In this week's column, Scout.com Midwest regional manager Allen Trieu sheds light on the recruitment of some of Michigan State's recruiting inroads at Cass Tech, the ranking of the Spartans' 2013 class, and some of their chances at landing a few prominent Midwest targets.
Sam Webb: Lately it appears Michigan State has placed added emphasis on recruiting Cass Tech. Is that accurate-feeling, and how do you think they're doing recruiting some of the Cass guys?
Allen Trieu: I think they've always recruited Cass. They were the first BCS offer to Thomas Gordon, they recruited Will Campbell, they offered Dior Mathis, Terry Richardson, and Ross Jenkins-Stone. I just think they're doing better with some of the guys in this class. If I had to guess at this moment in time I think they get Dennis Finley, I think they're doing really well for Deon Drake, they were able to get Damon Webb on campus… so I think that this next group of Cass guys that is coming up in this year's class and next year's class is looking harder at MSU than any of those guys previously did.
SW: A commonly held perception among Spartan fans is that Cass Tech pushes its players to Michigan. What would you say to that?
AT: I would say "pushes" is the wrong word. I think they have a good relationship with Michigan. Cass Tech head man Thomas Wilcher obviously played at Michigan, and Cass has a lot of guys that play there (now). The players really help with the recruiting efforts. They come back for the alumni games and they're able to get guys up to Ann Arbor for visits. So I would say there is a great relationship there that helps Michigan get players from Cass. Does Cass push them there? No.
SW: Let's talk about (offensive tackle) Dennis Finley. Clearly his recruitment has picked up steam and Wisconsin and Ohio State are on his trail. What gives Michigan State the edge on those teams?
AT: First, he has a sister there, so he is very familiar with the school. He has been going there to visit her long before he had the Michigan State offer. Then since he got the offer he has been up there several times. He seems to really like the coaches and what he has seen there. Plus it's the closest to home. I don't think it's a slam dunk for Michigan State, but I think they have a lot of things in their corner that are going to go a long way. That's why they would be my pick at the moment.
Sam Webb: Who is the biggest threat to the Spartans for him?
AT: I think it's Ohio State. He has also been there a couple of times for visits. They have a need at offensive tackle. When it comes to Wisconsin he has mentioned their tradition for offensive linemen, and his coaches have mentioned the tradition for offensive linemen, so they're definitely still a team to look out for.
Sam Webb: Where does Michigan State stand with Deon Drake?
AT: I always say you look at what the kid does and not what he says. After getting the offer he and both of his parents were on campus in East Lansing within a couple of days. To me that says he has serious interest. As a family they were able to sit down with Coach (Mark) Dantonio, (defensive coordinator Pat) Narduzzi, and the rest of the staff. They were also able to watch a practice. There is legitimate interest there, and I think they're looking really good for him right now.
Sam Webb: Break down Drake as a payer. Where do you see him kind of fitting in as far as the rankings are concerned?
AT: He is very athletic. He played tailback for them last year and he is going to play tailback for them this year. Whenever you have a linebacker that can be sort of a feature tailback on an athletic team like Cass, that says something about the way that kid can run. But he is not just a guy who can run. He likes contact, he is a physical kid, and you can do a lot with him. He is not necessarily the biggest guy at 6-1, 210, but I think he makes up for that with his other qualities. As for the rankings, I think it's too early to say. He has only played one year of varsity football, but I think he has put himself in position to be a highly ranked guy.
Sam Webb: His teammate, Class of 2014 cornerback Damon Webb, is a national recruit already. What about Michigan State's chances with him?
AT: I think they've got some work to do with him. I think LSU and Michigan are the two teams that are in the lead there. But he made the effort to get up to Michigan State for a visit, and that's huge. I think the more you can get a kid on campus the better. He had really positive things to say about what he saw up there. So they're certainly in the game. I don't think they're in as good of a position for him as they are in with Drake and Finley, though.
Sam Webb: Let's talk about rankings. How does Michigan State stack up in the Big 10 and nationally?
AT: First of all, I think this year's Michigan State class is a good one. Right now they are sitting pretty good in the rankings. It's going to be a smaller class, and since we take class size into consideration I think that is going to keep them from being a top 15-20 class. I certainly think they could be in the top 25. It'll depend on how they finish out — do they get a guy like Finley and a couple of guys on the board, (that) would be huge. A four-star guy like Cadillac offensive lineman Riley Norman is still on the board.
Sam Webb: What would you say to Spartan fans that believe their recruits are consistently underrated?
AT: I think Michigan State has gained a ton of respect in the way that they recruit. I think we have been fair about where their guys are ranked. We've underrated a couple of their guys in the past, but I think that is because those guys played beyond expectations — not because they were ranked lower because of where they were committed. To say a guy like (RB) LeVeon Bell was underrated, that's true, but Michigan State was his only Big Ten offer. A lot of people missed on that guy. (Quarterback) Kirk Cousins outperformed his ranking, but again Michigan State I believe was his only BCS offer. So those didn't just outperform their rankings but their offer lists by far. I think they do a great job at Michigan State of developing guys when they get there. I think they have a great strength and conditioning program. I also think they do a great job of finding guys who fit.
