When Urban Meyer took over at Ohio State, there were a number of folks around Ohio concerned that his approach to recruiting — more nationally focused they said — would prove detrimental to the "wall around Ohio" that Jim Tressel's staff worked tirelessly to build. In 2013, Meyer's first — and arguably most important — full recruiting class at Ohio State, only ten of the 24 signees were from the Buckeye state. In 2014, nine of the 23 players in the "Dream '14" hailed from inside Urban's borders.
The numbers, while in line with the percentages Jim Tressel brought in from Ohio, seemed to put people off. "Don't forget Ohio", they'd preach, because everyone knows that the Buckeyes are best when they're loaded up with young men who grew up bleeding Scarlet and Gray.
If you're a subscriber to regionally-based bias and a believer in Ohio boys leading Ohio's team, then the 2016 recruiting class may be the one you've been waiting for. With three of the state's top ten players already committed, the Buckeyes are off to a great start in 2016. How many of the top 15 could end up in Columbus? Let's break that down based on where things stand today.
TOMMY KRAEMER // OFFENSIVE LINEMAN // CINCINNATI ELDER
The state's top player for 2016, Tommy Kraemer, is already committed...to Notre Dame. The Buckeyes are no doubt still trying to lure the 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive tackle to Columbus, but as of now it's a long-shot. Can stability in the coaching staff help? Only if Notre Dame's Brian Kelly were to end up taking an NFL job between now and February 2016. Buckeye or No? No.
DEMARIO MCCALL // ATHLETE // NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Number two in Ohio is North Ridgeville tailback Demario McCall. He's 5-foot-11, he's a solid 180-pounds and he's absolutely electric when he has the football in his hands. McCall is one of Urban Meyer's top priorities in 2016 and he admittedly grew up rooting for the Buckeyes. Is he a Buckeye "lock"? Absolutely not. Oregon, Alabama and Florida State are three of the schools McCall is waiting to hear from and it's only a matter of time before that happens. In Ohio State's offense as you know it now, think of McCall in the role that Dontre Wilson plays. Buckeye or No? Yes.
GEORGE HILL // RUNNING BACK // HUBBARD
Hill committed to Ohio State in June; the first member of the 2016 class.
PRINCE SAMMONS // DEFENSIVE END // CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
The summertime is often the time when soon-to-be juniors really see an upswing in their recruitment. As for this past summer, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who "blew up" as much as Prince Sammons. With a plethora of new offers coming from SEC powerhouses, Sammons boomed into a national recruit seemingly overnight. Given his size and potential, that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. It's no secret that the 2016 class is pretty loaded with DE talent, so OSU may be faced with some tough decisions on the defensive line. Where does Sammons fit in? Buckeye or No? Yes.
BRENDAN FERNS // LINEBACKER // ST. CLAIRSVILLE
The 2016 class may not feature the volume at the LB position that we have gotten used to, but the talent is certainly out there and Brendan Ferns may very well be at the top of the list. Everyone knows about his older brother Michael's decision to attend UM, but this is a totally different ballgame, and Brendan is a well-known OSU fan. Will Michael's decision to transfer to West Virginia have an impact on Brendan's college choice? Buckeye or No? Yes.
JAKE HAUSMANN // TIGHT END // CINCINNATI MOELLER
As we sit here in mid-January, Ohio State still doesn't have a true tight end committed for the 2015 class, and don't look for that to change in the next few weeks. The Notre Dame connection with the GCL is certainly difficult to ignore, but Hausmann's family connections with Ohio State may be even more difficult to ignore. This one is looking to be a true OSU vs. Notre Dame battle. Can OSU and their need at TE win this one? Buckeye or No? Yes.
LIAM EICHENBERG // OFFENSIVE TACKLE // CLEVELAND ST. IGNATIUS
Another one of the premier in-state OL for 2016, Eichenberg's recruitment has mostly revolved around the Big Three in the Midwest - Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Now Michigan seemed to fade away there for a bit when the program was in turmoil, but the Harbaugh hire seems to have generated some renewed interest. That being said, this too may very well end up being another Ohio State/Notre Dame battle. Can OSU show Eichenberg that he is a priority and keep him away from South Bend? Buckeye or No? Yes.
JUSTIN LAYNE // WIDE RECEIVER // CLEVELAND BENEDICTINE
Layne made an appearance in Columbus for the Friday Night Lights camp back in July, but due to a tweaked achilles, his night was pretty much over before it got started. There are several highly-touted WRs being targeted for 2016, and Layne is certainly atop the list when it comes to Ohio guys. Michigan State, Florida, Notre Dame, and a slew of other Midwest programs are chasing Layne, but can they snag him away from Ohio State? One thing to keep in mind here is Layne's relationship with current Ohio State commit Jerome Baker. The two are teammates and very good friends. Buckeye or No? Yes.
JONATHON COOPER // DEFENSIVE END // GAHANNA LINCOLN
Jonathon Cooper committed to Ohio State in mid-November. He was the fourth pledge in the 2016 class.
TYLER GERALD // OFFENSIVE GUARD // SCIOTOVILLE EAST
Gerald committed to the Buckeyes in June.
LUKE FARRELL // TIGHT END // PERRY
Farrell has recently confirmed that Ohio State is still his leader. Michigan seems to be lurking, as they remain toward the top of his list. At one point Farrell seemed pretty close to making a decision, but he has backed off of that. OSU's need for tight ends in 2016 has been well-documented. Can the Harbaugh hire give Michigan some momentum here? How will the recruitment of Jake Hausmann impact OSU's recruitment of Farrell? Buckeye or No? Yes.
ETHAN TUCKY // LINEBACKER // RUTHERFORD B. HAYES
Perhaps one of the most athletic LBs in the country, Tucky currently has offers from Boston College and some MAC schools. Michigan State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State have also been in contact. The potentially-tight LB numbers at OSU could make it difficult for several talented kids to earn offers. Tucky will be one to keep an eye on next fall while coaches watch to see how his athletic ability continues to translate to the football field. Buckeye or No? No.
KIERRE HAWKINS // ATHLETE // MAPLE HEIGHTS
Hawkins became the third commitment in Ohio State's 2016 class when he committed in October.
MESSIAH DEWEAVER // QUARTERBACK // TROTWOOD MADISON
Messiah made his pledge to Michigan last June, and while there have been some ups and downs, he remains committed to the Wolverines today. When Brady Hoke was fired, there was a lot of chatter about DeWeaver looking around at other schools - most notably Kentucky - but nothing changed with his commitment. Michigan State offered in December, and this will probably be a recruitment with a lot of twists and turns. Ohio State seems to have narrowed their focus to two signal-callers in the 2016 class - Jarrett Guarantano and Dwayne Haskins. Will they make a move on DeWeaver? Buckeye or No? No.
RUBEN FLOWERS // WIDE RECEIVER // LIMA SENIOR
Flowers definitely has the measurables to play WR at the Division I level and will be a prospect to watch this fall. Lima Senior doesn't usually have the most formidable schedule in the state, but Flowers has caught the eye of several schools already - with Toledo being the lone offer. Michigan State has had some success in the past working the Lima area; will they look to continue that success in 2016 or will OSU make a run at the in-state WR? Buckeye or No? No.
