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Watson VS. Barker

We only have the offer to Watson, but he is a Clemson commit.  I do have faith in our coaching staff, and think that Watson may be the better fit, but do we run out of time on Barker if we wait too long and miss on both.  To me, it looks like Barker fits that Tebow style with his size, and the fact that he can toss it better than Tebow is just an added bonus in my opinion.  Not to mention the relationship he has developed with all of our targets for 2014.

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Silver_bullet_tex on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:26pm #

I am curious who gets the offer. I like Barker, but I don't think we take a recruit because it might help us get others. If Barker gets the offer it is because it's who we want.

stanton6's picture
stanton6 on 9 Dec 2012 - 11:21pm #

I agree with you, just mentioning the added value.

QuadrupleZ

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:33pm #

I agree... If we wait too much longer I believe we could miss on Barker. I like him because he's a pass first QB who can run when needed. From everything I read about him his leadership skills are his best aspect. I understand the staff loves Watson, but I think real pressure on Watson would be to offer another QB. I think we have to get a real good QB in 2014 because you never know how Barrett's knee is going to hold up. 

lljjgg's picture
lljjgg on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:53pm #

I tend to agree with you.

I also personally don't see Watson ever decommiting from Clemson (unless Dabo was fired, which isn't going to happen in the next several years [he wins enough to be good and secure his job, but not enough to be elite or ever challenge for a championship]). With that in mind, I personally feel Barker is the next best option out there. Garrett and McMillan (#2 OLB and #2 ILB from 2014 class according to 247) both seem really eager to play with Barker. Barker seems to be in love with OSU. All of those things say to me that we should keep the Watson offer out there in case he changes his mind, but pursue Barker as the guy. The only other people even in the conversation are Jerrod Heard and DJ Gillins and they're both already committed as well. William Ulmer has the run game, but isn't much of a thrower. So it feels a lot like they're waiting for Watson to change his mind, which doesn't seem likely to happen. Why not offer the #3 Dual-Threat QB in the country, who both happens to be uncommitted and a huge OSU fan?

Hopefully there's something going on behind the scenes that none of us know about!

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SpoonerBuck33 on 11 Dec 2012 - 7:19pm #

Watsons Clemson verbal hinges more on OC Chad Morris' future than Dabo

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Gfish405 on 12 Dec 2012 - 2:45am #

Chad Morris seems to be the front runner for the Texas Tech job.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 12 Dec 2012 - 9:14am #

Let's be honest guys... Tom Herman isn't going to be at OSU for very long either so Watson will have to be sold on OSU and Urban Meyer.  Not the O coordinator.

BuckinBama's picture
BuckinBama on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:36pm #

Watson is better, and Barrett's knee is going to hold up just fine. However I'm not a fan of putting all my eggs in one basket (Watson) when another great player can be had (Barker).

Statutoryglory's picture
Statutoryglory on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:38pm #

Don't sleep on the 14 QB sitting behind Cardale Jones for a bit.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 9 Dec 2012 - 11:02pm #

If Cardale passes his classes. You know he ain't come there to play school! 

Triv's picture
Triv on 9 Dec 2012 - 11:07pm #

I've heard from multiple sources that Cardale actually does fairly well in class. He is easily academically eligible. Just let off some steam on twitter, and since hes an athlete it was blown out of proportion

Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 9 Dec 2012 - 11:18pm #

Weird that he had to go to the military academy to get eligible for OSU, but then he does well at OSU. 

On the other hand, I thought high school was harder than college myself. 

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btalbert25 on 9 Dec 2012 - 11:26pm #

Agreed, the hardest paper I ever had to write was my senior research paper for English in High school.  Nothing in college ever compared honestly. 

Statutoryglory's picture
Statutoryglory on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:31am #

He went to the academy to put some eligibility distance between him and Braxton.  He knew he wasn't beating out Braxton.  So did Tressel.

William's picture
William on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:33am #

You folks are crazy. HS was/is a joke compared to college. I don't think I ever had to put forth any effort to get an A in a class, or if I did, it was minimal at best. The amount of effort to get an A in college isn't necessarily hard, but it's much more difficult than high school.

