- @AllenTrieu #OhioState, #Tennessee and #Florida all coming to Grand Rapids Christian tomorrow for 2014 WR Drake Harris
- UCLA offered Marcelys Jones
- Auburn & UConn offered Elisha Shaw
- TCU offered Brandon Simmons
- Geogia Tech offered Dravon Henry
- Akansas offered Jonathan Hilliman
- Miami Hurricanes offered Josh Malone
- Auburn offered Nick Chubb
- Dan Skipper has flipped to Arkansas
- Coach Meyer visited Johnnie Dixon, KC McDermott & Quincy Wilson.
- Coach Coombs was in Toledo today
- Coach Vrabel was in/near Chicago area today, visited St. Francis (James Butler), Crete (Nyles Morgan & Chris Slayton), Montini (Dylan Thompson), Plainsfield South (Clifton Garrett) & De La Salle (Jamarco Jones)
- Dontre Wilson says he is "50-50" between Oregon and Ohio State
- Trey Johnson tells Mike Farrell he will sign with Ohio State
- Per the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Vonn Bell will announce on Signing Day on ESPNU at 10 am
BN$--Mizzou "Laid It Down" For Elliott '13 MO RB Ezekiel Elliott
- Stacy Elliott says the visit was great but he is not sure of the effect it will have on Ezekiel's decision. Coach Drayton is visiting today.
BG$--Clark recaps Ohio State visit '13 FL WR James Clark
- James again says he loved the visit and the coaches. He enjoyed visiting the Horseshoe.
BN$--Hectic week looming for Timmons '13 KY ATH Ryan Timmons
- Ryan will visit Florida this weekend but hopes to get to Columbus this week.
Scout$--Penn State Offers West '14 OH DB Darius West
- Darius confirms PSU offer and says Coach Coombs is coming to visit and watch practice today.
Ohio State football hopes to catch Lancaster lineman
LANCASTER — The college recruiting process still is a bit of a shock to Kyle Trout.
The Lancaster High School junior, received his 10th — and possibly most prestigious — football scholarship offer Saturday, when Ohio State extended an offer.
“At first, it was really overwhelming,” said Trout, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive lineman. “I let it sink in and then just started thinking. It’s just a blessing and an honor.”
cont...
Vonn Bell enjoys his visit to UT
KNOXVILLE — The long recruiting process may be nearing an end for Vonn Bell, but the Ridgeland High School safety now enters the hardest part of his college decision.
Bell took his official visit to Tennessee this weekend, his third such trip in as many weeks after visiting Alabama last weekend and Ohio State the weekend of Jan. 12.
In a text message to the Times Free Press late Sunday night, Bell said he had a “great visit” to Knoxville in which he spent time with new Vols coach Butch Jones and his staff and attended Tennessee's basketball game on Saturday.
cont...
Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 1/28 - latest on Ezekiel Elliott, Trey Johnson visits
It was another busy weekend for the Ohio State recruiting staff, as they hosted another key group of recruits, headed by '13 WR/RB Dontre Wilson and '13 WR James Clark. From everything that we've heard so far, both Wilson and Clark had a great time in Columbus. The Buckeyes are recruiting Wilson as a possible slot receiver/running back. Wilson stands at 5'10", 165-pounds and rushed for 1,800 yards and 38 touchdowns during his senior season. He also had 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through the air. In all, Wilson contributed 49 total touchdowns for his high school team, something not many can say they did. Wilson will be taking one more visit to Oklahoma State before deciding where he will attend school and is expected to announce on or just before National Signing Day '13.
cont...
Ohio State recruiting: Sam Mustipher, '14 MD 4-star OG/DT, talks Buckeyes w/ LGHL
Anyone that even vaguely follows Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's positional recruiting tendencies can immediately notice a strong emphasis on the offensive and defensive line positions. One of the most highly sought after offensive line prospects in the nation in the 2014 class is 4-star, 6-4 285-pound Sam Mustipher, who holds an Ohio State offer and is strongly considering the Buckeyes.
