Buckeyes hoping for a special LB package 
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
While Ohio State is trying to boost its linebacker depth chart in the recruiting class of 2013, an even brighter future might sit just one year away.
To finish their 2013 class, the Buckeyes are after Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) with the possibility of signing Tommy Sanders (Cordele, Ga./Butler Community College) or flipping James Hearns (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln).
But the dream Ohio State fans are hoping for in the class of 2014 isn’t that much of a stretch as Raekwon McMillan (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County), Clifton Garrett (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South) and Dante Booker (Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary) are very much still plausible options as a package deal.
To finish their 2013 class, the Buckeyes are after Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) with the possibility of signing Tommy Sanders (Cordele, Ga./Butler Community College) or flipping James Hearns (Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln).
But the dream Ohio State fans are hoping for in the class of 2014 isn’t that much of a stretch as Raekwon McMillan (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County), Clifton Garrett (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield South) and Dante Booker (Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary) are very much still plausible options as a package deal.
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Big Ten's best assistants in 2012
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
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By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Head coaches are like quarterbacks. They get too much credit and too much blame.
Assistant coaches are like nose tackles. They don't get nearly enough credit despite playing vital roles.
Today, we'll change it up and give some recognition to Big Ten assistant coaches who did exemplary jobs with their position groups or, in some cases, units in 2012. Each of these coaches fostered improvement this season. Some took units in bad shape and made them better. Others took units in decent shape and made them very good. Some entered the season with skeptics and quieted them.
We came up with 13 assistants who deserve recognition. Yes, we realize we're leaving out some quality folks, but we had to cap it somewhere and wanted to spread the love around to the different teams.
Assistant coaches are like nose tackles. They don't get nearly enough credit despite playing vital roles.
Today, we'll change it up and give some recognition to Big Ten assistant coaches who did exemplary jobs with their position groups or, in some cases, units in 2012. Each of these coaches fostered improvement this season. Some took units in bad shape and made them better. Others took units in decent shape and made them very good. Some entered the season with skeptics and quieted them.
We came up with 13 assistants who deserve recognition. Yes, we realize we're leaving out some quality folks, but we had to cap it somewhere and wanted to spread the love around to the different teams.
2014 Blacknall favors OSU if Bucks offer
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer spent the last two days visiting high schools in New Jersey, but junior Saeed Blacknall didn’t know Meyer was coming to Manalapan (N.J.) High School. He heard Ohio State was coming, but he didn’t think Meyer would be the one to show up until he found the news out Monday.
The 2014 receiver caught a glimpse of the Buckeyes’ coach walking the halls Tuesday, though, and he was blown away.
“My coach told me Urban Meyer was coming in the next day, and I guess it’s the recruiting time for the head coaches to be on the road and to see players,” Blacknall said. “I was shocked. I was real happy to go and see him in person.
The 2014 receiver caught a glimpse of the Buckeyes’ coach walking the halls Tuesday, though, and he was blown away.
“My coach told me Urban Meyer was coming in the next day, and I guess it’s the recruiting time for the head coaches to be on the road and to see players,” Blacknall said. “I was shocked. I was real happy to go and see him in person.
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Spurrier visits ESPN 150 RB David Williams
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier made his in-home visit with David Williams (Philadelphia/Imhotep Charter) on Tuesday, and it only strengthened the Gamecocks’ lead for the ESPN 150 running back.
Spurrier was joined by area recruiter G.A. Mangus and running backs coach Everette Sands on the visit to the school and then later Williams’ home.
“It went well. My mom and them hit it off,” Williams said. “There was no awkwardness. Everyone was on the same page.”
Spurrier was joined by area recruiter G.A. Mangus and running backs coach Everette Sands on the visit to the school and then later Williams’ home.
“It went well. My mom and them hit it off,” Williams said. “There was no awkwardness. Everyone was on the same page.”
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Watch List TE Jeb Blazevich has top 6
December, 11, 2012
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Jeb Blazevich released his top six schools Tuesday.
The ESPN Watch List prospect from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian said he is primarily considering Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Georgia. The junior tight end has taken visits to all of his six finalists except for Notre Dame this year. He said a trip to South Bend is in the works.
