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PHONE'S RINGING -- IT'S URBAN ON THE LINE

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Quick Bits 5/31 (Top 10 Taquan Mizzell, Josh McNeil eliminates OSU)

Scout $ - Baker has change of plans (Adrian Baker)

  • By Simmons....Down to Florida State, Florida, Oklahoma, Ohio State & Clemson. Plans on visiting Florida & Ohio State this summer.

Scout $ - First Offer For Ohio Junior (Tinashe Bere)

  • By The Bank....Offered by Illinois. Plans on visiting & camping at several schools, including Ohio State, Illinois, Iowa & Wisconsin.

Scout $ - Elite 2014 DL has local school on top (Khairi Clark)

  • By Simmons.....Has offers from the likes of Miami, Florida State, Florida, Maryland, Clemson, LSU, Georgia & Oklahoma. Plans on camping at Miami & Ohio State & expects Ohio State to offer sometime this summer. Grew up a Cane fan & calls them his favorite right now. No timetable for a decision. 

Central Valley High School in Monaca (PA) is the well known home of 2013 receiving sensations Robert Foster. It is also the home of rising 2015 star Jordan Whitehead. Not only two these two teammates star together on the football field, they are also very good friends, as Foster says "Obviously we’re real close, he’s like a little brother to me, he’ll be going through the same process that I’m going through right now. On the field, the coaches look at the two of us as the leaders of the team, we do what it takes to win.” Rising 2015 defensive back, Jordan Whitehead has similar things to say, “We’re like brothers, and the leaders on the field. Our teammates look up to us when something is going wrong on the field.”
 
The bond that Foster and Whitehead share stretches beyond the field, Whitehead recently went on his first college visit, to Ohio State with Foster. Things went well for the both of them. “We talked to the coaches and they made us feel very comfortable. Every college tells you want you want to hear, but when you commit to a school, you know that’s where your heart is. Ohio State also has great facilities, and I feel I would fit in well there, I can’t say  I’m going to commit to Ohio State, but I really like the place,” said Foster. Whitehead also really enjoyed the visit, saying, “It felt comfortable, they took care of us academically, and I really enjoyed myself, it was my first college visit, so it was nice to have D-Rob there to show me around.” 
Robert Foster (Per 247)

Foster, a soon to be senior has committed to play in the Under Armour All-American Game, and is obviously much closer to a commitment than Whitehead. Right now however, Foster is focusing on school, as he values his academics over all other things. However, he has been hearing a lot from three teams in specific, “I talk to all the coaches really. I talk to Coach Engram (Pitt) a lot. They’re showing me a lot love, and really want me. I also talk a lot with Bama, and Coach Meyer at Ohio State. I am keeping all of my options open though, and don’t even have a top 5 or 10 yet. I haven’t really been focusing on recruiting too much lately.” Foster went on to talk about when he could be making his decision, which could come sooner than some of us think, “Truthfully I think I will make a decision before, or after the season. This summer, I need to sit don with my parents and coaches to narrow things down. Hopefully I will be able to commit before the season starts to get it off my back." Foster said he will likely take a couple of visits, but isn't sure where just yet. Foster added that he is targeting officials to Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, USC, Michigan State, and Michigan. He will take unofficial visits to local schools, Pitt and Penn State. The biggest factor in Rob's decision will be academics, “Academics are most important, you need a good education because football isn’t going to last forever,” said Foster. Also of note, Foster did not have a favorite team growing up, “I really didn’t have a favorite team, that’s my problem, I may have been committed somewhere if I had one. When I play video games, I play with teams like Ohio State, Alabama, and Oregon. I used to love playing as Terrelle Pryor.” It will be very interesting to see where this 5 star standout decides to go to school. He seems to be wide open right now.
 
Foster may be the offensive star at Central Valley, but there is also an elite talent on defense at the school in soon to be sophomore defensive back, Jordan Whitehead. Whitehead has already received an offer from Rutgers, which is pretty amazing, as he has three years of high school ball still to play. “I am not paying much attention to recruiting right now because I am only a freshmen, so I have three years of high school still to play.” Said Whitehead. Whitehead added, “I would like to hear from whoever is interested, I’m pumped just getting mail from schools right now because it’s just so early.” Whitehead told me that he planned on attending a few camps and combines this summer to improve his game. He will also likely go on visits with Foster, that’s if Foster decides to take any summer visits. Jordan stated that academics and location would be the biggest factors in his decision. Also of note, Whitehead rooted for the Buckeyes as a kid, “I rooted for Ohio State growing up, when I was little, things have changed however because I am now being recruited.” Whitehead is a player fans need to keep a close eye on. He will likely be one of the top-rated players in the 2015 class. 
 
