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

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Quick Bits 8/11

  • Ja'Juan Story spoke with a good source at Ohio State yesterday and asked about possibly transferring to Ohio State, and he was told there's no room.
  • Mike Mitchell unofficially visits Oklahoma, was offered 3 days ago by the Sooners
  • Jonathan Hilliman unofficially visits Boston College
  • Alvin Bailey says UCF leads and he's close to deciding
  • Tony Brown unofficially visits Texas
  • Per Chad Simmons: Here at Ridgeland watching 5-star safety Vonn Bell. He is so smooth. and others remain in the mix
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Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) has been committed to the University of Georgia since April.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound safety, once strong in his convictions to be a Bulldog, now appears to have had some questions surface. Playing time, and how he fits into the depth chart, are foremost in his mind.

"It has been good," Glass said of his commitment to Georgia. "I have been talking to them about the safety spot. They have about four or five safeties and that is making me a little itchy and I am just trying to see what is going to happen with them before I make a decision."

His pledge to the Bulldogs never really stopped others from staying actively in the picture. Some of the prominent regional schools as well as national powers have been sure to let Glass know that they are interested.

"A couple of teams have still been talking to me like Florida, Clemson, Tennessee, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Southern Cal, schools like that," he said.

Pitt Holds Closed Scrimmage: Dorian Johnson Makes Appearance; Lafayette Pitts Has Big Day (Cardiac Hill)

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Got a chance to check out Pitt's first scrimmage today. This goes without saying, but thanks again to Senior Associate A.D. E.J. Borghetti for inviting us down this year.

Onto the fun.

Fairly big news is that Dorian Johnson was at Pitt's practice. It's not huge, considering he recently decommitted from Penn State and that we already know he has some interest in Pitt. But, well, there it is.

The first thing everyone always wants to know is about the quarterbacks. We mostly only saw Tino Sunseri and Trey Anderson in the scrimmage. Chad Voytik got in for a series early on (a few incompletions, and a nice scramble) but we didn't see much of him other than the drills and, as fully expected, Trey Anderson appears to be firmly entrenched as the backup right now. Before the scrimmage began Voytik and transfer Tom Savage did participate in some drills. The more experienced Savage looked pretty solid and throws a nice ball. Barring something unforeseen, he'll be in the mix to start next year when he's eligible.

In the game, Sunseri looked about how I'd expect. He was more comfortable than last year (though, this was of course, only a scrimmage). Not a lot of deep balls, but he found Cam Saddler on one (probably about 30 yards or so) down the sideline early on. He also connected on a few 20+ passes in a row later on. Trey Anderson looked fine and made a few nice throws, but of Pitt's options this season, Sunseri is still clearly the best one. One disturbing trend for both quarterbacks was that quite a few balls were knocked down. Each had three by my count and while part of that's due to their size, they need to find a way around it.

With the Juantez Hollins suspension and the Tom Ricketts injury, we already know the team is thin on the offensive line. The unit played okay, but the defense broke through fairly easy on more than one occasion. The second team featured plenty of newcomers, including true freshman Adam Bisnowaty, who looks like he's going to see significant action this year. Another guy to pay attention to is redshirt freshman Artie Rowell, the backup center. Rowell will be in line to start next season as only a redshirt sophomore and Pitt will be relying on him heavily for the next few years.

Ray Graham played only briefly early on before taking the rest of the day off, so Isaac Bennett did most of the heavy lifting. He broke two big runs of 30+ yards by my count and if Pitt needs to lean on him a lot this year, he'll be a good option. Rushel Shell will contribute as well, but didn't have a great day. He was bottled up and kept in check for the most part and also had a fumble and a few rushes for losses. He did have a nice touchdown to cap off a drive early, but he's clearly significantly behind Bennett right now.