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ausmos on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:56am #

Probably depends on the high school and college you attended, along with your major/classes in college. 

As far as Cardale is concerned, his tweet was probably just blowing off steam. There were a lot of times in college where I wondered what the point of most of my classes was (still do wonder why I had to take a lot of classes that I was required to take.)

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btalbert25 on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:06pm #

My high school was about twice as expensive as instate tuition for the college I attended.  My high school was pretty tough.  Survey courses in college are pretty easy no matter where you go, but the upper level liberal arts classes I took in my history degree(and my college had one of the better history departments in the country) still weren't as hard as my high school senior research paper in English.  Of course, it was probably because that paper was so hard that my college papers seemed so easy.

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tennbuckeye19 on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:09pm #

I know from what you've said that you went to NKU for college, but where did you go to high school?

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btalbert25 on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:11pm #

A small catholic school called St. Henry.

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:22pm #

^^^^^Really...???  Hemmelgarn ring a bell??  I coached against him and he ran ALL OVER our defense when I coached at Marion Pleasant (I tried to tell the Def. Coor. but he thought the QB would hurt us more...guess I was right bc he rushed for over 180 yards).  He's in the army now or at least he was....talk about a stud.  Rushed for over 1000 yards in five games in the play offs.  Good kid too.

"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 

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jrich612 on 11 Dec 2012 - 12:38pm #

There are a lot of aspects of college that fit better to people than high school. College has a lot less restriction on how we learn and what we need to do to get grades. I remember writing papers in high school that required me to learn every type of citation there is, but in college i have never had a professor ask for more than simple MLA. College also allows the brightest to take off on their own where high school has to rein everyone in together. 

Squirrel Master's picture
Squirrel Master on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:26am #

or it could be that Cardale is not that great at SAT/ACT but does well in class. He could be a bad test taker.

Plus I am pretty sure that twitter post was probably him goofing. We talk about HS players goofing on twitter, I'm sure some OSU players do the same sometimes. They know who is watching. He could be that idiotic but I doubt it.


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osubuck57 on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:48pm #

Think we need to offer Barker as well.Not a proponent of ONLY offering 1 QB,especially someone who already has verballed,not to mention I think Barker is the better gun slinger.May lose a step running,but like all his other intangiables just a bit better than Watsons'.SEC is heating up on Barker as well.Could miss out on both if we play this wrong!!

SCOTTC.

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btalbert25 on 9 Dec 2012 - 10:55pm #

QB recruiting should start and end with Barker in 2014.  Guy is going to be an absolute stud in college.  Would hate to lose out on him.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:39am #

Is Cardale Jones good enough to hold off JT Barrett and the 2014 QB (Barker/Ulmer/Watson)? 

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btalbert25 on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:53am #

i'm ok with him being that good.  I'm not sure if he is, but if Jones, Barrett and the 2014 QB all end up being capable and competent college QB's we'll end up with a nice option no matter who we go with.  

Miles Joseph's picture
Miles Joseph Staff on 10 Dec 2012 - 2:47am #

I would take Watson over Barker all day, especially in this offense. Worth the wait.

There are PLENTY of good QB options in 2014, not to mention already having Barrett in the 2013 class.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 10 Dec 2012 - 9:15am #

I understand Watson might be more athletic than Barker and better suited for this offense, but I'm looking at leadership capabilities.  You can be a stud QB, but with no leadership skills in my mind you are basically worthless to the team.  Barker has shown the leadership abilities through the relationships he has built with the other recruits and through his actions on the field. 

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:24pm #

I agree with this above from Miles^^^ I personally believe that's why we haven't seen any other QB get offered as of yet.  Watson's decision to attend Clemson may change.  A couple years back, OSU and Tress tried like hell to get Tosh Boyd...something tells me Urban won't lose this one;-)

 

LOL at the down vote...for what exactly???  I thought they'd catch you for that stuff...evidently not!

