OSU Buckeyes

BIG TEN

Spurrier visits ESPN 150 RB David Williams 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
11:10
PM ET
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.”

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Watch List TE Jeb Blazevich has top 6 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
7:49
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Buckeyes continue to woo Ulmer 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
7:06
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

OSU offers Isaiah Ford, Jeffrey Holland 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
4:49
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

ESPN 150 OG Dawson books OSU official 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
3:02
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Video: Buckeyes DE pledge Tyquan Lewis

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
1:48
PM ET
video
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
12:45
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Report: UC wanted Meyer to lobby for ACC

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
11:00
AM ET
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:
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).

Perfect moments: No. 4 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
11:00
AM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

OSU's 2014 class emphasizes on line 

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
10:00
AM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Juco LB Martrell Spaight is Big 12 bound 

December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
9:21
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Commits happy to help recruiting process 

December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
6:10
PM ET
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.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Huskers offer Watch List WR Snodgrass 

December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
5:19
PM ET
Nebraska continues to put an emphasis on recruiting as the Huskers sent out another offer in the Buckeye State.

Springfield, Ohio, receiver Thaddeus Snodgrass reported to ESPN.com he added an offer from the Huskers on Monday.

He is the fourth Ohio prospect in the Class of 2014 to earn an offer from the Huskers.

Snodgrass now has 11 offers, with Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State among his favorites. He planned a November commitment but backed off of it.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Hankins' exit puts young Buckeyes on deck

December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
3:29
PM ET

I believed Johnathan Hankins when he said last summer that he wanted to help Ohio State win a championship.

But some NFL draft decisions are made for you. And when you're a virtual lock in the top 15 of the draft, you make the jump, no questions asked.

Hankins surprised no one Monday in announcing he'll forgo his senior season and enter the 2013 NFL draft. The Ohio State junior defensive tackle boosted his stock this season, eating up space and ball-carriers in the middle of the Buckeyes' defensive line. Many NFL draft prognosticators, including our own Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, have Hankins as the first Big Ten player off the board in April.

Hankins won't help Ohio State try to win a national title in 2013, but he undoubtedly made the right call.

"I will always be grateful for the family I have gained here at Ohio State," Hankins said in a prepared statement. "I want to thank coach [Urban] Meyer, coach [Mike] Vrabel and strength coach [Mickey] Marotti for bringing the best out of me as a football player and person, and for their constant support. I also want to thank coach [Jim] Tressel and coach [Jim] Heacock for recruiting me and giving me an opportunity to be a part of this great school and great program."

Hankins added that he intends to finish his degree at Ohio State, which is great to hear. He started every game the past two seasons and finishes his career with 138 tackles (58 solo, 80 assists), including 16.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Although Ohio State expected Hankins to leave, his departure underscores some potential depth issues the team will have up front in 2013. Defensive end John Simon, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, moves on along with nose tackle Garrett Goebel and defensive end Nathan Williams.

The good news is Urban Meyer has recruited very well at defensive line, securing blue chippers Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington in his first class (both played this fall). Linemen like Michael Bennett, Steve Miller, Tommy Schutt and Joel Hale all should see increased roles in 2013. Ohio State also is bringing in several standout D-line recruits like ESPN 300 selections Joey Bosa and Michael Hill.

Ohio State has a lot of young talent along the defensive line, but the Buckeyes need those players to grow up in a hurry if they want to take another step forward on defense.


Buckeyes' Roby earned national attention 

December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
2:57
PM ET
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- There was no real hype for Bradley Roby before the season, no watch lists building buzz and giving a head start on becoming a nationally recognized name.

Even within the program, the conversations in August typically focused more on getting consistent effort instead of praising all the natural gifts Ohio State's top cornerback possessed.

Roby essentially had to go the old-fashioned way to start generating attention and picking up accolades -- the redshirt sophomore had to earn it with his play instead of his reputation.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

SPONSORED HEADLINES