Clifton Garrett to decide early

By Alpo -23 January 2013
74 Comments
- Recruiting

Could be huge if we get him inked early...

http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2013/1/23/3905904/ohio-state-recruiting...

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:53am #

Well... He can't technically ink early unless he enrolls early. We might get a verbal commitment, but nothing is done until Feb 2014. I share your enthusiasm tho.

rcbirk21 on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:53am #

thats BIG

Grayskullsession on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:18am #

Lets see:

- Clifton Garrett announces OSU as his leader

- Clifton Garrett announces he might commit early

"if irony were made of strawberries, we' d all be drinking a lot of smoothies right now."

BKshepherd on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:35am #

And our Linebacker issues should no longer be issues with the 13 and potential 14 haul. Let the greatness continue....

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:35am #

The article has him visiting on Feb 2, but the February Visitor Thread has him for Feb 15-17... Which one is correct?

DMcDougal24 on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:43am #

Pretty sure it's the 15-17 since he will be in town for a Core6 showcase.

dubjayfootball90 on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:38am #

The LB core is going to turn into a scary strength in the coming years

bukyze on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:48am #

Back to the good old days when LB's were the identity of our defense. Although our DL is going to be pretty darn good too.

dubjayfootball90 on 23 Jan 2013 - 3:43pm #

Amen, good sir. Great time to be a Buckeye Fan!

farmerbuck on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:39am #

That would be frickin awesome if we could land him. This next class could be down right sick! So good to be a Buckeye!

You have to hate losing more than you love winning! GO BUCKS!!

Buckeyevstheworld on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:40am #

Does he play as mean as he looks?

"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.

dancorona5 on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:50am #

yes haha

Squirrel Master on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:51am #

Getting him would be huge for a couple of reasons, 1. he is a bigtime player and 2. he has a strong bond with Raekwon McMillan that it would be very likely that he would commit to OSU as well. Although I am not as concerned about McMillan because he has been very outspoken about liking the buckeyes.

I am wondering why D'Shawn Hand isn't as high on the buckeyes as much. I thought these guys and Hand were all 3 planning to play together. If Garrett and Kwon both committ, would that increase Hands interest in OSU.

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:05am #

I think if Garrett commits then Booker will be right behind him. I think McMillan wants to let his recruitment go a little longer. I believe he said he wants to announce at an All Star game.

EvanstonBuckeye on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:47am #

@ BIS: I would be very happy with this scenario and agree with you that McMillan will probably let his recruitment stretch a bit. Inevitably, it seems, one group will take longer to come to the table and this year it's WRs, with LBs close behind (though happily resolved); to get these guys in early would be huge and they seem to be conveying a willingness and readiness to jump on board. Fingers crossed.

DefendOhio on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:11am #

Wasn't he at one time thought to be a ND lean?

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:22am #

I think Garrett was a MSU lean, but recently announced OSU is his leader. I think the staff will hold off on his commitment until after Feb. 6th. After that, let the floodgates open!

Ahh Saturday on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:46am #

Garrett did say once that MSU was his leader, but I don't think anyone --including Garrett-- actually believed it.

SpoonerBuck33 on 23 Jan 2013 - 7:34pm #

He played the game where he announced a new leader after every new offer even said Oklahoma was on top for a day. The one thing that tOSU has going is the fact this is his second visit with parents coming and the only school hes brought his parents to. If you follow recruiting closely this is the best possible sign about taking the visit seriously/business trip and usually ends up as good news as far as comittments go.

OSU2002Grad on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:47am #

The thing is that Garrett, Booker, McMillian, Berger, and Bates are the major LB targets. We are in GREAT shape with the first 4. How many do we take?

Keep in mind that Booker could move to DE, McMillian is the key to pulling in the GA recruits, and Beger may go up north if we can't snag him.

Nice problem to have, but the staff has their work cut out for them trying to figure what to do here.

b_pbucksfans on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:54am #

We take all 4 of McMillian, Garrett, Booker and Berger if they want in. You make room for guys like this!

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 12:10pm #

I agree... I think you take all 4 if they want to come to OSU. I don't see any reason not to.

Our big hauls have been on the DL the past 2 recruiting classes. Bring in a large LB class this time and fill in the holes needed in the roster. I know I read that we would probably take 4-5 OL in this class. With a small class it could probably pan out like this... I'm not an expert, just guessing:

QB: 1

RB/Hybrid/Slot: 2

WR: 3

OL: 4-5

DL: 3

LB: 4

DB: 2-3

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 1:20pm #

Add in a TE (Blazevich) and possibly a K too. Also, the WR/ATH spot may even be 4-5 that are taken. Look at all the WR/ATH that have OSU high on their list: Lonnie Johnson, Lattimore, Demarre Kitt, Miles Autry, Trevion Thompson, Snodgrass (although I don't believe he will be part of the class), Scott, etc. YOu have to think that Johnson, Lattimore and Autry are the 3 most likely commits, but they would have to take Kitt and/or Thompson if they want in too.

