After missing out on Aundrey Walker, Ja'Juan Story, and Darius Jennings, the Buckeyes finally landed a big one on Signing Day. Minutes ago on ESPNU, Richmond (VA) Hermitage LB Curtis Grant committed to Ohio State over his finalists of Florida, Virginia, and UNC.
A Army All-American, Grant (6-3/220) is the #1 rated OLB according to Scout and Rivals, and is the #3 OLB and #46 player overall as rated by ESPN/Scout's Inc. He joines Ejuan Price, Conner Crowell, and Ryan Shazier to form a phenomenal linebacking group in the class of 2011 and has been called by some as the second biggest out of state commitment (behind Terrelle Pryor) that Jim Tressel has ever reeled in.
I am very psyched for Grant to come on board and think he can have an impact in a back-up role and on special teams from the minute he steps on campus. Signing Day isn't over quite yet, but so far the Buckeyes have done an excellent job overall on their class of 2011.
Here is some video from the US Army All-America Bowl of Grant's high school coach discussing the newest Buckeye:
Comments
Hell yeah! Welcome to Buckeye City!
(That was a terrible song by the way)
YES amazing get! Wonder if anyone will stay say Tressel can't close.
People are still going to rake him over the coals for not landing Walker. Maybe even Story and Jennings, but they were both long shots. With some people, Tressel just can't win.
I'd take Grant over Walker any day. Losing Walker does sting, although next year we can load up on linemen. Never thought we would land Jennings, and we started to gain momentum on Florida for Story too late.
I agree totally.
Those people are fools.
Class of 2008
No doubt, but it seems there are quite a few that just don't like to give the guy credit.
Yeah, it's unbelievable. I'm currently reading "The Winner's Manual," which has made me gain even more respect the man. Definitely recommended reading.
Class of 2008
My wife downloaded it on her Kindle for me, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
Read the Winners Manual to my son while still in utero
Rivals also ranks him as the #2 player in the country behind only Clowney. He is a special athletic talent.
I watched the announcement on streaming video at the office, and I involuntarily did a fist pump and yelled when I saw the hat. I immediately felt ashamed and foolish. Luckily, no one saw me.
Rule No. 1: never be ashamed to be a Buckeye fan.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
Both Grants will be big time for us
Funny how we were concerned about deputy at LB going Antonio this recruiting season (sorta) and now it looks like he deepest part of this class and now OL is a HUGE concern. Sucks losing Carter Jr.
"We have a quarterback, obviously, that's kind of ridiculous running the ball." - Urban Meyer
Yeah two months ago we were wondering if there were going to be any LBs. I'm not too worried about O-line we had a decent haul this year, and next year could be even better.
It does suck to lose Carter, if that ultimately happens, but isn't Ohio absolutely loaded at OL next year? Are we that thin at OL?
Isn't what Carter is of accused of similar to what happened with a recruit a few years ago? Devoe Torrence... Tress took away his scholly.
Braxton Miller, Steve Miller, Ryan Shazier, Curtis Grant, Ejuan Price, Doran Grant...etc. No, no one will say "Tressel can't close."
I also think it's interesting that Ejuan Price, Curtis Grant, and Ryan Shazier all cited their feelings about/relationship with Tressel as a key factor in their decision. Also worth noting--all 3 are out of staters.
Class of 2008
We ah linebackah you.
The best thing about landing Grant, is it's an F-U to Bamamatt. I remember back when DePriest announced he was on here talking. We were hoping Doran Grant would sign here and He that we were talking about Curtis Grant. He said Ohio State isn't even in the running for him with everything I've seen. Well, WE ARE NOW BUDDY!
Seems like heading into next year's class we are pretty full at LB, QB, RB and even DL.(you can never have too many though right) I'm sure a lot of attention is going to be focused on OL.
List of targeted recruits for 2012. Four targeted O-linemen in Ohio and two more in NC.
Not to mention it is pretty early in the process for 2012 recruits, there may be more potential offers to come. Especially since this class was so unexpectedly LB heavy.
http://www.thebuckeyebattlecry.com/?page_id=8150 Forgot the link.
See, the sky is not falling people! Life does go on.
