- Arkansas offered Jacob McCrary
- Tennessee offered Kyle Berger, Parris Campbell, Nic Weishar, Dallis Todd, Tyler Luatua, Larry Scott & Eric Glover-Williams
- Tennessee, Louisville & Maryland have offered Dante Booker
- Michigan offered Lorenzo Carter
- Alabama offered KC McDermott
- Kentucky offered Josh Malone
- UCLA offered Chris Hardeman
- Michigan State offered Jacques Patrick
- Arizona State offered Dallis Todd
- Purdue offered Kyle Trout
- Arkansas offered Elisha Shaw
- Harvard offered Brandon Simmons
- Texas offered Demarre Kitt
- Ryan Timmons will announce his college choice on Feb. 5 at 1:00 pm EST at his high school
- Vonn Bell will announce his decision at 10 a.m. on Feb. 6 (National Signing Day)
- Cameron Hunt plans to announce on National Signing Day between Oregon and Cal
- Michigan coaches slated to be at Gary (Ind.) West Side today to see Lonnie Johnson
- Oregon has stopped by Gainesville (Ga.) today to check on 2014 QB Deshaun Watson
- Urban Meyer & Zach Smith visits Da'Shawn Hand
- Ohio State visits Ethan Wolf
- Ed Warriner visits Vincent Jackson Jr.
- Kevin Wilson from Indiana visits Dominique Booth
- Brady Hoke from Michigan visits Montae Nicholson, Anthony Davis, Dravon Henry & Jaleel Fields
- Nick Saban from Alabama visits University School (Fla.)
- Michigan has decided to part ways with Denzel Ward
- Dontre Wilson will visit Texas for OV this weekend
- @MChungOZone A source says Vonn Bell is not a lock to Alabama. Vonn wants to play early, source says Ala can't promise it
- @Miles11W Vonn Bell will have no contact with colleges after Thursday. He and those close to him will work on making a decision this weekend
- James Clark says of the Corey Smith commitment: "It doesn't change my recruitment at all. The OSU coaches told me it was gonna happen."
- Ezekiel Elliott says the meeting with OSU coaches yesterday went "really good." Said they talked about his role in the offense.
- Kerry Coombs is scheduled to check in on 2014 CB Chris Hardeman tomorrow, he's an #LSU commitment.
Rivals $ - Kitt talks 'Bama, favorites '14 GA WR Demarre Kitt
- Recaps junior day at Alabama and syas they want him badly...also now interested in Oregon...admits he and DeShaun Watson, Raekwon McMillan, Miles Autry and Nick Glass have talked about OSU together.
BN $ - Top OL Thinking Midwest And OSU '14 FL OL Mason Cole
- Originally from Chicago and wants to get out of Florida...likes OSU but hasn't narrowed his list down yet.
ESPN $ - Watch List DE Sawyer A Popular Target '14 GA DE Dante Sawyer
- Received a Bama offer and will be visiting the Buckeyes on Feb. 8th (for 3 days) with Demarre Kitt, Nick Glass, Raekwon McMillan, DeShaun Watson and Bryson Allen-Williams....these 6 GA kids have discussed playing together in college.
ESPN $ - Watch List QB Barker looking hard at SEC '14 KY QB Drew Barker
- LSU and Georgia are showing interest (to join Kentucky and South Carolina) & says contact with tOSU has dropped off and is not sure he will visit again.
ESPN $ - ESPN 150 RB plans visit; decision date set '13 TX RB Dontre Wilson
- He wants to announce his decision on Sunday after Texas visit (according to his coach)
Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 1/29 - Ryan Timmons and Vonn Bell updates
Monday was definitely another newsworthy day in the world of Buckeye recruiting. Head football coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff were racking up frequent flyer miles all over the United States trying to close out the 2013 class with a bang. The staff were also checking in on some big time 2014 recruits to add to the Buckeyes' already impressive start to the class. If you missed it yesterday evening, there was some lingering trepidation over Trey Johnson and his surprise visit to Tennessee. But after reaffirming his commitment, Ohio State shouldn't have anything worry about... at least on that front.
Urban Meyer left the soggy, snowy Columbus roads and returned to the familiar streets of Florida. No, Urban is not on vacation; OSU's leader-in-chief is hitting the recruiting trail for future All-Americans. Coach Meyer stopped in to see how 2013 defensive end commit Joey Bosa (Fort Lauderdale/St. Thomas Aquinas) was doing while on his trip down south. It was reported that the Buckeye boss didn't just travel to see Bosa; Meyer also stopped in on a few 2014 prospects. Offensive Lineman K.C. McDermott (Wellington/Palm Beach Central), wide out Johnnie Dixon (Palm Beach Gardens/William T. Dwyer) and defensive back Quincy Wilson (Fort Lauderdale/Univ. School of Nova S.) all had Meyer visit Monday:
cont...