"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 

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btalbert25 on 11 Dec 2012 - 8:15pm #

My guess is because his name is spelled Tajh Boyd.  Shouldn't have been downvoted, but spelling and grammar are probably going to start getting nailed. 

 

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sir rickithda3rd on 10 Dec 2012 - 3:25am #

also i feel like the staff has shown barker quite a bit of attention... with limited scholarships and all... im so happy urban and co are the coaches

mark may wins douchebag of the year... again

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WayCraKen on 10 Dec 2012 - 8:05am #

I see Barker ending up at Kentucky along with Timmons and several other top performers including 1 or 2 of those Trinity kids. The coaching staff they aquired includes coaches from the #2 defense and the #2 offense. Air Raid offense is going to be fun to watch and I see Kentucky 8-4 next year. 

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ausmos on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:16am #

Kentucky 8-4? Good joke. Lucky to go 6-6. They play Louisville, Florida, at S. Carolina, and Alabama all in a row. They then have to play at Vanderbilt and at Georgia. Has Kentucky ever won 8 games in regular season? They had the air raid offense in the late 90's, and they were still mediocre at best. They will never be good as long as they are in the SEC.

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GoldenBearBuckeye on 11 Dec 2012 - 8:33pm #

Agree. 

They probably won 8 games when Bear Bryant was there.

They may not win 8 games combined in the next 2 years.  Louisville's near the best they've ever been, and same with Vandy. UT is not likely to stay in the Kiffin/Dooley hole much longer.  Didn't they used to play Indiana every year?  Bet they are sorry they discontinued that series.

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btalbert25 on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:28am #

Kentucky has only had a few 8 win seasons in their history, I don't think they'll have one next year at all.  They may pull one off in the Stoops Era there, but they have a long way to go.  This year t hey truly were one of the worst teams in college football.

buckeye76BHop's picture
buckeye76BHop on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:34am #

May be in 3 years Way...but not next year.

"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 

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WayCraKen on 11 Dec 2012 - 7:50pm #

I am basing 8-4 on a few things. 

1. Better coaching All Around

2. Last years top 2 QBs were out after game 3 so hard to judge how bad they were. Barely lost to Georgia and S Carolina when Joker still had a chance but after the announcement was made was when they folded their tent. 

3.  Last years team was very young 80% Fresmen and Sopmores. 

4.  Nice 2013 recruiting year (Possibly)

5. They beat Louisville and WKU to start off the year. Louisville is very beatable mark my word. 

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GABuckeye on 14 Dec 2012 - 9:10pm #

.

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buck-I.8 on 10 Dec 2012 - 8:47am #

Watson is 6'3'', 200 lbs, can run, and has a can. Barker is a great athlete and a nice kid and all, but he's on the next tier.

Optimistic Buckeye Pessimist's picture
Optimistic Buck... on 10 Dec 2012 - 9:46am #

The staff wants who they want.  They won't play games or do package deals.  Everyone relax, there's over a year before 2014 NSD. 

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 10 Dec 2012 - 9:50am #

I gotta disagree... I don't think you can relax on your QB... The whole team runs through the QB... It's like a baseball team... Everything starts with who you put on the mound... In football everything starts with who you put under center.  We can't afford to take chances and miss on some real good QB's.

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buck-I.8 on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:00am #

Yeah but the conversation isn't "Will Braxton Miller improve next year", it's "Let's predict which 16/17 year old will be better, and then put all our eggs in one basket."  

QB is important, as whomever we get to sign will be. But until then, we don't know better than the coaches, and relaxing is probably the best option.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:12am #

I wasn't talking about Braxton improving... I was talking about relaxing on the recruitment of our future signal caller.  I don't believe you can relax on that.  It's the most important position on the team and we can't miss out on guys like Barker.  I think you have to offer Barker.  That will put pressure on Watson.  I don't see Watson flipping... He is probably going to be able to go in and start pretty quick at Clemson.  At OSU he would have to sit for a couple of years most likely.  If we miss on Watson and Barker then we are left with Ulmer who's throwing looks pretty bad.  Maybe Jerrod Heard from Texas.  Watson and Barker are your 2 top spread guys in this class and Watson is already committed. 