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 2:03pm #

We only have 18-20 schollies next year... If we take 5 OL, 4 LB, and 4-5 ATH's that doesn't leave much room for anyone else. I could see Urban running some people off or kids seeing writing on the wall after this year.

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 2:05pm #

You all are faltering in one aspect of your WR/ATH math, a lot of these ATH's are not just ridiculous offensive prospects, they also are ridiculous DB prospects. The WR/ATH/DB positions are all going to have overlap.

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 2:59pm #

Umm, not really Elastik. The recruits I mentioned above are being recruited as either WR or ATH. There are several other guys being recruited strictly as DBs, including Jalen Tabor, Jabrill Peppers, Nick Glass, Quin Blanding, Parker Westphal and Tony Brown, among others. So really there is no overlap.

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 3:44pm #

Guys like Lattimore could easily play either side of the ball.

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:06pm #

Simple fact is that we are looking to take probably 5 OL and possibly 4 LB's... That could be half of our recruiting class if we are limited to 18... I've read we can take anywhere between 18-20. If we do 5OL+4LB+1QB+1TE+1P... That's 12 of our schollies right there. Only leaves 8 spots for the 2014 class IF we go to 20. Who do the last 8 go to?

labuck on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:54pm #

That P will turn to a K. Need to replace Basil after next season.

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:05pm #

Good call... My bad... Meant a kicker. Got Townsend this year.

GoldenBearBuckeye on 24 Jan 2013 - 12:22pm #

No need for 5 OL. Throwing numbers at a problem (even depth) does not solve it. We are obviously being super judicious with offers, see e.g., no offer to Trout. Choose the other 3 OL wisely and with Jones in, make the other 3 tackles and then get 4 more the next year

SpoonerBuck33 on 23 Jan 2013 - 7:36pm #

BP Bucks is correct esp since Booker keeps growing and might end up at LEO/Viper.

KBonay on 23 Jan 2013 - 12:29pm #

osubuck57 on 23 Jan 2013 - 12:39pm #

Don't think we get all four.Just my opinion.maybe 2-3 tops.With us getting Mitchell and Johnson this year,no one is gonna want to ride the bench.

SCOTTC.

rdubs on 23 Jan 2013 - 1:28pm #

Top guys don't worry about riding the bench because they are working to be starters no matter where they go. Pretty much all top programs are going to have daunting depth charts and honestly with only one proven starter for next year, I don't think they would be scared off by our LBs. I would be more scared of having 4 in one class, but still top guys aren't frightened by competition because they are looking to be the best no matter who else is there.

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 1:32pm #

I disagree and here's why. While the LB position is filling up nicely, it's not nearly as strong and deep as you think. The only true starter coming back is Shazier as a Jr. and you have to believe that he might leave for the NFL after next year. Then you have the other returning LBs of which none are a sure thing; Grant (position in limbo, either LB or DE), Perry (potential starter), Crowell (transfer possibility), Luke Roberts (transfer possibility), Jamal Marcus (playing time, special teams), Cam Williams (some playing time, special teams, transfer possibility), David Perkins (some PT, special teams, transfer possibility). There are more guys that are transfer possibilities than people think. Then you have the incoming freshmen in Mitchell, Johnson, and Lewis (who is also a hybrid/star position).

If all 4 of McMillan, Booker, Garrett and Berger want in, there's no doubt Urban will take them all. If Berger somehow goes somewhere else, then I think it stops at 3. I don't believe Bates is as high priority.

Just my two cents

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 1:50pm #

Listing kids who didn't start as true freshman, penciling in true-freshman as starters ahead of them next year and then calling them "transfer possibilities" is pretty damn fallacious.

If things break poorly for Williams and Perkins sure, they could *become* transfer possibilities but right now they are coming off of a freshman year where they played prominant roles on special teams and have their entire futures ahead of them.

I know fake recruitniks love to just go MIKE MITCHELL IS GONNA START AND CAM IS GONNA TRANSFER!@#%!! but, well, that reality is akin to walking the yellow brick road in OZ at the moment.

The only 2012 LB that I could see transferring is Roberts and that is because Meyer said during one of this pressers last year that he isn't athletic enough to be more than a role-player. If Meyer still feels that way and sits him down maybe he leaves, but this is just slightly more informed posturing than you're listing random LBS and saying they are transfer possibilities because MIKE MITCHELL!!!!!

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 3:14pm #

Dude, first off all take a deep breath, relax and lay off the drugs. Second, my comments have nothing to do with saying Mike Mitchell is going to automatically start and guys transferring because of Mike Mitchell. This has to do with depth, or lack thereof, at the LB position and everyone competing for 2 spots. Let's face it, there are several tweeners at that position as well as current players who aren't grasping the position as much as Urban wants them to.

