With Kraemer Off the Board, the Search For Offensive Tackles Begins Anew

By Mike Rockstedt on October 6, 2014 at 5:12 pm
Meyer and Team
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The Buckeyes received bad news in 2016 recruiting over the weekend: Tommy Kraemer, an offensive tackle out of Cincinnati Elder, committed to Notre Dame on a visit to South Bend. Kraemer had been a Notre Dame lean for some time, and the win over Stanford was apparently enough to tip the scales.

With Kraemer's verbal to the Fighting Irish, Ohio State must search for new offensive linemen for the class. The Buckeyes benefit from a deep, talented in-state class of offensive tackles, but none of them is a surefire commit. In this post, we dive into what OSU will do in 2016 offensive tackle recruiting.

Liam Eichenberg

Next to Kraemer, Liam Eichenberg is easily the best offensive lineman in Ohio for 2016. Eichenberg, an offensive tackle from St. Ignatius in Cleveland, is a well-rounded prospect who is in the top-10 of 247Sports' position rankings. Eichenberg has been to Columbus for several visits, most recently in the summer. He is scheduled to attend the Michigan game at the end of the season.

The problem for Ohio State is that Kraemer and Eichenberg have been tied at the hip throughout the recruiting process. The two offensive tackles had said they were likely to end up at the same school, and now that Notre Dame has landed Kraemer it doesn't look good for the Buckeyes.

Every indication is that Notre Dame is the favorite for Eichenberg. Ohio State's best bet is a tried-and-true strategy: keep him from committing to Notre Dame at least until he visits with the Buckeyes. If they can do so, they have a good shot with him.

Jauan Williams

Jauan Williams, a tackle from Archbishop Carroll in Washington, D.C., has mutual interest with the Buckeyes and is also regarded as a top-10 OT for 2016. The staff has recruited the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area well, which has given them additional exposure to Williams. Jauan was at the Ohio State game this weekend against Maryland, so he has already seen Ohio State play and how the O-line works.

Because of how the staff has recruited the DMV area as of late, I like Ohio State's chances to land Williams. A caveat: Maryland and Penn State are going to be tough to beat, as they are both closer and headed for bowl games. Still, Williams is scheduled to visit Ohio State for the Michigan game. If all goes well, Ohio State could become his leader.

Michal Menet

A 6-5, 250-pounder from Reading, Pa., Michal Menet would be the most convenient out-of-state option at offensive tackle. Menet has been to Columbus twice, once last April and again in September when Ohio State played Cincinnati. He was offered after the April visit, and he also holds offers from Florida State, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State.

The key player for Menet besides OSU would be Penn State. Even though Urban Meyer poached Larry Johnson from PSU, James Franklin has locked down the state borders since arriving in Happy Valley and done a good job diverting Pennsylvania players from OSU.

The coaching staff is hoping that changes with Menet. Even though Menet has taken several visits to University Park, if OSU staffers can get Menet back for a third visit during the season, I think they have the best chance of landing him.

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