Mustipher hails from high school powerhouse Good Counsel in Olney, Maryland, and was very impressive to speak with. According to 247Sports' Composite ranking, Sam grades out a 91 overall, is ranked the 225th best overall player in the country, the 13th best offensive guard in the country, and the 7th best overall player in his home state of Maryland. Mustipher and I spoke at length in which we discussed Ohio State, his recruiting process, and much more:
cont...
Ezekiel Elliott has a big decision to make
Gary Pinkel and the Mizzou Tigers have done a really good job of keeping the best kids from the area in state for the Class of 2013. The one that got away, may have been the most talented. About ten months ago, Ezekiel Elliot made a pledge to Ohio State.
Back in November, a source told USATodayHSS.com that the door may not be totally closed for Mizzou. The source said Elliott, whose parents both went to Mizzou, would probably listen but was concerned with the backlash from the Ohio State fan base, if he did indeed look around.
Elliott made his official visit to Mizzou this past weekend and according to his father, it couldn't have went better. The highlight for Elliott was the "M-I-Z, E-Z-E" chant at the basketball game.
cont...
Regarding Coombs visiting Michigan today, due to the snow/ice (school closings) he ended up re-routing to Toledo. Also tweeted he'd be back next week, fwiw.
Yep he is in my hometown today
Visiting Thompson and Kizer?
Wow, Skipper to Arkanasas is disappointing. I wanted a 6'10 300 pound player!
I bet you Bret is licking his chops on this one!
Ohio State's band SLAUGHTERED Michigan's band. If this were a football game, it would have been Florida State vs. Savannah State. - SB Nation following OSU vs. UM 2012
That's due to him thinking about the buffet for dinner, not for Skipper.
I am surprised he even recruited this guy. That is serious competition for team meal time.
I think we will use that scholly for a WR/playmaker now... Could end up finishing with 3 playmakers if we miss on Bell.
I don't think they would as long as Marshall/Jacobs are committed. Thinking two playmakers and then Bell/Hunt or bank it.
Can never have too many playmakers or speed... I'd use it if we could land Clark, Wilson, and Timmons... I think some extra players will see the writing on the wall and leave after this year. 18 is the number for next year, but attrition will probably leave us 20... I think we could have a few more players roll out and be at 22.
Especially, the way Urban flips players around to other positions. If you have a 6 really talented athletes Urban can utilize them a number of different ways
I don't think we take Clark, Wilson, and Timmons (while maintaining that Zeke doesn't leave the class). That'd create a logjam at APB/slot receiver.
I understand what you're saying, but I still say that this offense can be run with guys 6 ft and under at every skill position. I don't think Timmons, Wilson, and Clark have to be placed at the slot position. I feel those guys can be placed out wide because they are going to be quick enough to get away from the DB.
Oh I agree, they just all fit the similar frame. Considering most of our WRs are 6'0''+ right now, I'd welcome the speed. I just don't think it'll happen.
Actually, 13 is the number for next year. There are currently 13 seniors, so that 18-20 is counting attrition. Assuming Roby and maybe Shazier go pro, that puts us at 15 and 3-5 is not an unreasonable number of attrition, so it will probably be around 20
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Looks like unless Hunt surprises and flips, we won't be finishing with the OL we have been targeting. Should they use that scholarship on another playmaker, maybe someone on the fringe like Elder/Timmons, or bank it?
12-OH
I say bank it, the 2014 class is loaded.
I wouldn't cheer for Michigan if they were playing the Taliban.
I could not be more relieved. Skipper was a project at best.
I agree...bank it unless Hunt changes his mind.
"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
For some reason I can't agree on banking the scholly... I'd take Wilson, Clark, and Timmons with what's left. We need speed for this offense and we need to take who we can get. None of those 3 guys are pushovers. They can all play the game and contribute at OSU.
I personally can't see them using all three on playmakers. I think the combo of Bell, Wilson, and Clark would make us all ecstatic but if Bell goes to Bama I'm not sure if any of the other playmaking options bring something to the table we don't have in Jacobs, Marshall, EzE, and possibly Wilson/Clark.