And if you think that Luke Roberts is the only one in the LB group who is a legit transfer possibility then you're even more crazy than the post you wrote. Conner Crowell is continuing to battle injuries and probably won't see the field b/c of that as well as falling back on the depth chart. And one of Marcus, Perkins and Williams will consider transferring as well. I'm not saying this to upset people or whatever, I'm just saying it's how the cards will be dealt.

Oh and by the way, Elastik, I do think Mitchell will come in and start as a true freshman. Maybe not from day 1, but soon thereafter.

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:12pm #

My post specifically addressed 2012 recruits, of which Crowell was not.

And you are, again, making up things that sound like they could happen because you think Mike Mitchell is going to start. That's good and all, but I'll be you a pretty $1 that Cam and Perkins are Buckeyes next year. Four star recruits that got time as freshman and are happy in the program don't transfer for shits and giggles.

In two years one or both could be gone, but not this off-season. It's great you are that quick to run off talent that is already on the roster for talent that is in HS though.

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:00pm #

Hey dumbass I never said anything specific about guys possibly transferring this offseason. It was a general comment that those are guys that could potentially transfer at some point during their time at OSU.

Land by the way I'm one for one with Crowell leaving

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:02pm #

Congrats for being correct on the guy that it has been leaked for months might transfer!

Really gives you solid ground to stand on with the other two four star scholarship players that got time on special teams as true freshman (and are part of an LB core with 7 players on schollie right now, one of which is probably a DE)!

Seriously, Trey Johnson is a transfer possibility in three years guys! <-- has as much substance as what you wrote above.

weimerad on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:05pm #

You're missing my point so I'm gonna drop it. Go smoke another one

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 9:06pm #

Hey guys, there are a lot of RBs on the team, Dunn and Ezekial Elliot could be potential transfers!

Damon Webb is a transfer possibility too! Coming in behind Reeves and all of these 2013 recruits = transfer possibility!

^ Now that's analysis!

Alhan on 24 Jan 2013 - 10:56am #

For future reference, starting a post with "Hey dumbass" is pretty much a bad idea here.

You can kill a fly with your slipper or a cannon. Either way, the fly dies. -Ramzy

Buckeye_in_SEC_... on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:29pm #

I think Perkins is the next Shazier... He's going to be a beast. Not sure what will happen with Williams tho. I think Marcus becomes a stud at the Viper position. We have a 2 deep for a reason. The staff likes to rotate guys in and out due to fatigue/injuries etc. I think most of these guys know a national title is in our future and they aren't going to leave. They'll get their playing time and will move on to the NFL.

bergy22 on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:41pm #

What we have is a lot of potential. If some of these guys can turn all the natural physical talent into understanding the game, diagnosing plays, and becoming reactionary football players then we have something here. Just wait for the light bulb to come on. Spring ball is gonna be great.

Smanpoint10 on 23 Jan 2013 - 10:07pm #

not trying to be a smart ass, but i would rather our players be good anticipating players than reactionary players

BuckeyeAsylum on 24 Jan 2013 - 1:48am #

I want both, anticipation is useful but when you anticipate incorrectly you have to react quickly to fix/adjust and not make a major mistake. :D Translation: GIVE ME ALL OF IT DAMMIT! :D

BuckeyeAsylum on 24 Jan 2013 - 1:44am #

I am really curious as to where this information is coming from. It feels like you're in on the inside scoop to be able to make these assessments, so what resources am I missing that our LB group, massively at issue depth wise, is looking at a potential mass exodus? Obv Crowell w/ injury resolves that. I thought Cam Williams and his "brother" wanted to stick together, so why would he just look to now up and leave? I am really feeling like you're either just making predictions kind of blindly or you are getting information I haven't seen. This is not a slight, I just really would like to see where this is coming from.

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 1:57pm #

Oh and Lewis is a LEO/formerly called a VIPER, not a STAR. D-Lee and Worley are the prime STAR candidates in this class.

BuddhaBuck on 23 Jan 2013 - 2:15pm #

This is what happens when you get Urban Meyer and a consistent cast of assistant coaches who not only love to recruit, but who also have the skill of recruiting.

The 2014 class is going to be special. We need a nickname like "Block-O'.

Keep Calm and Ignore the Trolls.

