Signing Day Approaches...

With just 6 days left until National Letter of Intent signing day, the Buckeyes have zeroed in on a few key targets to finish off their impressive class. Virtually all of the drama is focused on recruit Terrelle Pryor, the Pennsylvania quarterback ranked as the #1 player in the country by some. But there are some other top notch talents still considering Ohio State. So who will finish out this class?

DE Keith Wells (GA) - Wells is reportedly down to Ohio State, Tennessee and Notre Dame. Most recruiting experts are betting on Ohio State, as Wells as been leaning in that direction since he de-committed from Florida State. But both Tennessee and Notre Dame are not out of the picture. Wells had a fantastic visit to Tennessee, and Buckeye fans will not quickly forget how players like Ben Martin and Rico McCoy were snatched away by Phil Fulmer.

The Irish are a school that Wells periodically mentioned during the year, even though he didn't have an offer. If he does make a visit to South Bend this weekend, Charlie Weis will have an opportunity to talk him into joining Notre Dame's decorated class. Working against the Irish is their base 3-4 defense, which doesn't suit Wells desire to play a more traditional rush end position.

Survey Says? I've been pining away for Wells to join Ohio State ever since his name popped up. He was unblockable at times during the Offense-Defense game, and provides the type of burst off the edge that OSU needs. If forced to choose, I think Wells ends up in Columbus. But with a Tennessee in-home and a possible Notre Dame visit, this is far from over.

OG Josh Jenkins (WV) - At one point last fall I became so tired of the back-and-forth on Jenkins recruitment that I stopped blogging about it. With his de-commitment from West Virginia, the Buckeyes felt good about their chances at landing the final piece of "Block O". But Jenkins remains uncommitted and is still considering Florida State and possibly West Virginia. Jenkins' relationship with FSU o-line coach Rick Trickett is a big plus for the Seminoles and could tip the scales in their favor.

Survey Says? Jenkins definitely a worthy sequel to the Anthony Davis adventure last season. He's waiting till signing day, oestensibly to use the cover of other signings to minimize the letdown in West Virginia. But at this point, Buckeye fans have to feel nervous about their chances. On multiple occasions, Jenkins had sounded like he was leery of the competition at OSU, thereby negating the "Brew Crew" mentality.

But if Ohio State misses on Jenkins, the damage is not as severe as it originially looked. The coaches are impressed by the growth of their younger lineman, particluarly Bryant Browning and Conner Smith. With three absolute studs coming in with this class, the Buckeyes also already have an '09 commit from in-state guard Jack Mewhort. They are also strongly pursuing top '09 players like Glenville's Marcus Hall, Nate Klatt , and Illinois-native Chris Watt. The tenuous depth chart from last summer has long since been forgotten. So I don't know where Jenkins is going, but if you gave me the choice between Ohio State and everyone else, I'll take "the field" based totally on gut instinct.

ATH Orhian Johnson (FL) - Could a player possibly fly this far under the radar? Lost in all of the Pryor madness is a solid athlete still considering Ohio State. Though his other finalists are South Florida and Indiana, Johnson had offers from top schools like Tennessee. But for whatever reason, his recruitment has not generated a lot of buzz in Ohio State circles. The Buckeyes are primarily recruiting Johnson as a defensive back, but have told him he could compete for time at wide receiver in certain packages.

Survey Says? Johnson will be a player, but the lure of quarterback and an easy path to the field will be too much to turn down. With the Buckeyes loaded at both defensive back and wide receiver, look for Johnson to head elsewhere.

QB Terrelle Pryor (PA) - The Pryor saga, which has been in overdrive ever since Rich Rodriguez became the coach of Michigan, is officially out of control. I avoided the baseless Ted Sarniak story, an empty controversy that blazed through the recruiting world. If it had stayed on the message board, with thousands of users paying for the right to accuse (and defend) with no real knowledge of the situation, that would be one thing. But the story made its way to well-read sites like MGoBlog, first here with the corvette picture and then here with the follow-up. No real play with the national media, though some random column and blurbs have made a reference.

I'm not spending anymore time on that this: if Michigans "insiders" and fans want to make assumptions or downright lie about OSU coaches and prospects, that is their right. But I can assure you no one is shaking in their scarlet and gray boots over the drivel of people like Tom Beaver and the ever-articulate "Gene". Another annoying consequence of the Pryor recruitment is that all of the premium information from both board has been freely distributed to other side. Both of Michigan's jokers on the Scout site have intimated that they have evidence that Pryor is being "bought" or that the playing field isn't level for Michigan. If they actually have the goods, no way that its only used to enrage UM fans. So if this is a good excuse for Michigan fans - if it gives them something to act high-and-mighty about, to assume only cheaters could beat mighty Michigan (6 times in 7 tries) then good for them.

As far as actual news, both Oregon and Penn State visited Pryor this week. The enigmatic quarterback also hinted he might drag his recruitment on past signing day, which I think would cause some massive Pryor fatigue to set in. The media may keep covering it, but the volume and voracity will dial down for fans; you just can't keep up this animalistic ferocity.

Survey Says? Still looks like Ohio State to me, but I don't discount the potential shockers. Oregon, with its Nike backing, has surprised plenty of recruiting experts on players like Cam Colvin and Malik Hairston. Penn State, and possibly even Pitt, have a home state edge. I really think Michigan is not even at the top of the list anymore. Their most appealing offer is immediately playing time, otherwise known as "come get your face bashed in while we transition to this system, with no guarantee you can ever even win your conference."