Sam Webb: It's clearly the stretch run for the Spartans. Who are the guys in the Midwest other than Dennis Finely that you think they have really good shots at?
AT: (Offensive tackle) Riley Norman is one. Right now it depends on if he even wants to play college football. If he does, I think he is going to Michigan State. I actually think regardless of whether he plays or not, he is going to be at Michigan State as a student. Ruben Dunbar is 6-3, 235-pound defensive lineman from Glenbard West High in Illinois who said Michigan State leads right now, so they are in very good shape for him. They've offered Jalen Banks, a defensive end from Harvey Thornton High in Illinois, and they're very much in the game for him as well.
With offers from both Michigan and Ohio State, the recruitment of Malik McDowell could prove to be an interesting tussle between two great rivals.
The number one prospect in the state of Michigan is thought to be a heavy Michigan lean due to his Detroit roots, but the defensive end may also be enamored by the great coaching skills of one Urban Meyer.
McDowell, the 6'7", 295-pound defensive end told Bill Kurelic of 247sports.com: “Ohio State, Michigan, LSU, Alabama, Wisconsin, I liked those schools growing up."
McDowell goes on to say that he was a big fan of Meyer when he won his National Championship's with the Florida Gators.
He has no current leaders in the recruiting chase for his services and that could set up a potential battle between Ohio State and Michigan.
Michigan have been raiding Ohio for their very best talent of late and just very recently landed Michael Ferns, so I'm sure Meyer would like to do all he can to poach the very best in-state talent from Michigan.
McDowell is ranked as the number two strong-side defensive end prospect and the number 23 overall player in 247sports 2014 rankings.
Kurelic concedes that it's unlikely that any team can steal McDowell way from Michigan but that Ohio State might be the only team actually capable of doing so.
Brady Hoke has rejuvenated Michigan's recruiting efforts and has pushed Michigan back ahead of Ohio State in the recruiting sweepstakes for the first time in years, so he won't let up.
Allen Trieu of scout.com felt that McDowell may have been the best player at the Elite Big Man Camp.
"He first came on my radar after last summer's Toledo camp when everybody said the best lineman there was a freshman." "I went and saw him in person last season and witnessed what everyone was talking about. Later I saw him at the Elite Big Man Camp in Wixom, and then the Adidas Invitational in Ann Arbor last weekend. He was great at both — probably more so in Wixom because he got more reps. He went up against some older guys who are committed to BCS schools like Steve Elmer (Notre Dame) and Jesse Chadwell (Illinois), and did well against each of them. Other than one or two reps, he really wasn't stopped all day."
Loyola high school coach John Callahan also told Webb that he thinks McDowell has all the potential in the world and has the frame to top 300-pounds:
"He has a frame where if you look at him he looks like he is only 240, but he is 272 now," said Callahan. "He's got a frame that can carry 300-plus, and I know he is still growing. Who knows in two years what he is going to end up being? He is dedicated in the weight room and does a great job with our lifting. I think that in itself has led to a great improvement in his size and his quickness. If he stays committed the way he has been, the sky's the limit for him."
A boyhood Michigan fan and not yet ready to make a decision, Brady Hoke and company must be pulling out all the stops to get a commitment from McDowell, whenever he gets around to it.
Just days after I wrote an article showcasing my surprise that there had been zero 2014 commitments, Brady Hoke has pulled a fast one on me and landed an immediate impact player on defense in the shape of Michael Ferns,
The linebacker who plies his high school trade for St. Clairsville in Ohio is an even bigger get because the Wolverine have once again beaten Ohio State (who also offered) to one of their biggest in-state recruits.
At 6'3" and 235 pounds with a 4.6 40-yard dash time, he already has enough size for the college level and Kyle Meinke of www.annarbor.com reports that recruiting analyst Allen Trieu projects Ferns as a 4-star prospect whenever the rankings are released.
Ferns had been considered a long-time Michigan lean but to get his verbal commitment so early will encourage other recruits to do the same, much like the way Shane Morris started a landslide of commitments when he gave his word very early on.
"Michigan just stuck out to me," Ferns told GoBlueWolverine.com. "After that second visit up there it kind of really stuck out more. I felt good the whole time I was there. I felt great and I knew it was time to make the decision.”
247sports.com ranks Ferns as the fifth best inside linebacker prospect for 2014.
Ferns also claims that the BBQ sealed his decision after he once again had some great talks with the coaching staff.
And with other 2014 prospects like Damon Webb and Parrker Westphal also having fun at the BBQ, it's not going too far to say that another verbal may be around the corner.
Other good 2014 recruiting news also stems from the fact that Dominique Booth is excited to visit Michigan.
According to Todd Worly of 247sports.com, the 6'1", 195 pound receiver from Indianapolis will visit in the fall.
Booth said, “I know they want to see my first game or so before they offer me. I really do like Michigan. They’re going to a pro style offense after Denard Robinson leaves, and I really like the school and everything. Everyone knows about the Big House, so I want to experience it for myself, see what game day is like there and check out the school and the people.”
All great early signs for the 2014 recruiting class.
Growing up in the shadows of where former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel used to roam the sideline, it was hard for Billy Price (Youngstown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch) not to root for the Buckeyes.
