2009: Names to Watch on Defense

We continue our preliminary look at some of Ohio State's top targets for 2009 with a quick tour through the defensive side.

DE: The Buckeye brought in 3 talented ends in the '08 class, but they'll certainly be looking for more this season. Lawrence Wilson will almost certainly leave after his redshirt junior season, leaving just two experienced DE's on the roster. The biggest name right now is Melvin Fellows, a huge SDE from Garfield Heights. He made an early commitment to Illinois, but the Buckeyes will make a strong push to bring him back to the fold. Fellows is likely a top 5 player in the state of Ohio, and not the type of kid Jim Tressel likes to lose. Nate Cadogan of Portsmouth is another Ohioan that will get a long look.

The Buckeyes have showed interest in a few high-profile out-of-state players, including Craig Drummond (IL), Donte Moss (NC), and Jack Lippert (PA). None seem to be leaning toward OSU at this moment, though the Buckeyes are hopeful for summer camp visits or unofficial trips to Columbus. Look for the Buckyes to add 1-2 ends in this class.

DT: The best of the class is already on board, as Cardinal Mooney's John Simon made an early verbal to OSU. Despite injuries, Simon had a strong junior season and could very well be the #1 player in the state. Along with Garrett Goebel this year, that marks a second consecutive blue-chip tackle to anchor the middle of the line. The Buckeyes were also an early favorite for Corey Adams (AZ), though he will be a chore to get away from the west coast. OSU can afford to be selective at this point, and will only take a second DT if they find the right guy.

LB: It's February and the Buckeyes are already loaded up at LB. They received an early commitments from top 100 player Jordan Whiting, a chisled middle linebacker from Kentucky. He's joined by friend Storm Klein, an in-state prospect from Licking Valley. Klein is listed as an athlete and has appeared on various top 100 watch lists. Rivals.com lists him as an "athlete", and he seems likely to settle into the upper part of the Rivals top250. No matter to OSU fans, who seem Klein as a lock in the Ohio top 5.

With two already in the fold, OSU is still pursuing a number of other linebackers. Keep in mind that three seniors (Little Animal, Freeman and Curtis Terry) will all graduate after the '08 season. They have already offered John Newsome from Glenville, and hope that he will join this talented class. Two other names to watch in Ohio are Will Studlein from Cardinal Mooney and Mike Marrow from New Albany. Neither hold an offer yet, which may be an issue for Studlein; either he wants to decide very early or wants some more love from the Buckeyes.

But OSU will likely take their time, evaluating at camps and gauging the interest of other blue-chip talent. A few out-of-staters that may visit are Dorian Bell (PA), Quanthony Fletcher (FL) and Willie Ferrell (FL). Bell is a 5-star from Gateway High School of Shayne Hale/Cameron Saddler fame. Fletcher is from Dr. Krop, the same high school as Etienne Sabino. it sounds like Fletcher's offer is contingent upon some academic improvement, but he would be an amazing addition to the class if it works out.

DB: Again, the Buckeyes are already off to a great start in the defensive backfield. C.J. Barnett is likely the top cover corner in Ohio, and he recently pledged to OSU. The Buckeyes remain interest in some of the best corners nationally, including Darrell Givens (MD). Givens was recently featured in a spate of recruiting articles and has been getting offers from many of the big programs. He's already visiting Columbus unofficially, and has a connection to the Buckeyes in former teammate and friend Lamaar Thomas. Rutgers and other top schools will certainly be in the mix.

At safety, the main name right now is Justin Turner. He'll definitely be a top 10 player in Ohio, and unfortunately grew up a Michigan fan. The Buckeyes are hoping that the regime change will help avoid a repeat of the Shawn Crable situation. Turner is warming to the Buckeyes, as hasn't had much contact with The Rod's staff thus far.

One other elite in-state player to remember is Darrell Mason. The Younstown Ursuline star is listed as an athlete, and will certainly be a candidate for top 100 national lists. He could play on either side of the ball, but it would be safety on defense. He grew up a Buckeye fan, so hopefully an offer will be forthcoming.

(photo of Melvin Fellows by Rivals.com)