Baby Shaq Joins the Buckeyes

Ohio State added commitment #16 today, as OL/DL Shawntel Rowell to the 2008 class. Rowell becomes the latest player from the Cleveland Glenville pipeline to join the Buckeyes. Rowell projects as a defensive tackle, and hopes to give OSU a space-eater in the middle of the line that the team has lacked for a few seasons. A few other interesting notes on this commitment:

*There's no way around the fact that this is a big boy. He's listed at 6'4", 325, but he's surely been much heavier than that at times. His offer was reported based on him meeting certain weight targets. He's immensely talented, but needs to stay in shape to be force in the middle.

*With Garrett Goebel on board at DT, this might be a sign that either Willie Mobley or Cameron Heyward may stay on the outside as a end pass rusher. And it almost certainly means OSU is waiving the white flag on Clemson lean Brandon Thompson.

*Though he's got plenty of potential, it was unclear whether Rowell would actually receive an offer. OSU fans will certain speculate that his inclusion could mean (a) DeVoe Torrence is definitely gone; (b) other higher profile targets are not coming; or (c) the coaches know more juniors will be leaving early.

Photo courtesy of Gary Housteau at Bucknuts.com