Front Row (left to right): Eugene Clifford, Brandon Saine, James Scott, Nate Oliver; Middle Row: Evan Blankenship, Solomon Thomas, Jermale Hines, Cameron Heyward; Back Row: Daniel Herron, Devon Torrence, Donnie Evege, Brian Rolle, Dane Sanzenbacher, Taurian Washington, Rocco Pentello
There were no surprises, good or bad, as the 15 members of the Ohio State football commit list all delivered signed letters of intent. Bad weather threw a minor wrinkle into the day as school closings forced delayed signings for both Eugene Clifford and Brandon Saine. The 15 make up a small, but talented class -- Dick Tressel is already talking about Saine's speed possibly being in the same league as Ginn's.
OSU did pretty well again in terms of getting who they wanted out of Ohio (excluding Ben Martin), but the overall level of in state talent played a factor in keeping this class out of expert's top 10 (Rivals.com has the Buckeyes #15 and Scout has the class at #16). The Buckeyes did miss out on a pair of late miracles as WR Deonte Thompson chose Florida and RB Broderick Green chose USC.
Today, Tressel said that from the previous six classes, 40-50% played their freshman season, while 50-60% redshirted and that this season should prove no different. The full class:
| Name | Pos | Ht | Wt | 40 | Hometown | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Blankenship | OL | 6-3 | 310 | 5.1 | Monaca, PA | Rivals | Scout |
| Eugene Clifford | DB | 6-2 | 190 | 4.45 | Cincinnati, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Donnie Evege | DB | 5-11 | 185 | 4.4 | Huber Heights, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Daniel "Boom" Herron | RB | 5-10 | 190 | 4.52 | Warren, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Cameron Heyward | DT | 6-5 | 264 | 5.17 | Suwanee, GA | Rivals | Scout |
| Jermale Hines | LB | 6-2 | 205 | 4.59 | Cleveland, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Nate Oliver | DB | 6-0 | 199 | 4.85 | Lakewood, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Rocco Pentello | DB | 6-0 | 188 | 4.45 | Westerville, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Brian Rolle | LB | 5-10 | 202 | 4.47 | Immokalee, FL | Rivals | Scout |
| Brandon Saine | RB | 6-0 | 200 | 4.4 | Piqua, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Dane Sanzenbacher | WR | 5-11 | 174 | 4.64 | Toledo, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| James Scott | DB | 5-10 | 163 | 4.59 | Daytona Beach, FL | Rivals | Scout |
| Solomon Thomas | DE | 6-4 | 210 | 4.82 | West Chester, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Devon Torrence | ATH | 6-0 | 200 | 4.4 | Canton, OH | Rivals | Scout |
| Taurian Washington | WR | 6-0 | 167 | 4.5 | Orchard Lake, MI | Rivals | Scout |
Elsewhere, the New York Times takes a look at the amazing class that the Zooker was able to land for Illinois. Former Spartan coach John L. Smith is quoted for the article and wonders if there isn't something under the table involved with Zook's success. Despite conference commissioner Jim Delaney's call to the Times defending the Fighting Illini, you have to wonder if Smith is on to something.
And finally, the bad news continues for the state of Michigan.