12-OH
Give it to Houston for a year since he turned down a full ride offer to walk on and play for us. Unless we can land Bell, Wilson, and Clark Id say give it to him
I am not for banking. I think there are some talented players still left that can be had plus with the way things are going next year, I think this team won't need the extra scholly.
I see attrition, larger graduating class than this year and more of a possibility of losing some early draft entrees. The class will have enough schollies to get what is needed in 2014.
I believe Roby, Hyde, and Shazier will all enter the draft after this year.
Hyde will be a senior next year, so he will be gone no matter what. I agree that the other two will leave early.
^ beat me to it
Agree, but Hyde will be a senior so he would not count in any "attrition" number for next year versus the consensus amount of open scholarships.
*Edit: Same here, was late on the trigger.
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
My apologies... For some reason I thought he was going to be a redshirt junior.
Rod Smith will be a redshirt junior, and it's not inconceivable that due to injury or some unforeseen circumstances, he gets enough carries to prove his draft worth. We know he has the potential.
NLOID can't get here fast enough.
vacuuming sucks
Agreed... I'm sick of reading speculation. I want to watch some kids put on hats and watch scholarship papers come off the fax machines.
I wanna watch Meg
When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."
what are the chances Munger and/or Price are put on the OL, guard in particular? Would seem to alleviate a need after next year.
I've been reading that Price is more a center... I'm not sure about Munger... I'd say the staff will know more about what to do with him after spring practice.
As expected, Kentucky has snagged a commitment from Nebraska de-commit Marcus McWilson.
I'm relieved that we didn't get Skipper. We should try to get the prospects we really desire, not just take out fliers on guys because we want bodies. Would rather us finish the class with Bell/2 playmakers that we want than an OL that we got just to get another OL. That hasn't worked out in the past.
Do you really think this staff would offer someone just because??? I don't see Urban and company giving anyone an offer that they don't see fit to come here and play.
Agree; you either ready to rock or he won't burn a scholly; Dontre Wilson come on down!
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
I understand your point, however in the past, those extra OL were left to the negligence of the Walrus and not developed properly. Now they get proper coaching, and from being a former OL myself I'd say best to deepen the depth at OL, so that should the catastrophic injury bug strike we aren't reduced to using Freshman and ...gulp, walkons, unless absolutely necessary before the staff feels they are ready for regular playing time. Completely agree with the Bell usage however.
All the games of the season are just practices for that glorious saturday in November when we get to jack Shoelace's invisible cereal bowl and drink our fill of delicious skunkweasel tears ...Michigan Still Sucks!!
As bad as we all know he was, he did put several O Lineman in the NFL. Yea part was just talent, but someone did teach these kids to be NFL men. Not defending, but just stating facts. I assure you , I am glad he is gone
In the past getting 5 star OL didn't work either. I really don't believe Urban is just going to extend an offer for the sake of getting a garbage lineman we don't want. I also don't think just because the guy wasn't one of their first couple of options early means he's a waste of a schollie now. Maybe he's not a 5 star stud that can be inserted into the lineup on day 1, but that doesn't mean he's not going to be a valuable player worth giving a scholarship to. Losing O'Connor means we lose some depth on the line, if Urban and the staff thought Skipper was worth offering, then we should accept that.
I'm not one who says I TRUST IN URBAN ALWAYS!!!!!! I have, however, watched how the man has recruited for about 8 years now and don't think the man "reaches" for players just to have bodies.
Agree about the depth on the OL. Also, I know it's fashionable to bash Bollman but he does have one of his pupils in the Super Bowl this weekend; not to mention a few others on rosters in the NFL; including the highest paid Center in the league, Nick Mangold; just saying.
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
The blind squirrel and the nut
Yeah, one of his so called pupils is in the Super Bowl, but remember he was a 5 star OL coming in and he never progressed like he could have while he was at OSU. He wasn't even drafted (yeah, I know some of that may be related to some alcohol issues, but it's suffice to say that his lack of enthusiasm for playing and lack of motivation can be blamed partly, if not mostly, on Bollman). Once he got proper coaching at the next level, that's when he was finally able to come through.
