Anzalone Makes The Call
Ohio State has long been in pursuit of Wyomissing (PA) LB Alex Anzalone and their hard work finally paid off, as one of the nation's top outside linebackers has committed to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes.
A couple of weeks ago Anzalone had told us he had all the information he needed to make a decision and just needed to be sure of that choice. After his third trip in two months to Columbus, this time for the Spring Game, the four-star athlete is now sure of his choice, which is to don the Scarlet and Gray for his college career.
Anzalone becomes the eleventh commit for the Buckeyes in the class of 2013 and adds more depth to a linebacker position that has been a key focus for the new staff since they took over back in November of 2011.
We will certainly have more on Alex's decision to commit to the Buckeyes, so keep coming back to 11W for more recruiting info.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Comments
I shouted his name today when he was near the stands. That was probably the clincher.
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
Kaboooom!
Tough times never last, tough people do
Awesome! His highlight tape is sick! Great pick up for Meyer and Fickell! It's kind of hard to believe he isnt ranked on rivals with all those scholarship offers.
Welcome, the next hawk-Lauranaitis!
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
/whiteathletecomparisons
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
/linebackercomparisons
LOL, no. All non-lineman white football (although its arguably much worse in basketball) players are compared to each other if they play the same position merely because they're white. Its nothing malignant, I just find it amusing. Classic examples:
"Anthony Gonzales is a really scrappy football player!"
"Brian Hartline really reminds me of Anthony Gonzales!"
"Dane Sanzenbacher is Ohio State's Brian Hartline-type player this year!"
"(Insert ANY white reciever's name here) has the potential to be a Wes Welker-type guy in the NFL!"
I'd be hard pressed to find one of our black linebacker recruits since 2009 be compared to Laurinaitis and Hawk. But when a caucasian one commits its Hawk 2.0! Again, its nothing malignant, it just gives me a laugh.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
To be fair, who was our last "non-white" linebacker who was all-big ten or all-american? Marcus Freeman? Brian Rolle was a different kind of LB because he was 5'6''.
@RedStorm and BuckeyeJason
Yeah, we haven't had any "elite" black linebackers recently, but that wasn't my point. My point was since Laurinaitis left we've had a ton of black linebacker recruits, and it would be very hard to find one of them being compared to Hawk or Laurinaitis. But now we have a white linebacker commit and he's dubbed Hawk-Laurinaitis 2.0 right away.
Its not a big deal. I shouldn't of brought it up. My bad, not calling anyone out.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
You are right on Jake - just like how Billy Price is supposed to be the John Simon 2.0.
Have I told you how much John Simon reminds me of a Mike Vrabel 2.0?
How firm they friendship...
I compared him to those guys because they are the standards for recent great OSU linebackers. Homan was close to being like hawk or JL. We haven't exactly had many great black linebackers here to compare him to recently..5'10" Rolle? Marcus Freeman? C.Grant? Doesn't really relate to those guys IMO. That's the way it is unfortunately..you will get compared to guys your race. It's human nature I guess I don't know...
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
To be fair, Grant and Sabino were compared to Big Kat.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
So what's your point, Jake?
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Not to start the whole thing over again...but I have to agree Buckeyedude.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Excellent Smithers.
Dustin Fox was our leading tackler as a corner.... because his guy always caught the ball.
This is great news. I think from all the positive vibes we were getting from him that this comes as no surprise, but still, I am happy to add Anzalone to the class. Hopefully he will be yet another great linebacker for the Buckeyes. Now, I am curious to see how many other linebackers we want and get in this class.
Yes!
Ohio State is the real "Linebacker U" --- the tradition continues.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
YES so glad this finally official. Congrats Alex welcome to Buckeye Nation!!!
Great get. I think he will be a real good player and it won't take him long after he gets here to start making an impact.
So. Freaking. Pumped! This is a great addition to our class. I know this decision was hinted at, it's awesome to see that it's official. This guy is a bruiser running the ball as well. If he intercepts the ball, he'll take it to the house lol.
Love everything about this guy. He'll be awesome here, no doubt.
Supposedly Bosa and the younger Heuerman have verbaled as well!!!!
Sources?
He's Ron Burgandy. He is the effing source!
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
Great logic.
"Lets beat the shit out of Michigan".... Urban. Frank. Meyer.
You didn't get the joke I suppose? The original poster's username was "Anchorman", and if you've ever seen the movie "Anchorman" with Will Ferrell you'd get that I was joking.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
LoL
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
If this is true my head is going to explode
Hahah, maybe I'm wrong but haven't all three of these kids been considered locks for a while now?
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
I'm just really excited about this :)
eh ND has made a SERIOUS push for Heureman... and there has been talk that Mike doesn't want to compete with his bro for playing time... I think that it's 60-40 OSU right now but was trending ND
Cause I couldn't go for three
Well the little I know about recruiting just went out the window. I thought Heureman was a 90% lock in our favor from the get-go.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
Bosa was a supposed Bama lean a week ago
Say whaaaaaaat??
