In Part 1 of this series, I wrote about three position areas that contained Ohio players who had Ohio State offers, but chose to go to other programs. This post will continue with that theme, focusing on Ohio players who had Ohio State scholarship offers, but are choosing to sign with other programs. Will these players wind up coming back to haunt Ohio State in future seasons?
**
3. Wide Receiver: Ever since Coach Urban Meyer arrived in Columbus, the Ohio State coaching staff has lamented the lack of a true burner wide receiver to compliment Coach Meyer's spread option offense.
Enter Shelton Gibson of Cleveland Heights. Or not?
Gibson was offered by Ohio State as a junior, almost as soon as Coach Meyer was hired by Ohio State in November 2011. Throughout the 2012 season, rumors that Gibson would eventually commit to Ohio State were persistent.
And Gibson committed...to West Virginia.
Yes, Ohio State has verbal commitments from players such as Jalin Marshall, Taivon Jacobs, and Corey Smith at the wide receiver position. And players such as Devin Smith, Corey Brown, and Evan Spencer will all return at the position in 2013. It will simply bear watching to see how Shelton Gibson performs at West Virginia, instead of Ohio State.
2. Defensive Back: Ohio State enters into 2013 with a talented secondary, headlined by cornerback Bradley Roby, who returned to Ohio State instead of entering the NFL Draft. The concern is beyond 2013, when players such as Roby, Christian Bryant, and C.J. Barnett will no longer suit up for the Buckeyes.
Incoming freshmen who have already signed include Cam Burrows and Eli Apple at the cornerback position. Other players who will project at defensive back include Gareon Conley and Jayme Thompson.
The most notable player who will not sign with Ohio State? Dymonte Thomas, who has already signed with Michigan. Thomas is the highest-rated Ohioan with an Ohio State offer who is choosing to go elsewhere, with Ohio State landing the top three players in the state. Thomas ranked fourth.
1. Linebacker: The biggest area of concern of Ohio State's position groups heading into the 2013 season, losing starters such as Zach Boren and Etienne Sabino, a backup in Storm Klein, and depth with Connor Crowell. Crowell's career has ended because of ongoing injury issues. Ohio State has secured verbal commitments from linebackers Trey Johnson, Mike Mitchell, Christopher Worley, and athlete Darron Lee. Lee could wind up at linebacker, or at the hybrid Star position for Ohio State.
Which Ohioans did the Buckeyes lose out on? Michael McCray, Ben Gedeon, and Courtney Love. McCray and Gedeon will sign with Michigan, while Love will sign with Nebraska.
Yes, both Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell are highly rated. I simply find it concerning that Ohio State was not able to land three highly-touted Ohio linebackers, especially considering the state of the current depth chart. Michael McCray's father played for Ohio State in the 1980s and was a captain, and yet his son is choosing to play for the Wolverines.
Yes, Coach Meyer has focused on the top talent in the state of Ohio, and it is extremely difficult to keep all Ohio players from possibly going elsewhere. Will the loss of these players to other programs come back to Ohio State in 2013 and beyond? Buckeye fans will have to wait and see.
TTUN
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Ohio State 2013 Recruiting: They Scaled Around The Wall, Part 1
During Jim Tressel's tenure as Ohio State's head coach from 2001 through 2011, keeping the top players in the state of Ohio was paramount to Ohio State's recruiting strategies. Throughout the decade, only a few Ohio players that Ohio State offered went elsewhere - Jeff Backes went to Northwestern in 2002. Shawn Crable and Prescott Burgess went to Michigan in 2003. Brady Quinn went to Notre Dame in 2003. Michael Massey went to Michigan in 2004. Mario Manningham went to Michigan in 2005. Justin Boren went to Michigan in 2006, but came to his senses following the 2007 season and transferred to Ohio State for the remainder of his career.
Coach Urban Meyer has maintained the philosophy of identifying and targeting the top players in the state of Ohio, but has not offered scholarships to as many Ohio players as the previous regime would have. Many of these players will go on to play in The Big Ten, and elsewhere throughout the country.
