Pre-NLOID 11W Recruiting Notebook
Who will don the Scarlet and Gray next?With just 6 days until National Signing Day, there are still some prospects yet to make decisions, leaving many in Buckeye Nation on the edge of their seats as they wait to see who will fill out the class of 2010.
There are currently 17 members of the class of 2010 verbally committed to Ohio State and there are 18 players in total in the class, as Carlos Hyde, a class of 2009 member who didn’t academically qualify in time for fall, has already enrolled at the school. There seems to be room for about 2-3 more prospects, and while some pressing needs have been met by the current commitments, there are some gaps to close up with those still up in the air.
Still yet to announce their intentions are Jordan Hicks, Seantrel Henderson, Matt James, Chaz Green, Dominique Brown, and Morgan Moses. We have some scoop on those prospects and some chatter on the 2011 recruiting class in this segment of the 11W Recruiting Notebook.
Christian Bryant of Cleveland Glenville became the 18th member of the class and his announcement was a big one for Ohio State. Not only did Bryant continue the Glenville pipeline to OSU, but he also provided a big need in the secondary as a player who can turn out to be a very solid corner or safety at the next level. I think Bryant will come in as a corner, but eventually move over to safety as his career advances, much like Kurt Coleman did early on.
We have word out to Bryant and are awaiting his response, but there has been some chatter his buddy and secondary mate at Glenville, Latwan Anderson, could end up in Scarlet and Gray. It is becoming more clear that the Bucks weren’t sure if they had room for Latwan and are kind of in wait and see mode about other prospects before they are willing to re-open their arms for him as the week winds down. Anderson is visiting USC this weekend, and while he remains committed to West Virginia, don’t be surprised if he ends up at Southern Cal or even Columbus (room permitting) come signing day.
King Of Austin? (westfirebirds.com)Jordan Hicks will be announcing his decision tomorrow at 12:30 PM at a press conference at Lakota West. Hicks will decide between OSU, Texas, and Florida, and while he has been keeping things close to the vest, early indications have shown that he is a Texas lean. I expect Hicks to sign with the Longhorns with the Buckeyes finishing in second, but don’t be surprised if he stays close to home and picks the home state school in the end. Jim Tressel took a trip to Hicks’ school yesterday so hopefully he was able to make a last minute impact on the stud linebacker. Keep your fingers crossed Friday and stay tuned, as we’ll try to get news of his decision up as quickly as possible.
Seantrel Henderson is my #1 choice to finish this class out, as I feel our offensive line depth is thin and Henderson is someone who can contribute, if not start, from day one he arrives on campus. He is down to OSU, Notre Dame, USC, Florida, Miami (FL), and Minnesota, but many see it as now a three horse race between the Bucks, Irish, and Trojans. I personally think Lane Kiffin isn’t giving USC a better chance and this one comes down to ND and Ohio State. Brian Kelly is bringing out all the stops for the big man from Minnesota, but I think in the end the stability in Columbus wins out and Henderson signs the letter Tressel brought him on his in-home visit.
Matt James has said for a few weeks now that the Buckeyes are his leader, but something just doesn’t seem right about this. He is making his visit to Notre Dame this weekend and that could change his mind, and I likely think he ends up in South Bend. He had a good relationship with Brian Kelly when he was at UC and many thought Kelly would be able to get him to stay home and become a Bearcat. I think Kelly to Notre Dame ultimately sealed the deal and it was a matter of formalities in visiting the school and what not before James became a member of the Fighting Irish.
I’ll keep the news on Chaz Green short and sweet. I don’t think he becomes a Buckeye. By don’t think, I’m saying theres about a 1% chance. I see him picking the Gators over the Bucks and USC and would be shocked with any decision other than UF or the Trojans.
Dominique Brown of Winton Woods grew up a Buckeye fan, but his passion to play quarterback at the next level may keep him out of Columbus. The Bucks have been honest with him in that he will be an athlete and most likely a slot receiver at OSU, forcing Brown to look at his original pledge of Cincinnati, as well as Louisville and Georgia Tech. I can understand Brown wanting to play behind center, but if he wants a shot at the NFL the smart move would be to come to Ohio State. Tressel also stopped at Winton Woods this week to make a pitch to Brown, but in the end, don’t expect him to make the smart move for his future and expect him to pick the Bearcats.
Moses would be worth the wait (usafootballonline.com)We did a piece on Morgan Moses last week and it seems the big lineman from Virginia is down to UVA, LSU, OSU, and Florida. Moses will take a visit to OSU and the question may not be when he can enroll, but if he can enroll. There have been rumors swirling that Moses will still not be able to qualify and sign on time, but all things I have heard and spoken to Moses about point to him being ready to enroll for OSU’s spring quarter at the end of March. Don’t expect Mount Moses to declare on NLOID where he will be going as he wants to take his finals two visits and make a decision, but do expect the Buckeyes to be in it right up until the end.