Basically the point is that you can't point to guys like Boone and say, "Look, he got into the Super Bowl which means so and so coach must not have been all that bad!" when they came around with such high expectations and never reached them. Also, you're totally discounting the coaching at the next level on all levels and that's not fair to those coaches.
Bollman's track record for not being able to coach up players and use them to their potential is proven, though. All you need to do is look at the line from 2011 to 2012. That was virtually the same line and with proper coaching and discipline they went from the biggest weakness on the team to one of the biggest strengths. Enough said there...
http://www.ourlads.com/pdfs/OffensiveLine_Development.pdf
http://deadspin.com/alex-boone-arrest/
Not so fast there Unk, Alex fell in the draft for things outside the football ability: Line #2
And an interesting fact on OSU lineman in Line #1: And I won't take it for granted & type,"Well, we all know '11-'12 was a wash as far as seasons go." Yet, something still makes me want to.
Like I said, it may not have entirely been because of his play. But let's be honest, here, if he was considered a 1st or 2nd round talent, I highly doubt that he goes undrafted. Mike Adams had weed found in his drug test going into the combine and he was supposed to be a mid first round draft pick and ended up falling but was still taken in the 2nd round. Boone's off the field issues aside, he still wasn't playing fully up to his potential and that has to be on Bollman.
The intent of the post is being misconstrued. The reason behind it is that you can't sit and say Bollman maybe isn't as bad as a coach because Alex Boone is now in the Super Bowl. I think that's just a bad statement to make as neither circumstance has any bearing on the other at this point. Bollman has had a history of poor coaching and 1 OL getting to the Super Bowl doesn't nullify that.
Yeah Boone never panned out on the field for Ohio State. I remember after pretty much every game people complaining about how bad he was. So, his onfield Ohio State performance was never all that inspiring.
+1
Boone has improved significantly with good coaching since getting away from Bollman, and he's also done a great job working on his health and eating better which is good to see.
Exactly. You have to give him a ton of credit for getting shit turned around, but I also think you have to feel that the coaching provided him some semblence of discipline and maturity. He was no longer being handed everything and the coaches made him work to get where he is now. The hard work has definitely paid off on the field and off the field and it's fantastic to see.
I remember the coaching staff threatening to play underclassmen a number of times to try and light a fire under Boone's ass.
Boone's problems at OSU were because he played Tackle and didn't have quick enough feet to be elite (plus having Bollman didn't help either). He lost 25 pounds got good coaching and moved to Gaurd. Now he is playing in the Superbowl and part of the best O-line in NFL. I've watched him play more than a few times and his footwoork and motivation got 100 percent better than his OSU days.
That kind of fits my point too. Don't you think that's something someone in Bollman's position should be able to see? I know sometimes it is a need based move, but with better coaching, maybe we don't need him there and realize that G is better spot for him and he excels and becomes enthusiastic about the game instead of going through the motions as he did for so long. I think Boone's descent from a 5-star high school athlete to a player that never reached his potential and undrafted, to a starter at G on one of the best OL's in the NFL speaks more about Bollman's ineptitude than anything else (with probably the lone exception being Boone's perseverance to get better).
Touche; G Bear.
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
Is that Golden Bear as in Upper Arlington?
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
Nope Okie. My Dad did not run a drug store on campus, and I have never broken 80.
THE University of California.
Cool; I grew up in Worthington back in the day but haven't lived in C-Bus since 82. Trying to get a hall pass for the game at Cal this fall.
"Fate has cards that it don't want to show"
Get in touch with me before you go. My Dad used to come to Cal games so I know the stuff that turns on the Buckeye faithful.
First thing to do is to book a room at the Hotel Durant TODAY! If you can't make the game you can cancel, but game night rooms go quick and you gotta stay there if you go.
I don't know why people were down on Skipper really. I'm assuming because he's a 3 star. He had a pretty impressive offer list. Ohio State, Oklahoma, FSU, and Michigan. Not to mention other BCS schools like Cal, Oregon State, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Arkansas. That's quite a list for a guy who is just a project and isn't that good.
