Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston became the latest first round pick for the Buckeyes, selected #6 overall by relieved Jets fans. Though sentiment may have favored Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, he was off the board and Jets fans were chanting for Gholston. He joins former teammates K Mike Nugent and C Nick Mangold in New York.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fellows Makes the Switch
Buckeyes fans were concerned at the start of the 2009 recruiting season when upstart Illinois invaded the state and offered virtually every player with a pulse. With energetic Ron Zook taking the lead, the Illini put a lot of pressure on Ohio State to evaluate in-state players much faster than usual. But the biggest worry was the early commitment of Garfield Heights DE Melvin Fellows to Illinois. Fellows is considered one of the top five players in the state, and the loss of such a player - especially after the Cordale Scott defection - would be a bad sign.
Fellows publicly said that he was 100% committed to Illinois, but would continue to check out other schools, including Ohio State. It became clear over the past couple months that he feelings about Ohio State were getting stronger, and on Thursday he officially changed his mind.
In addition to his Illinois offer, Fellows was being pursued by Notre Dame, Michigan, West Virginia and Louisville. He is the #29 ranked player in the Rivals.com top 100.
Fellows publicly said that he was 100% committed to Illinois, but would continue to check out other schools, including Ohio State. It became clear over the past couple months that he feelings about Ohio State were getting stronger, and on Thursday he officially changed his mind.
In addition to his Illinois offer, Fellows was being pursued by Notre Dame, Michigan, West Virginia and Louisville. He is the #29 ranked player in the Rivals.com top 100.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Boren Makes it Official
Justin Boren officially made the move from Michigan to Ohio State, completing a historic transfer that is sure to ratchet up an already heated rivalry. Boren started for Michigan at guard and center, and will have to sit out the 2008 season. He will not be on schoalrship but could start for the Buckeyes in 2009.
Apparently a side controversy has sprung up involving former coach Lloyd Carr. A Dispatch report claimed that he worked behind the scenes to make sure Boren would get his release from the university. Carr flatly denies that.
Either way, Boren is not exactly receiving great press for the move. Unless being called "turncoat" qualifies as a positive.
Apparently a side controversy has sprung up involving former coach Lloyd Carr. A Dispatch report claimed that he worked behind the scenes to make sure Boren would get his release from the university. Carr flatly denies that.
Either way, Boren is not exactly receiving great press for the move. Unless being called "turncoat" qualifies as a positive.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
OSU Doubles Up in PA
Just one day after landing standout PA linebacker Dorian Bell, the Buckeyes went back into the Keystone state to grab another blue chip prospect. This time it was Jordan Hall, a 4-star all-purpose running back from Jeanette. Teammates last year with future Buckeye QB Terrelle Pryor, Hall said he would have gone to OSU even without Pryor.
With Maurice Wells graduating and the NFL looming for Beanie Wells, Hall will join a very short depth chart at running back next year. With his speed and hands, he's likely to see time carrying the ball and catching it out of the slot.
With Maurice Wells graduating and the NFL looming for Beanie Wells, Hall will join a very short depth chart at running back next year. With his speed and hands, he's likely to see time carrying the ball and catching it out of the slot.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Buckeyes Land Elite PA Linebacker
For the second year in a row, the Buckeyes have pulled off a huge recruiting coup. 5-star linebacker Dorian Bell of Gateway announced his commitment to Ohio State this afternoon. That gives the Buckeyes #1 player in the state of Pennsylvania (again) and one of the best linebacker prospects in the country (again).Dressed in all Buckeye gear, Bell told the media he felt like he "never left home" on his visits to Columbus. Bell had offers from top programs around the country, including Florida State, Penn State, Tennessee, Rutgers, Michigan, and Notre Dame. He projects as a strong side linebacker, but could play the weakside.
Bell is listed as the #22 player in the country by Rivals.com and #7 overall by Scout.com. As usual, we go out of our way to discount ESPN's recruiting rankings.
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.
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.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
The '08 Buckeyes: Quarterback Analysis
It was more than a year ago when we kicked off this blog with a post breaking down the 2007 quarterbacks. How did we do? Well, we were right that Todd Boeckman would get the early nod and run with it. We knew Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton would get a crack at early playing time. We also called Joe Bauserman as the fourth QB on the roster, walking on. And we did mention some kid name Pryor that turned out to be an okay recruit.But what surprised about 2007? Mainly that Antonio Henton didn't make more of run at it. I personally thought his athleticism would give him an edge over Boeckman, and that he'd force his way onto the field for at least scripted run-pass option plays. But his season was derailed when he was arrested for solicitation. Though charges were later dropped, he never seemed to recover. Boeckman took the reins and had a pretty good season for a first year starter. I say "first year starter" instead of "old enough to be the Dad of some of the players".