The receivers had a decent day. There were drops of course, and Mike Shanahan sat out with an injury - he missed Friday's practice as well. But Cam Saddler was pretty impressive, including that deep ball I mentioned early on. The big thing about the receivers was the use of the tight ends. Hubie Graham and JP Holtz made some nice catches in the middle of the field and I think that's something we'll see consistently in Chryst's offense this season and beyond.

More on the scrimmage and a few guys to watch for after the jump.

On defense, there's been a lot of concern about the fairly new defensive line. Hard to put together a great analysis on them because the offensive line clearly needs work. But they did put good pressure on the quarterback - especially as the game wore on. They also looked really sharp in goal-line drills, repeatedly shutting down the running game.

The breakout guy, without question (to me, anyway), was cornerback Lafayette Pitts. I hate to hype someone up so much after seeing them in a single scrimmage, but he looked like a flat out star today. He had an interception and great pass coverage, breaking up a few plays. Pitts had a huge hit on Ronald Jones that drew the first big reaction from the small crowd watching. He also had a lot of first team reps and while it's early, I'm guessing he's got the inside track to a starting spot. If that weren't enough, he broke back a long kickoff return, too.

One guy that jumped out a bit on offense was wide receiver Josh Brinson. He's very athletic and made some great plays. He had a drop in the end zone for what should have been a touchdown, but he's definitely one to watch out for on offense. He was hard to stop and transfer Cullen Christian picked up a pass interference while trying to cover him on a catch near the end zone.

A third guy you might not hear that much about this season but is one to watch for next year is Bam Bradley. He played a lot in the scrimmage with the second team and absolutely blew Rushel Shell up - probably the biggest hit of the day. Also got in on a few tackles and I expect him to play a big role down the line.

Also, special teams doesn't get a lot of mention, but Kevin Harper's got some leg. He missed a mid-range field in the scrimmage, but hit on a few others. I watched him a bit working out while the scrimmage was going on, and he hit a few kicks of nearly 50 yards and had about 10-15 yards to spare.

Will have more with some quotes from head coach Paul Chryst a bit later. Cardiac Hill will also be at practices later next week.

Buckeyefan52's picture
Buckeyefan52 on 11 Aug 2012 - 4:12pm #

WOW.. no room for Story. The staff must really like the 2013 recievers left and our chances with them.

Bj Mullens over Sully's picture
Bj Mullens over... on 11 Aug 2012 - 4:13pm #

Staff must feel good about landing 1 or 2 recievers they want in this class to turn down Jajuan Story.

Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens

Ohiothomas1's picture
Ohiothomas1 on 11 Aug 2012 - 4:20pm #

At first I was a little bit disappointed to hear that there was no room for Story, but then I realized that it must mean that the staff must feel pretty good about landing 1-2 receivers in the Class of 2013.

Set your avi
OSU2002Grad on 11 Aug 2012 - 5:16pm #

Looks like Mitchell is slipping away. Damn. Keep striking out on OL and LB.

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Buckeye06 on 11 Aug 2012 - 5:54pm #

02Grad,

As soon as I saw that I honestly thought the same thing.  Then I remembered he's in North Texas and OU is probably only like 2-3 hours from his house.  So obviously it'll be easier for him to get there for a quick trip.

We could lose him but this isn't as bad as you and I both initially thought perhaps

HighBallAce's picture
HighBallAce on 11 Aug 2012 - 6:23pm #

I'm pretty sure Mitchell will either be a Sooner or a Aggie.

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schooey on 11 Aug 2012 - 6:26pm #

I really want Mitchell to be a Buckeye. I hope all is not lost with him. 

Bj Mullens over Sully's picture
Bj Mullens over... on 11 Aug 2012 - 6:44pm #

Mitchell hasn't even visited OSU yet, be patient lol, doubt his younger brother wants to play for A and M or OU's Bball program.

Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens

J.Mo's picture
J.Mo on 11 Aug 2012 - 6:44pm #

With the scholly reductions there is no room for Story because we can't afford to have someone on scholly sitting out a year.