Finally, come every signing day, the Bucks usually get some good news from members of the following class. So far, the Bucks have secured verbal commitments from Ohio defensive ends in Steve Miller and Kenny Hayes, but have many of the state’s and nation’s top players on their radars once again. The top target is QB Braxton Miller, who we caught up with last week. It seems the Bucks have made Miller their #1 target at the position and the top candidate to be the heir to Terrelle Pryor, but will have to battle Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Alabama for his services. It seems Tress wants at least two signal callers in the class, as it has been reported an offer is out to Hollywood, Florida’s Jerrard Randall. Many fans want the Bucks to jump on Glenville’s Cardale Jones as well, but as of now it doesn’t seem he is going to land an offer anytime soon.
Other top players in the 2011 class to keep an eye on are TE Ben Koyack, LB Lawrence Thomas, LB James Vaughters, LB Trey DePriest, CB Doran Grant, WR Phil Dorsett, WR Shane Wynn, WR Evan Spencer, and S Jeremy Cash. All of these players are being recruited by the nation’s top programs, but the Bucks seem to be near the top of all their lists. There is the possibility of Cash announcing for the Bucks next week, but other than that, don’t hold your breath, as the rest of the prospects will probably wait things out a bit longer.
All in all it should be an exciting week leading up to signing day, and as always there are some things that will make us smile and some things that will make us sad. Expect the Buckeyes to finish strong with 2-3 more players in this class and get a good start on the class of 2011. Be sure to keep checking back to 11W as we will try to bring you as much news as we can as fast as we can regarding the remaining players left on the OSU wish list.
I’m excited, Imagine the possiblities..Hicks AND Henderson. how sweet would that be? But, then again, we could lose both, and this would not be as exciting. I think we will lose Hicks but get Henderson. Good class though, even with ONE of those guys. Here’s to both wearing an OSU hat at the end of the day.
I will be sad to lose Hicks and/or Henderson. These two seem like the top immediate impact players in the class. Although, with the slim secondary, I think Bryant could play early. I haven’t heard when he plans to enroll though.
If the rumors that Moses can’t qualify AGAIN are true, then I would rather not have him anyway. We’ve had enough underachieving linemen in the last few years.
Dominique Brown will not go to the NFL unless he changes position.
I really like Trey DePriest from Springfield. he plays several different positions. Very Physical.
I’d be extremely content if tOSU landed Henderson but lost Hicks. It’s not like The Linebacker U cupboard is bare… Klein, Whiting and Dorian Bell are still waiting in the wings…
Obviously, I’d like to land them all, but if we miss on the last couple big prospects, I won’t lose a lot of sleep over it. Plus it sounds like if they miss on Hick Friday, there is a great chance of still landing Anderson. Henderson would be great, however it won’t be a catastrophe to lose him. Moses was looking hopeful, but the grades thing bothers me. I thought the whole reason to go to prep school was to get your grades strait.
Don’t think much of a chance to land Anderson, but you never know in recruiting…..I think Moses will be OK by spring quarter…I’m not sure if its a grade thing as much as a qualifying score—if it’s even true at all….when I spoke to Moses he didn’t seem to think it will hinder him…also a tidbit—looks like James Louis is solid to the Buckeyes which is obviously great news!…..IMO Henderson is the must get for this class and OL is the top need as landing ONLY Norwell is not good…I’m not a huge fan of James—I think he looked slow compared to top talent in the AA game and if anything he should play guard at the next level
James would be more of a development project. I can’t recall many Cincy o-line products panning out well anyway. Connor Smith was a 5 star out of Colerain, what happend to him? Plus, the injury thing with Norwell is sorta bothersome. We really need Henderson.
I’m interested in what will happen if we do sign Hendo. Will he replace Shugarts or Adams? I know Hall may end up at guard. But what about Linsley and Mewhort? Somebody’s getting their feelings hurt.
I think you are going to see Henderson start in the rotation, but not start at a tackle spot to start the year….
I think at LT you are looking at competition between Andy Miller, Mike Adams (get your act together), and Marcus Hall….LG is Boren’s, C is Brewster, RG is Browning and RT will be Shugarts with Hall rotating in if he doesn’t win the LT spot….Linsley is a guard so he may step into either RG or LG after next year, Longo is a tackle who I bet will probably be a RT eventually, Norwell will get a shot to rep at tackle…Blankenship and Smith at guard, but honestly they stink
Norwell is almost a lock to redshirt. Per his brother and dad at least.