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buck-I.8 on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:42am #

Yeah, I was offering up an analogy for you. But here's where you're not following me:

Im not saying the coaches should relax on recruitment, because they're not, and they're, like, you know, paid to do this and stuff. 

I'm saying I agree with the other poster in saying that you (meaning all of us) should relax on the recruitment, because I doubt Urban woke up this morning and said "I wonder if 11w agrees with my recruiting strategies, no like I have 2 championship rings or anything, LOL". 

You're saying there are only 3 guys getting considered in this class? Crest and Kizer have gotten considerable attention early in the cycle, Kyle Allen was thought to be top on the list for a while, Henderson (though I've heard rumblings about grades) as well, and others will pop up (because that's how it works. See: JT Barrett).

It is for these reasons that I agree with the other poster: relax

Optimistic Buckeye Pessimist's picture
Optimistic Buck... on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:46am #

I disagree and I don't think we are relaxing.  There's a difference between slacking/relaxing and doing due diligence.  We're in a spot where we have limited scholarships and we can't afford to miss.  If Barker wants to be a Buckeye, he'll wait for an offer.  If he doesn't want to be a Buckeye, then whether or not he has an offer is a moot point.  For as young and immature as we want to think these kids are, they aren't going to commit to a school early to spite a school that has been in close contact and has been open with them about where they stand on QB offers.  If Barker commits to a school now, it's because he feels it's the best place for him and not because OSU waited to offer him.  

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buckeyestu on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:12am #

with uk hiring neal brown, now, i see barker maybe staying home with timons too.

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btalbert25 on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:28am #

Barker "staying home" would be more apt to go to UC than UK.  I've never really heard or read where he has shown interest in UK.  South Carolina sounded much higher on the list than anyone and he's commented on how nice his visit to Louisville was as well.  I would be surprised if he went to UK when he has other offers of bigger, more successful programs than UK. 

I'm not saying he'll end up in Columbus as he has no offer, but if he had an offer from Uk and Ohio State, he ain't going to UK.  Hell if Peterson ends up in Wisconsin he could go there, they are on his list. Unless he has a real love for UK, I think he'll end up at a school where he can walk right in to a successful situation and win a lot of games.  At UK, he won't have that.  At best, he can win 7 or 8 games at UK, and I am not that confident they'll get to that level even.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:23am #

I'm not sure if Barker has a connection to these coaches at UK, but I can't see him going to UK in the SEC.  If he has offers from other SEC schools he would be crazy to go to UK.  He could probably go in and take over for Conner Shaw at USCe.  I don't think distance is going to play a role in his recruitment. 

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btalbert25 on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:30am #

I totally agree.  UK has landed a couple of high profile QB's from the state, BUT Tim Couch was from a small mountain county where EVERYONE loved UK.  It was in his blood.  Jared Lorenzon ended up at  UK because his best friend and high school team mate was going to play at UK as well.  Plus, they were still enjoying some success that the Couch era teams had.

 

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WayCraKen on 11 Dec 2012 - 7:57pm #

UK has 4* Patrick Towles from Highlands which may keep Barker away but the draw for any QB would obviously be the Air Raid offense. Barker can fling it downfield. 

I would hate to see him go to S Carolina. Spurrier crushes QBs when things dont go well. IMO one of the worst coaches for a promising QB. 

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buckeyestu on 10 Dec 2012 - 10:38am #

it will be interesting to see what neal brown does at uk for sure.

Squirrel Master's picture
Squirrel Master on 10 Dec 2012 - 11:44am #

I wouldn't be too sure that whatever 2014 QB would be of great importance. JT Barrett will get first crack and he is no slouch. So before everyone gets worked up over 2014 QBs, lets take a breather. I'm sure there will be at least 1 pretty good QB in the class no matter who it was.

 


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buckeyestu on 10 Dec 2012 - 12:29pm #

yeah i agree squirrel master, there will be a very good qb available.