This two-part series will examine the players who scaled around the figurative Ohio wall to go to other programs. I will rate the position groups based on areas of Ohio State's needs as I perceive them, as well as offer thoughts on whether these Ohio players will come back to haunt the Buckeyes in seasons to come. I hope you enjoy it.
****
5. Running Back (Honorable Mention category): I am listing this category as an honorable mention, because technically the player I am most concerned about is not from Ohio, but from the state of Virginia. Let me explain further.
RB DeVeon Smith of Warren Howland was offered a scholarship by Ohio State, but never truly considered the Buckeyes. Considering the glut of running backs Ohio State has for 2013 (Carlos Hyde, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith, Bri'onte Dunn, and the redshirted Warren Ball), as well as probable signee Ezekiel Elliott of Missouri, Ohio State is loaded at the position.
The running back I am concerned about missing out on? RB Derrick Green of Virginia.
Green recently gave a verbal commitment to Michigan, and should be a contributor as a freshman. Why am I concerned, if the running back position is so loaded?
Because Green grew up an Ohio State fan, idolizing former Buckeye Eddie George. Green wears #27, in honor of George. Green could be a throwback to the way Bo Schembechler used to build offenses during his tenure as Michigan's head coach.
While Ezekiel Elliott may be a perfect fit for Coach Meyer's offense, a big bruising back like Green represents what Big Ten football is usually associated with during the blustery fall games in late November. Ohio State fans will have to trust that Coach Meyer and his staff chose wisely by focusing on Elliott versus Green at this position.
4. Quarterback: Ohio State has landed Texas QB J.T. Barrett at this position. Barrett has already enrolled at Ohio State, and will probably redshirt during the 2013 season. Barrett sustained a serious knee injury during his senior season, which will keep him out of contact drills during upcoming spring drills at Ohio State.
The Ohio quarterbacks Ohio State missed out on, by focusing on Barrett? Mitch Trubisky of Mentor and Malik Zaire of Kettering.
Both quarterbacks were offered scholarships by Ohio State, but neither were truly sought in high demand by the Buckeyes. Zaire has already enrolled at Notre Dame, while Trubisky will sign with North Carolina.
Why do I rate this position low in terms of concern? Because Ohio State will only face these Ohio players in a bowl game. Throw in the fact that Braxton Miller has two years of eligibility, Kenny Guiton, Jr. has one year of eligibility, plus Cardale Jones has four years, and you can understand why Ohio State can focus upon J.T. Barrett's rehab at a casual pace this coming season.
Part two of this series will focus upon the three position areas, as well as Ohio players who are going elsewhere, that could impact the Buckeyes for seasons to come.
Coach Urban Meyer has maintained the philosophy of identifying and targeting the top players in the state of Ohio, but has not offered scholarships to as many Ohio players as the previous regime would have. Many of these players will go on to play in The Big Ten, and elsewhere throughout the country.
This two-part series will examine the players who scaled around the figurative Ohio wall to go to other programs. I will rate the position groups based on areas of Ohio State's needs as I perceive them, as well as offer thoughts on whether these Ohio players will come back to haunt the Buckeyes in seasons to come. I hope you enjoy it.
****
5. Running Back (Honorable Mention category): I am listing this category as an honorable mention, because technically the player I am most concerned about is not from Ohio, but from the state of Virginia. Let me explain further.
RB DeVeon Smith of Warren Howland was offered a scholarship by Ohio State, but never truly considered the Buckeyes. Considering the glut of running backs Ohio State has for 2013 (Carlos Hyde, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith, Bri'onte Dunn, and the redshirted Warren Ball), as well as probable signee Ezekiel Elliott of Missouri, Ohio State is loaded at the position.
The running back I am concerned about missing out on? RB Derrick Green of Virginia.
Green recently gave a verbal commitment to Michigan, and should be a contributor as a freshman. Why am I concerned, if the running back position is so loaded?
Because Green grew up an Ohio State fan, idolizing former Buckeye Eddie George. Green wears #27, in honor of George. Green could be a throwback to the way Bo Schembechler used to build offenses during his tenure as Michigan's head coach.
While Ezekiel Elliott may be a perfect fit for Coach Meyer's offense, a big bruising back like Green represents what Big Ten football is usually associated with during the blustery fall games in late November. Ohio State fans will have to trust that Coach Meyer and his staff chose wisely by focusing on Elliott versus Green at this position.
