While Excitement Surrounds the 2017 Recruiting Class, the 2016 Class Quietly Prepares to Take the Field

By Kevin Harrish on July 24, 2016 at 8:10 am
Dwayne Haskins, Binjimen Victor, Jonathon Cooper and Austin Mack.
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Ohio State may be well on its way to the best recruiting class of all-time with its already loaded 2017 class. With the additions of Chase Young and Amir Riep this weekend, the Buckeyes now have 10 scout top-100 commits, which is the most since Ohio State and Alabama each had 10 in 2014 (h/t Ryan Ginn).

The crazy part of that statistic is it compares an unfinished class to completed classes. Ohio State has amassed this ridiculous stockpile of talent with over 6 months to go until national signing day, and with Trevon Grimes, Tyjon Lindsey, Jeffrey Okudah and Cam Akers all leaning towards committing to the Buckeyes, the class looks like it's only going to get better.

Understandably, this unbelievable class has stolen the attention of Buckeye fans this offseason, but lost in all the excitement is another top-5 class patiently waiting to take the field in just over a month.

Ohio State's 2016 recruiting class has flown as far under the radar as a top-5 class could. The nation's No. 4 rated class was seemingly always overshadowed. The summer before the 2015 season, #QBgeddon, Braxton Miller's position switch, and Heisman hopefuls stole the headlines. Throughout the season, Ohio State's offensive struggles and title defense drew the attention of Buckeye fans. Even the class's signing day was seemingly overshadowed by NFL draft declarations, the NFL combine and Ohio State's record-breaking performance in NFL draft.

Now this summer, nearly a month before the 2016 class runs out of the tunnel for the first time as freshmen donning scarlet and gray, it's the future Buckeyes entering their senior year of high school that have the fans talking.

The 2017 class is exciting, but the 2016 class is too.

Don't forget, before Tate Martell, there was Dwayne Haskins. The four-star quarterback from Potomac, Maryland chose the Buckeyes over Maryland late in the recruiting process and immediately showcased his talent, earning MVP honors in the nationally televised International Bowl.

Before Trevon Grimes, there was Austin Mack. Like Grimes, Mack was a long-time Buckeye lean before making his official decision the summer before his senior season of high school (Grimes is scheduled to make his decision August 24th and all signs point to Ohio State). Mack has been turning heads since he arrived on campus in January, and appears to be a front runner for one of the starting wide receiver spots this season as just a true freshman.

Before five-star offensive linemen Josh Myers and Wyatt Davis, there were a pair five-star linemen on the other side of the ball – Nick Bosa and Jonathan Cooper. Many say Bosa is even more game ready than his older brother Joey was before his true freshman season, and Joey was an impact player almost immediately. Cooper will also fight for early playing time, and based on his one-on-one performances, he may prove to be an elite pass rusher immediately.

Ohio State will also likely get meaningful contributions from running backs Demario McCall and Antonio Williams (especially following the dismissal of Bri'onte Dunn), as well as Jake Hausmann who will look to emerge as the team's top tight end option after the departure of Nick Vannett. In addition, Michael Jordan will compete for one of the two vacant interior line spots – he was already taking snaps with the first team offense during spring practices.

The 2017 class will be legendary, but we aren't there yet. Right now, we have the privilege of enjoying a bevy of talented newcomers eager to show what they can do. Be excited about the future – it's bright. But don't forget to be excited about the now, too. 

These freshmen are ready to take the stage. They may have been overshadowed up to this point, but with the talent they possess, they won't be for much longer.

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