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

We covered the offense earlier this week, and then the Buckeyes 2009 recruiting officially blew up with 3 commitments and transfer in a five day period. Here's how the defensive class is shaping up...

DE (2): Despite adding some quality pass rushers last season, the Buckeyes will need to add a couple of ends next February. Lawrence Wilson will likely go pro next year, Robert Rose has had problems staying healthy, and Cameron Heyward is increasingly looking like a candidate to leave early. The addition of Melvin Fellows on Thursday adds a bona fide star to the class, though it still seems possible he could grow into an inside player.

The Buckeyes are in good shape with Jonathan Newsome, a Glenville product that does not yet hold an offer. The did recently offer New Jersey native Anthony LaLota, who holds a very impressive list of suitors. OSU will likely take their time here, looking to get at least one more commit from a top player.

DT (2): OSU has done a good job of shoring up the defensive tackle position over the past two years. No one is more central to that effort that Cardinal Mooney's John Simon, perhaps the best player in Ohio this year. At this stage, there are no other recruits that might commit soon. At one point the Buckeyes were high on Corey Adams list, but that interest may have waned somewhat. With Simon aboard, a second DT is likely, but not a desperate need.

LB (3): How many linebackers can one team take? The Buckeyes, with three top backers already in the fold, will be very selective for the rest of '09. Dorian Bell, Storm Klein and Jordan Whiting give the Buckeyes a great shot at the top linebacking class in the country. Toss in Adam Homan and Zach Boren, both coming in as fullbacks, and the cupboard is fully stocked. Should he qualify academically, the Buckeye might still take Quan Fletcher, a talented Floridian. Otherwise, only the opportunity to pick off a top 100 type player would add to this crew.

CB (2-3): The Buckeyes already have two top flight corners in C.J. Barnett and Darrell Givens. But with defensive backs at a premium, there could easily be another added to the mix. Middleton's D.J. Hunter is the top in-state option, and he currently holds a Buckeye offer. OSU is also talking to Justin Green, a fast rising prospect from Kentucky.

S (2): Jamie Wood certainly made an impression on someone at Rivals, shooting all the way up to #26 on their most recent top 100 list. Wood gives the Buckeyes a great start at a position where Coach Tressel always seems to find playmakers. There's a good chance that Vlad Emilien (FL) could join Wood in the defensive backfield. The Florida star had a great visit over the spring game, though he is consider offers from Tennessee, Auburn and other southern schools. It will be interesting to see if OSU adds an under-the-radar in-state safety like it has the last two seasons.

ATH (2): The coaching staff loves players that can move around to multiple positions, so athletes are always a point of emphasis. Two big names to watch are Brandon McGee and Darrell Mason. McGee is a star from Florida with offers from pretty much everyone in the world, and it will certainly be difficult to pull him out of the south. Mason does not hold an offer but could earn one at camp.