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Becool12 on 11 Dec 2012 - 12:54pm #

I would personally take Barker over Watson. Meyer has fallen in love with the Braxton Miller type quarterbacks like Ulmer, Barrett, Watson but none of these players are quite Braxton Miller. If you look at the past, Meyer often recruit the type that he is currently successful with. That's why after Tebow, he recruited Newton who was a big athlete and Brantley, who was also big, but less mobile and more of a passer. Brantley didn't live up to the hype, but he fit the mold. Now, with his success with Miller, continue to see Urb go after these small agile quarterbacks. I would be surprised to see Barker or Henderson or Crest, Kizer, ect., get an offer before these smaller athletes.

buck-I.8's picture
buck-I.8 on 11 Dec 2012 - 12:56pm #

Uhh Watson is 6'3'' 200 lbs. Not exactly what I'd call small, I see him more in the Newton mold.

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Becool12 on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:08pm #

I will believe that when he measures in for college. His only combine measurements are from ESPN and they have him at 6'2, 175. Which is right there where Braxton is. I actually think Braxton may be closer to 6'1 ish plus or minus half an inch.

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btalbert25 on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:14pm #

Isn't Braxton playing quite a bit bigger now than he did his Jr year in high school though?  I'll take a Jr who is 6'2" and 175.  By the time he sees the field he'll be much closer to that 200lb mark is my guess.

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Becool12 on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:19pm #

That was kinda my point. I likened Watson to Braxton. And Braxton is a lot bigger than he was in high school. He is pratically a running back now in terms how much muscle he has added

 

luckynutz's picture
luckynutz on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:41pm #

If I'm not mistaken, braxton has been listed at 6'2 220, isn't he? Not necessarily small by any means.

Squirrel Master's picture
Squirrel Master on 11 Dec 2012 - 3:10pm #

Barrett is not quite like Braxton? Are you serious? True he doesn't run quite as well as Braxton, although he is a hell of a runner, but Barrett has just as much leadership and can throw a much better ball. I think you underestimate Barrett like alot of people are. The kid competes and is probably the best throwing dual threat QB in the next couple of classes.

Plus you can't just label Urban as to sticking with a certain type. He gos after who he thinks will win games for the buckeyes. He doesn't care if the guy is 7' feet tall or 5'9''. As long as the guy can run his offense and win! Plus ability to run does help but you can say that pretty much about most of these guys. Braxton is by far the best runner but most of these other guys might actually throw a better ball. I know Barrett does without a doubt!

 


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Becool12 on 11 Dec 2012 - 3:57pm #

I definitely am not overlooking Barrett. I never said was bad or even average. I personally think Barrett is a very good qb recruit and is the best dual threat in this years class. I just don't think there will be another player who can keep plays alive and come alive in big moment like Braxton Miller. And though, you can recruit players like him, they won't be as dynamic as him. And Barrett may be the better thrower of the two but I remember 2 years ago, when Braxton was coming out of high school and enrolled early, people were saying how great of a thrower he was and how he was the perfect example of a dual threat. Now, we see he is a better than a passer. So, we can't exactly know how  great players will be until they actually come and play. 

 

In response to the Meyer recruiting a certain type of quarterback thing, I think there is a trend. His inherited quarterback at Florida was Leake, who was every bit of 5'10 but was a great leader and passer. He was drew Brees but he had a lot of upside. Then from there was Tebow. Tebow was a huge beast. He was a big powerful full back at quarterback. After that was Cam Newton, who got kicked out. Then Brantley, who was supposed to be a decently mobile quarterback with accuracy out of this world. Then Trey Burton who was not the size of the other guys, but he was was still strong and powerful. Then Driskel another big running quarterback. Now, that trend only has one pro style quarterback. That one guy but even he ran a legit 4.6 fourty. Now, since enheriting Braxton Miller, Meyer has went hard after the quarterbacks that fit the mold of Braxton, hence Barrett having a commitable offer and players like Trubinsky not having one. As well as the Barker-Watson-Henderson-Ulmer-Kizer situation. 

