Prolific 2014 RB Nick Chubb gets first offer 
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
7:35
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Last year, ESPN 150 running back Tyren Jones (Marietta, Ga./Walton) led the state in rushing as a junior with 2,375 yards and 33 touchdowns. While the Alabama commitment already has 1,120 yards in five games this season, another junior has outpaced him so far. Nick Chubb (Cedartown, Ga./Cedartown) leads the state in rushing with 1,416 yards in only five games, and the 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back has already scored 21 touchdowns as well.
Wednesday was a big day for Chubb, as he got some big news. A few weeks ago, Tennessee safeties coach Josh Conklin was on the sideline to watch Chubb against Ridgeland, and apparently he liked what he saw in the junior tailback.
“I got an offer from Tennessee today while I was in school,” Chubb said. “Jay Graham, the running backs coach, gave the offer. I have been working hard and waiting for this, so it feels good.”
Wednesday was a big day for Chubb, as he got some big news. A few weeks ago, Tennessee safeties coach Josh Conklin was on the sideline to watch Chubb against Ridgeland, and apparently he liked what he saw in the junior tailback.
“I got an offer from Tennessee today while I was in school,” Chubb said. “Jay Graham, the running backs coach, gave the offer. I have been working hard and waiting for this, so it feels good.”
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Three-star OLB Worley will attend NU-OSU
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
4:59
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Cleveland Glenville could miss the playoffs for a second straight season, but Christopher Worley is not yet giving up hope.
“We've got to come out stronger for the rest of the year and ... keep winning, don’t give up, keep the faith and keep working hard and see where it takes us,” Worley said.
After his team missed the playoffs last season, the three-star outside linebacker has put off recruiting for the time being. He does not plan to take official visits until after the season, and he doesn't know which schools, besides Ohio State, will get an official visit.
“We've got to come out stronger for the rest of the year and ... keep winning, don’t give up, keep the faith and keep working hard and see where it takes us,” Worley said.
After his team missed the playoffs last season, the three-star outside linebacker has put off recruiting for the time being. He does not plan to take official visits until after the season, and he doesn't know which schools, besides Ohio State, will get an official visit.
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Watch List WR Josh Malone looking north
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
3:53
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
With recent SEC evaluations complete, it's time for Josh Malone to look north.
The ESPN 300 Watch List receiver from Gallatin (Tenn.) Station Camp will visit Notre Dame for the Stanford game and Ohio State for the Michigan game on Nov. 24. Notre Dame has yet to offer Malone a scholarship, but that doesn't seem to be an issue.
Malone said he's fond of the Fighting Irish's tradition. He's also fond of former Notre Dame receiver Tim Brown.
The ESPN 300 Watch List receiver from Gallatin (Tenn.) Station Camp will visit Notre Dame for the Stanford game and Ohio State for the Michigan game on Nov. 24. Notre Dame has yet to offer Malone a scholarship, but that doesn't seem to be an issue.
Malone said he's fond of the Fighting Irish's tradition. He's also fond of former Notre Dame receiver Tim Brown.
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ESPN 300 Cornelius Elder talks visits
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
2:01
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Alabama fans need not lament the fact that Cornelius "Corn" Elder did not visit Tuscaloosa last weekend as previously planned. The Crimson Tide are still very much in the hunt for the ESPN 300 running back from Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth.
Elder won't visit any schools this weekend, but told ESPN that he plans on visiting Alabama at some point. The four-star prospect is set to visit Ohio State on Oct. 20 and UCLA in November.
For now, the race seems wide open for Elder, who has expressed an interest in playing basketball in college as well.
Elder won't visit any schools this weekend, but told ESPN that he plans on visiting Alabama at some point. The four-star prospect is set to visit Ohio State on Oct. 20 and UCLA in November.
For now, the race seems wide open for Elder, who has expressed an interest in playing basketball in college as well.
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Veteran presence: Seniors steal spotlight
October, 3, 2012
10/03/12
10:36
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By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The names to watch as Ohio State moves into the future haven't changed.
For the moment, though, the old guys are simply making it hard for the freshmen to contribute in the present.
Camren Williams went on the road and contributed another tackle on special teams, but steady play from a couple of seniors is making hard for reps to be found at linebacker. Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington both have sacks early in their careers, but Nathan Williams has returned from injury and is looking stronger every week in keeping the youngsters on the sideline. Taylor Decker competed all through camp at right tackle, but Reid Fragel has developed into one of the most steady contributors on the line since then to keep another freshman on the sideline.
