On The Trail TV: #UltimateBlueChipBattles
February, 1, 2013
Feb 1
1:07
AM ET
By
Jeremy Crabtree | ESPN.com
Join ESPN RecruitingNation's Kipp Adams, Jeremy Crabtree, Corey Dowlar and Greg Ostendorf at 11 a.m. ET Friday for a special edition of "On The Trail TV Live."
We'll discuss the final edition of #BlueChipBattles, looking at the top 10 recruiting battles for the last 10 years, as well as the border wars being raged in the Southeast between Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Ole Miss. Tweet questions to @RecruitingESPN or tune in for the live discussion.
We'll discuss the final edition of #BlueChipBattles, looking at the top 10 recruiting battles for the last 10 years, as well as the border wars being raged in the Southeast between Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and Ole Miss. Tweet questions to @RecruitingESPN or tune in for the live discussion.
Ohio State’s only Oregon commitment to take an official visit was Dontre Wilson (DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto) and the Buckeyes are starting to cut their numbers down in terms of possible suitors for the slot receiver/wide receiver position to fill out the 2013 recruiting class.
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NSD TV announcement schedule
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
3:40
PM ET
By ESPN RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
National signing day is just around the corner on Feb. 6. That day, a number of the nation’s top football recruits will announce their college destinations and 18 ESPN 300 prospects are scheduled to do so on ESPNU.
Below is the full schedule of announcements on ESPNU, which kicks off with the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, making his long-awaited decision at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Note: All times are Eastern
Below is the full schedule of announcements on ESPNU, which kicks off with the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, making his long-awaited decision at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Note: All times are Eastern
Huskers commit Finnin ponders new offer 
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
12:36
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Juco offensive tackle Matt Finnin (Crete, Ill./College of Dupage) might have a more stressful signing day than originally planned.
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The masses in the business were questioned. The names came back -- and there were few, but they kept coming back to one.
The question: Which would-be Ohio State target who gave a pledge to the Buckeyes before signing with another school turned out to be a big miss for the scarlet and gray?
Although there isn't a lot of data out there from the pre-recruiting-writing era, a scant few names jumped to the surface.
The question: Which would-be Ohio State target who gave a pledge to the Buckeyes before signing with another school turned out to be a big miss for the scarlet and gray?
Although there isn't a lot of data out there from the pre-recruiting-writing era, a scant few names jumped to the surface.
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Notebook: Super Bowls and superlatives
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
What’s a notebook on Super Bowl week without some sort of mention regarding Ohio State?
Actually, Buckeyes fans should stand up and smile as they are well represented in Super Bowl XLVII with Donte Whitner, Ted Ginn Jr., Alex Boone and Larry Grant all playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
With four former Ohio State standouts in the game, the Buckeyes have more players in this year’s Super Bowl than any Southeastern Conference team and as many as Oregon and Miami (Fla.).
Actually, Buckeyes fans should stand up and smile as they are well represented in Super Bowl XLVII with Donte Whitner, Ted Ginn Jr., Alex Boone and Larry Grant all playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
With four former Ohio State standouts in the game, the Buckeyes have more players in this year’s Super Bowl than any Southeastern Conference team and as many as Oregon and Miami (Fla.).
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Everybody is chasing the elite recruits, and championships aren't usually won unless there's a pretty impressive constellation of four- and five-star athletes on a roster.
But those guys also aren't typically solely responsible for taking a program to the next level, and it can often come down to which coaching staffs properly identify and develop the players without as much buzz coming out of high school -- or the ones intent on proving those doubts wrong at the next level.
BuckeyeNation is looking at five of those players on the Ohio State roster who will be key to making a title run, all of them capable of outplaying that three-star label.
No. 2: Bradley Roby
But those guys also aren't typically solely responsible for taking a program to the next level, and it can often come down to which coaching staffs properly identify and develop the players without as much buzz coming out of high school -- or the ones intent on proving those doubts wrong at the next level.
BuckeyeNation is looking at five of those players on the Ohio State roster who will be key to making a title run, all of them capable of outplaying that three-star label.
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Andrew Weber/US PresswireThe Buckeyes' Bradley Roby. a three-star recruit as an athlete in 2010, is now an All-America cornerback.
