Mailbag Post Spring Game Edition

Bj Mullens over... on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:43pm #

Where do we stand in terms of O-line recruiting? We know Pocic is someone we have a good shot at, but who else are we after with a legit shot at getting?

Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens

Northbrook on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:46pm #

Status of Quick, Trubisky, Meadows, Wiseman, Lane, Hurst, Porter, Dawson, Worley, Daniel, Corey Smith? And OL Johnson from PA.

ToothBuck on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:48pm #

With Love now going to the Huskers, who are the next in line to get offers at LB, and who do you think realistically may end up a part of this class at LB?

juventas on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:49pm #

-Is Bosa waiting until his b-day to "announce"?

-Is it going to be a Tennessee v. UGA v. tOSU battle for Bell?

-Is Quick a realistic possibility?

SilverBullet on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:57pm #

Gimmie the scoop on James Quick and Vonn Bell, Gotta have these two guys!

Seth4Bucks on 22 Apr 2012 - 2:58pm #

With Amedeo, is Matta done this year for Bball this year, barring a Parker commitment? Or are we still looking to add another transfer from a 'big'? Speaking of Parker, any news on that front?

Do you see any of the incoming freshmen who hasn't already stepped on campus to making an impact next fall? Or did they drop too far behind the curve to make a huge difference like Thomas/Dunn will likely?

corveyer on 22 Apr 2012 - 3:12pm #

Whats going on with Derrick Green? Is the staff going to take more than running back, if so and it isn't Derrick Green who are other guys the staff will target?

themostbrian on 22 Apr 2012 - 3:30pm #

Will Lisle/Pocic be enough or is the staff looking for more along the OL? Any guards in the picture?

Why did the Bucks offer Sprinkle (middling prospect) when we are (a) loaded at DL, (b) have limited scholarships to offer this year and (c) have positions of need that aren't filled?

With Love out of the picture, are we standing pat with Anzalone and crossing our fingers for Jaylon Smith OR does that staff want/need at least 2 backers?

Why has WR/playmaker recruiting been so seemingly ineffective? Foster and Gibson were considered locks at one point and now one's OUT and the other is 50-50 at best. Meyer is looking for guys here specifically, hasn't found them on the current team AND has previously put these guys in the NFL successfully. So why are we having trouble? (I know about Quick, but that's just one guy.. why aren't guys lining up?)

Heuerman or McNeil?

Our 2014 safety depth chart has 3 names: Tanner, Bogard and Jayme Thompson. What is our status with other options here (Von Bell, Cravens, Dymonte) and what are the 2nd tier guys that we might be offering? Is the staff planning to use Cam Burrows, Tyvis Powell or Najee Murray as safeties? I'm just concerned that we appear INCREDIBLY thin at this position in 2014 and I don't see much movement towards addressing it - We're offering guys like Sprinkle but not loading up on safeties.

What's our special teams situation? Buchanan is a senior THIS year, Basil is a senior NEXT year and we don't have any other scholarship kickers - I know Frank E. is allegedly a nice punter, but what about a dedicated kicker scholarship? Anything on the horizon?

What's the story with Derrick Green? If we don't get him, will Urban look for another 2nd tier back OR stand pat and wait until 2014?

Squirrel Master on 22 Apr 2012 - 4:03pm #

WOW. "middling prospect". Not going to jump all over that here but come on!

Alex, what is the current situation with Foster? Is the interest there with both sides still or is all this talk accurate about things going bad?

Triv on 22 Apr 2012 - 4:30pm #

Just wondering where did you hear Gibson is 50/50? Alex said last week he has already given his silent to Urban most likely and is just making it public on the 20th.

I saw someone posted Dorian Johnson might visit. When could this happen and where do we stand in his recruitment?

Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite

buck-I.8 on 22 Apr 2012 - 4:33pm #

Alex, will @Themostbrian ever look back at his post and realize he has no idea what he's talking about, or will we all have to feel bad for him for the rest of our lives? Thanks

JasonBuck on 22 Apr 2012 - 5:18pm #

What the heck happened with Courtney Love? Seemed like a tOSU lock then over night he's going to Nebraska ....

gbm on 22 Apr 2012 - 5:56pm #

Buck I-8. Didn't realize you became such a guru. Please enlighten the rest of us on the remaining additions to this class. Would Love to know.

@themostbrian - thanks for steppin out of the box a tad and not spittin the same dribble every one else does.

