Buckeyes Recruiting Big Board

We're back with the post-season, pre-bowl look at OSU recruiting. With 15 verbal commitments, Ohio State is focused on a few key prospects. There will likely be at least 2 more players in the class, though it could grow by as many as 5. A great deal depends on which juniors will be leaving, so a big class could be an indication that some Buckeyes are ready to test themselves in the pros. Here's a quick position-by-position rundown:

QB: Stop if you've heard this one before...Terrelle Pryor or bust. As a Pennsylvanian, I've been watching Pryor rocket through the WPIAL playoffs and on to Hersey. He's the difference between an elite class and truly historic one that could legitimately compete for three national titles. There's little read that doesn't consider him an OSU lean. But Tennessee, Penn State and West Virginia still remain in the hunt, and until he actually announces, anything goes. Buckeye fans are hoping for a "surprise" early announcement, possibly at the All-American game.
Projected: Terrelle Pryor

RB: Devoe Torrence remains the only commit here, and there's not really any other names on the board. Columbus Eastmoor back Isiah Pead remains interested in the Buckeyes, but has not yet received an offer. Torrence has had an up-and-down season at Massillon, but has great upside as an athlete.
Projected: Devoe Torrence

WR: The Buckeyes have already locked up a stellar group of receivers, led by 5-star DeVier Posey. However, Posey is the only "true" receiver at this point, as Maryland prep Lamaar Thomas is listed as an athlete and Dublin's Jake Stoneburner is technically a TE. Thomas looks like a Ray Small clone, perhaps with less polish as a receiver but more versatility in the backfield and slot. Stoneburner could be a matchup nightmare with his speed and height, a type of threat OSU has not had recently. The Buckeyes remain in pursuit of Glenville WR Cordale Scott, who is predictably taking his time. They also may still be in contact with Kenny Tate, but longshot would be generous at this stage.
Projected: DeVier Posey, Lamaar Thomas, Jake Stoneburner and Cordale Scott

TE: With Stoneburner and DiLillo already on board, the Buckeyes are done at TE. DiLillo seems like a gem of a 3-star, with good size, soft hands and a nasty streak that will earn him playing time. He'll be a much better receiver than the player currently on the roster, though I don't know how much he'll get the ball.
Projected: Nick DiLillo

OL: Brewster. Adams. Shugarts. They may be taken for granted by some because of the early commits, but this is the most amazing part of the class. And Brewster's efforts at bringing the entire group together, along with his tireless recruiting of other stars, cannot ever be understated. The Buckeyes would like to add one more lineman, with soft-WVA verbal Josh Jenkins at the top of the list. I can't project Jenkins in the class at this point, but OSU is about as confident as you can be about a player currently committed elsewhere. Inside sources from both sides claim that he will choose them, which means there's definitely some drama left in this worn out story. Miami tackle Ben Jones is also on the radar, but I'm betting he stays in the south.
Projected: Mike Brewster, Mike Adams, J.B. Shugarts

DL: The Buckeyes have 3 lineman on board and would like to add one more. Nathan Williams, a LEO candidate as a rush linebacker, is unheralded but will be a very solid player. Garrett Goebel is the headliner inside, finally giving the Buckeyes a stud presence at tackle after some prominent misses. Recent commit Willie Mobley has great speed for his size and the frame to grow.

4 names are still circulating, starting with 4-star Shayne Hale. It appeared that Buckeyes had cooled on Hale, but they have been in recent contact with the Monroeville star. Hale's cousin Cameron Saddler opted to stay at home and play for Pitt, shocking UVA fans. Hale is also now considering Pitt, so we'll see how interested OSU actually is in the talented project. Greg Scruggs, a fast rising end from St. Xavier, has been getting offers faster than he can keep track. The Buckeyes have yet to extend one, but it could be coming soon. Finally, OSU is trying to sway a pair of Florida State commits. Georgia DE Keith Wells could be on his way to Columbus for an official visit. In my opinion, he's the best of the bunch - an SEC-style speed rusher with great strength. Rivals is reporting that 4-star DT Moses McCray will also make an official visit. It's difficult to project any of these players are leans for the class, but I'd be surprised if at least one didn't join the group.
Projected: Nathan Williams, Garrett Goebel, Willie Mobley, and...

LB: The Buckeyes are done here. Nabbing Etienne Sabino was some sort of miracle, grabbing the top ranked inside linebacker from south Florida. No wonder Randy Shannon was in such a bad mood. He's joined by fellow 4-star Andrew Sweat, who had a monster senior season for Washington Trinity. The Buckeyes place a lot of value on linebacker versatility, so it will interesting to see which one can play outside.
Projected: Etienne Sabino, Andrew Sweat

DB: The Buckeyes continue to cling to some slight hope that they can sway lockdown corner Brandon Harris, who seems like a Miami (FL) lock. With a plethora of young DB's already on the roster, the Buckeyes will be content with corner Travis Howard as the lone commit.
Projected: Travis Howard

K/P: Ben Buchanan. He, uhh, kicks really far. Apparently is accurate. He's a top 5 high school kicker. I'm out of interesting things to say here.
Projected: Ben Buchanan