Thanks Alex for the info;-)
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
I exepected Bosa... but M. Heureman would be just awesome... one last thing is to watch Kimbrough, if he got an offer (with Love prob going to Neb) he might have commited on the spot
Cause I couldn't go for three
I don't follow recruiting as much, but wasn't Heuerman one of the "sure-things" of this class? Because of his brother and all.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
that was the idea... but as I said, ND has made a fantastic impression... he made a second trip to South Bend in 3 weeks earlier this week that he actually extended an extra day... he has been quoted saying (though I can't find the source) that he is hesistant in the idea of competing with his brother for playing time. Remember, this is not a Rod Smith/Jaylon Smith situation where there is a borther on the team in completely different positions, the Heureman brothers play the EXACT same postition, and very similiarly too. Add in the fact that ND has produced top-level TE's and use them a lot in their offense plus how many packed our depth chart must look, and ND is an attractive option for Mike.
That being said, I do think he ends up at OSU, just think he'll wait to announce at the date he set.
Cause I couldn't go for three
Plus we've got Baugh in this class as well. There will be some depth at TE if he commits and might not see the field a ton depending on what offensive packages we end up using in '13.
I seemed to be right huh?
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Heard kimbrough wasn't able to make it to the game. If so I doubt he received an offer, at least not yet.
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
that's news to me... if the case, then yes he probably hasn't gotten his offer yet. This one might wait til camp then, if the coaches want to see how the Jaylon Smith situation sorts itself out
Cause I couldn't go for three
The three were connected at the hip at the game. Hopefully it's true.
Class of 2008
I'm grabbing my Brady Hoke voodo pumpkin to make this come to pass
The Nick Nolte pic is classic!!!
The best thing about Pastafarianism? It is not only acceptable, but advisable, to be heavily sauced
IMO, he's a bigger, faster Ross Homan in high school.
Sure because we will have a smaller class it won't be ranked #1 by the services, but this class talent wise, will be the best in America when it's said and done.
if you ranked by average star rating, we might be #1
Cause I couldn't go for three
Anzalone is a great, classy kid as well as a great football player. Doubt that he will be making any brash statements about victories to come.
I also think it's ironic this kid went to the same HS as Chad Henne.
This was was of my favorite recruits from this class! Great instincts and hitter!
"Lets beat the shit out of Michigan".... Urban. Frank. Meyer.
Dear Mr. Urban M.,
I see you are making great progress in the recruiting front. However, I'm from Ohio and the Reds Stink, the Indians Stink, the Browns Stink, the Bengals semi-stink, & the Blue Jackets are the worst team in the NHL.
And, while there are 7 other CFB teams in Ohio; however, 6 are in the McrAP. And, as we all know, Cincinnati is Michigan State without the talent.
Since you're not going to a bowl this year, what do you say we save some of the recruiting headlines until after Michigan? As of now, you're on pace to have a full class by Labor Day. But, without any recruiting storylines, what else are we supposed to get excited about between Thanksgiving and Signing day?
Thank you for your consideration.
Sorry this isn't Urban...but I bet this will have to do. No one can save the Blue Jack offs, Clowns, Indians or Cavs...they're all destined to be expansion teams. If I were you I'd take the Reds/Bungals as your favorite team besides the Buckeyes. Other than OSU and I guess the Reds/Bungals...you don't have much to cheer for in Ohio as far as successful teams. As for the recruiting being over...I'd doubt that the 2013 class will be full till National Signing Day because of possible transfers and early NFL departures. Everyone keeps saying this class will be around 15. IMO it may be more like 20 or more...and some kids still need to come to camp or finish their SR season before Meyer takes their commitment. So they'll be more commits during the season. Don't you worry about excitement of recruiting or the season even though OSU can't play in a bowl game. This year will be WAY more exciting than Tress's first year...you can take that to the bank! We'll have to see about the second one...you never know;-)
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
The Indians aren't expansion and the Browns weren't until they got moved to Baltimore...then came back reincarnated a few years later.
If he waits till after Thanksgiving a TON of kids will already be committed.
I'm not trying to say Urban will pass up someone who is a highly rated player...I'm sure he and the staff know what they're doing. It's the Worley's and Love's out there that they'd like to see more of. If they commit elsewhere...oh well. Then they truly didn't want to be Buckeyes.
As far as those teams...I said they're destined...meaning they will be moved and put into expansion. I can almost guarantee this if revenue keeps going down and they keep losing. I'm not saying before 2020...but after...yes. They're all small market teams...that's why they'll be good one or may be two years...then they lose every good player to free agency bc they can't pay them the big$$$. Not a business man...but think they're sinking ships IMO. You never know...may be the Clowns, Cavs or Indians will be contenders before 2020. All I know is I gave up a long time ago when I was in College and watched Fl Marlins beat Mesa in the 9th in game 7 with a Renteria base hit up the middle(talk about a buzz kill). After that...I lost all hope for all Cleveland teams.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
The Indians are great for Cleveland..yes they disappoint every chance to get a world series title..but they seem to be in the hunt for the most part..the same cant be said for the browns.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
The Indians were in the hunt last two years then end up under .500. The Indians and possibly Browns may not go away for a while bc of the history...but Blue Jackoffs and Cavs, now they could go sooner than later.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Cavs will always be one Franchise player away from being in the title hunt..that's the great thing about basketball. Browns I think are a cursed franchise that will never be good. Blue jackets..well could hardly care less about them or hockey for that matter.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Me too man...I've never been able to get into Hockey. Like the fights...but that's about it. That's like watching Nascar for the wrecks
;-)
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
you mean Bung Holes, not Bungals!