So while this space would normally look at the contributions the most recent signing class has made and tracked the development of the new guys, the contributions from a few seniors who qualify as surprises couldn't be ignored after Ohio State's 17-16 win over Michigan State. And this week, the focus is on them.
NATHAN WILLIAMS
For the moment, though, the old guys are simply making it hard for the freshmen to contribute in the present.
Camren Williams went on the road and contributed another tackle on special teams, but steady play from a couple of seniors is making hard for reps to be found at linebacker. Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington both have sacks early in their careers, but Nathan Williams has returned from injury and is looking stronger every week in keeping the youngsters on the sideline. Taylor Decker competed all through camp at right tackle, but Reid Fragel has developed into one of the most steady contributors on the line since then to keep another freshman on the sideline.
So while this space would normally look at the contributions the most recent signing class has made and tracked the development of the new guys, the contributions from a few seniors who qualify as surprises couldn't be ignored after Ohio State's 17-16 win over Michigan State. And this week, the focus is on them.
NATHAN WILLIAMS
- Position: Defensive end
- Stats sheet: 5 tackles, 2 quarterback hurries and a sack
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Quick-hitters from Ohio State coach Urban Meyer's weekly appearance on the Big Ten teleconference on Tuesday.
Double trouble: The threat a running quarterback poses is no secret to Ohio State.
Instead of just figuring out ways to use his own, though, this week Urban Meyer has one on the other sideline to account for as well.
Taylor Martinez hasn't used his legs quite as frequently as he did a year ago, and the Nebraska junior has been more efficient as a passer so far this season. But that doesn't make him any less dangerous on the ground, which the Buckeyes know all too well given the role Braxton Miller plays for them.
"They’re both guys that are arguably the best [multipurpose quarterbacks]," Meyer said. "[Martinez] is a dynamic runner, he’s one of the best runners I’ve ever seen at the quarterback position. I’ve been watching him for several years now, and we have a lot of respect for him.
"I think you’ll see two of the finest athletic quarterbacks in America on the field this weekend."
They'll obviously have to take turns, but the diverse sets of skills Miller and Martinez bring to Saturday's top-25 clash could set the table for an electrifying offensive showcase.
Double trouble: The threat a running quarterback poses is no secret to Ohio State.
Instead of just figuring out ways to use his own, though, this week Urban Meyer has one on the other sideline to account for as well.
Taylor Martinez hasn't used his legs quite as frequently as he did a year ago, and the Nebraska junior has been more efficient as a passer so far this season. But that doesn't make him any less dangerous on the ground, which the Buckeyes know all too well given the role Braxton Miller plays for them.
"They’re both guys that are arguably the best [multipurpose quarterbacks]," Meyer said. "[Martinez] is a dynamic runner, he’s one of the best runners I’ve ever seen at the quarterback position. I’ve been watching him for several years now, and we have a lot of respect for him.
"I think you’ll see two of the finest athletic quarterbacks in America on the field this weekend."
They'll obviously have to take turns, but the diverse sets of skills Miller and Martinez bring to Saturday's top-25 clash could set the table for an electrifying offensive showcase.
Five questions for Nebraska-Ohio State
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
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By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
Both Nebraska and Ohio State won their Big Ten openers last week by close margins. Which team will move to 2-0 in conference play when they meet on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC)? Cast your vote!
Watch List RB Haden ready to take visits
October, 2, 2012
10/02/12
10:07
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Jonathan Haden is almost ready to hit the road.
The running back prospect from Washington (D.C.) Friendship said he's planning several visits after his junior season is complete. Friendship's last game is on Nov. 2.
Haden, who is on the ESPN Watch List, said he plans to visit Ohio State, Florida, West Virginia, LSU, Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida State. North Carolina and Ohio State have already offered Haden a scholarship. He said Florida, West Virginia and several ACC schools seem close to offering him a scholarship as well.
The running back prospect from Washington (D.C.) Friendship said he's planning several visits after his junior season is complete. Friendship's last game is on Nov. 2.
