Post-Spring Big Board: Lightening Round Edition (Offense)

Ohio State is off to a fast and furious start this recruiting season, picking up right where the '08 class left off. With the spring evaluation period just started, the Buckeyes already have nine commits in a class that could number 25 by next February's signing day. So who's already in, who's on the way, and who's on the radar? We'll start on offense and hit defense later this week...
QB (1): With the personnel drifting toward a fast, spread scheme - think Troy Smith not Pat White - look for one dual threat guy. Victor Marc is the favorite right now, while Devontae Payne might be this year's Dominic Britt.

RB (2-3): Mo Wells graduates and Beanie Wells could be a top 5 pick, leaving just two backs left on the roster. Could Ohio State possibly squeeze three top running backs into this class? A better guess is two, with an "athlete" type that could play running back also in the mix.

Jordan Hall, who plays for Pryor's Jeanette team, seems like a candidate for the scatback slot. The Buckeyes are also pursuing David Oku (OK), who is considering USC, Illinois, Florida State Tennessee and Michigan. The two may be mutually exclusive.

The Buckeyes are looking at a handful of other backs who are all extremely interested. Jamaal Green (FL), Carlos Hyde (FL) and Bud Golden (OH) are all in the mix, but it remains to be seen how many spots are actually open. Green has the most decorated offer list and had a great time at the spring game. But it's possible that admissions could be dicey. Hyde is the only one holding an offer, and has family ties to the state. But is big back Hyde this year's Richard Watson? Golden also attended the game but does not yet have an offer. It seems likely that either Hyde and Golden could join the class, with Green having a spot regardless if he qualifies and wants to come.

FB (2): Yes, you did read "spread offense" and now we're talking about 2 fullbacks? Coach Tressel loves his flexibility, and Ohio State always wants a strong goal line and short-yardage sets. There's method to the madness though. Adam Homan is coming in as a fullback, but he could easily be shifted to linebacker if the need arises. The other candidate is Zach Boren, a good athlete without a defined position. And why does that name sound familiar?

WR (3): The Buckeye had an exception haul last year, but will likely lose their top two receivers after this season. OSU already has one commit in top 100 player and Ohio native Chris Fields. There a handful of other players the Buckeyes would love to land from out-of-state. The list includes James Green (FL), Kraig Appelton (MO), James Jackson (MI) and Duron Carter (FL). The last name on the list is the son former Buckeye great Cris Carter. Look for the Buckeyes to add two more receivers in this class, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise they both came from the Sunshine state.

TE (1): The Buckeyes have recently offered 6'8" Reid Fragel from Michigan. Fragel is athletic and versatile, but it's unclear whether he remain a tight end or grow into a tackle or defensive end. Is this Jake Ballard or Andy Miller? The other name mentioned most at this stage is Ed Hazelett from Indiana. He's also a good basketball player and has an OSU connection through teammate Walter Offutt, committed to the Buckeye hoopsters.

OL: (3): After bringing in their most highly decorated line class of all-time last year, what can the Bucks do for an encore? Despite the addition of three blue-chip freshmen, OSU will be losing three starters to graduation after this year. So adding at least three more to replenish the depth is important. The Buckeyes are off to a good start with the addition of Jack Mewhort from Toledo. He's been impressive at spring camps and projects as an interior linemen.

The biggest prize on line is Glenville's Marcus Hall, the top linemen in the state of Ohio. He's being pursued by all of the Big Ten schools and a number of national powers, all of whom are hoping he doesn't follow Tarblooder tradition and go to Ohio State. A school like Illinois, or even Michigan, may be able to offer early playing time and an easier depth chart. But OSU has to be considered the favorite at this point.

Ohio State is also in hot pursuit of Corey Linsley, a guard from the Youngstown area. Linsley has offers from Notre Dame, Illinois, Miami and Pitt, but Stanford might be the Buckeyes toughest competition. Should Linsley commit, the Buckeyes might slow their recruitment of Chris Watt, another top interior lineman.

One wildcard in this process is Justin Boren, the former Michigan starter who is considering a transfer to Ohio State. He would not take up a scholarship because conference rules prohibit that, but check out fullback again. And remember how things went with John Kerr. If Boren join OSU, it seems unlikely that a player like Ricky Harris from Westerville will get offered.