The ESPN Watch List prospect from Charlotte (N.C.) Christian said he is primarily considering Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Georgia. The junior tight end has taken visits to all of his six finalists except for Notre Dame this year. He said a trip to South Bend is in the works.
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The coincidences are getting hard to ignore.
Not only does Will Ulmer have similar skills as Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, the two also wear the same jersey number, as both sport No. 5.
"It is unique that we both have the same number and play just alike," said Ulmer, a junior quarterback from Washington (D.C.) St John's.
Not only does Will Ulmer have similar skills as Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, the two also wear the same jersey number, as both sport No. 5.
"It is unique that we both have the same number and play just alike," said Ulmer, a junior quarterback from Washington (D.C.) St John's.
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OSU offers Isaiah Ford, Jeffrey Holland
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State always has its eyes on the future, which is why Urban Meyer went back to a place he knows well and offered two underclassmen from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian on Tuesday.
That’s where he found 2014 wide receiver Isaiah Ford and 2015 two-way standout Jeffrey Holland.
Both had incredible seasons for the Conquerors and are already generating a buzz in recruiting circles.
That’s where he found 2014 wide receiver Isaiah Ford and 2015 two-way standout Jeffrey Holland.
Both had incredible seasons for the Conquerors and are already generating a buzz in recruiting circles.
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ESPN 150 OG Dawson books OSU official
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State will get its chance to make a late pitch for the top-ranked offensive guard in the nation when David Dawson (Detroit/Cass Tech) makes an official visit to Columbus, Ohio.
But the 6-foot-4, 282-pound ESPN 150 senior won’t be making the trip when many of the 2013 targets are coming to Ohio State, and that could be a good thing.
Dawson indicated that his trip is slated for Jan. 18 -- a full week after Kenny Lacy, Cornelius Elder, Shelton Gibson, James Hearns, Ryan Timmons, Marcus Baugh, Johnny Townsend and Jalin Marshall are making their visits to see the Buckeyes.
But the 6-foot-4, 282-pound ESPN 150 senior won’t be making the trip when many of the 2013 targets are coming to Ohio State, and that could be a good thing.
Dawson indicated that his trip is slated for Jan. 18 -- a full week after Kenny Lacy, Cornelius Elder, Shelton Gibson, James Hearns, Ryan Timmons, Marcus Baugh, Johnny Townsend and Jalin Marshall are making their visits to see the Buckeyes.
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Video: Buckeyes DE pledge Tyquan Lewis
December, 11, 2012
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By Miller Safrit | ESPN.com
At the Shrine Bowl, Miller Safrit talks with Ohio State commit Tyquan Lewis (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro) and finds out what the defensive end is looking forward to about enrolling early.
OT Kenny Lacy plans OSU official visit
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
If there’s a spot for an offensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2013 recruiting class, it’s pretty evident who the Buckeyes are going after if it’s not David Dawson (Detroit/Cass Tech).
It became clearer today when UCLA commit Kenny Lacy (Phoenix/Mountain Pointe) scheduled an official visit.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle was floored by Ohio State’s interest on Nov. 29, saying it was a big offer.
It became clearer today when UCLA commit Kenny Lacy (Phoenix/Mountain Pointe) scheduled an official visit.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive tackle was floored by Ohio State’s interest on Nov. 29, saying it was a big offer.
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Report: UC wanted Meyer to lobby for ACC
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
How desperate is Cincinnati to get out of the Big East? The school asked one of its famous alums, who happens to coach Ohio State's football team, to lobby on its behalf and try to get in the ACC.
Yes, we're talking about Urban Meyer.
Meyer's name popped up on an email obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer through an open records request. Meyer played defensive back at Cincinnati in the early 1980s, and his sister is an administrator at the school.
From the Enquirer:
But Meyer eventually backed away from that request.
"While he is comfortable telling folks he cares deeply for UC and that he knows we are a great school, with great people and great leadership, he thinks his calls would feel contrived and that they would not have an impact," wrote Gigi Escoe, a vice provost at UC and Meyer's sister, to [athletic director Whit] Babcock Nov. 27.
Meyer definitely made the right call. I can't imagine Ohio State or the Big Ten office would want one of its coaches getting involved in the realignment process -- especially with two leagues outside of the Big Ten.