After all, Tressel used to be the head man at Youngstown State, so cheering for the Buckeyes when he left for Columbus just seemed natural.
Then Price took in a football game at the Horseshoe as a sophomore and the idea that had been engrained in him as a kid caught fire.
"It's kind of a bias," Price said. "You're growing up in Ohio and Ohio State is your home state. You have to support your home state."
That visit to Ohio Stadium two years ago became the benchmark for what the 2013 recruit was looking for in a school.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle had offers from Arizona, UCLA, Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Tennessee, Southern Methodist and Miami (Ohio), but every time he weighed his options, the Buckeyes kept popping up.
"Other places I visited, they didn't have the same quality or same atmosphere that Ohio State has," Price said. "I think my initial falling in love with Ohio State -- if you want to say it that way -- was when I went to Ohio State-Michigan my sophomore year. It was my first ever college football game and it was an Ohio State-Michigan game at Ohio State. That right there blew me away.
"That was my stone to compare with the rest of my college recruiting opportunities. Once I took my unofficial visit and they gave me my tour of the campus and the facilities and I met a lot of the coaches, that bug bit me real hard and just embedded itself into me. That's when I knew, I wanted to go to Ohio State. It's unimaginable, how much I love Ohio State."
Crete (Ill.) Monee receiver Laquon Treadwell wants to be 100-percent, positively sure about his college decision before pulling the trigger.
That’s a refreshing thing.
In what seems like a normal happenings in the world of college football recruiting, where decommitments are frequent and so are committed prospects taking visits to other schools, Treadwell is doing his best not to fall in the same line.
“I’ve gotten real close to actually making it out and everything,” Treadwell said about possibly committing. “I told my mom and a couple coaches one time. Only thing that held me back is there are a couple of other schools and they’re special programs and I want to see what they have, and I’d like to take all my visits before I make my decision.”
For the longest, Michigan has been the team to beat for the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Treadwell, who is currently pegged as the nation’s No. 4 receiver and the No. 41 prospect overall in the 247Composite Rankings. While the Wolverines have set the bar, Treadwell still feels he doesn’t have all the data to make the most informed decision. Last weekend, he took a trip to Ole Miss and the Rebels showed him enough that now he’s looking forward to getting back for an official. This weekend or next weekend, Treadwell says he’d like to return to Michigan State for an overnight stay. Besides Ole Miss and the Wolverines, he said other possible official visit scenarios include Auburn, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
“That’s the one thing my head coach wants me to do, he said take all my visits to schools I want to see before I commit,” Treadwell said. “He said he doesn’t want the attention of me committing and decommitting and seeing other schools. He wants me to wait until I see the right school and have the right school.”
In the class-of-2013, Treadwell sees other prospects wavering on their decision or changing their minds all together. He doesn’t have a problem with it. It’s just not for him.
“I just think they weren’t really ready to decide and they want to see other schools, or another school caught their interest later on in the process.”
As the process continues for Treadwell, no surprise there isn't a timetable for a college decision.
They may still suck...but they're raiding the hell out of Ohio (19 players in 3 years so far). I don't want to see any BS about how these are #2 guys bc most were not...OSU offered MANY who have went up North. I'm not a big fan of this...one and only thing I haven't liked so far since Meyer took over. It reminds me a bit like Cooper and how he went National for recruiting...I however think that UFM is a much different (and better) coach than Coop. We'll see if any of these guys come back to haunt us (like some have in the past Woodson and Howard to name a few).
TO YOU BELOW: But you tTUN ppl don't come here to get shit started huh...don't waste your time on me...it would be greatly appreciated.
"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
Gotta be the most level-headed comment you've made on here BHOP. See, it's okay to give an honest response without having to bash Michigan in the process.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
@BHOP - A better comparison is a guy like Dennis Franklin, who Woody tried to make commit early (he was percieved as a package deal with his better-prospect friend Steve Luke), who warned him of the class running out of room if he waited too long. Schembechler let him take his time, and he went to Ann Arbor instead. That's one that got away, like Dymonte Thomas (due to Tress and Fick's slow-playing). Woodson and Howard never really even considered OSU, I believe.
They haven't gotten any Howard or Woodson-type players from Ohio. They've gotten some really good players and even several players Ohio State wanted. I'll never understand turning your back on your home state because state pride is the backbone of college football. But we ask other players to leave their state and come here. It shouldn't be shocking that our players sometimes leave as well - just wish it wasn't for Michigan.
I also think Meyer is neglecting Ohio. Many of these players wouldn't be leaving if he had given them the Urban-fullcourt-press, the success of which we know all too well from this past winter. Local coaches are privately not happy with Urban. So when Desmond or Woodson type player does come around again, will we lose them? That's the question.
It is also quite upsetting that Michigan fans love to come around and try to rub our noses in it. We have every right to get defensive about that. You won one game in the past 9 years, under extraordinary circumstances. You've gotten some good recruits from us. We still had a higher ranked class last year and we'll have a highly-ranked class this year. You're not pulling away from us. We'll be right there with you, even if you've been poaching talent.
hey maybe that team up north will send meyer a xmas card, after all if it wasnt for the great state of ohio, would that team up there have a team? that team up there wouldnt exist if not for ohio kids, isnt that funny?