William on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:01pm #

GBM he called a recruit that busts his ass and earns an offer from his home state school middling, in calling that guy middling, I find that a bit demeaning, imagine if that were your kid that everyone on some blog were calling a "middling" prospect behind the defense of their keyboards. No one here is spitting dribble, Buck I.8 wasn't in the wrong by any means, so let's chill.

SouthernOhioBuckeye on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:04pm #

This one is way out there but all my questions have already been asked on here. Your prediction as of now on who will be the first commit for 2014 football team?

gbm on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:08pm #

Cool, I'm not saying he isn't going to be great. Just saying its ok to call a spade a spade. Who wasn't suprised by that anouncement? And everything else in his questions I thought were well thought out and different than the typical banter. Excited for some responses on those.

Dear Mr. Sprinkle, I'm sorry I hurt your oh so sensitive feelings (like he really cares) Serious note, can't wait to see you play.

Squirrel Master on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:20pm #

cares or not, lay off the kid. He is a buckeye now! Those other guys, not! That is what matters.

Alex on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:24pm #

Let's go questions not arguments haha

buck-I.8 on 22 Apr 2012 - 6:34pm #

I'd be happy to enlighten you, GBM. Commenters are not smarter than Urban about team needs, Pocic is not a lock, and Gibson's silent commitment is clearly not 50/50. Glad I could clear things up for ya

BuckeyesMJ on 22 Apr 2012 - 7:12pm #

What's the scoop on dual threat QB Dominic Richardson of California? He's not rated or ranked by any recruiting service, but word is he may commit (per his father). He does have a highlight film on YouTube, but nothing else thru Scout, Rivals, espn etc. He was here over the weekend with his father.

Thanks, MJ

BuckeyesMJ on 22 Apr 2012 - 7:15pm #

Dominic Richardson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2_e00ljmOY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Statutoryglory on 22 Apr 2012 - 7:24pm #

Are we intentionally targetting kids with better grades and less questionable pasts than Urban targetted at florida? It seems like the guys we are eying are more like Anzalone and Burrows than Janoris Jenkins. Lots of pre-med majors.

UncleBuck on 22 Apr 2012 - 7:27pm #

Since we already have Baugh where do we stand with Huerman? Do we really take two TEs with the limited scholarships?

buckeyeinnc on 22 Apr 2012 - 7:57pm #

I would like to know how many slots we actulay have for this year? I have seen numbers like 15, 14 and 18.

rdubs on 22 Apr 2012 - 8:10pm #

Maybe I am in a glass half empty type of mood, but now that we have 11 guys publicly committed and signing day is still 10 months away, which of the 11 are most likely to decommit and end up elsewhere?

Anononym on 22 Apr 2012 - 8:46pm #

How much interest does the staff have in Lovell Peterson?

RecruitBuck on 22 Apr 2012 - 8:55pm #

@UncleBuck,

They have made it clear that they're going to take two TEs. After Anzalone, Bosa, and Heuerman hit it off over the weekend, expect all three to be Buckeyes!

@BuckeyeInNYC,

With departing seniors, there are (15+1 banked schollie) slots available (I believe), of course this will grow with early departure (transfers, pro-draft, etc).

@Jason,

There were rumblings the past few weeks and he was sold on early playing time, something Urban couldn't guarentee.

@Seth

Parker is someone they're waiting on (likely to UCLA). They are also trying to get Anthony Gill or Rodney Hood to transfer here.

DMcDougal24 on 22 Apr 2012 - 9:51pm #

I don't know if this still falls under recruiting since he's enrolled, but what's going on with Cardale Jones? Any word after his "big mistake" tweet on its meaning?

JWG7 on 22 Apr 2012 - 11:14pm #

What's up with Derrick Green? He seemed so much like a shoe-in to be a Buckeye, but now I heard he favors Clemson. Do you think we still have a good shot at landing him? What about Ty Isaac? Any idea who he's leaning to? Any chance we could get Isaac if we don't get Green, or do you think we're finished with running backs for this class?

Poison nuts on 23 Apr 2012 - 2:59am #

Alex - are there any recruiting questions that haven't been asked?

The world is full of kings & queens who'll blind your eyes & steal your dreams - it's heaven & hell - Ronnie James Dio.

themostbrian on 23 Apr 2012 - 7:21am #

I stand by my questions. 'Middling prospect' refers to the offer list + general consensus of recruiting sites. Doesn't mean he won't be a great player.. Just means he is an average prospect at a loaded position in a year when we have needs elsewhere AND we're short on scholarships.

