for this season.

RB (1): DeVoe Torrence*

WR (2-3): DeVier Posey*, Jake Stoneburner*. Look for Glenville's Cordale Scott to wrap up an incredible receiver class. But there will be some teeth gnashing when Floyd inevitably commits to Notre Dame.

TE (0-1): After swinging and missing Rudolph, the Bucks may sit out TE. Brandon Moore may eventually land an offer, and Koger remains a slight possibility. I expect Koger to Michigan, but if Moore gets an offer he'll be a Buckeye.

OL (4-5): Mike Adams*, Mike Brewster* and J.B. Shugarts*. I'm still pinching myself over the last two days. With those three in the fold, OSU would like to add 1-2 more linemen. Kyle Long was a favorite, but reading between the lines, that seems to be fading due to baseball. Josh Jenkins is the top target, and Greg Shaw (FL) is a name to keep an eye on. A few solid Ohio kids, including Marc Stevens, remain an option.

K (1): Ben Buchanan. Supposedly "Nuge-like" player who will both punt and kick.

DE (1): Nathan Williams*.

DT (1-2): Lucas Nix and Willie Mobley are the top targets, and Ohio State would likely take both if possible. Garrett Goebel is also another key target. While OSU loves Larimore and Heyward, they need depth.

OLB (0-1): Shayne Hale is top target here. Although he has listed Ohio State as his favorite at times, something tells me he ends up elsewhere. Etienne Sabino is being recruiting by all of the big programs, and he's a good bet to stay somewhere in the south. Brandon Beachum, another blue chip from Cardinal Mooney, could sneak in. He's a versatile athlete and a Jim Tressel-type player.

ILB (1-2): Ohio State is giving the full court press to Andrew Sweat and Mike Zordich. They will take both if possible. Sweat has become fast friends with Brewster, Stoneburner and Adams, and is set to announce in mid-May. Zordich is a natural leader and could also play fullback at the college level. Both players are also interested in Penn State. Beyond those three, Steve Filer, Brendan Beal and Chritian Wilson also hold offers.

CB (0-1): After taking an entire classful of defensive backs last year, cornerback is not a priority need in 2008. Terrence Parks is the only recruit with an offer, but it's a good bet that he'll play somewhere in the SEC. I'm making a personal plea for Johnny Adams to get an offer - the kid just looks like a beast.

S (0-1): The top target is Dan McCarthy, the third player on this list from Cardinal Mooney. He has also offers from Michigan, LSU and Oklahoma, but this looks to be a race between OSU and Notre Dame. Though his brother is a Golden Domer, it's even money right now. OSU has minor interest in a pair of UCLA verbals, Rahim Moore and E.J Woods. Don't look for either to head east. One other name to watch is Isiah Pead, a running back from Eastmoore Academy in Columbus. The Buckeyes are recruiting him as defensive back/athlete, and e could make some noise with a good camp showing.

This list excludes a handful of top athletes with OSU offers, including Joe Haden, Lamaar Thomas, and Joshua Jarboe to name a few. I just don't see them coming to Ohio State.