Squirrel Master's picture
Squirrel Master on 11 Dec 2012 - 9:06pm #

I think Urban is more diverse than that. You point to the trend in Florida and then you point to a possible trend in OSU. but then if you take into account his stops in Bowling Green and then Utah, I think he forms his offense around what is useful at that time and who he likes. I think whoever he finds that is elite at zone read, runs well, will be who he works with. When you look at Josh Harris (6'1''), Alex Smith (passing QB who can run), Tebow and the UF QBs (big in stature, runners) and then Braxton and OSU (shorter, faster) kind of shows a diverse style. All it will take is a tall prospect who excels in Urban's style to break your theory. 

Yeah, I think many of us were comparing Braxton to Pryor and against Pryor, Braxton is kind of better when you see it. Braxton is a bit off in accuracy but god I don't miss some of those ducks Pryor would throw! Supposedly Barrett is better than that. 

and really we won't know what Barrett will be like nor will we have an idea of Barker and Watson. It would be nice to have a big, bruising QB who can actually throw though. 


partisan's picture
partisan on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:29pm #

11/30/2012: Deshaun Watson was 31 of 39 for 427 yards and five touchdowns, and rushed for 145 yards with two more scores in a 64-13 win over Harris County in the state quarterfinals.

 

As much as I like Barker.  I'm ok with Urban chasing Watson until signing day.  This kid seems like a beast

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:51pm #

If Urban offers/chases 1 QB until NSD then OSU could possibly end up without a QB in this class.  Offer Barker and hopefully he commits.  If Watson wants to come to the good guys then he can battle it out with Barker/Barrett/Jones for the starting job.

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WezBuck28 on 11 Dec 2012 - 1:58pm #

As crazy as this sounds, I'm ok if we miss out on barker.. Or any other QB in this class.. With Barrett coming in next year we will be set,unless something tragic happens god forbid, so I'd say wait till the fallowing year and go after a QB then.. But hey, that's just me..

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OldColumbusTown on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:19pm #

In a vacuum, that is the perfect scenario.  You recruit a new QB every two years, and you don't have to waste a scholly on 1 or 2 QB's each recruiting class.  However, OSU has seen it happen a few times where they get caught with their pants down because they've relied too heavily on one guy, or they overestimated a recruit's ability.

At a place like OSU, there should be 3 capable major college level quarterbacks on the roster, at least.  4 would be even better.  QB's are so hit and miss in the college game with the combines and high school competition not always being the greatest indicator of college success.  USC, for how long now, has basically been QB U in Division I college football.  Every year they are picking up a top 4-5 QB nationally.  That's the type of draw OSU needs to become, because injuries happen, busts happen, and philosophy changes happen as well.  It's okay to have a senior or junior become a 1st time starter.

Again, in a perfect world you wouldn't need to worry about a QB each year, but it's better to be safe than sorry, especially in an offense where the QB is asked to run the ball and take so many hits.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity"

partisan's picture
partisan on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:07pm #

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/938841/highlights/8490376

 

Pretty long video of Watson highlights for those interested.  Has great instincts at QB and always seems to give his WR a chance to make a play.  First comp that came to mind when I was watching was a more athletic Roethlisberger.  Not to say he will follow the same path as Big Ben (few will) but that's just what I saw.

I've been on the Barker bandwagon for awhile, I'd still love to see him get an offer.  But I trust Urban enough to know that if we have a chance with Watson, he's gotta be our #1 guy on the board.

johnny11's picture
johnny11 on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:06pm #

I just watched highlights on both and it seems that Watson from a potential standpoint is a better candidate. They run read option just like Barker's team does. I think Watson's throwing motion is outstanding just like Barker. There doesn't seem to be any wasted movement. His touch on deep balls is good to. Watson is more dynamic in the open field and has the potential to break the big one, where as Barker is more your consistent 5 yards kind of guy that just plugs away. As far as leadership goes I give the nod to Barker, but that is only because I haven't read up as much on Watson. I think Watson's overall athleticism makes him more intriguing, but I would definitely take Barker too and not be disappointed.

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george_buck on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:56pm #

Watson led his team to the state semifinals last year and is in the state finals this year. I would guess he's a pretty good leader.