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 11 Aug 2012 - 7:18pm #

I really hope Mitchell still goes with OSU...I know everyone here that covers recruiting seems to believe he's for sure going to visit and then commit.  Just wondering more and more each day bc there's been no conformation on a visit.  I like most thought a visit would seal the deal...but it's been pretty quiet on that subject lately.  Was very confident that OSU had him all but in the bag... I'm not so sure now.  Not just because of the visit to OU...more how quiet it's been about a visit to OSU.  

"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 

Ohiothomas1's picture
Ohiothomas1 on 11 Aug 2012 - 7:39pm #

If Mitchell does choose elsewhere, than I will be a little pissed - and let me explain why. We all remember at the Opening that Mitchell said he was extremely high on the Buckeyes, and it was not a question of if he is committing, rather when he would. All the experts were saying he was as much of a lock as could be. However, Oklahoma offers a couple days ago and suddenly they're legitimate contenders? They were really never even in the picture until 2 or 3 days ago. How could a kid be so sure about one school, and then all of a sudden think that maybe he should go elsewhere. I understand that there can be major turnarounds, but remember, experts had said that he had said that it was not a matter of what school, but when he would decide to commit to the school he had already known he would commit too. That's what really urks me. He obviously didn't think before he talked those past couple of weeks ago, and completely went off on how much Buckeye love he had. It seems now things have changed. I could be completely off on this (and hopefully so, because then he would be a Buckeye), but I'm not too happy about how this is playing out.

sox33osu's picture
sox33osu on 11 Aug 2012 - 7:39pm #

I find it so hard to believe that we can't make room for a WR with Story's talent and size. Kenny Hayes just left, so there's one scholarship opening. Who are we saving room for? I know we have Marshall and Jacobs so far in the 2013 class and it sounds like we'd add Gibson. However, we are still thin at the position.

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buckeyestu on 11 Aug 2012 - 7:43pm #

well maybe quick and timmons are for sure goin to be scarlet and gray, if there is not room for story?

 

TheBadOwl's picture
TheBadOwl on 11 Aug 2012 - 8:26pm #

Wow, Mitchell takes ONE visit to a school close to his house, and everyone here assumes that we have no shot at him now. Wow, guys.

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

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kmp10 on 11 Aug 2012 - 8:31pm #

People are turning the Mitchell recruitment into another Anzalone situation. Worrying, wondering and guessing as to what's going on in that 17 year old mind. Mitchell is a child; immature and naive like all kids his age. He cannot be taken at his word, like most every teenager. It's not that I'm calling him a liar, but like most teens he's flaky, indecisive and blows with the wind. On Monday Ohio State is the school of choice. The next week it's A&M, then FSU and now Oklahoma. When you're dealing with 17 year olds that's to be expected. As always in these situations I feel it's incumbent on the parent to strongly advise the son to refrain from making any comments specific to which school he likes until he is 100% ready to commit. When you're ready to call coach Meyer (or Stoops, or whomever) and commit then, and only then, should you make your intentions public...  Stop obsessing. He'll either come or he wont, and there's nothing anyone on here can do about it.

Bj Mullens over Sully's picture
Bj Mullens over... on 11 Aug 2012 - 9:00pm #

Except Osu has always been the favorite, A and M and FSU were just rumors.... Osu visit is a lot harder to make than an OU visit for him.  Just be patient for when his family can have time to go down and make a visit, remember he has like 8 siblings who are active in sports, probably hard for the parents to find perfect time for visit Osu all the way from Texas.

Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens

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ohio gf on 11 Aug 2012 - 9:13pm #

Relax people....he will come to OSU for a visit.....Ohio State will be fine if he doesn't decide to be a Buckeye.