FortMeyer on 23 Apr 2012 - 7:28am #

How hard do you see Urban pursuing Vonn Bell? It seems Cravens is a given at USC and IMO Bell looks like a young Tyran Mathieu. Any idea on his standing? Sorry if asked earlier, didn't peruse all other questions prior. Thanks.

bucknasty13 on 23 Apr 2012 - 7:42am #

I'm pessimistic about Jaylon Smith since my gut is telling me he's going to ND, but any idea when he is going to commit?

RecruitBuck on 23 Apr 2012 - 8:31am #

Hahaha @Poison. I do think Urban will come out and bring the full court press with Jaylon, who said he just wants to focus on playing football and let recruiting sort itself out...which means he's going to be open for a while.

OSUBias on 23 Apr 2012 - 11:06am #

Can we have an overview of the differences from the old regime to the new one in terms of how many of each position they like to have an scholarship? For example, we obviously need more WR's while running a 5wide offense all the time. What are the other major differences by position? Seems like we have or are targeting a million Dlineman, and i don't think that was always the case with the old regime? Just curious about the fundamental makeup, position by position, of an Urban Meyer led team vs. a Jim Tressel led team.

When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."

swingo256 on 23 Apr 2012 - 12:29pm #

Seems like we've got the defensive side of things just about wrapped up, and we're recruiting some solid WR's, but are we going after any big name gamebreakers (like a Foster)?

BuckI_1033 on 23 Apr 2012 - 1:32pm #

Where are we at with offensive line recruiting? Pocic seems to be our main taget but who are some other names that we should watch for?

"You'll be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field."

BucksShockTheWorld on 23 Apr 2012 - 1:40pm #

When I talked to you this weekend Trubiskys name came up. Do you really think we would pass on Green in order to take 2 QB's in this class? Or can we still fit both in and get the class that Urban wants?

TMac on 23 Apr 2012 - 1:52pm #

Re Bell/Cravens, if not either of those two, do you think the staff will add another safety to this class?

k scho on 23 Apr 2012 - 9:15pm #

Is Ohio State looking at any special teams players such as a kicker or a punter yet? does Meyer not want to wast a scholarship on them this year or just wait for more evaluations during their senior seasons?

buck-I.8 on 23 Apr 2012 - 9:50pm #

He'll likely look at walk-on candidates before he even thinks about using a scholarship

William on 23 Apr 2012 - 9:54pm #

^ I agree with Buck-I.8. I've never understood the need to use a scholarship on a kicker or punter.

buck-I.8 on 23 Apr 2012 - 10:00pm #

I'll probably take some backlash for this, but the kicker at my high school was a girl, soooo I'm sure there's a walk on that can be groomed

MotownBuck on 23 Apr 2012 - 10:37pm #

"Where are the next Teddy Ginns??"

I see a lot of bickering over wether or not we're keeping enough Ohio talent (My personal opinion lines up more with a comment Alex said about Bosa vs Taco) but I was wondering if Urban is holding out to mine some diamonds in the rough from Ohio who show that "fire" he loves and that he can plug into his system from Friday Night Lights (When is that again???)

By "Diamonds in the rough" I mean some players that may not have the great star rating but have piqued the interest of some serious BCS schools. Under the radar kind of guys a la Sprinkle...

I know...I know... we have limited schollies....BUT is there anybody out there that we should keep our eye on because they may start to make some noise soon?... And may already be on Alex's finely tuned radar

Trotwood-Madison. Once a Ram, Always a Ram.

buck-I.8 on 23 Apr 2012 - 10:36pm #

What are the names to watch for now for possible early commitments for 2014. Seems like there's always some Ohio kids who are set on OSU and will commit the second they get offered

Bj Mullens over... on 23 Apr 2012 - 10:44pm #

Whats happened to Caleb Day? Seemed like early on he was predicted in this class, but haven't heard much of him lately, I thought I saw he was maybe going to the Spring Game but did he ever plan on going or actually go if he did plan on it. Is he maybe a we'll go after if we miss out on a guy like Vonn Bell?

Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens

HolyBuckeye1093 on 24 Apr 2012 - 11:58am #

With the recent additions of Bosa, Sprinkle, Neal, Anzalone, ect it seems as if we have really cooled on the recruitment of guys like Poggi, Bower, Rolin that OSU seemed really high on a few months ago. With only 5-7 more spots open do you feel the front 7 defensive recruiting is finished and Urban will now strictly target secondary, OL, and WR? With the exeption of Jaylon Smith of course.

hodge on 24 Apr 2012 - 12:03pm #

I keep hearing that the crack team at 11Dub is dilligently working on a new recruiting section--similar to what GeneStarwind has so generously created for us in the forums. But, I've really heard nothing concrete on what it will entail, or its timetable for going up. Care to shed some light, good sir?

M tots on 24 Apr 2012 - 12:25pm #

Where do things stand with Mackensie Alexander? Are we out of the running/ is he off our radar or was his absence from the spring game nothing more than travel complications? (I thought I saw somewhere he was going to be driving here from Florida by himself/ with his brother Mackenro)

Statutoryglory on 24 Apr 2012 - 12:32pm #

What will go on with Friday Night Lights if our class is completely full by then?

MotownBuck on 24 Apr 2012 - 1:09pm #

I admit that I have only recently started to follow recruiting in Ohio. Just saw where three former players from the state of Ohio that did NOT attend tOSU are projected to be taken in the first round of the NFL draft this week.

*Luke Kuechly (3-star from St Xavier, Cinci)

*Whitney Mercilus (3-star from Garfield HS, Akron)

*Jerel Worthy (3 star from Wayne, Huber Heights)

Alex do you remember any of these guys in High School? If so what was your take on them back then?

Trotwood-Madison. Once a Ram, Always a Ram.

biggy84 on 24 Apr 2012 - 1:32pm #

Do you think that Vrabel is turning into a great recruiter?

buck-I.8 on 24 Apr 2012 - 2:38pm #

IS heuerman really that important for us?

Doug Funnie on 24 Apr 2012 - 5:31pm #

Alex,

Their are so many recruits we are in the hunt for, can 11W make a list of recruits we are in the hunt for and their expected announcement dates(if they have one)?

tennbuckeye19 on 24 Apr 2012 - 5:46pm #

Alex- How do you get rid of crabs?...Oh sorry, wrong blog.

How do you see the Offensive line recruiting shaping up for us? Obviously Pocic is a major target, but after him, who do we pursue? And how many linemen do you see OSU taking total?

Ethan on 24 Apr 2012 - 5:56pm #

Can we please get a photo of Bryce Haynes? The kid was skin and bones coming into the program, but with a year in a D-1 school, coupled with Marotti's weight training, I'm very curious to see what he looks like now. Especially if he's the expected starting long-snapper!

RedStorm45 on 24 Apr 2012 - 7:19pm #

Saw Philly Brown had surgery today. What was that all about?

ohst8buxCP on 24 Apr 2012 - 7:25pm #

Have you heard anything about Robert Foster out of PA? I know hes a bit of a long shot but it seems like he has some intrest in us.

BuckeyeNut5 on 24 Apr 2012 - 11:15pm #

Do you think Dante Booker is going to be a priority in recruiting 2014? Or are there other more nationally recognized linebackers that will be accepted before him

Bucks43201 on 25 Apr 2012 - 10:47am #

It seems like Pocic is the top OL target, (and a likely Buckeye lean at this point)...what about Dorian Johnson, though? It would be great to get both of these studs; but will Urban put the full court press on Johnson, at least as an insurance policy. He is big, lean, athletic & seems like a great fit for this offense. Any news on the staff going after him harder? (especially in light of a few other targets signing with other teams last weekend)

"You win with people." - Woody Hayes

Iwearmocs on 25 Apr 2012 - 10:57am #

Is Baugh a possiblity to decommit? I haven't heard anything, but with him never even visiting Ohio State, is this maybe a ploy to make sure he has a spot somewhere and he'll leave if he gets an offer to his top school?

FortMeyer on 25 Apr 2012 - 11:19am #

If Hugs Etienne a 2012 Wisconsin recruit at DB would happened to have been joined by Courtney Love 2013 LB recruit (currently for Nebraska), would it be fair to the rest of the B1G that Bret Bielema would be the only one offering Hugs and Love?

GABuckeye on 25 Apr 2012 - 11:45am #

I may have missed this elsewhere, but when is the post spring game depth chart supposed to come out? Or where can I find it?

DbuckiMcG on 25 Apr 2012 - 3:58pm #

Can we get a list of who the assigned recruiters are for each player committed? If there is a big fish out there does Urban send someone in particular after him, or is it just based off of region?