Haden, who is on the ESPN Watch List, said he plans to visit Ohio State, Florida, West Virginia, LSU, Wisconsin, Alabama and Florida State. North Carolina and Ohio State have already offered Haden a scholarship. He said Florida, West Virginia and several ACC schools seem close to offering him a scholarship as well.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A glance at the Ohio State players named to preseason watch lists and how they performed in a 17-16 win over Michigan State to open Big Ten play on Saturday:
QB Braxton Miller, So. (Maxwell, O'Brien): The Buckeyes again needed him to shoulder the load as a runner, and Miller complied with 136 yards on 23 carries against a defense that came into the game leading the conference in rushing defense. With the game on the line, though, he made his biggest impact as a passer with a perfect strike to Devin Smith for a go-ahead, 63-yard touchdown.
DE John Simon, Sr. (Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski, Lott IMPACT): The big plays aren't exactly coming in bunches, but the veteran is still showing up in opposing backfields and creating difficulty for quarterbacks. Simon finished with four tackles, including one for a loss, but the Spartans still had to account for the threat he posed at end.
QB Braxton Miller, So. (Maxwell, O'Brien): The Buckeyes again needed him to shoulder the load as a runner, and Miller complied with 136 yards on 23 carries against a defense that came into the game leading the conference in rushing defense. With the game on the line, though, he made his biggest impact as a passer with a perfect strike to Devin Smith for a go-ahead, 63-yard touchdown.
DE John Simon, Sr. (Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski, Lott IMPACT): The big plays aren't exactly coming in bunches, but the veteran is still showing up in opposing backfields and creating difficulty for quarterbacks. Simon finished with four tackles, including one for a loss, but the Spartans still had to account for the threat he posed at end.
Auburn LB commit Johnson taking visits
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
9:28
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) has been committed to Auburn for over a year, so with the 1-4 start by the Tigers and news that the ESPN 150 prospect is taking official visits, some eyebrows are sure to be raised. According to Central Gwinnett head coach Todd Wofford, that was the plan all along.
"He loves Gene Chizik and he loves Brian VanGorder, but he just wants to cover his bases and he always said he was going to take visits, so he wants to check out schools that have big-time linebacker traditions," Wofford said. "He likes the kids that Auburn has committed right now, but at the same time other schools are kind of using Auburn’s season as a factor with him."
Wofford said USC was one of the first schools to come by during the evaluation period, and Ed Orgeron was by last Wednesday as well. Urban Meyer at Ohio State calls once a week, as do coaches from FSU. Coincidently those are the programs, other than Auburn, that Johnson plans to take official visits to. Johnson is going to Ohio State on Nov. 23 for the Michigan game, to USC most likely the second week of January and will be taking officials to FSU and Auburn. Wofford discussed each of the four programs set to host the No. 129 prospect in the country.
"He loves Gene Chizik and he loves Brian VanGorder, but he just wants to cover his bases and he always said he was going to take visits, so he wants to check out schools that have big-time linebacker traditions," Wofford said. "He likes the kids that Auburn has committed right now, but at the same time other schools are kind of using Auburn’s season as a factor with him."
Wofford said USC was one of the first schools to come by during the evaluation period, and Ed Orgeron was by last Wednesday as well. Urban Meyer at Ohio State calls once a week, as do coaches from FSU. Coincidently those are the programs, other than Auburn, that Johnson plans to take official visits to. Johnson is going to Ohio State on Nov. 23 for the Michigan game, to USC most likely the second week of January and will be taking officials to FSU and Auburn. Wofford discussed each of the four programs set to host the No. 129 prospect in the country.
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Thaddeus Snodgrass adds 6th B1G offer
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
8:05
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Penn State joined several its of Big Ten brethren this weekend when it extended an offer to an 2014 ESPN Watch List wide receiver.
The Nittany Lions offered Springfield (Ohio) receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass on Friday.
The 6-foot, 174-pound junior already has offers from Big Ten programs Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Outside the conference, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and Toledo have also extended offers.
The Nittany Lions offered Springfield (Ohio) receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass on Friday.
The 6-foot, 174-pound junior already has offers from Big Ten programs Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Outside the conference, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and Toledo have also extended offers.
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Monday briefing: Miller earns day of rest
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
5:12
PM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesAfter logging 23 carries and taking several shots from Michigan State defenders on Saturday, Urban Meyer is looking to reduce the wear and tear on sophomore QB Braxton Miller in practice this week.The Ohio State quarterback was bound to be sore after again being called on so often to rush the ball, and some abuse comes with the territory after 23 attempts.
But there were a few more shots the sophomore could have avoided in the road win on Saturday over Michigan State, and that's the tally Urban Meyer had in mind as the Buckeyes try to keep the centerpiece of their offense healthy ahead of another top-25 test this week against Nebraska.