Looking Forward: 2014 Tight Ends
Much in the same way that the recruitment of slot receivers has become the "Search for the next Percy Harvin", Ohio State's treasure hunt for tight ends has turned into the "Search for the next Aaron Hernandez".
The days of Ohio State looking for a tight end like Reid Fragel are gone for now, and the quest for tight ends who can split out and make plays after the catch is in full effect.
Ohio State currently has one such tight end committed in the 2013 class in Marcus Baugh. Baugh was a tough cover in 7-on-7 tournaments last summer, and he's just the type of receiver that the Buckeyes are looking for.
For the 2014 class, they are targeting similar athletes, including some who are still playing receiver, yet project as a hybrid. Ohio State wants tight ends who can move around and be versatile, and you can see that in the players being targeted.
cont...
James Clark will take unofficial to Florida this weekend, then trim teams to three
New Smyrna Beach wide receiver James Clark took his final official visit of the recruiting period this past weekend to Ohio State. He said it was reassuring to him to see things firsthand in Columbus.
The problem with the visit, however, is that it didn't really help him whittle down his remaining list of five schools from which he will choose come National Signing Day (Feb. 6). Clark still has Clemson, Florida, Nebraska, Northwestern and Ohio State on his list.
He will visit Gainesville for an unofficial trip this coming weekend, which will be one last chance for the Gators' staff to win him over.
Clark said he will then narrow his list to three schools Sunday or Monday.
“It really is going to be a difficult decision,” Clark said. “You have to think a lot of things and we're talking about five of the best schools in the nation. To have to cut four schools from those five … it's just going to be hard."
He will unveil his choice on National Signing Day, which is next Wednesday.
Recruits on "secret" visits
In the new age of Social Media, top college prospects are finding it far more difficult to take “secret” official visits.
When two Atlanta area recruits (committed elsewhere) quietly showed up at Tennessee as visitors this past weekend, it didn’t remain quiet for long.
Word spread quickly on Twitter that Central Gwinnett LB Trey Johnson (committed to Ohio State) and Alpharetta QB Joshua Dobbs (committed to Arizona State) were in Knoxville.
Johnson’s appearance nearly caused a meltdown at Ohio State after a website that covers the Buckeyes tweeted last Friday, “Buckeyes LB commit Trey Johnson told me rumor he was taking an official visit to Tennessee this weekend isn’t true.”
Marc Givler of Ohio State’s Rivals.com website, also tweeted on Friday, “Trey Johnson will not be anywhere in the state of Tennessee this weekend. I also won’t be in Tennessee, or Delaware, or Colorado, FYI.”
cont...
Ohio State, Michigan recruiting could kick off second 10-Year War
One of the big stories in this recruiting season has been the strong showing from the traditional elite of the Big Ten: Michigan and Ohio State.
The Buckeyes and Wolverines currently rank fourth and sixth respectively in the Rivals team rankings. Michigan is No. 1 in Scout's rankings, while Ohio State is fourth. Michigan is seventh on 247's rankings, while Ohio State is fifth. The Wolverines are fifth in ESPN's rankings, one spot behind the Bucks. No other Big Ten team is in the top 10 of any of the four rankings. Nebraska sits 13th in Scout's rankings and otherwise finds itself hovering around No. 20 in the remaining three sets. It's all downhill from there for the rest of the conference. And this is nothing new, as the 2012 recruiting rankings from all four services placed Michigan and Ohio State in the top 10 and the rest of the Big Ten all outside of the top 20.
cont...
Reports: linebacker Trey Johnson reaffirms intent to sign with Ohio State
The 6'1 222 pound linebacker from Lawrenceville, Georgia was a big target for Ohio State, especially given that linebacker may be a position of need. Despite strong interest from Tennessee and Alabama, 4-star LB Trey Johnson has reaffirmed that he will don the Scarlet and Gray.
Many Buckeye fans were worried after hearing that Johnson had taken a secret trip to Knoxville yesterday. We reported that Johnson was going to visit a linebacker coach friend, and that the visit was more social than an indication that his commitment was wavering. It turns out we were correct.
Per Rivals, Johnson is ranked as the 7th best player in Georgia, and the 105st best in the nation. Scout has him listed as the 16th best linebacker prospect in the country.
Ohio State will continue to recruit Vonn Bell, who is also being sought by Alabama and Tennessee, but will return a talented crop of young linebackers next season either way, including Luke Roberts and Joshua Perry.