I think Adams has more of a lock a LT than others. Shugarts was so impressive he was replaced by Jim, I played at OSU for 15 years, Cordle.
I think Hall can definitely beat out JB, and Hendo could see rotation time against the tomato cans.
Adams really developed a mean streak in the latter half of ‘09, he was actually very impressive/implemental in the stretch.
Adams had something like 20 practices between the Michigan game and the Oregon game, and the best he was able to do with that time was to earn the right play something like one series during the Rose Bowl to spell Cordle. That is not impressive.
Adams has been an unqualified disappointment thus far. I think JB “false start” Shugarts needs to work on his timing, but he’s a serviceable right tackle. I’m hoping Hall can take the left tackle spot, because I’ve all but given up on Adams.
Matt James will not sign with the Bucks. I would bet serious cash he’s going to the Irish. I’m from the same side of Cincinnati as James and played for his uncle his HS. There is little to no Buckeye interest in the West Side of Cincinnati (minus Devier which was a big shock to me). The Irish Catholic influence on that side of town is HUGE to say the least.
Having lived (near Mt Adams) for 2 years in Cincinnati after college, it’s no secret that the city of Cincinnati abhors tOSU. The love for UC, UK, ND and UL is nauseating.
See I live on the KY side of Cincinnati, and I know way more Buckeye football fans than eve UC fans in Cincinnati. I don’t think the city is anti-osu at all really.
I really would hope having a major D1 school in-town would mean more fans for that school.Plus, the bandwagon fairweathered fans are in full force.
I live in Dayton and I know most UD fans can’t stand OSU either.
I just know I’ve spent a lot of time in Cincinnati, I know a lot of people over there. My wife teaches in Cincinnati Public Schools. If most were asked who theyir favorite football team was, they would more likely than not say Ohio State. This is friends, facullty and staff of course and I realize 100 or 200 people pales in comparison to the 2 million in the metro area, but there is quite a Buckeye following down here, even on the KY side of the river.
Hicks is going to Texas.
Good. Let him go. I like the LB’s we have. 2011 is loaded with talent. People get way too worked up about 1 person. LB is not a pressing need and we will always attract top talent at THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY at LB.
Don’t sweat Hicks. I’d rather have James Louis in the fold come NLOID
I’m of the belief that Hicks is coming to OSU, but every site says something different. Hell every site has one person saying one thing and someone else saying another when it comes to Hicks. I’ve seen 2 people on scouts saying Hicks is a buckeye, Moeller’s coach said Hicks would fit in well in Columbus, and ESPN now says Henderson and Hicks will be Buckeyes.
I won’t sweat not getting him, but I just have a feeling he’s going to be in Columbus next year.
I just have the feeling he is Texas bound. UT is not a traditional LB school, but with the departure of Kindle, could mean early PT for Hicks.
However, OSU IS LINEBACKER U. Also, the defensive coaching staff is the best in the country, IMO, and OSU creates linebackers that NFL teams covet. Smart, fundamental, never quittting linebackers. Plus, the close to home aspect has to be an advantage.
But, Hicks didn’t grow up in OHIO, so that could mean he doesn’t have the home state ties one would hope he has.
Still, if you want to be a stud, you have to beat the studs.
Although Kindle went in as an all-world LB he finished up at DE. His departure doesn’t effect on Hick’s PT. Regardless, his action will likely occur much earlier at UT than OSU. Best of luck to him. Unless he goes to UF…. :-/
I don’t think the Ohio ties mean all that much though. There are a lot of guys on the roster that don’t have Ohio ties but come here so they can go play in the NFL. Granted Texas turns out quite a few NFL’ers too.
I just think that it’s not as much of a done deal for Texas as others think. There are too many “experts” saying Ohio State will be the school for him to not be heavily considering the Buckeyes. That’s all I’m saying.
He may get PT here too. Especially if Sabino does get moved up to Thad’s spot. That opens up some room in the rotation at LB. He may bet some PT earlier than people expect.
We need a left tackle worse than any other position. There are too many great edge rushers in the B10. We gotta get one….or somehow manage to develop one of those other “next Orlando Pace”s we already have.
Matt’s teammate and fellow offensive lineman Eric Kramer committed to OSU a few days ago as a “preferred walk-on”. Hopefully he’s tighter with him than Massa. Can’t hurt our chances anyways.
with the number of 4 and 5 star guys that red shirted last year ohio state has as much fr. talent as anyone. berry,wood,fellows,and c. brown come to mind and im sure i forgot someone.
That’s the thing, with all the redshirted talent next year’s roster doesn’t need a top 5 recruiting class, especially if the 2011 class is really strong.
Exactly.