I have given my opinion on this before: I will never understand a fan from another program let alone our biggest rival, coming on a website dedicated to the Buckeyes. I have never gone on a UM site and posted a comment about how they shouldn't bash tOSU or give my opinions on their coach, players or how recruiting is going. Bashing our rival on our own site is our God given right as Buckeyes. Please stop telling us not to. Thanks
to be more serious, if urban wants a national championship team, it will take more than ohio talent, he knows what he is doing. now what do we want? just a big ten champion, or do we want national titles? myself i want some national titles.
I put a very data-heavy post together 3 or 4 weeks ago comparing our two classes, and it's basically neck and neck. Since '69 (Bo's first season) the game is 21-20-2...about as even as you can get. We can just say that we're good and you're good and part of the reason why we hate each other is because you were better than us half the time
I'm not here to rub anything in anyone's noses. I will gloat one time in November if we win
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
@Pam, Bash away. Won't hurt my feelings. "Good football" already broke my heart.
@Stu
Find me a top 75 program that has every player from that school's home state. Michigan has kids from 8 states, OSU has kids from 9 with the 9th being Gardner from Indiana after Friday night lights.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Ferns was offered, and visited. He didn't come away from it impressed. Ok...good luck. Still have the best lb prospect in the state highly interested in osu(booker), davonte james is also interested. As is the number one lb prospect in the country in mcmillan. And garrett as well. So losing ferns hurts from the perspective of losing an ohio kid to southern canada. But not from the standpoint of him being our top target at the position. Our top targets are all highly interested, highly talented and have expressed an interest in playing together in college. So if michigan wants to call it a win against meyer, go ahead. Not saying meyer wasn't interested, just saying he wasn't as interested in him as a couple other guys on his board
To Pam: I loved your comment...I've been saying this since these tTUN fans started coming here in 2010....I just don't get it! They shouldn't "troll" or my bad...make "opinionated" comments but they're not trying to start stuff...too funny. Wish they'd take more time on their sites instead of ours...just makes sense to me and apparently you too. They're just closet Buckeye fans IMHO after 2005-2010.
Go Bucks! My GAL:-) Gotta love Common Man and the Torg
@Hodge above: You're correct...those two were all tTUN from the beginning due to this I'd assume...2-10-1. I just hate seeing so many go north...it vexes me to be honest. As many have said, I could be getting ahead of myself and "may be" none of these Ohio guys will amount to anything...but I have a hard time believing that right now. Like your points Hodge and always do;-) 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
I don't get the visits either, but I have ZERO problem with HAIL. In fact, most often, I agree with the points he makes. Either way, as long as both sides show class, no reason they can't check in from time to time.
Man I must have grown up in a different time. I just don't get the hatred for Michigan fans, especially the ones that add to every conversation they are a part of. The Michigan fans that comment here simply offer a differing opinion than the ones we hold near and dear. I don't know why they get accused of trolling OSU sites. I don't comment on, but I regularly read MGO and BSD (admittedly because Penn State fans are stupid and make me laugh) because I like to know what OSU's biggest rivals have going on in their neck of the woods. I bet you its the same for Hail\MMan\so on.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
i like hail and have no prob with him others can get a little irritating.ive said this b4 and i truly mean it urban coaching bowling green would beat hoke coaching usc real talk
To Buckeyeeddie27 above... the ads are often a reflection of the cookies on your machine. So what were you doing looking at Michigan gear, hmmmmmmmmmm??
I don't hate UM fans. I just don't what they think about our coaches, players or recruits as I am sure the folks at MGo are not interested in what I think about theirs. UM is our biggest rival and this blog is dedicated to the Buckeyes, of course they are going to have differing opinions. I think we should be able to bash them, make fun of their coach and call them whatever we want without worrying about being classless or offensive.
I guess. I just don't get territorial. Fans can come and go as they please and say whatever they want, assuming it isn't rude\personal. If we have a right to bash them, they have a right to bash us-I don't care what the forum is. That appears to be the biggest difference between us.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Don't mind the Michigan fans' input at all. If someone wants to come add to the discussion, have at it. Some (M Man, Hail) actually add to the quality of conversation. When the comments start trash talking or try to bash OSU fans, though, that's just a waste of the internets. Go to MGO if you wanna bash OSU or its fans.
I don't understand how people can say Meyer is neglecting Ohio, Ferns was an abnormality. He came to OSU and didn't like the feel and size of the city. It does suck that he ended up committing to UM, but once he leaves us out of his top 3 and we stop recruiting him, it isn't in our hands anymore. Go read the recruiting round table or ask Alex what he thinks if you really believe Meyer is neglecting Ohio.
A question to all the people worried about Meyer's in-state recruiting:
What would make you more upset, losing Ferns (an in-state guy who seemed set against OSU after his visit) to UM, or losing Garret (an out-of-state guy who has OSU higher on his list) to UM?
Did anyone else see the Four-letter's site as it pertains to Nick Glass and his commitment to UGA? Apparently he's wavering. Wonder if that is McMillan putting an OSU bug in his ear?
Look he didn't want to come to a city so OSU wasn't going to happen for him. Urban may not have pushed for him that hard because of our other interests at the position, but it still sucks that he went north and that is why we are upset. But frankly no need to get our collective panties in a bunch. Let's move on to the next one (Booker going elsewhere would hurt more because he is definitely higher on our board).