 

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 11 Aug 2012 - 10:55pm #

Let me clarify...for the ppl who like to over analyze words on a computer screen for some strange reason.  I am not worrying or losing sleep over a 17 year old kid nor did I with Anzalone (wasn't a big fan of his dad's big mouth but another convo for another day).  I read what I see on here and make comment(s) from that.  I'm not saying it's all over with...did I or anyone above...???  NO.  It's a similar kind of history repeating...just like after the Opening.  He got heavier interest from OSU...was supposed to commit then didn't. Was supposed to visit, then didn't.  Then gets an offer from OU and visits in 3 days time.  I'd say that's cause for concern with the locale being so close...but what I know I suppose.  

I'd be more incline to say...so many seem very over confident that OSU has all but signed him and has no need to be concerned about it without the visit like Baugh (however this is much different bc the family wants Mike to visit first).   I really think most of us just want as many good ppl on the team as possible.  No kidding they're 17 or 18...that's the point that we want these "kids" to come to OSU.  I liked it when ppl just left their own comments and didn't make others into something they're not.  Saying someone's off base for wondering what Mike's going to do when no one really knows where he's going to commit to is the funny part to me.

 http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/high-schools/prestonwood-christian-news/headlines/20120810-plano-prestonwood-linebacker-mike-mitchell-will-visit-oklahoma-sooners.ece

"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 

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 12 Aug 2012 - 12:22am #

If you read the article above he says playing early is his #1 priority. He will obviously be behind Grant for 2 years if he comes to us. I don't see us landing this kid if that's the case. I'm ok with picking up Lewis and stealing the kid from UF tho. I'm more interested as to why we turned Story away. Big physical receivers are a need for us and we just turned one down. I know he'd have to sit for a year but I'm ok with it. Next year and the year after are the title runs. I'm hoping we land 2 of the remaining targets now: Gibson, Quick, North, Timmons, or Stevens.

snoodogg22's picture
snoodogg22 on 12 Aug 2012 - 12:44am #

Hey everyone, pretty sure Urban knows what he is doing. Save the worrying!

Tough times never last, tough people do

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Buckster on 12 Aug 2012 - 10:45am #

Coach Meyer wants pure speed with good hands at the receiver positions. 

Long way to go til February 2013 signing day. 

Have a whole season to play first.

FROMTHE18's picture
FROMTHE18 on 12 Aug 2012 - 11:02am #

I think with the potential Mitchell-to-elsewhere scenario, itd just be another example of how the 'expert' opinions of recruiting are only slightly more accurate as those of us decently-informed commoners... it is difficult to be certain in recruiting...think about Heureman and how he was 100% Buckeye then within a couple days picks ND... I think itd be better to understand it as a % rather than a dichotomy (Buckeye or not Buckeye)... Mitchell to my knowledge is 75% OSU, 25% TAMU... I think anybody would visit OU if they offered and u were so close to drive there... what would be extremely surprising is if he doesnt visit OSU with all that has been said and all he has said... I think if he does visit then its in the bag (>99% OSU)

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 12 Aug 2012 - 12:07pm #

Agreed fromthe18^^^was my whole point above like 3 times but ppl like to make others out to be overly concerned when in all acctuality I just like to put different points out there to consider.  I think if he visits, then he's in.  The article I had sent to me last night was all I needed to see.  He's supposed to visit in the next few weeks.  Guess we'll see...

"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 

Ohiothomas1's picture
Ohiothomas1 on 12 Aug 2012 - 1:54pm #

I agree with Fromthe18. Heuerman, Courtney Love, and a couple others are some who come to mind to me.

Crimson's picture
Crimson on 12 Aug 2012 - 3:44pm #

I'm not sure I see anything that says he doesn't want to come to OSU.  My interpretation has been that he's 80% OSU (from the Opening), but his parents probably convinced him (or he made a deal with his parents) that he should visit OSU before committing, as well as some others for comparison.  I've also heard FSU was the other possibility, and that A&M was just close to his new home.  I think he's just doing some visits now and coming to OSU sometime (he's never said when, so don't jump ship).  Then, after he's visited OSU and a few other schools, he'll make his decision with his parents' approval.  Again, this assumes he has good parents, but I haven't seen otherwise.

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