Jordan Whitehead (Per Scout)
One question many may have: Would these two close friends like to play with each other at the next level? The answer: Yes. “To tell you the truth, we haven’t talked about it too much, but Terrelle Pryor and Jordan Hall went to college together, and to tell you the truth, I would love it to death,” said Foster. Whitehead followed by saying, “Wherever D-Rob goes, my interest in that school would definitely go up. It would be a big influence on my decision, but wouldn’t be the deciding factor.” Right now, the two Central Valley stars are focused on football; tomorrow is the last day of spring practice. Foster stated that the strongest part of his game is “giving 100% everywhere I play” and he will continue do work hard during summer workouts, just as Jordan will. Their goal for the season is the same, “Making it as far as we can in states, and winning the state title.” Look for these two teammates and best friends to dominate Pennsylvania High School football this year, and potentially bring home a state title to the vastly underrated football program, Central Valley High School.
GeneStarwind's picture
GeneStarwind Mod on 31 May 2012 - 1:03pm #

Added a few links and an article on Robert Foster & Jordan Whitehead

bassplayer7770's picture
bassplayer7770 on 31 May 2012 - 1:09pm #

Thanks for posting that Foster/Whitehead article.

Bucks43201's picture
Bucks43201 on 31 May 2012 - 1:10pm #

good stuff...thanks for posting

I think Foster (& then eventually Whitehead) are OSU leans

"You win with people." - Woody Hayes

BuckinBama's picture
BuckinBama on 31 May 2012 - 1:32pm #

What's funny is how it was reported, R.Foster's lack of concern for his academics, now every time I read about him its the "most " important thing.

hail2victors9's picture
hail2victors9 on 31 May 2012 - 1:35pm #

Foster needs to get Michigan state off that list of official visits, as you can only take 5.

Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler

tennbuckeye19's picture
tennbuckeye19 on 31 May 2012 - 1:58pm #

Bama - I also find the academic talk from Foster interesting. Perhaps after the OSU visit, where his lack of interest in the academic side of things was rumored, maybe his coaches talked to him about things. If he really is talking to Urban, like he claims, I would think he's back on OSU's radar for sure. 

Hail - For real. Just say no to Sparty. 

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CommandHead on 31 May 2012 - 1:58pm #

Would prefer he take a non-BigTen team off the list... let's keep some talent in the Big Ten.

Triv's picture
Triv on 31 May 2012 - 2:15pm #

 I don't want to have to watch OSU try to stop this kid. If he doesn't end up a buckeye, please let him go to Oregon or USC. Just not Michigan or Bama

Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite

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millertime2011 on 31 May 2012 - 2:19pm #

That Foster article is interesting to me. It seems like he is desperately trying to get back on Urban's good side (talking about academics). Also, interesting that they want to play together, whitehead grew up an OSU fan, Foster mentions Pryor and also talks about pryor/hall--all osu references. I think if urban wants Foster, he will get him. I actually respect that Foster (allegedly) made a mistake and is trying to do everything in his power (even using his public influence) to right his wrong. I also don't blame a kid for wanting to take a bunch of official visits: 1) to make sure he picks the right place and 2) who would turn down a free, behind the scenes tour of a top football program?

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juventas on 31 May 2012 - 2:56pm #

I'm not implying anything (because I'm ignorant about the Foster situation), but Ohio State has no vacancy for anymore "TP's"

BuckinBama's picture
BuckinBama on 31 May 2012 - 3:08pm #

I would love to have a WR/Playmaker haul, of Foster, Quick,Gibson, and Marshall. I just love Foster's video. Although I haven't really read anything official regarding OSU's rumored warming back up to Foster, but I most definitely hope its true. Would hate to miss out on this kid, especially if he genuinely wants to be a Buckeye ... Gotta keep a close eye on Alabama here though I'm afraid.

TheBadOwl's picture
TheBadOwl on 31 May 2012 - 4:20pm #

A haul of Foster, Quick, Gibson, Marshall, Elliott, Baugh and maybe even Green would be absolutely insane.