You can say what you want to about ferns but the truth of it is that he plays D4 or 5 in southeastern Ohio that's the worst football played in the state very few kids from that region of the state get D1 looks even fewer ever do anything. He's a special teams player no more
@Baroclinicity, lol I'm not too tech savoy (obviously) I didn't know thats how that worked. However I can say I certainly have not been checking out such obscenities. This may or may not be (def is) my work computer that I share with three others. So who knows what they may or may not be doing.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
Brewster, my generation is the one who had to deal with the Cooper era. Trust me, if you have to live through Ohio State going undefeated 2 or 3 times, only to lose to a inferior Michigan team, the last game of the season, you would hate them too! Not to mention I have certain "jerks" in my family that don't even watch college football but love to wear piss and blue because I'm an Ohio State fan. That just gets under your skin. Just a little..
EDIT: I should clarify that a little. I don't by any means condone crap like spitting on UM fans or all that stuff that some other fans do. Cough Wisconsin. I don't think it's right to mouth off to them either. I don't mind joking with them and all that. My experience with most Michigan fans hasn't been favorable though. The one's I have dealt with have been rude and abnoxious. By no means does that classify all of their fans though. As I know there are Ohio State fans who are the same way! I remember when UT played Ohio State at The Shoe and my ex-wife and I came from Texas to see the game with David Smoak and that crowd who all wore burnt orange. We had to make our way through the tail-gaters and I was really shocked at the way some of them treat the UT fans. But at the same time, some of the UT fans were just as bad.
If ferns is an inside backer, then him and mcmillan play the same position. Garrett and booker are both olbs. Sounds like ferns is more of a mlb. So the question is...would you rather have mcmillan or ferns? Mcmillan...who seems to be very high on osu. Or ferns, who excluded osu after he visited. Some kids just don't want to be buckeyes. He is one of them. Ferns, as good as he may be, is not a better backer than mcmillan.
@Luckynutz, good point. But even moreso: Mike Mitchell is, from everything I've heard, being recruited by most coaches to play MLB. Which means if we grab him this year, how does he compare? I see he and Ferns being very similar, with the differences being that Mitchell is probably more athletically versatile, while Ferns seems more fundamentally sound. That being said, it's difficult to compare tapes between Mitchell's intense competition and Ferns' relatively soft.
The point is, I think if we grab Mitchell, another MLB in 2014 isn't exactly a priority. Not saying it isn't important, but no reason to stress over a kid who just isn't the right fit for the school and vice versa.
I don't understand the reasoning behind going after lesser talented in-state players if there are more talented out-of-state players who would like to go to OSU. While yes, not getting in-state players normally means they go up North, as long as there is talent on the roster what's the problem?
The mindset of trying to get all the in-state players so UM gets none reminds me of Jim Tressel, and while that did work, that's not how Urban goes about his business.
I would say that in this case, Ferns is VERY talented and is arguable that he is less talented. The past two years it has seemed that there is a trend that says it is "acceptable" to go to UM. More and more kids are picking UM over OSU. Good/Bad? We'll find out, but we are missing out on some kids that were our second choice after the top choices went to another school... that hurts a bit.
Me too...no problem with it...really... just hard to understand why they come here so much...that's all...not to mention I get alittle tired of the passive aggressive BS (trust me...my friends that are tTUN fans do that enough). Would rather have banter back and forth with just Buckeye fans here...but it's a free country.
As far as the Ferns or Garrett...I'd rather have both too...and I'm not kidding (with Booker and McMillan).
"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
Deveon Smith and Ben Gedeon both had committable offers. Staff probably would not take Smith now based upon their having backed off Derrick Green. But unless Mike Mitchell does indeed come here, they would definitely take Gedeon. They liked him as much as Anzalone.
The other Michigan recruits from Ohio that have offers were already commits before we offered them. Definitely effed up the Dymonte Thomas recruitment. Not sure how serious they are or were about Mike McCray - who they wanted to camp (and probably would have been offered at camp) but he wanted to go with the sure thing up North.
Staff didn't show any interest in Charlton and likely never would have. Time will tell if that was a mistake. Butt could have earned an offer at camp, but chose not to do so.
thx 2002 grad you illustrate my point its not like hoke is getting kids urb wants abdly out of r back yd. let scum think their doing something getting guys urbs not interested in. we as buckeye fans need to chill out, i know i posted the ferns info and it is annoying but c'mon hoke a better recruiter than urban ahahahahahahaha what a joke. if there is an ohio kid urban wants and has a chance w/ unlike ferns, gedeon n smith he will get him ove hoke guranteed. they can have the 3rd best linebacker in r st in 2014 we'll take the top 2 out of ohio and the top 2 natioanlly. point is hoke is not out recruiting urban they just have a bigger class but r guys r clearly better
No offense to anyone that has previously posted opinions, but if an Ohio kid picks My-bitch-again over us, I hope his classmates piss on his jersey before every game until he flees our state... I'd rather take a Booker-Garrrett-McMillan linebacker core (curse whoever would rather have anyone that commits to TSUN over a potential Buckeye) than some kid that plays St. Clairsville's competition and favors MeatChicken... I will never wish a Michigan commit 'the best'... It doesn't help a Michigan fan stole then married an ex of mine.