The Uncommitted
WR James Clark (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.)
James Clark was a fast riser this fall after a fantastic 2012 campaign. His senior film is as good as you will find out there in this class. Many of his suitors came on late in the process. This a Santana Moss type of receiver that has visited Ohio State, Purdue, Clemson, Nebraska and Northwestern. Clark may not be finished. He could make an unofficial visit to Gainesville this coming weekend and check out the Gators for the sixth time. If that happens Florida will be in the game. Clark looks best suited in a spread and you can?t help but wonder if he will ultimately pick the Buckeyes or Tigers. What happens or doesn?t happen this weekend could play a big effect in his decision. Look for Clark to narrow things down to three schools before he makes his decision.
Elliott Goes Silent
In April, St. Louis (Mo.) John Burroughs running back Ezekiel Elliott committed to Ohio State while on an unofficial visit to Columbus. After a weekend official to visit to Missouri, Elliott appears set to announce his final decision on National Signing Day.
"My signing ceremony is at my school at 3 pm. Everyone come out," Elliott tweeted around 9:30 PM Tuesday, later clarifying the date of his ceremony to by Feb. 6.
Two minutes later, Elliott tweeted again, "I will not be doing any interviews until Feb 6th on signing day."
Elliott, whose father played football at Missouri and mother ran track for the Tigers, took an official visit to Columbia on Jan. 25. Since the visit, he has not done interviews and has not discussed his commitment to the Buckeyes publicly, although it should be mentioned that Elliott's tweet referenced a signing ceremony instead of an announcement.
Elliott, a four-star recruit and the nation's 84th-ranked player, is also the top player in the state of Missouri for 2013. Although he hasn't publicly commented, it appears the only two teams still in the mix are Ohio State and Missouri. Texas also reached out to Elliott last week.
On Monday, Ohio State coaches visited Elliott at his school. Sources have told PowerMizzou.com that Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel is expected to make an in-home visit with the Elliotts sometime this week, although -- like much of his current recruitment -- that has yet to be confirmed.
McMillian, Glass, Autry, Kitt, and Watson talking OSU together!!!!
Urban is doing work in GA!
If that happens, I cannot imagine the tsunami of diarrhea that is going to run down the legs of every other B1G coach.
We are talking world domination...
Such a perfect comment for a guy that calls himself Chief B1G dump
it could be huge especially if they all do it at like the ua game or army game next year and do it like back to back to back to back to back......talk about big momentum......
Thanks Gene. Now I am not that optimistic about Landing James Clark
He will trim it to Clemson, Florida, and Ohio State IMO and he has had nothing but great things to say about his visit. IMO he's a buckeye.
Yeah, I thought that was an interesting quote as well. Northwestern? I love Evanston, but I'm not an 18-year old football prospect. Great school obviously, though....
Urban Meyer visits Hand lol and here we go again ; )
ESPN reporting that Denzel Ward has decommitted from ttun.
I saw that as well. I don't know that this one hurts them too much. I would have rather seen Ferns decommit.
I don't think that if Ferns decommitted he'd ever consider us. Said OSU's size wasn't for him. With Berger/Booker/Garrett/McMillan/Bates/Jackson Jr on the board, I'd say he'd be behind all of them.
Also, apparently it wasn't just a decommit. It was both sides parting ways.
Looks like Michigan dropped him, which makes sense.
Not really a shocker here. He visited Florida about a month ago and there was all kinds of talk of him second guessing his decision to commit as early as he did without seeing what's out there.
If he goes elsewhere, best of luck to the young man.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Is looking for help from OSU now on Twitter. Any self respecting Buckeye would tell him to go F himself. JMO
Why?
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
So the Land of The Holy Grail article says that Vonn Bell may take yet another visit elsewhere this weekend. I'm curious to know if a new school is involved or could it possibly mean another look at OSU?
I've been told he is considering visiting Vanderbilt out of respect for James Franklin.
Should we be concerned about Marcelys Jones? He still reports offers from FSU, UCLA, MSU, etc., and tweeted earlier that he just spoke to FSU but has since deleted the tweet. I hate reading into things like that, but I just don't usually see that stuff from a committed prospect.
He committed way too early IMO. He seems to like the attention from recruiting and offers. I tend to agree with others on here that he committed to save his spot. He knew the '14 class was going to be small and hopped on the train. I don't think Mr. Jones recruitment is even close to being done.
Better not be like Audrey Walker from a couple years ago.
Aundrey liked the idea of being recruited as a T where he wanted to play and did this year. In case you missed it he was the big LT that posed as a revolving door against Stanford. Tress & Co. wanted him at G.