I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.

tennbuckeye19's picture
tennbuckeye19 on 31 May 2012 - 4:37pm #

I don't know if these guys are 'TP's' but I can see why they like him. TP was (and maybe still is) a big deal in the Pittsburgh area, where these guys are from. He was a kid from their area who played for a big time college program and had success. 

corveyer's picture
corveyer on 31 May 2012 - 5:08pm #

Don't forget to add JT Barret to that list of hauls I am still so happy we landed him I think he is going to be very special heres an elite 11 promo vid featuring him http://espn.go.com/high-school/football/video/clip?id=7989503 I cant wait to watch that this summer should be interesting as most of the top kids there are already committed to big programs should be a lot of competition. 

ShadyBuckeye's picture
ShadyBuckeye on 31 May 2012 - 6:44pm #

Foster, Quick, Gibson, Marshall, Elliott, Baugh and maybe Green

lol that would be insane. a strong program like Wisconsin probably doesnt even get that kind of talent in 4 years let alone one. The problem with that recruiting class tho would be who would possibly want to commit to us next year with all that competition?? I dont think ur allowed to split out 7 WR's:)

TheBadOwl's picture
TheBadOwl on 31 May 2012 - 7:02pm #

Also Brionte Dunn, Devin Smith and a bunch of other potential studs (Epitropolous, Thomas, Southward)....

I think the 2013 class is definitely focusing on playmakers, and 2014 will focus on the line.

I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.

BuckinBama's picture
BuckinBama on 31 May 2012 - 7:11pm #

If some how, some way we could bring in a haul of prospects like that at the WR position, I don't even think they'd be too concerned w/that position next season, but look at the DL, its STACKED, and yet people are still committing.

ShadyBuckeye's picture
ShadyBuckeye on 31 May 2012 - 7:22pm #

Foster, Quick, Gibson, Marshall, Spencer, Philly Brown, Verlon Reed, TY Williams, Chris Fields, Epitropolous, Mike Thomas. lol thats 11W... I mean 11 WR's... none of those guys are going to be graduating anytime soon either so by their senior year you will have to add the next incoming freshman class as well which will be like 3 more so there will be 14 lol. All those players are talented as well, thats not even counting some other WR's we have on the roster that I think are walk-ons.

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UrbzRenewal on 31 May 2012 - 7:42pm #

Lewis Neal talked to UFM today, per Rivals.

rdubs's picture
rdubs on 31 May 2012 - 8:03pm #

I hope that the incident with Foster on his visit helped him realize that this is a serious process and if you don't take everything seriously including the academic side you can lose out on your dream.  

Hopefully he used it as a learning experience and can convince Meyer that he is serious about football and school.  Also I hope that us cooling on him didn't scare him into the hands of Saban (who couldn't care less about academics just ask Duron).

GeneStarwind's picture
GeneStarwind Mod on 31 May 2012 - 9:30pm #

Added a few more bullets and a $ link

UpNorthBuckeye's picture
UpNorthBuckeye on 31 May 2012 - 10:39pm #

I guess I'm just curious as to why any RB would be considering OSU at this point. It seems widely known that they're not thrilled about having 2 RBs in this class with the exeption of Green. Mizzell looks like a real player but would OSU even take him if he wanted in? I doubt OSU would get this far with him though. Just thinking (typing) out loud.

"Love my State, hate the football"

DMcDougal24's picture
DMcDougal24 on 31 May 2012 - 11:28pm #

Ohio State is out on Josh McNeil (even though I bet we eased off him first). McNeil released a top 5 today of LSU, Bama, Florida, Georgia, and Miami. 

Josh McNeil and Lewis Neal are visiting LSU on June 23. 

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millertime2011 on 31 May 2012 - 11:34pm #

weird to thin that at one point mcneil wanted to commit to us. I guess that's the bad thing about urban's recruiting style. But i have a feeling we're going to reap some benefits from the good things about his style...

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UrbzRenewal on 31 May 2012 - 11:44pm #

We can't take everyone who wants to commit.

TheBadOwl's picture
TheBadOwl on 31 May 2012 - 11:48pm #

@shady, I think that we'll see Tyrone Williams or Verlon Reed transfer if we get Quick, Foster and Gibson in addition to Marshall. Hard for them to see the field at that point.

I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.

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Hayze on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:02am #

It's not Urban's recruiting style or anything. It's the scholarship issue in my opinion. Not enough ships to go around the next few years.

DMcDougal24's picture
DMcDougal24 on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:12am #

I don't know about Bama Gene, I think LSU could very well take the lead after the visit

GeneStarwind's picture
GeneStarwind Mod on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:14am #

I personally believed it was a race between Saban & Meyer for his services, but I could be wrong. Anything can happen. LSU just offered today, so now it should be a race between Saban and Miles, but Bama leads right now.