Why can't we just say Michigan beat us in 2013 in recruiting by a small margin and we best them in 2012 by a small margin. We are both getting great players, whether they play in Ohio, Florida, Texas, or Mars does not matter. Michigan is back, however there is a storm brewing in Columbus that will be ready for the challenge. I think our advantage will be playmakers in the front 7. We will have elite athletes in the front 7 every year, while Michigan will look like our old front 7s. While that is extremely talented, it won't quite be as dominant as ours. I also think Greg Mattison won't stick around too much longer, I have no inside knowledge just a gut feeling. That should slow down Michigans dominating recruiting a bit.
"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."
It's 12:01 and michigan still sucks.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
Has the site been hacked?? Whats with the ad for scum gear up there???
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
They may still suck...but they're raiding the hell out of Ohio (19 players in 3 years so far). I don't want to see any BS about how these are #2 guys bc most were not...OSU offered MANY who have went up North. I'm not a big fan of this...one and only thing I haven't liked so far since Meyer took over. It reminds me a bit like Cooper and how he went National for recruiting...I however think that UFM is a much different (and better) coach than Coop. We'll see if any of these guys come back to haunt us (like some have in the past Woodson and Howard to name a few).
TO YOU BELOW: But you tTUN ppl don't come here to get shit started huh...don't waste your time on me...it would be greatly appreciated.
"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
Gotta be the most level-headed comment you've made on here BHOP. See, it's okay to give an honest response without having to bash Michigan in the process.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
@BHOP - A better comparison is a guy like Dennis Franklin, who Woody tried to make commit early (he was percieved as a package deal with his better-prospect friend Steve Luke), who warned him of the class running out of room if he waited too long. Schembechler let him take his time, and he went to Ann Arbor instead. That's one that got away, like Dymonte Thomas (due to Tress and Fick's slow-playing). Woodson and Howard never really even considered OSU, I believe.
They haven't gotten any Howard or Woodson-type players from Ohio. They've gotten some really good players and even several players Ohio State wanted. I'll never understand turning your back on your home state because state pride is the backbone of college football. But we ask other players to leave their state and come here. It shouldn't be shocking that our players sometimes leave as well - just wish it wasn't for Michigan.
I also think Meyer is neglecting Ohio. Many of these players wouldn't be leaving if he had given them the Urban-fullcourt-press, the success of which we know all too well from this past winter. Local coaches are privately not happy with Urban. So when Desmond or Woodson type player does come around again, will we lose them? That's the question.
It is also quite upsetting that Michigan fans love to come around and try to rub our noses in it. We have every right to get defensive about that. You won one game in the past 9 years, under extraordinary circumstances. You've gotten some good recruits from us. We still had a higher ranked class last year and we'll have a highly-ranked class this year. You're not pulling away from us. We'll be right there with you, even if you've been poaching talent.
hey maybe that team up north will send meyer a xmas card, after all if it wasnt for the great state of ohio, would that team up there have a team? that team up there wouldnt exist if not for ohio kids, isnt that funny?
I have given my opinion on this before: I will never understand a fan from another program let alone our biggest rival, coming on a website dedicated to the Buckeyes. I have never gone on a UM site and posted a comment about how they shouldn't bash tOSU or give my opinions on their coach, players or how recruiting is going. Bashing our rival on our own site is our God given right as Buckeyes. Please stop telling us not to. Thanks
to be more serious, if urban wants a national championship team, it will take more than ohio talent, he knows what he is doing. now what do we want? just a big ten champion, or do we want national titles? myself i want some national titles.
@OSU2002grad
I put a very data-heavy post together 3 or 4 weeks ago comparing our two classes, and it's basically neck and neck. Since '69 (Bo's first season) the game is 21-20-2...about as even as you can get. We can just say that we're good and you're good and part of the reason why we hate each other is because you were better than us half the time
I'm not here to rub anything in anyone's noses. I will gloat one time in November if we win
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
@Pam, Bash away. Won't hurt my feelings. "Good football" already broke my heart.
@Stu
Find me a top 75 program that has every player from that school's home state. Michigan has kids from 8 states, OSU has kids from 9 with the 9th being Gardner from Indiana after Friday night lights.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Tyrann Mathieu kicked off of LSU.
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
What? Really?
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2012/08/lsu-dismisses-tyrann-mathieu/1
Edit: link and "WOW!"
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
So a scUM friend of mine says Mich leads in recruits the #1 offensive line prospect for 2014? Who would that be, and is that true at all??
Jay16
*leads in recruiting
Jay16
Ferns was offered, and visited. He didn't come away from it impressed. Ok...good luck. Still have the best lb prospect in the state highly interested in osu(booker), davonte james is also interested. As is the number one lb prospect in the country in mcmillan. And garrett as well. So losing ferns hurts from the perspective of losing an ohio kid to southern canada. But not from the standpoint of him being our top target at the position. Our top targets are all highly interested, highly talented and have expressed an interest in playing together in college. So if michigan wants to call it a win against meyer, go ahead. Not saying meyer wasn't interested, just saying he wasn't as interested in him as a couple other guys on his board
To Pam: I loved your comment...I've been saying this since these tTUN fans started coming here in 2010....I just don't get it! They shouldn't "troll" or my bad...make "opinionated" comments but they're not trying to start stuff...too funny. Wish they'd take more time on their sites instead of ours...just makes sense to me and apparently you too. They're just closet Buckeye fans IMHO after 2005-2010.