His mom went to tOSU his cousin Munger is going his teammates Worley and eventually Lattimore will be there as well. Forgot to mention we need OL bad. If he goes anywhere but Buckeyes I will gladly eat my own hat.
This is where my cranky pills kick in:
Your promise aside Spooner, I would like to see the staff pull the offer if he messes around with visits or even tweets counterproductive stuff. No kid is bigger than Ohio State University, and certainly not this kid.
I disagree, to an extent. I think most of us would not be in favor of a policy like Brady Hoke has up north, because it tends to hurt as much as it helps. Give this kid time to get it through his system, because we know he wants to be a buckeye at heart. When a kid starts to be deceitful, or in other special cases, then it would be justified to pull the offer. I think that's Urban's general policy.
I think the Tennessee thing (as far as the state) is more important to Bell than he may have let on earlier, or even known about himself, which is why the Vandy trip doesn't necessarily surprise. I'm feeling more and more that he'll be a Vol on signing day. The quiet kids just seem to stay home.
@Hail,
What do you expect Poggi to do?
Two things I found very interesting:
*Urban Meyer & Zach Smith visits Da'Shawn Hand -->Get us in his top 5 Urb! He visited OSU on the day of The Game, though. One of the highest energy game-days I've seen in a long time, and we still didn't crack his top 5. Gotta think our chances are very slim here, despite being his #6. The positive I suppose is that DE is probably our position of most depth/strength.
*'14 FL OL Mason Cole
Originally from Chicago and wants to get out of Florida...likes OSU but hasn't narrowed his list down yet.
^Seems like these guys are our best bet (Southern transplants originally from the Midwest, not opposed to living in the Midwest again) when it comes to consistently recruiting Southern talent, and wow, there seems to be more and more families like this. The population shift is no joke.
I think we have a better shot with Hand than Cole. Mason is very Pro-scUM on the tweeter and I think has visited multiple times. But with Urban, who knows what will happen!
After scUM recruited 12 linemen this year he might find himself buried on the depth chart. Depth will be appealing to OL for OSU in the 2014 class just like LB's was this year.
I agree our depth should be attractive to '14 OL but lately it hasn't played TOSU's way. scUM and the domers have been loading up on alot of midwest Olineman but TOSU hasn't capitalized (as of now). Hoping the class of '14 is a monster O-line haul and an epic class!
Cole is arguably Michigan's top OL target, and sitting pretty decent. Would really love to get Cole and his teammate Artavis Scott who also seems to be interested in Michigan.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
There are about a dozen solid OL that all have OSU at or near the top of their list. I think Urban can pull 4 of those guys.
Hunt has reportedly eliminated OSU. Looks like no more O-linemen for this class.
That stinks.
I'm so floored as to why OL seem to want to stay away this class. Lisle is a great talent, but we missed out on a lot of first, second, and third tier choices. We have a need for OL depth, great chance to start in year 2 for this class, big program, yet they are signing up at lower schools or very deep OL programs.
^baffled
And weve got a great o-line coach. Example a: turning Reid Fragel from a TE into a potential NFL lineman in one year!
Eh I get it. If I were an eilite OL prospect, I'm not sure I'd want to play for a spread offense. And it's not like Urban has a stellar record of putting OL in the NFL.
Pouncey?
multiple pounceys (pounci?)
Yeah, but who else?
We'll see it trend towards our favor more and more as the NFL becomes less traditional. We should be rooting for the Tajh Boyds and the like to be drafted high, so that the idea of a "pro-style" offense becomes archaic.
Updated
We fell a spot after the commitment?
Nah we were already #3 earlier this morning. Florida was just ahead of us by a fraction of a point.
haha awesome
Vonn wanting to play early has to help us a good bit, right?
Corey Smith's JUCO coach is saying he hasn't committed to OSU and he's gonna be visiting Tennessee this weekend. I'm confused.
Ohio State gains a recruit. Michigan loses a recruit. All in all a great day for everyone.
i have no info but i really think urbs is goin go find a way to get bell
mark may wins douchebag of the year... again
He tweeted these yesterday, but that thread is closed and I thought they were note worthy without starting a new thread. So happy we got Bosa!
Muck Fiichigan? Really?
Yep...REALLY! I love this kid and his hatred for tTUN...it's great! My kind of Dlineman...not to mention he's a legacy. I'm good with what ever the #@!k he wants to call that team up north....all fine by me.
"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
Hatred is fine, but let's get a little more creative son! That's kinda lame.
Don't care. He hates TSUN and (creative or not) that's good enough for me.
He is a teenager, how creative do you want him to be??? Really?????
QuadrupleZ
Lame? Seems pretty straightforward to me. It's awesome.
