Friday, June 20, 2008

Recruiting Crunch Time - 4 Possible Suprises

With Duron Carter jumping on board today, the Buckeyes probably have 9 spots left for a enormous class of 27 players. Who could they be? We take a crack at naming them and try to identify where surprises might come.

The Safe No Surprises List

QB - None
RB - Carlos Hyde, Jaamal Berry
WR - None
TE - None
OL - Marcus Hall, Chris Watt
DL - Jon Newsome
LB - None
CB - Corey Brown
S - Bradley McDougald, Vlad Emilien
ATH - Justin Green

The biggest name I left off is Brandon McGee, a 4-star corner from Florida. McGee is a talented, flashy kid that had an exception time at the OSU spring game. But he holds a great offer list, and surely will be impressed with each visit he takes. As the spring game memory fades, McGee will not be in any hurry to make his choice. And despite his talent, I don't think he falls into the "must have" category with a reserved spot.

I've said on multiple occasions I don't think the class will end up like everyone thinks, meaning the Buckeyes could be in for some bad news on some kids. Of course, that just means that other deserving players will become targets, but doesn't reduce the stress for obsessed Buckeye fans.
So what should fans be looking for?

1. At running back Carlos Hyde appears set to join the class soon, but Jaamal Berry is probably in for the long haul. The Buckeyes will hold a spot for him, and he'll certainly take an official visit with his Gator-loving Mom. But even with OSU leading, this is no lock.

2. The offensive line situation is crazy, with so many deserving players and simply not enough slots. In years past OSU couldn't find enough quality big guys in-state, but now Ohio is overloaded. Sam Longo, John Prior, Nate Klatt and Ryan Spiker might all be Buckeyes in a different year. You saw Chris Watt up on the safe, but regular readers know I'm a skeptical on that front. Using the unofficial and highly unscientific method of offer lists, depth charts, quotes and geography, I still think Watt may end up elsewhere. That means at least one of these Ohio kids will be joining the mix - and don't be surprised if the staff finds a way to squeeze in two of them.

3. At defensive back, the Buckeyes seem intent on adding at least 3 more players. Bradley McDougald could commit soon, making things even tighter. Corey Brown begged for an OSU offer, but could an in-state team like Pitt sway him? That leaves Emilien and Green, both of whom were considered heavy Buckeye leans at one point. Will one get left out? Emilien was one of the early Buckeye targets and since gained major recognition on the national scene. Will he look around?

As for Green, with his brother Marcus a former Buckeye, many thought an offer would be quickly accepted. But with attention from in-state Louisville and Miami (FL), he may the player Buckeye fans regret missing out on. Brown, McDouglad Green could be labeled "athletes", meaning they're coming in without a designated position. So maybe the coaches will find a creative way to bring them all to Columbus.

4. Could Ohio State miss out on, or run out of room for a Glenville prep player? Both Jon Newsome and Marcus Hall have been penciled in for a long time. But Glenville players almost always wait till the end of the process to make a decision. And no Buckeye fan can be totally comfortable after their pipeline burst last year with the surprise defection of Cordale Scott. Could Newsome get squeezed if players like Pat Muldoon or Corey Adams come calling for a spot? Or could Marcus Hall decide he likes another team's depth chart better?

There are certainly no guarantees in recruiting, so I'd still say to expect the unexpected.

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