4. Quarterback: Ohio State has landed Texas QB J.T. Barrett at this position. Barrett has already enrolled at Ohio State, and will probably redshirt during the 2013 season. Barrett sustained a serious knee injury during his senior season, which will keep him out of contact drills during upcoming spring drills at Ohio State.
The Ohio quarterbacks Ohio State missed out on, by focusing on Barrett? Mitch Trubisky of Mentor and Malik Zaire of Kettering.
Both quarterbacks were offered scholarships by Ohio State, but neither were truly sought in high demand by the Buckeyes. Zaire has already enrolled at Notre Dame, while Trubisky will sign with North Carolina.
Why do I rate this position low in terms of concern? Because Ohio State will only face these Ohio players in a bowl game. Throw in the fact that Braxton Miller has two years of eligibility, Kenny Guiton, Jr. has one year of eligibility, plus Cardale Jones has four years, and you can understand why Ohio State can focus upon J.T. Barrett's rehab at a casual pace this coming season.
Part two of this series will focus upon the three position areas, as well as Ohio players who are going elsewhere, that could impact the Buckeyes for seasons to come.
Leroy Hoard & "Three To Remember"
Saw this on ESPN.com's "Outside The Lines" and thought it was worth sharing to the blog. Leroy Hoard may have played for That Team Up North, but was a fixture of the old Cleveland Browns during the 1990s. Former Buckeyes Robert Smith and Keith Byars are both instrumental in helping Hoard deal with his multiple injury issues that are detailed throughout the video clip below.
Monday, January 28, 2013
The OZone.net ~ Around the WaterCooler article on recruiting
With National Letter Of Intent Day approaching, I found this good article on The OZone.net that I found worthwhile. I hope you do too.
Around the WaterCooler
Around the WaterCooler
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
It Will Not Be A "Miracle" For The Buckeyes Against The SEC
Certain movie scenes are burned into the collective memories of the American public. Think about the top movies throughout the years, and I am guessing you will be able to quickly remember specific scenes.
For example, my all-time favorite movie, "The Godfather". I say, "horse head", and what do you think about? I am guessing this scene.
What do movie scenes have to do with college football, you might be asking?
Based on the recent 2013 BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame, it reminded me of this scene from "The Green Mile". It truly seemed as though college football fans were being subjected to witness some form of cruel and unusual punishment.
It is difficult to find the appropriate adjectives to describe the BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame. Domination? Obliteration? Annihilation?
Visions of the 2002 national championship game between Miami (FL) and Nebraska, as well as the 2005 national championship game between USC and Oklahoma, were running through my mind as I watched Alabama defeat Notre Dame, 42-14. In all three games, one team looked completely superior to the other to the point of embarrassment.
2002: Miami (FL) 37, Nebraska 14.
2005: USC 55, Oklahoma 19
2013: Alabama 42, Notre Dame 14
Yes, it is very easy for an Ohio State fan to write an article, ignoring or conveniently forgetting how Ohio State was embarrassed on the national stage in both the 2007 and 2008 national championship games. While Ohio State was soundly defeated by Florida (41-14) and LSU (38-24) in the BCS Championship Games, it is important to remember that Ohio State actually led in both of those contests. Ohio State, for a brief period, was seemingly competitive. Nebraska in 2002, Oklahoma in 2005, and Notre Dame the other evening were never threatening to their opponents.
The idea of the SEC remaining dominant throughout the remainder of this decade is certainly possible. Alabama head coach Nick Saban truly has assembled an assembly-line of superior talent. While players such as Trent Richardson leave for the NFL, an incoming freshman such as T.J. Yeldon arrive, and the football team seemingly does not miss a beat at all.
And then I thought of this small scene from the movie "Miracle", and how it could possibly apply to Ohio State football under Urban Meyer for 2013 and beyond:
"The only way we can compete with the Eastern-bloc teams is if we are willing to change..."
Substitute the words "Eastern-bloc" with "SEC". Obviously, we are talking about football, not hockey.