Love Bosa!
How Firm Thy Friendship....
Updated
Love it that bosa hates aacc. Muck them is correct.
- losing out on Cameron Hunt seems like we wont be adding another OL to this class.
- Michigan losing Denzel Ward is a big plus!
- Getting Corey Smith is HUGE! Immediate, starter, impact player for Brax!
- I hope Bama offering KC McDermott dosnt affect our chances with him. I really want KC M in the 2014 class.
#Buckeyes
Landing the 5 or 6 Georgia players who want to play together could be big time if we could pull it off....odds are it will be tough but would be pretty awesome for tOSU
Anyone else see EzE talking about having a ceremony at 3 on national signing day? And not doing any interviews until after that? Does he wait to see what Wilson does and react? Just seems strange IMO to have a ceremony if you're solid to tOSU. Can signing day just be over already?
I'm starting to wonder if his choice may be Mizzou, you would think if he was going to stay with his osu committment, he would simply come out and say it to get rid of everyone bothering him about it. If he's waiting till signing day to announce, I think this hurts osu more than helps osu. Just my thought though.
Favorite Buckeye: Obviously BJ Mullens
Exactly, that's what worries me. I'd gladly take EzE over anyone else we have left on the board. Wilson is not worth it at all.
Or he just wants to enjoy his big day. There is obviously a tiny tiny bit of uncertainty since the visit so it makes sense for him to do this even though it is very likely he is a buckeye.
Did anyone notice that he said signing ceremony rather than announcement ceremony?? To me that just says I am signing my letter of intent to OSU and there is no announcement because he already made it.
I've got a bad feeling about this one. Has silent switch written all over it. I hope I'm wrong but no other explanation fits with the change in tone and visit to hometown Mizzou.
I saw that. Also said he isn't doing any interviews until after the ceremony. Every analyst I follow still seems to think zeke will sign his letter to play at tOSU. Just kind of weird he's gotten so quiet and secretive. He's been one of the more vocal members of this class. You'd think with the way he's carried himself throughout this whole process, he would give the staff a heads up if he was in fact flipping his commitment. You know, so as to give the staff time to ramp up their efforts to fill that spot. Hmm...just a head scratcher
People keep trying to reassure us that it has nothing to do with Wilson, but I've had trouble buying that all along haha. Maybe announcing at his school is a good way for him to bring some attention to other students now that people are intrigued regarding his decision? Just trying to look at it glass half full.
Kind of weird for a committed recruit to make an "ceremony/announcement" though, gotta say. What will he announce if he stays w/OSU "Whelp, I'm still committed..."?
By all accounts he is a great kid.
But he has not done us any favors. He is singlehandedly responsible for D Green going elsewhere. Now he is a must get, but I sure don't appreciate the me me me only rb in the class crap.
If he's announcing at his school, he is a Tiger.
Not worried whatsoever. All Buck.
Can't wait to see this kid at OSU.
Updated & Final
Good interview worth watching and hearing what Dante Sawyer has to say about tOSU and the possiblity of going to the same school with some other major prospects.
This group of GA stars needs a name like the Peach State Six (or Seven - Not quite clear which players actually are planning on playing together, the list seems to shift). If they all go together I like our chances at this point. Especially with McMillian being so high on the Bucks and also wanting to be part of a linebacker group with Booker and Garrett.
You're right, they should get a nickname, like the BrewCrew did! If Urban does start getting a lot of these Georgia recruits we may have to rename Georgia: Annex, Ohio! I also like the nickname "The Raeking Ball" for Raekwon McMillan. His full name would be Raekwon "The Raeking Ball" McMillan.
Good idea. I vote for the Georgia Great Eights. Then you can shorten to like GG8s, and add gangster symbols.
I think I just pulled a muscle in my finger trying to throw up a gang sign.
You're right, they should get a nickname, like the BrewCrew did! If Urban does start getting a lot of these Georgia recruits we may have to rename Georgia: Annex, Ohio! I also like the nickname "The Raeking Ball" for Raekwon McMillan. His full name would be Raekwon "The Raeking Ball" McMillan.
If we were to annex Georgia I'd go with a historically relavant name. As Cleveland was in Connecticut's Western Reserve; Georgia (and lets add Florida while we're at it) should be Ohio's Southern Reserve.
Their interest is in being Ohio State Buckeyes, not Ohioans. I'm sure their Georgia roots still run deep so I would not reference them with Ohioans. They may find that offensive.
So is Corey Smith a cross breed of Corey Brown and Devin Smith...A consistent catcher (Corey) with crazy one hand big play skills (Smith)??? I hope so. It looks like it to me in his video.