The Winner's Manual is one of my favorite books. I actually use the Block O of Life as part of performance appraisals for my department. Even the guys who root for other squads were impressed with Tressel's handywork.
"We have a quarterback, obviously, that's kind of ridiculous running the ball." - Urban Meyer
I guess we will also have a few extra schollies to go around for next year too.
go bucks
Wow, glad the Buckeyes got this kid. Watching his video, you can see this guy gets amp'd up. He plays with a passion.
On to 2012?
Because I couldn't go for three. -Woody-
He's a video interview with Curtis Grant... had to be before he committed.
http://recruiting.scout.com/2/1045135.html
I like at the end of the video when his mom is talking about Fickell and Tressel.
I'm so confused, when was this made? He announced he was going to OSU just an hour ago.
Supposedly a couple day ago
Because I couldn't go for three. -Woody-
I'm surprised they didn't release this earlier.
Awesome, he seems like a great kid from a good family. I could see him being a real character guy on the team.
easily the best part of this is curtis asking his mom how she felt about the "6 foot 5, 225 pound, 1% bodyfat" jim tressel
Great video. Seems like a standup guy that will fit into the program very well.
Wish Granted indeed. Linebackers named Grant have been very good at and to Ohio State... Let's hope the trend continues.
Keep Calm and Ignore the Trolls.
It's pure science, people.
Class of 2010
Cie came in a db...
Yeah, I remember cursing his name whenever the opposing QB would constantly throw at whoever he was covering. Pretty much guaranteed huge gain. Moving him to LB was such a great move.
-TomCollins
http://www.smartfootballrankin...
Ken Dorsey has nightmares of Cie Grant every night.
That championship doesn't happen without Cie Grant's streaking blitz in double OT.
And he can sing to boot.
Class of 2010
Love that call. Cie was amazing at a lot of things. He had his weaknesses and once he was used to his abilities, I regretted ever doubting him. Still remember giving him a high five when they were going from St. John Arena to the Stadium before the Michigan game in 2002.
-TomCollins
http://www.smartfootballrankin...
Some other guys really came into their own in 2002 after being subject to quite a bit of criticism in previous years: Donnie Nickie, Kenny Peterson . . .
From what I recall, Cie Grant was originally a LB, then moved to CB, then moved back to LB.
LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY.
Your minds = blown.
Taquitos.
After Mr. Curtis Grant blows up yet another enemy offensive play before it gets started, we can refer to the opposing backfield as Grant's Tomb.
Granted that's a really bad joke, but at least I didn't try to rewrite the "grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change" poem/prayer, based on a Buckeye LB theme . . .
Exhibit C - Ulysses S. Grant (slayer of the SEC)
You sir just won the +aBajillion game
Boom.
Time will tell, but it looks like two areas will be in very good hands a couple of years from now: LBs and STs. I wonder if one of the guys will end being a big hating safety or, conversely, a speed rush DE?
Anyway, they already show a modified 3-4 look sometimes and it's great to have that depth of talent at LB because you just know which guys will emerge.
I can't wait to see what they do with Shazier, and I expect to see him on the defensive line for at least part of the time. The dude obviously has insane pass rushing skills, and is a tackling beast. You just don't get freak athletes with his speed. If and when he bulks up, I would love to see him employed in the pass rush as either an OLB, or a DE. Guys with his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness are a dime a dozen. Limitless potential.
add a CB and this is a whole starting defense in a few years. according to Scout's position ranks,
DE9-Miller DT8-Bennett DT10-Farris DE14-Hayes
OLB1-Grant MLB14-Price OLB5- Shazier
CB5-Grant S11-Tanner S30-Cash
also DT hale and LB Crowell
if even half of these guys pan out, this could be a devastating group of dudes
exactly, a top 10 recruiting class is a good haul, but I have a feeling in the end it could be an under rated group. Who do you think will have more success with their recruiting class, Tressel and his 1, 5 star and boat load of 4 and 3 stars, or Clemson with their 4, 5 star and what 12, 4 star guys? I'd put a substantial sum on Tressel.
Love Grant's coach echo'ing Woody with the "He's a great player and an even better person" sprinkling a little Archie dust on the LB has got to be a good sign. Welcome to LB U!