Watch that clip, and think about how Coach Meyer is focusing on developing Ohio State into a program that can not only dominate within The Big Ten, but can play toe to toe with any of the top programs in the SEC.
Including Alabama.
Within that clip, you will hear the actor Kurt Russell make the statement, "My goal is to beat 'em, at their own game."
And that is why, despite the relative carnage and wanton destruction I was witnessing on my television set (as well as the occasional Brent Musberger leerings at Katherine Webb), my thoughts went to that specific movie clip, and I thought of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Another line in that clip..."Beat the best team in the world. Gold medalists in '64, '68, '72, and '76. Pretty loft goal, Herb."
The response? "That's why I want to pursue it.".
And I believe Coach Meyer is following the same mindset as he tries to build the Buckeyes, to compete against the best in college football today.
For example, my all-time favorite movie, "The Godfather". I say, "horse head", and what do you think about? I am guessing this scene.
What do movie scenes have to do with college football, you might be asking?
Based on the recent 2013 BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame, it reminded me of this scene from "The Green Mile". It truly seemed as though college football fans were being subjected to witness some form of cruel and unusual punishment.
It is difficult to find the appropriate adjectives to describe the BCS Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame. Domination? Obliteration? Annihilation?
Visions of the 2002 national championship game between Miami (FL) and Nebraska, as well as the 2005 national championship game between USC and Oklahoma, were running through my mind as I watched Alabama defeat Notre Dame, 42-14. In all three games, one team looked completely superior to the other to the point of embarrassment.
2002: Miami (FL) 37, Nebraska 14.
2005: USC 55, Oklahoma 19
2013: Alabama 42, Notre Dame 14
Yes, it is very easy for an Ohio State fan to write an article, ignoring or conveniently forgetting how Ohio State was embarrassed on the national stage in both the 2007 and 2008 national championship games. While Ohio State was soundly defeated by Florida (41-14) and LSU (38-24) in the BCS Championship Games, it is important to remember that Ohio State actually led in both of those contests. Ohio State, for a brief period, was seemingly competitive. Nebraska in 2002, Oklahoma in 2005, and Notre Dame the other evening were never threatening to their opponents.
The idea of the SEC remaining dominant throughout the remainder of this decade is certainly possible. Alabama head coach Nick Saban truly has assembled an assembly-line of superior talent. While players such as Trent Richardson leave for the NFL, an incoming freshman such as T.J. Yeldon arrive, and the football team seemingly does not miss a beat at all.
And then I thought of this small scene from the movie "Miracle", and how it could possibly apply to Ohio State football under Urban Meyer for 2013 and beyond:
"The only way we can compete with the Eastern-bloc teams is if we are willing to change..."
Substitute the words "Eastern-bloc" with "SEC". Obviously, we are talking about football, not hockey.
Watch that clip, and think about how Coach Meyer is focusing on developing Ohio State into a program that can not only dominate within The Big Ten, but can play toe to toe with any of the top programs in the SEC.
Including Alabama.
Within that clip, you will hear the actor Kurt Russell make the statement, "My goal is to beat 'em, at their own game."
And that is why, despite the relative carnage and wanton destruction I was witnessing on my television set (as well as the occasional Brent Musberger leerings at Katherine Webb), my thoughts went to that specific movie clip, and I thought of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Another line in that clip..."Beat the best team in the world. Gold medalists in '64, '68, '72, and '76. Pretty loft goal, Herb."
The response? "That's why I want to pursue it.".
And I believe Coach Meyer is following the same mindset as he tries to build the Buckeyes, to compete against the best in college football today.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Ten Years Ago On January 3rd, 2003...
Congratulations to the 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes, on the official ten year anniversary of their most recent national championship...
Saturday, December 29, 2012
OSU's Kerry Coombs on YouTube
Courtesy of youtube.com and Land-Grant Holy Land, listen to the video below of Ohio State cornerback coach Kerry Coombs and the speech he gives to prospective recruits. Among the recruits in attendance is incoming Ohio State recruit Ezekiel Elliott. The video primarily focuses upon Elliott, but with Coombs' speech in the background, along with music from "Last Of The Mohicans", it makes for interesting viewing. Enjoy - Go Bucks!
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