Thursday, August 28, 2008

Offense Recruiting Big Board: Fall Camp Edition

With the season just days away, it's time for a quick update on the Buckeyes recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes already have 24 verbal commitments for the '09 class, but a few key spots remain open. With signing day more than five months away, the coaching staff will also have to do some maintenance to make sure all of the prospects stay in the fold.

QB: The Buckeyes still haven't offered a quarterback, and the in-state prospect that received the most buzz, Patrick Nicely, is now off the board. With Nicely committed to Bowling Green, might Ohio State look at Devontae Payne? Perhaps, but there are no signs of anything imminent. Look for the Bucks to evaluate during the season and see if anyone makes a great case for a scholarship.

Having just two in '09 is extremely risky, even if Pryor turns out the be Superman. If one of Ohio State's "athletes" isn't moved to QB, it would be surprising if one didn't end up in this class. Because of Pryor, the player would likely be a back-up type, with an eye towards '10 for the next star. The name to watch right now is Devin Gardner, a dual-threat blue chipper from Michigan.

RB: The biggest star left on the board may be Jaamal Berry, one of the top players in talent-rich Florida and a top 50 player overall. Berry would be the exclamation point on an exceptional running back haul, joining power tailback Carlos Hyde and speedy athlete Jordan Hall. Brown has indicated that the Buckeyes lead for his services, but it will be a battle with Florida Gators. Consider him a strong lean at this stage, and his visit to Columbus for the Michigan game an opportunity to publicly seal the deal.

FB: Ohio State is definitely done here, having commitments from Coldwater's Adam Homan and Pickerton's Zach Boren. Both are natural linebackers, and coincidentally both have brothers already on the team. As always, Coach Tressel is collecting athletes that could end up at a number of positions once they join the program.

WR: With three stellar verbals, you would think that Ohio State would close the books on the receiver position. The Buckeyes have a pair of 4-stars in Ohioan Chris Fields and lightening fast Michigan slot James Jackson. And don't forget Duron Carter, son of Buckey great Cris, a silky smooth split end with great upside.

But with Brian Robiskie graduating and Brian Hartline likely to leave as a fourth year junior, the Buckeyes will stay in contact with some of the nation's elite receiving prospects. Depending on how the numbers shake out, the Bucks could take one more if the right guy comes calling. The two players to watch are Marlon Brown (TN) and Kraig Appelton (IL). Both have indicated that they will make official visits to Columbus in the fall, though neither should be considered a Buckeye lean at this time. More than likely, OSU will be happy with the three already on board.

TE: Mammoth Michigan prospect Reid Fragel has already verballed, but the Buckeyes continue to pursue a pair of athletic pass-catchers. At the top of the wish list is Dion Sims, a dual sport player from Orchard Lake in Michigan. Sims may opt to play basketball, but the Buckeyes remain in the hunt for his services if he stays with football. Ohio State remains in contact with Ra'shede Hageman from Minnesota, who is also considering Florida, Wisconsin and his hometown Gophers. Don't be surprised to see one of the remaining spots devoted to TE.

OL: Ohio State has put together amazing back-to-back offensive line classes, a stunning reversal from recent struggles. The class is built from the exceptional base of in-state talent, including center Jack Mewhort, guard Corey Linsley and tackle Sam Longo. And don't forget about college football's most famous transfer, former Michigan Wolverine Justin Boren.
But despite the strength of that foursome, there is still work to do. The Bucks would like to add one more stud lineman, and they have their hearts set on Glenville tackle Marcus Hall. Ted Ginn Sr.'s Tarblooders have been a solid pipeline in the past, but the defection of Cordale Scott to Illinois last year showed that there are no sure things. Like most Glenville prospects, Hall will take his time and go on official visits. Illinois and LSU remain the biggest threats, but the good money is still on Hall to end up a Buckeye.

If things with Hall head downhill, the Buckeyes could make a push for John Martinez, one of the best linemen from the west. Martinez doesn't even hold an offer at this point, but Ohio State is in his top three. OSU has not historically had much success with these types of players (see Kris O'Dowd and Jeff Byers) so I wouldn't hold your breath.

We'll check on the defensive side tomorrow.

(photo of Jaamal Berry by Rivals.com)

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