What's going this season? Boeckman comes in as the unquestioned starter. He's a senior it seems difficult to envision any scenario in which he relinquishes the #1 spot on the depth chart. That being said, there are two schools of thought on Todd. The first is that he exceeded expectations as a first year player and has all of the tools to lead the Buckeyes to championship. No, he's not Dan Marino, but he's good good size and arm strength, he knows the system and can efficiently run it.
The other side of the story is somewhat less complimentary. They see Boeckman a good but not great quarterback that has some potential holes in his game. He can get happy feet in the pocket, locks onto receivers, and sometimes gets careless, turning it over in bunches. Is this just a game manager, relying on his experience and the talent around him? Will he be able to win the big games?
The truth is probably in between, and is a subject I'm planning to cover at length in the near future. Boeckman's legacy will be judged entirely on three games this season - at USC, home against Michigan, the bowl game. Run the table and join Craig Krenzel in Buckeye lore. Fail to beat USC and listen to people call for your head.
What about the other guys? Everyone will want to know what's going on with Terrelle Pryor from the minute he steps on campus. Best case scenario, he uses his unbelievable skills to bust some big plays in limited action this season. It's another headache defensive coordinators will have to prepare for, and Pryor is definitely a difference maker. I just don't see that a redshirt is possible for Pryor - he's going to come in very prepared to run some specific plays. And even if you know what's coming, he's too good to stop.
Even with a returning senior starter and the #1 recruit, the talk of the spring game was Joe Bauserman. The former baseball player had a great game, connecting on a few long passes with Taurian Washington, leading to some love from ESPN. It's clear he's passed Henton on the depth chart; the latter is in danger of falling out of contention. With Pryor's arrival this fall, it is imperative that Henton make strides between now and then. One of these two guys must develop into a legitimate option, with Boeckman graduating. Right now the guess is that Bauserman sticks around and is the #2 in 2009.
Even with a returning senior starter and the #1 recruit, the talk of the spring game was Joe Bauserman. The former baseball player had a great game, connecting on a few long passes with Taurian Washington, leading to some love from ESPN. It's clear he's passed Henton on the depth chart; the latter is in danger of falling out of contention. With Pryor's arrival this fall, it is imperative that Henton make strides between now and then. One of these two guys must develop into a legitimate option, with Boeckman graduating. Right now the guess is that Bauserman sticks around and is the #2 in 2009.
From a recruiting standpoint, the Buckeyes would like to add a QB to the '09 class. With Pryor just a true freshman, getting an elite guy might be a chore. The top name right now is Victor Marc (FL), the only QB that has been offered at this point. He's a bigger bodied QB, and holds offers from Clemson, UNC, and South Carolina. Look for the Buckeyes to be very selective this year.
Givens Verbals at OSU Spring Game
The Buckeyes spring game wasn't dampened by the heavy rain, as 75,000+ paying fans watched the OSU conclude their April practices. Ohio State hosted a huge group of recruits, including an armada of players from Florida who made the trip north. At least one player already decided he wanted to be a Buckeye - super corner Darrell Givens from Maryland. Givens committed to the coaching staff during halftime, making the game a huge success.
Givens is members of the Rivals250 and currently is ranked at #9 corner in the country by Scout. At one point in high school he played with Buckeye Lamaar "Flash" Thomas, providing a nice connection with the incoming class. He becomes the Buckeyes second corner commit, joining Clayton Northmont's C.J. Barnett.
Givens had offers from virtually all of the top programs, including Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Tennessee. He had previously expressed strong interest in Miami (FL) and Rutgers, so it will be interesting to see if he wavers at all during the process. OSU fans should be very excited to have a player of his caliber on board, a second potential shutdown corner. We'll have much more from the spring game, recruiting news and the 09 position breakdown in the coming days.
Givens is members of the Rivals250 and currently is ranked at #9 corner in the country by Scout. At one point in high school he played with Buckeye Lamaar "Flash" Thomas, providing a nice connection with the incoming class. He becomes the Buckeyes second corner commit, joining Clayton Northmont's C.J. Barnett.
Givens had offers from virtually all of the top programs, including Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Tennessee. He had previously expressed strong interest in Miami (FL) and Rutgers, so it will be interesting to see if he wavers at all during the process. OSU fans should be very excited to have a player of his caliber on board, a second potential shutdown corner. We'll have much more from the spring game, recruiting news and the 09 position breakdown in the coming days.
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