Andrew Weber/US PresswireThe Buckeyes' Bradley Roby. a three-star recruit as an athlete in 2010, is now an All-America cornerback.- Who: Ohio State waited patiently for the process to play out, and when a decision was finally announced, it was good news from Bradley Roby. The redshirt junior's transition from a potential contributor at wide receiver when he was a high school prospect to an impact defender was already a success, but Roby made it quite clear that cornerback was the perfect position for him with the Buckeyes and in the NFL with his breakout season last fall, one that had him thinking about making an early leap to the draft. Instead he'll try to improve his craft in coverage even more while vying for a championship with Ohio State, and the coaching staff certainly was thrilled to hear he'd be back considering it was already facing the need to replace seven other starters.
- Then: The signs of a big-play threat were there all along at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., but they seemed to be pointing to them coming on offense at that point. The scouting report raved about Roby's speed, pointed to his soft hands and praised his ability to track the deep ball among the many traits that could make him dangerous as a receiver for the Buckeyes. Pretty much all of those have been put on display since his redshirt year in 2010, though he's put them to use swatting away passes, coming up with critical interceptions and delivering touchdowns on special teams instead.
- They said it: "Savvy receiver who knows how to work leverage. ... May get a look at corner as he flashes the great speed, body length and ball skills sought after as a perimeter defender. Overall, this is a guy who may be falling under the radar nationally and with some positional polish should develop into a very good wideout or corner at the major college level. We also like his ability to return kicks as well as cover them, showing his athleticism and versatility." -- RecruitingNation in 2010
- Now: Few defensive backs in the country put together a resume as diverse and well-stocked as Roby's last season, and after breaking out the way he did while becoming an ESPN.com first-team All-America pick, it's understandable why he was thinking about moving on to the next level. But as productive as Roby was for the unbeaten Buckeyes, there are still some improvements that can be made technically in coverage and in terms of his study habits of opposing offenses. There also wasn't much buzz among scouts for Roby heading into last season, and with one big year under his belt now, he should be able to boost his draft stock with an encore.
Ohio State offers Watch List OT Gibbons
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
11:06
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
There’s a shortage of offensive linemen in Columbus after the 2013 season. Urban Meyer knows it. That’s why the trenches are a point of interest for Ohio State in the 2014 recruiting class.
The Buckeyes offered their 19th offensive tackle from the junior class and their 21st offensive lineman overall.
The Buckeyes offered their 19th offensive tackle from the junior class and their 21st offensive lineman overall.
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QB Ulmer has another scholarship offer
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
2:57
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Another day, another scholarship offer for junior quarterback Will Ulmer (Washington/St. Johns College High School).
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With social media, the rise of 7-on-7 leagues and the decrease in importance of high school coaches in the recruiting process -- the recruiting trends change every year. RecruitingNation writers tackled some of those topics.
Michael Rothstein writes: As if there wasn't enough pressure, social media has led to information overload for today's top recruits.
Chantel Jennings writes: The rise of 7-on-7 leagues fills a need that high school football can’t do alone.
Michael Rothstein writes: As if there wasn't enough pressure, social media has led to information overload for today's top recruits.
Chantel Jennings writes: The rise of 7-on-7 leagues fills a need that high school football can’t do alone.
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Corn Elder has two more visits planned
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
12:42
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Cornelius Elder is working in two official visits.
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2014 TE Blazevich hosts several coaches
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
12:32
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Despite being a junior, Jeb Blazevich is a popular prospect.
The 2014 Watch List tight end from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian recently hosted several coaches from colleges he is considering. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and tight ends coach Danny Pearman were at the school last week.
Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton and Ole Miss tight ends coach Maurice Harris were also recently at the school. Nebraska even tried to make a run at Blazevich, to no avail.
The 2014 Watch List tight end from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian recently hosted several coaches from colleges he is considering. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and tight ends coach Danny Pearman were at the school last week.
Ohio State running backs coach Stan Drayton and Ole Miss tight ends coach Maurice Harris were also recently at the school. Nebraska even tried to make a run at Blazevich, to no avail.
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Son of NFL TE coach seeing interest as a TE
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
11:28
AM ET
By
Chantel Jennings | ESPN.com
Most people would think that being the son of an NFL tight end coach would result in long, laborious, tactical conversations about the position and schemes.
And don’t get it wrong, Watch List wide receiver Austin Roberts (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) has had a few of those conversations with his father, Colts tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts. But more often, the two will talk about the recruiting process, with Alfredo giving advice to his son about how to handle it as a player.