Either or works IMO
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
The Toledo Mud Hens are sweet, even when they are choking most of the time. Voted best minor league ball park by SN. Kind of the Cubs of the minor leagues, IMO.
Great way to kill a summer while waiting for Buckeye Football.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Really? Because Huntington Park in Columbus was named the best ballpark in America from a pool including minor and major league parks. Also the Columbus Clippers, don't believe they're in the same division as the Mudhens, kill their competition every year.
http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2009/08/12/story_huntington_park.html
Got really drunk at a bar right down from the Mud Hens stadium. Don't remember how I got home that night. I remember the stadium was pretty cool looking though;-)
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Anyone else see Bosa's tweet, sounding excited for 'tonight'? Lol, that would be nuts to add him tonight
Urban Warfare
Bosa and Mike H. will commit by Monday...already in the works. No site or source needed...this isn't rocket science or CSI boys. It's a done deal after today. I know if I were 16 or 17 year old kid and watched what I saw today...I would have signed on the spot if I could have. There'll be may be one more besides those two soon if the staff will allow it! Today game wasn't as high scoring as most were hoping for but the timing is there...the excitement from the players and coaches is there... (not to mention other players will be healthy and 2012 recruits will be on the field in Summer). All that needs to be done now is put it all together by Sept and let the train roll my friends. GO BUCKS!
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Great logic...
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
There's your source...Jake. I know what I'm talking about
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
That's doesn't make your post any less silly. You cited "I just know" as your source (the worst source anyone can possibly cite), not Alex. I think Bosa will end up a Buckeye as well, its looks in our favor.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
Fair enough.
October 20th: National Kenneth Guiton Day
This is a good thing.
"Joey Bosa may have very well committed, will be interested to see if he says it out loud" per Mike Farrell tweet
I think Heuerman verballed, and is just saving it for his announcement
I saw Alex play in a playoff game this past fall. He singlehandedly tore apart the team from the school I teach at. (Check out his video highlights. My team was in red and he was taking 5 on them down the field!) Great addition to an increasingly great class!
Go Bucks!
Buckeye in PA purgatory
I like Huerman, but do we really need two TEs in this class?
Very likely Heuerman might have committed and will wait till Friday to make it official, still more than a bit concerned about Notre Dame. I think Bosa is in just depends on when he announces hopefully sooner than later really don't want to wait until July when he said he was going to announce!
Good Lord!! What a TALENT!! Welcome to the Scarlet and Gray Alex!! GO BUCKEYES!!
------------------------------------------------------------
"The height of human desire is what wins, whether it's on Normandy Beach or in Ohio Stadium." ~Woody Hayes~
Great news! That highlght reel is crazy, man that kid has some speed. I'm kind of surprised he didn't get more looks at RB too.
I hate to say it, but could you compare Anzalone to a Cushing?
Let's just hope Alex stays off the roids ;-)
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
No. He actually reminds me of Na'il Diggs.
Kid can fly..from what I see in his film.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Wow - kid looks pretty damn good on offense...just saying. More good news for the good guys.
The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.
If he's only 220 lbs now.. with his frame, it looks like he could easily play at 240 or so in his peak years at OSU. 6'3" 240 with his speed and hitting ability..ouch! Not to mention the four guys in front of him making it relatively easy for him to get to ball carriers. It's good to be a Buckeye.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
Wow, I am so excited we got this guy! He is a stud. I realize we recruited him as a linebacker, but man, he looks pretty impressive on the offensive side of the ball too. He looks like Eddie George out there!!!
Awesome! If the good folks at Elevenwarriors were to make a shirt that says
TOSU - The REAL Linebacker U....
I would buy one just to irk the sh*t out of all the Penn State fans I'm surrounded by in NJ.
I've been watching the bucks religiously since about 91 and I really don't know of a team that has had better linebackers from then til now. Not even Penn St. That's something Ive always thought was that tOSU should be Linebacker U.,,,, Alex will continue that tradition. GO BUCKS!
And you had total beasts Marek, Cousineau, Pepper Johnson and Speilman in the 15 years BEFORE that.
Great pickup. Kid could play either side of the ball. What an athelete!
With word that Love is leaning Husker and Jaylon Smith is leaning ND, this was huge. Anzalone looks like a terrific playmaker. Welcome to the family Alex
Alex Anzalone = Tom Cousineau (211 tackles in 1978) how's that for an old school comparison?
Badger by birth - Buckeye by choice
@Bucky Buck - You nailed it! Was watching his film & trying to think of who he reminded me of. That's it - Cousineau - body type, tackling, speed, etc!
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
Welcome to the Buckeye Nation Alex!!! You are going to have a great deal of fun crushing the rest of the Big Ten
The best thing about Pastafarianism? It is not only acceptable, but advisable, to be heavily sauced