Michigan TE Selects OSU

Ohio State continued its blistering recruiting pace by picking up its 15th commitment before June 1. They recently added TE Reid Fragel (MI), a 6'8" monster with surprising 4.8 40 speed. Fragel becomes the second prospect from the state Michigan to verbal to the Buckeyes, joining WR James Jackson. Fragel is rated as the top tight end in Michigan and one of the best in the Midwest. He was offered by Michigan State, Purdue, Cincinnati and Maryland, with Michigan showing some interest.

One of the deciding factors was his ability to stay at TE, where the Buckeyes exclusively recruited him. With his huge frame, there was a presumption that Fragel might eventually become a tackle. That still remains a possibility, but certainly shouldn't be assumed. OSU has recruited athletic, mammoth TE's in the past, with Jake Ballard and Andy Miller as examples still on the roster. Both are 6'6", and while Miller has moved to offensive line, Ballard remains at TE.

The Buckeyes will be thin at the position after this season, with Rory Nicol and Brandon Smith both graduating. Jake Stoneburner will be a freshman this season, but he is generally considered a receiver that will split out wide in most formations. Ballard will be a senior in '09, and Coach Tressel will want the flexibility to run packages with a pass-catching TE on the line.