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Becool12 on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:15pm #

I am not really a fan of Barker either. I think of Barker as a solid player but not a Heisman type quarterback. I like his size and his mechanics are good but I won't exactly say he is an all american. I just think he would be something good to base a class around. If we target him then go after Watson to start a little competition, then hey I'm not mad. But putting all the eggs in the Watson basket during a time when kids are committing earlier and earlier every year isn't the best idea in my opinion. I would also rather have 2 quarterbacks in this class then 1, since in 2014 Braxton will be a senior, Guiton will be gone, and who knows about the development of Jones or Barrett. 

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btalbert25 on 11 Dec 2012 - 3:31pm #

Well he was only a Jr in high school last season.  He's going to have some holes to fill.  Watson is probably better right now, but he's committed somewhere else anyway.  Urban can work on him, but it'd be nice to have a guy that isn't committed to another team just in case.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 3:32pm #

That's what I'm trying to get across.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:20pm #

I think Barker resembles Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith... Both of those guys are pretty good.  You also mentioned Barker is a 5 yard and keep plugging type of guy.  Kinda of sounds like Tim Tebow who won 2 national titles under Urban.  I want a pass 1st QB, who can scramble when needed.  I don't want a QB who is relied on to run all of the time.

johnny11's picture
johnny11 on 11 Dec 2012 - 2:29pm #

@Buckeyeinsec Watson is a throw first guy as well so what your saying has no relevancy to the topic. His stats are similair or better in some area's to Barker. Barker is great though and has great potential as well. Watson is more dynamic when he runs which i prefer because he can score whenever plus we have plenty of running backs to plug away like Tebow did and keep the QB healthier.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 3:32pm #

BOTH Watson and Barker would flourish under Meyer's system and would be successful at OSU.  I happen to prefer Barker over Watson.  My point is:

If we wait 8-10 more months on a kid to flip his committment we could miss out on the top 2-3 spread QB's in this class.  I understand Meyer is a great recruiter and I'm not doubting that at all. With the kids committing earlier now and trying to recruit other players to their schools I see less flips in the future.  How dumb would it be to commit, recruit other kids to play with you, then flip on NSD? 

Again... Offer Barker and hope he commits.  We would then have one of the top QB's locked up.  If Watson flips and commits to us too, the better off we are.  They can battle it out for the starting job.

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btalbert25 on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:16pm #

I have read a couple of times that Barker would be crazy not to go to South Carolina if he goes to the SEC, but why on earth would any QB want to go play for Spurier.  He jacks around his QB's so much and plays so many head games with them that South Carolina is the last place I'd play if I were a very good QB recruit.

 

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:21pm #

I think Barker could be successful at a number of schools in the SEC.  He throws the ball well enough where he could play in both spread and pro style offenses.  I don't think USCe would be the best school for him in the SEC.  He could probably play all 4 years at UK, Miss St, Mizzou, or Arkansas.  He could sit for a couple of years at any school in the SEC, then come in as a redshirt freshman sophomore. 

tennbuckeye19's picture
tennbuckeye19 on 11 Dec 2012 - 4:27pm #

Also, what QB can Spurrier hang his hat visor on as his great prize for his time @ South Carolina? Seems like if he was such a QB guru, he'd have prospects clamoring to join him in Columbia, but that hasn't been the case.

kareemabduljacobb's picture
kareemabduljacobb on 11 Dec 2012 - 8:49pm #

The QB I really want for '14 is Will Ulmer... He's like a Braxton Miller clone.

Infact ESPN just came out w/ an article about how OSU keeps "wooing" him and how the coaches are telling him he's their next Braxton Miller and how there aren't any other QBs in his class that can run/throw like him.

 

lljjgg's picture
lljjgg on 11 Dec 2012 - 9:28pm #

Did anyone see that Chad Morris (Clemson's OC) apparently just interviewed for the Texas Tech job? If Chad Morris leaves, I wonder if Watson (or even DeMarre Kitt who is currently leaning Clemson) reconsider? That would be HUGE for us!

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/49817/chad-morris-interviews-for-t...