Go Bucks! My GAL:-) Gotta love Common Man and the Torg
@Hodge above: You're correct...those two were all tTUN from the beginning due to this I'd assume...2-10-1. I just hate seeing so many go north...it vexes me to be honest. As many have said, I could be getting ahead of myself and "may be" none of these Ohio guys will amount to anything...but I have a hard time believing that right now. Like your points Hodge and always do;-) 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
BHOP (& Pam),
I don't get the visits either, but I have ZERO problem with HAIL. In fact, most often, I agree with the points he makes. Either way, as long as both sides show class, no reason they can't check in from time to time.
I didn't say they couldn't, just that I don't get it. That's all
Man I must have grown up in a different time. I just don't get the hatred for Michigan fans, especially the ones that add to every conversation they are a part of. The Michigan fans that comment here simply offer a differing opinion than the ones we hold near and dear. I don't know why they get accused of trolling OSU sites. I don't comment on, but I regularly read MGO and BSD (admittedly because Penn State fans are stupid and make me laugh) because I like to know what OSU's biggest rivals have going on in their neck of the woods. I bet you its the same for Hail\MMan\so on.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
i like hail and have no prob with him others can get a little irritating.ive said this b4 and i truly mean it urban coaching bowling green would beat hoke coaching usc real talk
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
To Buckeyeeddie27 above... the ads are often a reflection of the cookies on your machine. So what were you doing looking at Michigan gear, hmmmmmmmmmm??
I don't hate UM fans. I just don't what they think about our coaches, players or recruits as I am sure the folks at MGo are not interested in what I think about theirs. UM is our biggest rival and this blog is dedicated to the Buckeyes, of course they are going to have differing opinions. I think we should be able to bash them, make fun of their coach and call them whatever we want without worrying about being classless or offensive.
I guess. I just don't get territorial. Fans can come and go as they please and say whatever they want, assuming it isn't rude\personal. If we have a right to bash them, they have a right to bash us-I don't care what the forum is. That appears to be the biggest difference between us.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Don't mind the Michigan fans' input at all. If someone wants to come add to the discussion, have at it. Some (M Man, Hail) actually add to the quality of conversation. When the comments start trash talking or try to bash OSU fans, though, that's just a waste of the internets. Go to MGO if you wanna bash OSU or its fans.
I don't understand how people can say Meyer is neglecting Ohio, Ferns was an abnormality. He came to OSU and didn't like the feel and size of the city. It does suck that he ended up committing to UM, but once he leaves us out of his top 3 and we stop recruiting him, it isn't in our hands anymore. Go read the recruiting round table or ask Alex what he thinks if you really believe Meyer is neglecting Ohio.
Class of 2016. Go Bucks!
A question to all the people worried about Meyer's in-state recruiting:
What would make you more upset, losing Ferns (an in-state guy who seemed set against OSU after his visit) to UM, or losing Garret (an out-of-state guy who has OSU higher on his list) to UM?
Class of 2016. Go Bucks!
I would rather have Ferns than Garrett. There, I said what no one else who doesn't pay too much attention to rankings is afraid to say.
I would rather have Booker and McMillan than Ferns. But I would have preferred that 3-man combination.
We'll see how it plays out, but I hate seeing an in-state kid go North. I don't ever want there to be a day when we are ok with it.
Did anyone else see the Four-letter's site as it pertains to Nick Glass and his commitment to UGA? Apparently he's wavering. Wonder if that is McMillan putting an OSU bug in his ear?
Look he didn't want to come to a city so OSU wasn't going to happen for him. Urban may not have pushed for him that hard because of our other interests at the position, but it still sucks that he went north and that is why we are upset. But frankly no need to get our collective panties in a bunch. Let's move on to the next one (Booker going elsewhere would hurt more because he is definitely higher on our board).
You can say what you want to about ferns but the truth of it is that he plays D4 or 5 in southeastern Ohio that's the worst football played in the state very few kids from that region of the state get D1 looks even fewer ever do anything. He's a special teams player no more
updated
@Baroclinicity, lol I'm not too tech savoy (obviously) I didn't know thats how that worked. However I can say I certainly have not been checking out such obscenities. This may or may not be (def is) my work computer that I share with three others. So who knows what they may or may not be doing.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
Brewster, my generation is the one who had to deal with the Cooper era. Trust me, if you have to live through Ohio State going undefeated 2 or 3 times, only to lose to a inferior Michigan team, the last game of the season, you would hate them too! Not to mention I have certain "jerks" in my family that don't even watch college football but love to wear piss and blue because I'm an Ohio State fan. That just gets under your skin. Just a little..