The Cincinnati emails show the school is targeting the ACC for the Big 12 as its next home. The Big Ten isn't a realistic option for Cincinnati for several reasons (not a new market, academic concerns).
Yes, we're talking about Urban Meyer.
Meyer's name popped up on an email obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer through an open records request. Meyer played defensive back at Cincinnati in the early 1980s, and his sister is an administrator at the school.
From the Enquirer:
The email and other documents, obtained by The Enquirer through an Ohio Public Records Act request, also show that UC tried to enlist Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer, whose sister works at UC. Urban used to coach at Notre Dame, which has joined the ACC for sports other than football.
But Meyer eventually backed away from that request.
"While he is comfortable telling folks he cares deeply for UC and that he knows we are a great school, with great people and great leadership, he thinks his calls would feel contrived and that they would not have an impact," wrote Gigi Escoe, a vice provost at UC and Meyer's sister, to [athletic director Whit] Babcock Nov. 27.
Meyer definitely made the right call. I can't imagine Ohio State or the Big Ten office would want one of its coaches getting involved in the realignment process -- especially with two leagues outside of the Big Ten.
The Cincinnati emails show the school is targeting the ACC for the Big 12 as its next home. The Big Ten isn't a realistic option for Cincinnati for several reasons (not a new market, academic concerns).
BuckeyeNation counts down the five biggest moments on the march to perfection for Ohio State, from the biggest games and plays to the locker room speeches and celebrations -- continuing today with the emotions from a two-time captain.
No. 4: John Simon puts his heart on his sleeve
Nobody knew just how close John Simon was to missing a nonconference contest with California, not even his coach.
No. 4: John Simon puts his heart on his sleeve
Nobody knew just how close John Simon was to missing a nonconference contest with California, not even his coach.
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OSU's 2014 class emphasizes on line
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
When Ohio State coach Urban Meyer nabbed commit No. 19 in the class of 2013 and it involved defensive tackle Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights), hardly a ripple of shock went through Ohio State fans.
Meyer’s love for big men to plug up the line isn’t anything new as the Buckeyes push forward following a 12-0 season. In fact, the two-time national champion has made it a regular habit to rotate defensive linemen in and out in an effort to wear down the offensive line.
The fact he has had 11 of them commit in his last two recruiting classes isn’t much of a surprise either.
Meyer’s love for big men to plug up the line isn’t anything new as the Buckeyes push forward following a 12-0 season. In fact, the two-time national champion has made it a regular habit to rotate defensive linemen in and out in an effort to wear down the offensive line.
The fact he has had 11 of them commit in his last two recruiting classes isn’t much of a surprise either.
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Juco LB Martrell Spaight is Big 12 bound
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
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By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Kansas State picked up a huge commitment Monday evening. An MVP-type player, if you will.
Junior college outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville Community College) announced via Twitter that he verbally committed to the Wildcats. The commitment was then confirmed by the Red Ravens coaching staff.
"Everything they do is just like us at Coffeyville; the coaches really made me feel at home," Spaight said.
Junior college outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville Community College) announced via Twitter that he verbally committed to the Wildcats. The commitment was then confirmed by the Red Ravens coaching staff.
"Everything they do is just like us at Coffeyville; the coaches really made me feel at home," Spaight said.
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Commits happy to help recruiting process
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Urban Meyer might be calling Cam Burrows, Ezekiel Elliott, Tim Gardner, Darron Lee, Evan Lisle, Billy Price, Tracy Sprinkle, and Jayme Thompson his elite eight by the time they get to campus.
Either that or the octet might have bright futures as recruiting coordinators, as they were a big part of an incredible weekend for Ohio State.
ESPN 150 wide receiver Gareon Conley and outside linebacker Mike Mitchell took official visits, as did ESPN 300 defensive tackle Donovan Munger and junior college linebacker Tommy Sanders.
Either that or the octet might have bright futures as recruiting coordinators, as they were a big part of an incredible weekend for Ohio State.
ESPN 150 wide receiver Gareon Conley and outside linebacker Mike Mitchell took official visits, as did ESPN 300 defensive tackle Donovan Munger and junior college linebacker Tommy Sanders.
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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.