3 things bothered me:
1. Ft. Collins area is not great football
2. Our own staff seemed to only jump after they whiffed elsewhere, so that gives me pause.
3. Nightmares of JB Shugart
Players who played against horrible competition in high school.
Adolphus Washington's competition was laughable at times.
Glenville has not beaten a Div1 power in this state since 09. And got curbstomped by the two best teams on their shedule this year. And yet they are suppose to be our pipeline school.
Jalin Marshall's Middletown team beat four teams this year... Those teams had a combined record of 7-33.
And yet we chose Chris Worley, JT Barrrett and Marshall over guys like Shane Jones and Alex Gall who played for the D1 state champ Moeller and Mitch Trubisky who was putting up monster numbers all year and in the D1 playoffs.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
JACK TATUM
That's like saying that because Earl Scheib made millions and didn't go to college, you don't want your son to go college.
For every kid in Divison 1 who played the equivalent of Single A, there are 10 who played in 5A. Easier to project, and already know how they'll hold up against stiff competitiion
I didnt see this one...Lovell Peterson...
That was a few days ago, his girlfriend goes to Grand Valley State also
That's going to suck if they break up.
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
He said that playing football @Kentucky was just too much to "hurdle"
lol!!!!
I guess you got a "jump" on that one, and beat the rest of us to the "line"!
Is he playing football too at GVS or just track?
Dontre Wilson told 247 that he is right now "50-50" between Oregon & Ohio State
Has Urban already used his in home?
I believe not and IMO that could be the clincher. He was suposed to but I think he rescheduled to after the official visit.
Oregon staff used their in-home last week to try to prevent Dontre from visiting OSU.
Herman will be visiting Dontre Wednesday for his in home.
He's in the bag IMO if Urban and Herman both make in homes.
I'm a little relieved Skipped didn't commit. I'd rather save it for Wilson/Clark/Bell or bank it for 2014
Mike Farrell tells us that Trey Johnson told him he will sign with Ohio State
Sounds good to me. Thanks Gene.
thanks gene....now im really hoping trey got to spend some time with bell this weekend
edit-odeez beat me to it as i typed! i like where your head is at!
That is tremendous news, Gene. Keep up the great work!
The 2012 National Champions.
Hopefully, his twin will not be signing with UT.
Great gene. Hopefully trey was recruiting vonn whil at UT. Urbs own double agent lol I wish
O'Deez330
stark county football
you think maybe it was more than a coincindence that Johnson was at UT while Bell was there.
what can be taken from the fact that Corey Smith and Shelton Gibson visited OSU the same time as Vonn Bell?
wouldn't let me edit....coincidence
Bell seems sold on the fact saban will be his position coach.....it's going to be an interesting nsd, can't wait till it's here to see who we land.....excited to see it on espn as well...
It also doesn't hurt that Bama has won 3 out of 4 titles and is putting a ton of guys in the NFL. Plus, he took many unofficial visits there and made a lot of friends with players on the team and got see what the stadium was like on game day. I know he lived close so it was easy for him to make those trips to Bama, but that doesn't mean they weren't all impactful. Ohio State needed to absolutely blow the kid away on his visit. I really don't think he's coming here.
someone linked a thread to 247 bama with an article you had to pay for so i couldn't see it, but all the bama fans were saying it's too bad bell won't be going there
A lot of people are now projecting him to end up at UT... Said the visit blew him away and he could sense the positive environment Jones and the staff were building. If he goes there, he will have a good career but I doubt they even compete for an SEC title.
Yeah, and Withers is a solid coach, but he might be gone after this year and he isn't Saban. And if Combs takes over the safeties, then, again, love the guy, but not the pedigree of Saban. Hard to blame him frankly, just wish he'd come here instead (although frankly if he goes to Tennessee I wouldn't be that mad either.
Any word on how the visit from Drayton and Herman went with Zeke?
I like that Johnson reaffirmed his commitment.