Lawver_5 on 23 Jan 2013 - 3:47pm #

What do people think about Kevin Mouhon in this linebacker class. He isn't talked about a ton when we talk about linebackers for the 2014 class, but he's another one of those talented georgia guys. you would think that if we got a couple commits from other georgia players it would maybe push him in our direction. I know there isn't a lot of room in this class (at the moment) and you would like to take ohio kids when you can, but it looks like mouhon could be a very good linebacker with these other guys and you would hate to miss out on a good talent. I know it's early, but I was just wondering if anyone had any osu info regarding him?

bucknut8 on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:39pm #

I actually started a thread on Kevin Mouhon.

http://www.elevenwarriors.com/forum/football/2013/01/kevin-mouhon-ilb-norcross-ga

but I do agree with you. Mouhon is another one of those great southern boys from SEC country. All them Georgia kids looking to come to OSU and Mouhon is one of them. Mouhon is an animal as well and I would much rather have a LB class of McMillan, Garrett, Booker, Mouhon.

#Buckeyes

b_pbucksfans on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:47pm #

McMillian, Booker and Garrett will be guaranteed spots in this class. Mouhon IMO is on the outside looking in if in state Berger wants in. Gonna be a tight squeeze next year!

ohhiyo on 23 Jan 2013 - 3:53pm #

I like Reggie Spearman and Nyles Sykes over Berger.

partisan on 23 Jan 2013 - 8:06pm #

Berger is going to blow up soon, that kid has been overlooked by pretty much every recruiting service but he could be the top LB in Ohio

BuckinBama on 23 Jan 2013 - 4:51pm #

Its been said that D.Booker may out grow the LB position. He is currently listed at 6'4 now, So he may be moved to the "Viper" position leaving space for 3 true LB's in this class.

elastik on 23 Jan 2013 - 5:22pm #

Givler from Rivals actually thinks Booker plays more like a Viper than a LB as well.

BuckeyeAsylum on 24 Jan 2013 - 1:50am #

Yup. Also sticker to counter a random negative one that has 0 justification.

bucknut8 on 24 Jan 2013 - 3:55pm #

Yes I agree. I saw Booker play several times in person and the kid plays like he fits the "viper" position very well. When I went to watch him play, he played alot more downs than I thought he would with his hand down. So I could see him even growing into a DE. Either way, I dont think he will be a true LB in this class. So I could see them bringing in another LB if they want 4 w/ Booker sliding down to "Viper" or DE.

#Buckeyes

ODEEZ330 on 23 Jan 2013 - 5:27pm #

i take all 4 of our top lb targets for '14 if they'll commit and then chuckle at scum for thinking landing ferns was so great. Ferns= osu lb scraps after watching him get embarassed in the state title game.

O'Deez330
stark county football

oregonianbuckeye on 23 Jan 2013 - 6:15pm #

Not to be the buzz kill, but Garrett told rivals today that he does not plan on committing until the season (football) starts. Not sure if this is just subterfuge, or what. I think he's a buckeye eventually regardless, but feb. may not be the time.

buckeye76BHop on 23 Jan 2013 - 11:10pm #

Start the LBs for 2014 early...that sounds just fine by me. Give me Garrett, McMillan, Berger, and Booker...then I'm a happy guy. No matter what about the experience or not. Ryan "damn" Shazier did ok as a frosh when he got a chance. I'm good with Mitchell, Johnson (anyone remember a guy named Pepper Johnson?;-),Williams, Perkins, Marcus, Perry, Roberts, Grant and I'm sure these guys may see time at LB with Worley, Lewis, and Lee. That seems better than all freshmen Shazier and Zach Boren...less we forget about good ole Storm Klein and Curtis Grant who were nonfactors despite what excuses we'd like to make for them. This list above in bold will be just fine...add the 2014 group and OSU is back to LB U IMO of course.

"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

Ispeakthetruth on 24 Jan 2013 - 1:47am #

Who cares? Garret will be a bust anyways. If there is one thing OSU coaches have shown this season, it is a complete inability to coach linebackers.

ATXbucknut on 24 Jan 2013 - 1:50am #

Bed time yo. You've done enough for one night. Please.

Killer nuts on 24 Jan 2013 - 2:01am #

Don't worry about him, he just a few down votes from the ban hammer. Only thing keeping him here is its late and there's not a lot of people around to down vote him into oblivion. He's a stage 5 troll

Alhan on 24 Jan 2013 - 10:54am #

Fastest self-destruct flame-out in 11W history? Two days...damn.

You can kill a fly with your slipper or a cannon. Either way, the fly dies. -Ramzy

UrbzRenewal on 24 Jan 2013 - 11:31am #

Well I mean, he didn't break his old record of -254.

Alhan on 24 Jan 2013 - 12:08pm #

I'll grant you the final sticker count was more impressive in that case (at least so far), but it took that user almost a month to do that. In this case, two days...yowza!

Edit: Not to mention, the negative number is still increasing (decreasing?)...almost at -200.

You can kill a fly with your slipper or a cannon. Either way, the fly dies. -Ramzy

buckeye76BHop on 24 Jan 2013 - 11:29am #

you should change your name to ISPEAKLIKEADOUCHE

"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