"Eight times," Meyer said during his Monday press conference. "We went through that, eight times he shouldn’t have got hit. He’s scrambling around, throw the ball away, find the receiver or give the ball.
"We’re going to go try to win a game, and Braxton is our quarterback and our best player, best guy with the ball in his hands. [Health] is always going to be a concern any time you have a quarterback involved. But he’s a gifted guy and he’s got to help us win."
3-star LB: OSU-Michigan is can't-miss
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
2:00
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Three-star linebacker Christopher Worley (Cleveland/Glenville) plans to make bookend visits to Ohio State this season.
After taking in the season opener when the Buckeyes played Miami (Ohio), the 6-foot-3, 190-pound prospect will be at the Michigan game Nov. 24.
“I’m going to that Michigan game,” Worley said. “I don’t know yet if it’s official or unofficial. That’s one of the greatest -- actually that is the greatest rivalry in college football. I’m going down there and checking it out.”
After taking in the season opener when the Buckeyes played Miami (Ohio), the 6-foot-3, 190-pound prospect will be at the Michigan game Nov. 24.
“I’m going to that Michigan game,” Worley said. “I don’t know yet if it’s official or unofficial. That’s one of the greatest -- actually that is the greatest rivalry in college football. I’m going down there and checking it out.”
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Brandon Fritts, Connor Krizancic excelling
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
When you’re catching passes from a quarterback that just broke the school record once held by a former Mr. Football winner, you’re bound to get a few looks.
But when you’re as good as Brandon Fritts (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) and teammate Conner Krizancic, it doesn’t matter if the passes are coming from North Carolina commit Mitch Trubisky or Mitch Albom.
Fritts, who has Boston College, Duke, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia interested, knows how the recruiting industry works. Of course, his 20 catches, team-leading 355 yards and five touchdowns through six games this season is proof positive the junior is going to catch on at the next level, especially at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds.
But when you’re as good as Brandon Fritts (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) and teammate Conner Krizancic, it doesn’t matter if the passes are coming from North Carolina commit Mitch Trubisky or Mitch Albom.
Fritts, who has Boston College, Duke, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh and West Virginia interested, knows how the recruiting industry works. Of course, his 20 catches, team-leading 355 yards and five touchdowns through six games this season is proof positive the junior is going to catch on at the next level, especially at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The top spot is safe.
At this point, it's as close to a sure thing as there is for Ohio State.
But behind Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes had several significant contributors as they kept their perfect start intact with a 17-16 win over Michigan State to open Big Ten action on Saturday at Spartan Stadium. And the biggest move of all came from a player who validated his previous high ranking with a return from injury that offered a clear reminder of his impact.
There was no missing the impact Bradley Roby had as he shook off his shoulder to help spark the Ohio State defense in the secondary, which means it won't take long again to find his name in the latest edition of the power rankings.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
At this point, it's as close to a sure thing as there is for Ohio State.
But behind Braxton Miller, the Buckeyes had several significant contributors as they kept their perfect start intact with a 17-16 win over Michigan State to open Big Ten action on Saturday at Spartan Stadium. And the biggest move of all came from a player who validated his previous high ranking with a return from injury that offered a clear reminder of his impact.
There was no missing the impact Bradley Roby had as he shook off his shoulder to help spark the Ohio State defense in the secondary, which means it won't take long again to find his name in the latest edition of the power rankings.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
- Last week: No. 1
- Against Michigan State: In case there was any doubt about his toughness, Miller proved once more that he would do whatever was necessary to lead the Buckeyes to a win. The sophomore twice had to return from brief injury scares, was called on to rush the ball 23 times against a physically imposing defense and then authored a signature moment with his gorgeous 63-yard, go-ahead touchdown pass to Devin Smith in the third quarter.
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ABOUT BUCKEYE NATION
Austin Ward
Austin Ward joined ESPN.com in 2012 after five years as a college football writer at the Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune and the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel. The award-winning journalist lives with his wife in Columbus, Ohio. Email him at ajward.espn@gmail.com.
Brad Bournival
Brad Bournival, a lifetime Northeast Ohio resident, joined ESPN in 2012 and is the recruiting writer for BuckeyeNation. He has covered sports at the professional, college and high school level for 16 years. Recently, Bournival was a freelance writer for The Plain Dealer, The Medina Gazette and SportsInk.com. Email him at bradbournival.espn@gmail.com.