Ohio State is returning four starters along the offensive line for the 2013 football season. However, all four, Jack Mewhort, Corey Linsley, Andrew Norwell, and Marcus Hall, are set to graduate after next year, leaving the Buckeyes with many holes to fill along the unit.
The Bucks have already scored commitments from two 2013 offensive line prospects in Centerville's (OH) OT Evan Lisle and Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central's OG Timothy Gardner.
Urban Meyer and his staff would love to add a third name to that group and one of the top remaining offensive line targets in the class is Arvada (CO) Ralston Valley Senior OT Dan Skipper.
The massive 6-10/290 lineman and current Tennessee commit received an offer from Meyer near the end of December. Despite his commitment to the Vols, Skipper started looking at other schools after Derek Dooley was fired from Rocky Top.
One of those schools was Ohio State, and Skipper arrived in Columbus this past Saturday for his OSU official visit. His stay extended through Monday of the holiday weekend and the trip went as well as could possibly be planned by the staff.
We caught up with Skipper to get the scoop on his visit to Columbus, find out when he would like to make his college decision, see what schools are still in the mix, and more.
Keep reading to hear the latest on 2013 Ohio State offensive tackle target, Dan Skipper.
You took your official to Ohio State this past weekend. How did your visit go?
It was a really fun visit. I saw the facilities, which were really nice. I also got to sit down and spend quality time with Coach Meyer and some of the other coaches.
Did Ohio State improve their chances of getting your commitment over the visit?
They definitely did. They showed me they have a great football program that has a very bright future.
What did the coaches tell you on your visit?
They told me their school has a lot to offer me if I decide to go there. They also talked to me about the bright future of their program. They went 12-0 last year and there's no accepting anything other than perfection at Ohio State.
How much contact have you had with OSU since they offered?
There has been quite a lot of contact recently. I talked to Coach Meyer a lot and Coach Warinner has been out to my school every week. I also had dinner with Coach Meyer on my visit.
Which players/recruits did you hang out with on your visit?
I was the only recruit on campus over the weekend. I hung out with my hosts, Jack Mewhort and Taylor Decker. I also hung out with Joey O'Connor, William Houston, and a couple of defensive linemen.
Which schools are you still considering? When would you like to make a decision?
I'm still considering the same five schools: Arkansas, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. I'm visiting Ole Miss next weekend, then I'll decide when I feel ready.
What are the biggest factors in your decision?
Really just making sure the school I choose is the right place to make my next home. Distance from home (Colorado) will not impact my decision.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Comments
Good stuff, although kind of weary about the hanging out with Joey O'Connor stuff lol
Our QB's would have to throw around this guy? He's too tall.
Hopefully he'll usually be bent over pancaking people. I realize this may or may not be an ideal OL guy.....but I just want a 6'10 guy on our team. I just do.
Uh, if he does his job, we won't have to pass. #threeyardsandacloudofdust #only3thingshappenwhenyoupass
Use him to block Michigan's field goals...that alone will be worth the roster spot.
Obviously he won't be playing on Ohio State's field goal or extra point unit.
Fragel was 6'8, not sure 2 inches will make that much of a difference.
Maybe we should poll the ladies on this one?
There was a 6'10" OL at San Diego State a few years back when they came to Columbus. I saw him come out of the hotel where they were staying, and he blocked out the sun. Problem was he didn't start or even play - his feet were too slow. Skipper doesn't appear to have this problem. It looks as though he runs very well, but it seems to be primarily against REALLY small kids. It would be good to evaluate him against some top-caliber talent, which I am sure the coaches have done through camps, etc.. I am with avail31678 - I just want a 6'10" lineman.
"You might outsmart me, but you'll never outwork me"
Wayne Woodrow Hayes
BTW - did some checking through friends of friends of his, and it seems the kid is a bit of a tool. We didn't miss anything.
"You might outsmart me, but you'll never outwork me"
Wayne Woodrow Hayes
What is it with the state of Colorado turning out insanely tall offensive lineman? (A reference to Nate Solder, now with the Patriots, who is 6'-8", 320lbs). Must be something in the water ...
Lower air pressure. They can sprout easier.
legal weed
Fan of bacon since 1981
If that were the case Nappy, I would be over 8 foot tall. (I'm 5'10", for the record, respectively)
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
Would love to see Skipper in Scarlet and Gray! Seems like a great kid with a good head on his shoulders. Plus, think about our ability to block kicks with a 6'10 guy on the team. Game changer!
Hung out with Joey O'Conner.... I hope that he truely was only homesick and nothing more! This is a guy that has pro potential with body as long as work ethic is there. Seems like a good kid.
Decker and skipper, 2 major bookends.
Always been a big fan of Skipper...
Alan Hale as the Skipper. I still love Gilligan's Island, to this day. I refuse to grow up.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
a great show!
Mary Ann or Ginger ?
Yes
What, no love for Mrs. Howell?
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
downvote worthy for Dude's post about Gilligan's Island?
vacuuming sucks
That was my fat finger on my ipad trying to upvote - my apologies!! Someone upvote it for me!
Alan Hale for left tackle - dude had some size and could crank the wheel in a storm!
Joey O'Conner was a host? I read in Quick Bits he was no longer with the program.
If the kid commits, put him on the defensive line so other quarterbacks have to throw around him. I also think it would be sweet to see a 6'10" TE. Imagine that target to throw to. Goal line situation, just loft it up.
We are concerned that someone is too big- to play offensive line. Maybe a first haha.
The play in which he sprints down field, hurdles a guy and delivers a punishing block is pretty epic.
As far as Dan Skipper: this dude is HUGE. I figured he'd be slow and uncoordinated, but no. I think this dude would look pretty cool in S & G.
"Here officer, hold my beer while I find my license."
I hope visiting Ole Miss last doesn't sway him; beautiful campus there in Oxford; lot's of eye candy too.
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
What, youths of America choose their college based on honey's? Never.
Skip gotta have better hands (and hustle) than Amir Williams - last game ZERO boards for a 6'11 dude - unreal. Thad hoping he comes too and can swing some time on the old b-ball court.
This guy looks like a beast and can move well for his size (wonder if he plays b-ball too). Imagine him blocking for eze! He would just appear from thin air and be in the second level before anyone saw him.