 

otrain2416's picture
otrain2416 on 11 Dec 2012 - 10:47pm #

My arguement for Barker is he's a proven leader, player, and wants to commit early and start recruiting for the school kinda like Morris did up north

Also Watson "fits the system" better but most likely Tom Herman will have a head coaching job somewhere by the time either of these 2 play and we will have a new O coordinator and a different system

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 11 Dec 2012 - 10:55pm #

I agree with you about Barker and I'd like to see him get an offer.  I don't think the offensive system will ever change under Meyer.  His teams will always run a spread attack.  The offensive coordinator he will bring in to take over for Herman will have to run the spread.  I couldn't see Urban coaching a team that runs a pro style offense. 

otrain2416's picture
otrain2416 on 12 Dec 2012 - 12:01am #

i guess when i meant change the system i didnt mean from a spread to a prostyle more like a run dominated spread to one with more of a passing attack. Since a runner like braxton doesnt come around that often is probably where we'll head 

Ahh Saturday's picture
Ahh Saturday on 12 Dec 2012 - 9:49am #

Offer both. Take both. Let them settle the argument on the field.

stanton6's picture
stanton6 on 12 Dec 2012 - 8:11pm #

I would like this scenario

QuadrupleZ

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 12 Dec 2012 - 4:07pm #

A report on ESPN.com has Morris and Kingsbury as the two leaders for the Texas Tech job.  If Morris leaves Clemson that could change things for Watson.  Which ever one we get I hope they lead us to a national title, but I'm personally rooting for Barker over Watson.

 

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8737764/chad-morris-kliff...

 

 

Nick's picture
Nick on 12 Dec 2012 - 4:33pm #

TTU would be smart going for Kingsbury, an alum. That is a job no one really wants apparently so might as well go with an alum that would stay there longer.

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SpoonerBuck33 on 13 Dec 2012 - 6:41am #

Starting to think the plan all along has been to see if Chad Morris would go anywhere before offering another QB. With him staying might be time to move on to Barker now.

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 13 Dec 2012 - 9:09am #

I haven't thought of this, but you might be right.  I don't think the coaching carousel is completely over.  Chip Kelly could still head to the NFL and we might have to see what happens througout bowl season. 

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3technique on 13 Dec 2012 - 8:41am #

I say having Barret in the fold allows for some gambling with recruiting the next QB. I would be happy with any of the above.. Man, that Ulmer kid is FAST!

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george_buck on 14 Dec 2012 - 8:45pm #

Watson plays in his state championship game tonight at 8:30.  You can watch it here.

Rickb25's picture
Rickb25 on 15 Dec 2012 - 12:17am #

I would like to have Barker, Watson does remind me of Braxton, but with his build he could get hurt like Braxton did several times this season. Barker reminds me of Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck, he has enough athletic ability to run our offense and has great touch and a good arm to be able to keep defenses honest. I know some people are saying Watson has a cannon for an arm, but his touch is questionable to me and there are several quarterbacks with cannons for arms, but can't get the job done, for example, Jamarcus Russell. So I hope we get Barker, would love to get Watson also, be nice to have two good QBs commit.

buck-I.8's picture
buck-I.8 on 15 Dec 2012 - 1:30am #

JaMarcus Russel was ridiculous in college, so I think I'd be ok with him at OSU

Buckeye_in_SEC_country's picture
Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 15 Dec 2012 - 1:59am #

Barker>>>>Watson 

TNbuckeye91's picture
TNbuckeye91 on 15 Dec 2012 - 11:09am #

JaMarcus Russel, the only quarterback to consistently sack himself

Statutoryglory's picture
Statutoryglory on 15 Dec 2012 - 11:07am #

I have complete faith in Urban. He recruited two Heisman winning qbs. I also have faith in a certain backup redshirt QB who has the total focus to succeed because he ain't come here to play school. Check out Mike Thomas's Academy highlights and realize Cardale is the one with that cannon and he's put on 40lbs since then. I'm thinking Cam Jr. Barret is going to be stuck between a rock and a hardplace behind Cardale and in front of the 14 QB recruit.

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