Recruiting Big Board's Triumphant Return

Ohio State's tidal wave of recruits this spring left Buckeye fans trying to catch their breath and keep up with the unreal talent lining up to play for Coach Tressel. But with 24 commits already in the fold, there are precious few spots left. And it's made for an odd fall season, with very little movement on the recruiting front. But with a huge visit list on tap for this weekend, it's time to re-examine the players that could finish out the '09 class.

QB: There are some that feel Ohio State must nab a QB in this class, since just two will be on scholarship for next season. The main target at this point is Tajh Boyd (VA), one of the top dual-threat signal callers in the nation. Boyd has already had quite ride, committing to West Virginia, then Tennessee, and re-opening his recruitment after new Volunteer coach Lane Kiffin indicated that Boyd wasn't right for his system. Boyd is visiting Columbus this weekend, and the Buckeye coaches will definitely try to make for lost time.

Boyd was recently added to the U.S. Army All-American game, so a decision could come then. It will be interesting to see what other visits he takes between now and then. There's definitely interest, and it will be easier to gauge where Boyd is leaning in the coming days.

WR: The Buckeyes already have verbals from three top prep players. But Robiskie and Hartline could both be gone next season, and the spectre of transfers looms. OSU remains focused on one name: Marlon Brown. The Tennessee native is considered one of the top ten WR's in the country, a raw athlete with tremendous size, speed and potential. He's reportedly developed a strong relationship with some of the OSU players, including QB Terrelle Pryor. The Bucks face stiff completion from SEC powers Tennessee and Georgia, but nabbing Brown would be a huge coup. At this moment, I wouldn't feel comfortable with anything more than an "even money" prediction. Brown will announce on NLOI day.

TE: Bruising Reid Fragel is in the fold, but OSU wouldn't mind adding an athletic pass-catcher. The player they have in mind is Dion Sims, one of Michigan's top players. Sims like the Buckeyes, but he's also a basketball player looking for an opportunity to play both sports. That may work against the Buckeyes, since the in-state Spartans have already indicated that would be possible in East Lansing. Miami (FL) is also in the mix, but I currently think Mark D'Antonio has the edge in this race.

OL: Another year, another long wait for an elite Glenville kid. Tackle Marcus Hall is taking his time and enjoying the process, as OSU fans bite their nails about letting in-state talent get away. Hall is one of the top ten rated tackles nationally, though some experts think he might be better suited at guard. He is strongly considering LSU and Illinois, where he has developed relationships with the coaching staffs. You have to like Ohio State's chances, but it's definitely not a lock.

DL: Again, the Buckeyes have zeroed in on one elite players, DT Corey Adams (AZ). Adams has an extremely impressive offer list, but appears down to OSU, USC, Nebraska and home-state ASU. Adding Adams to John Simon and Adam Bellamy would give Ohio State an incredible incoming class at a position of need. But as I've said before, the coaches don't seem to win the big recruiting battles out west. The chance to play at Peter Carroll's factory in LA, or the pull to stay at home will likely win out here.

DB: Ohio State is taking a long hard look at Mike Edwards, a Glenville cornerback that had an outstanding senior campaign. He's rocketed up the recruiting rankings, and visited the 'Shoe to watch Ohio State demolish Michigan. He doesn't hold an offer from OSU, but does have one from both Michigan and Illinois. The question is, how long will he wait? OSU might need to go all the way to signing day to see if there's room.

Boyd and Hall are the two needs. Adding Brown to that group would give Ohio State a very legitimate claim to the #1 class overall. I'd be surprised if Coach Tressel didn't find a way to get Mike Edwards in this class.