“He was at FAU before he was in the NFL so he’s able to give me the recruiter’s perspectives,” Austin said of his father. “He has been a really big help so far.”
And don’t get it wrong, Watch List wide receiver Austin Roberts (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) has had a few of those conversations with his father, Colts tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts. But more often, the two will talk about the recruiting process, with Alfredo giving advice to his son about how to handle it as a player.
“He was at FAU before he was in the NFL so he’s able to give me the recruiter’s perspectives,” Austin said of his father. “He has been a really big help so far.”
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It's Lone Star love for Urban Meyer
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
10:05
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The Lone Star state is a five-star state, especially when it comes to recruiting and Urban Meyer at Ohio State.
While much is being made of the two-time national champion coach's love for Georgia athletes, Texas is one of the top three recruiting states in the nation, and Meyer knows it.
The Peach State might have 15 offers alone in the class of 2014 from Meyer, but Texas isn’t far behind.
While much is being made of the two-time national champion coach's love for Georgia athletes, Texas is one of the top three recruiting states in the nation, and Meyer knows it.
The Peach State might have 15 offers alone in the class of 2014 from Meyer, but Texas isn’t far behind.
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Everybody is chasing the elite recruits, and championships aren't usually won unless there's a pretty impressive constellation of four- and five-star athletes on a roster.
But those guys also aren't typically solely responsible for taking a program to the next level, and it can often come down to which coaching staffs properly identify and develop the players without as much buzz coming out of high school -- or the ones intent on proving those doubts wrong at the next level.
BuckeyeNation is looking at five of those players on the Ohio State roster who will be key to making a title run, all of them capable of outplaying that three-star label.
Greg Bartram/US PresswireWide receiver Devin Smith was a three-star recruit who is playing at a higher level.No. 3: Devin Smith
But those guys also aren't typically solely responsible for taking a program to the next level, and it can often come down to which coaching staffs properly identify and develop the players without as much buzz coming out of high school -- or the ones intent on proving those doubts wrong at the next level.
BuckeyeNation is looking at five of those players on the Ohio State roster who will be key to making a title run, all of them capable of outplaying that three-star label.
Greg Bartram/US PresswireWide receiver Devin Smith was a three-star recruit who is playing at a higher level.- Who: What he might have lacked in terms of consistency as a sophomore, Smith definitely made up for with his explosiveness and some timely production when Ohio State needed it most. The speedy, bouncy wide receiver put several more plays on a highlight reel that is swelling, starting with his jaw-dropping, one-handed snatch out of the air in the season opener and continuing with a couple more game-winning grabs from Braxton Miller that built on the early success the pair had as freshmen. Smith still might not be a finished product, but he's the best deep threat on the roster and has tremendous upside thanks to his natural athleticism.
- Then: There was plenty to like as Smith prepared to make the jump from Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, as his physical tools have always been pretty tough to miss. There were even hints in his scouting report back then about his "sneaky second gear" that allowed him to pull away from defenders on balls thrown deep down the field, and to this point that's effectively become his calling card thanks to great timing and chemistry with Miller when the Buckeyes attack vertically in the passing game. He definitely hasn't disappointed Ohio State so far as he continues to build on the experience from his first two seasons, and it's clear there's more potential waiting for him to tap.
- They said it: "Smith is a prospect that really grows on you the more you watch him and you begin to realize that he is a hybrid possession/big-play receiver that is deceptively fast and possesses very good measurables. ... Smith is still a bit green as a short and intermediate route-runner, but when he catches the ball he shows deceptive quickness and top-end speed. We are not saying he is a burner, but he does play fast for his size. Smith is a quality prospect with size and redeeming qualities as a pass catcher." -- RecruitingNation in 2011
- Now: Smith doesn't exactly have to be the No. 1 target and pile up receptions for the offense to keep lighting up the scoreboard the way it did a year ago, particularly with the majority of pieces from a relentless rushing attack returning and senior Corey "Philly" Brown back after leading the team in receptions. But there's little doubt that if Smith can make an already high-powered attack more dangerous if he takes another step forward heading into next season. At the top of the list of things to work on as he made the adjustment to the next level was developing his route-running skills on short and intermediate routes, and just as when he signed with the program, that figures to be the area where he can make the biggest strides and become a truly dangerous threat in the spread offense.
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.