 

BuckinBama's picture
BuckinBama on 1 Jun 2012 - 1:55am #

Being eliminated by J.McNeil was all on OSU easing on him, and going all in on M.Heuerman. Jus a matter of counting your chickens before they hatch. I hate we missed on him though, I think he is going to be a major talent though.

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Hayze on 1 Jun 2012 - 2:22am #

The good news is we already have a stable of TE options as well as an absolute stud in Marcus Baugh already in the class.

Sucks to have missed on him, especially when he favored us so much early on, but we'll survive.

ThirdLegLouie's picture
ThirdLegLouie on 1 Jun 2012 - 2:26am #

I'm kind of glad the McNeil drama is over

If you ain't a Silver Bullet, you're a target

b_pbucksfans's picture
b_pbucksfans on 1 Jun 2012 - 8:44am #

I follow Josh Mcneil on twitter and he seems like a drama queen and major attention getter. Kinda happy we didnt make his top 5....

bassplayer7770's picture
bassplayer7770 on 1 Jun 2012 - 8:58am #

I like Josh, but it seems clear to me that the staff will be happy adding Baugh in 2013 to a stable of TEs including Heuerman, Vannett, and Thomas.  Best of luck to Josh.

hodge's picture
hodge on 1 Jun 2012 - 9:52am #

Like others have mentioned, I really dig that Foster has been trying to spin himself as a more attractive recruit after his first visit debacle.  Though I really don't want another diva (and it's the last thing that we can afford at the moment), I can respect a guy who seems to have owned up to his faults and transgressions and is working to improve his relationship with our coaches.  Really hoping this kid lands in the Scarlet and Gray.  Meyer's had a hard time locking down a go-to Flanker, hopefully Mr. Foster here can be that guy.

buck-I.8's picture
buck-I.8 on 1 Jun 2012 - 11:23am #

I'm not really upset about losing McNeil as Baugh looks to have about the same skill set, but perhaps stronger in every category. I don't like, however, McNeil's dramatic tweets where he cries about not being made to feel welcome. Hillside puts out ridiculous talent every year, and I was hoping that having Marcus, and then at the very least being positive with McNeil would open a pipeline for Withers there

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RedStorm45 on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:08pm #

So we would have taken Heuerman but we made McNeil feel unwelcome?  As said, not a big loss...will still have 4 TEs.  It's confusing (in part because of his tweets) whether he eliminated OSU or OSU cooled on him and decided to take 1 TE.

corveyer's picture
corveyer on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:11pm #

McNeil by the time national signing day rolls around may be one of the top ranked tightends in the country he would have been a big get. Sure he's not ranked as high as of right now but his offer list is border line absurd. Frankly, I don't think it would have mattered if we went all in on him over Heuerman a few months ago, because even if he committed he probably would have waffled on it if not decommitted somewhere along the way. Of all the recruits out there in this class it seems like he and Nemkdiche are the biggest "divas" their twitter accounts are a joke. They each have a new favorite after every big offer, phone call, or visit. Now I am not one who thinks these kids shouldn't get excited and extend their recruitments to make sure they are comfortable with the choice they are making. Because it is to date probably one of the more important decisions that these kids will have to make and the interest from schools is a culmination of a lot of hard work and in most cases is well deserved. That said there is a fine line between enjoying their well deserved time in the spotlight and reveling in it to the point of being a diva, and at least in my opinion McNeil crosses the line.

But he's a high school kid and I try not to read into the things that these kids say via social media because half of it is probably just pandering to friends and girls, and for all I know Josh is a good kid and I don't mean to bash him because he is a big time player. But, I just don't know if in a smaller class with restricted scholarships and Baugh already on board if we needed another Tight End. However, it really would not surprise me at all if come next winter if this kid is back in the fold somehow, clearly he has interest in Ohio State and who knows what our numbers for this class will look like at that point. Could be very interesting if he comes up for a game to visit Jamal Marcus this season. 

DMcDougal24's picture
DMcDougal24 on 1 Jun 2012 - 12:48pm #
TheBadOwl's picture
TheBadOwl on 1 Jun 2012 - 4:06pm #

My best guess is that he tried to commit but Withers told him they didn't have space. Remember a few weeks ago when he said he would announce by twitter, then never did? Well, I'm guessing that he was going to commit, then called the coaches before, got told no, and avoided Twitter for a while thereafter.

I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.

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