No word yet
Zeke is tweeting quite a bit, so I'm assuming Drayton and Herman have left.
Judging from his tweets, I'd say the visit went well
It would still be nice to have him reaffirm like Johnson did.
Indeed
Just can't wait for NSD to get here and be over so we can all relax a bit. :)
My thoughts. Forget about Bell. He isn't coming to tOSU. Quite frankly I don't care. He's had plenty of time to decide. Way too much maintenance for me. I take no one outside of Wilson and Clark. Bank any extra scholarships. I definitely don't reach on OL when there a a ton of good players in 2014, especially a bunch of Georgia boys that want to play at tOSU.
I would politely disagree. You can't just forget Bell. Not a kid of his talent with a genuine interst in the Bucks. He is no "maintenance" at all, he is a teenage kid trying to make a decision that affects the rest of his life.
I agree about Wislon and Clark, but I also take Timmons. Urban wants lots of playmakers on his teams, you don't pass this one up if you have a spot.
Why do you say Bell is too much maintenance. I just see him making a huge decision and taking his time. Nothing wrong with wanting to go to a team like Bama if he so chooses. Believe me, if Bell did decide to go with the good guys, you can bet there would be flying chest bumps all around the coaches offices.
With all due respect, I think Maryland is pleased that they didn't forget about "high maintenance" Stefon Diggs. I think our perception of high maintenance is more about how closely we follow these guys (and how our expectations rise and fall with every "insider"s opinion on where they're going, which changes daily based on cobbled-together info) than their actual personality is 90% of the time. Vonn Bell, for example, barely does interviews. When he does, he's said OSU, Bama and TENN are even for the last 5-6 months. It's just that no one will take his word for it. To me he's about as low maintenance as it gets, he's just taking his time to make a decision that's going to impact the rest of his life the way I'm sure any of us would like our own kids to.
I agree with your sentiment though in the sense that we should all care less. If he goes to OSU, great, if not no big deal. Life goes on!
Supposedly on 247 bama board they are saying they don't have room for bell n saban made him aware of this on visit sounds like it may be down tosu n ut granted it was on a 247 boards so huge asterik
O'Deez330
stark county football
I interpreted it as they were reading into Bell's Tennessee visit and felt he was leaning there. Seems then it was oh well we like Eddie Jackson cb more anyways.
Just found this posted on Bama 247
***The news for Vonn Bell is that Tennessee made a strong impact on him this weekend and enough sources have told us that to believe it. Butch Jones has put on the full court press with Bell with Vol students chanting his name at the basketball game Saturday. Obviously, he is a staple recruit for Jones in his first class. Alabama’s numbers crunch also factors in. As we speculated a few weeks ago, Alabama might only be able to take one defensive back down the stretch with this class depending on how things shake out at other positions. That has affected Bell’s status as well, with the emergence of a prospect like Reed who could take one of those final spots. As things stand now, UT seems his likely destination but things could change between now and NSD.
Thanks for post. I'll take our chances with urb and the ohio st brand on our side tho lol
O'Deez330
stark county football
If true, this might be pretty telling that we are making room for Vonn and Bama might not have room (because they have so much depth). I am probably looking into this too much, but I thought it was interesting (like how good are they) that Bama might turn him away.
From the other Bell thread, take it with a huge grain of salt as always. No idea who Skeeter is, according to some Vol threads he works with (or under) the AD at UT.
Since when has numbers / over signing been an issue at Bama or any other scum SEC team. Don't believe Saban would turn down a *****
This kid has always loved UT. Urban made him think OSU was a good fit because Urb is a rock star. This is a toss up, but I bet on UT at this point.
Well if Bell can't go to OSU I'd rather him go to UT then Bama.
If Bell can't go to Ohio State, i'd rather him just go pro.
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
Bell's longest and best relationship has been with Urbz and Withers. Its been said by the Bell camp that relationships with the staffs will be the biggest factor. I would say just like with Quick and Diggs info previously, just throw it out the window (even if pro Buckeye) bc I believe no one knows and wont tll 10:05 AM on signing day.