EDIT: I should clarify that a little. I don't by any means condone crap like spitting on UM fans or all that stuff that some other fans do. Cough Wisconsin. I don't think it's right to mouth off to them either. I don't mind joking with them and all that. My experience with most Michigan fans hasn't been favorable though. The one's I have dealt with have been rude and abnoxious. By no means does that classify all of their fans though. As I know there are Ohio State fans who are the same way! I remember when UT played Ohio State at The Shoe and my ex-wife and I came from Texas to see the game with David Smoak and that crowd who all wore burnt orange. We had to make our way through the tail-gaters and I was really shocked at the way some of them treat the UT fans. But at the same time, some of the UT fans were just as bad.
If ferns is an inside backer, then him and mcmillan play the same position. Garrett and booker are both olbs. Sounds like ferns is more of a mlb. So the question is...would you rather have mcmillan or ferns? Mcmillan...who seems to be very high on osu. Or ferns, who excluded osu after he visited. Some kids just don't want to be buckeyes. He is one of them. Ferns, as good as he may be, is not a better backer than mcmillan.
McMillan, but I'd rather have both :) HAHA
@Luckynutz, good point. But even moreso: Mike Mitchell is, from everything I've heard, being recruited by most coaches to play MLB. Which means if we grab him this year, how does he compare? I see he and Ferns being very similar, with the differences being that Mitchell is probably more athletically versatile, while Ferns seems more fundamentally sound. That being said, it's difficult to compare tapes between Mitchell's intense competition and Ferns' relatively soft.
The point is, I think if we grab Mitchell, another MLB in 2014 isn't exactly a priority. Not saying it isn't important, but no reason to stress over a kid who just isn't the right fit for the school and vice versa.
I don't understand the reasoning behind going after lesser talented in-state players if there are more talented out-of-state players who would like to go to OSU. While yes, not getting in-state players normally means they go up North, as long as there is talent on the roster what's the problem?
The mindset of trying to get all the in-state players so UM gets none reminds me of Jim Tressel, and while that did work, that's not how Urban goes about his business.
Class of 2016. Go Bucks!
I would say that in this case, Ferns is VERY talented and is arguable that he is less talented. The past two years it has seemed that there is a trend that says it is "acceptable" to go to UM. More and more kids are picking UM over OSU. Good/Bad? We'll find out, but we are missing out on some kids that were our second choice after the top choices went to another school... that hurts a bit.
Me too...no problem with it...really... just hard to understand why they come here so much...that's all...not to mention I get alittle tired of the passive aggressive BS (trust me...my friends that are tTUN fans do that enough). Would rather have banter back and forth with just Buckeye fans here...but it's a free country.
As far as the Ferns or Garrett...I'd rather have both too...and I'm not kidding (with Booker and McMillan).
"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
what ohio kids had commitable offers from both schools when they committed to scum?
-ferns, who else?
O'Deez330
stark county football
Deveon Smith and Ben Gedeon both had committable offers. Staff probably would not take Smith now based upon their having backed off Derrick Green. But unless Mike Mitchell does indeed come here, they would definitely take Gedeon. They liked him as much as Anzalone.
The other Michigan recruits from Ohio that have offers were already commits before we offered them. Definitely effed up the Dymonte Thomas recruitment. Not sure how serious they are or were about Mike McCray - who they wanted to camp (and probably would have been offered at camp) but he wanted to go with the sure thing up North.
Staff didn't show any interest in Charlton and likely never would have. Time will tell if that was a mistake. Butt could have earned an offer at camp, but chose not to do so.
thx 2002 grad you illustrate my point its not like hoke is getting kids urb wants abdly out of r back yd. let scum think their doing something getting guys urbs not interested in. we as buckeye fans need to chill out, i know i posted the ferns info and it is annoying but c'mon hoke a better recruiter than urban ahahahahahahaha what a joke. if there is an ohio kid urban wants and has a chance w/ unlike ferns, gedeon n smith he will get him ove hoke guranteed. they can have the 3rd best linebacker in r st in 2014 we'll take the top 2 out of ohio and the top 2 natioanlly. point is hoke is not out recruiting urban they just have a bigger class but r guys r clearly better
O'Deez330
stark county football
No offense to anyone that has previously posted opinions, but if an Ohio kid picks My-bitch-again over us, I hope his classmates piss on his jersey before every game until he flees our state... I'd rather take a Booker-Garrrett-McMillan linebacker core (curse whoever would rather have anyone that commits to TSUN over a potential Buckeye) than some kid that plays St. Clairsville's competition and favors MeatChicken... I will never wish a Michigan commit 'the best'... It doesn't help a Michigan fan stole then married an ex of mine.
And that's why we call them scUM
Why can't we just say Michigan beat us in 2013 in recruiting by a small margin and we best them in 2012 by a small margin. We are both getting great players, whether they play in Ohio, Florida, Texas, or Mars does not matter. Michigan is back, however there is a storm brewing in Columbus that will be ready for the challenge. I think our advantage will be playmakers in the front 7. We will have elite athletes in the front 7 every year, while Michigan will look like our old front 7s. While that is extremely talented, it won't quite be as dominant as ours. I also think Greg Mattison won't stick around too much longer, I have no inside knowledge just a gut feeling. That should slow down Michigans dominating recruiting a bit.
"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."
Nothing else seems to be popping up, so this is pretty much all set. See ya tomorrow.