Jacobs family now gets a B1G rivalry 
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
7:59
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Let the trash-talking begin.
When Maryland announced it was joining the Big Ten on Monday, it set forth an interesting situation in the Jacobs household.
Taivon Jacobs (Forestville, Md./Suitland) is a senior wide receiver ticketed to play at Ohio State next fall as a 2013 Buckeyes commit. His brother Levern is a freshman wide receiver for the Terrapins.
When Maryland announced it was joining the Big Ten on Monday, it set forth an interesting situation in the Jacobs household.
Taivon Jacobs (Forestville, Md./Suitland) is a senior wide receiver ticketed to play at Ohio State next fall as a 2013 Buckeyes commit. His brother Levern is a freshman wide receiver for the Terrapins.
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Classic Ohio State-Michigan schedule
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
1:46
PM ET
By
Scott Kendrick | ESPN.com
One of the most underrated things about Ohio State-Michigan week? The TV replays of the classic games. They're all over ESPN Classic this week -- with a marathon all day Wednesday -- and there are a couple on Big Ten Network as well. Here's the schedule (all times Eastern):
ESPN Classic
ESPN Classic
- Tuesday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.: 2000 (Michigan 38, Ohio State 26 -- End of the line for John Cooper)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.: 1977 (Michigan 14, Ohio State 6 -- Red-zone mistakes cost Buckeyes)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.: 1987 (Ohio State 23, Michigan 20 -- Upset in Earle Bruce's last game)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, noon: 2003 (Michigan 35, Ohio State 21 -- Michigan's only win over Jim Tressel)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m.: 1995 (Michigan 31, Ohio State 23 -- Tim Biakabutuka runs wild)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m.: 2005 (Ohio State 25, Michigan 21 -- Buckeyes rally in fourth quarter behind Troy Smith, Ted Ginn)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m.: 1999 (Michigan 24, Ohio State 17 -- Tom Brady throws for game-winner)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.: 1997 (Michigan 20, Ohio State 14 -- Charles Woodson wraps up Heisman)
- Wednesday, Nov. 21, 10 p.m.: 2006 (Ohio State 42, Michigan 39 -- No. 1 vs. No. 2)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 7:30 a.m.: 1969 (Michigan 24, Ohio State 12 -- The 10-Year War begins)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m.: 1978 (Michigan 14, Ohio State 3 -- Woody's final home game)
- Thursday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m.: 2004 (Ohio State 37, Michigan 21 -- Troy Smith arrives)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.: 1974 (Ohio State 12, Michigan 10 -- Mike Lantry misses for U-M's only loss)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.: 2011 (Michigan 40, Ohio State 34 -- Michigan breaks seven-game streak)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 1:30 p.m.: 1974 (see above)
- Friday, Nov. 23, 3:30 p.m.: 2006 (see above)
It's the last week before the Big Ten championship game, which means this is the last game before bowl season for some teams and the last game until next year for others. Let's look at the story lines for Week 13:
Friday
No. 14 Nebraska (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (4-7, 2-5), Noon, ABC: In the second installment of the Heroes Game, Iowa will need a heroic effort to pull off the upset, even at home. The Hawkeyes have lost five straight, while Nebraska comes in riding a five-game winning streak and just needing to take care of business here to win the Legends Division. It's hard to imagine the Huskers slipping up now, but as we saw this past weekend, sometimes crazy stuff happens.
Saturday
No. 19 Michigan (8-3, 6-1) at Ohio State (11-0, 7-0), Noon, ABC: Perhaps you've heard that these two schools have a little bit of a rivalry going on. The Game is always a big deal, and this year's edition looks like the biggest one since 2006. The Buckeyes are looking to finish off a perfect season, while the Wolverines would not only love to ruin that but need it to stay alive for a division title and for an outside shot at a BCS at-large bid. The Devin Gardner/Denard Robinson combo gives Michigan some crazy explosiveness, while Braxton Miller will try to rebound from his first subpar game of the season at Wisconsin. And it's Urban Meyer's first entry into this rivalry as head coach. Is it Saturday yet?
Wisconsin (7-4, 4-3) at Penn State (7-4, 5-2), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2: This game is meaningless in the big picture, but it won't feel that way for the Nittany Lions' seniors who have created a unique legacy. The Badgers no longer have a division title to play for and are going to Indianapolis regardless. Still, Wisconsin can help its bowl placement with a win and doesn't want to go into the Big Ten title game on a two-game losing streak. Montee Ball needs one more touchdown to break a tie with Travis Prentice for the NCAA career record.
Michigan State (5-6, 2-5) at Minnesota (6-5, 2-5), 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network: It's still a little hard to believe that the Spartans have to win their finale just to go bowling, but that's the predicament they put themselves in. At least they're on the road and not at home, where they went winless in Big Ten play. Will any Michigan State fan even want to travel to watch this team play another game? Minnesota could make that a moot point by winning on senior day and getting to seven wins, which would be a great achievement in Jerry Kill's second year. The Gophers' home finale could be overshadowed by the A.J. Barker controversy this week, however.
Indiana (4-7, 2-5) at Purdue (5-6, 2-5), Noon, BTN: The Old Oaken Bucket game takes on real meaning as Purdue needs to win to reach its second straight bowl. Indiana saw its bowl hopes end last week, but the Hoosiers will be fired up for this rivalry and would love to keep the Boilermakers home. Danny Hope could be coaching for his job. Purdue has won eight of the last 10 meetings between these two, but Indiana came out on top the last time they met in West Lafayette in 2010.
Illinois (2-9, 0-7) at Northwestern (8-3, 4-3), Noon, BTN: Northwestern can wrap up a pretty impressive nine-win season and extend the misery of its top rival. The health of Kain Colter and Venric Mark will be the main angle to watch this week. Illinois coach Tim Beckman hasn't done much if anything to endear himself to Illini fans this season, but a win here could be a small step in that direction. His team is really thin, though, after enduring several more injuries last week. What are the chances Daniel Day-Lewis can show up in character to present the Land of Lincoln Trophy?
Friday
No. 14 Nebraska (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (4-7, 2-5), Noon, ABC: In the second installment of the Heroes Game, Iowa will need a heroic effort to pull off the upset, even at home. The Hawkeyes have lost five straight, while Nebraska comes in riding a five-game winning streak and just needing to take care of business here to win the Legends Division. It's hard to imagine the Huskers slipping up now, but as we saw this past weekend, sometimes crazy stuff happens.
Saturday
No. 19 Michigan (8-3, 6-1) at Ohio State (11-0, 7-0), Noon, ABC: Perhaps you've heard that these two schools have a little bit of a rivalry going on. The Game is always a big deal, and this year's edition looks like the biggest one since 2006. The Buckeyes are looking to finish off a perfect season, while the Wolverines would not only love to ruin that but need it to stay alive for a division title and for an outside shot at a BCS at-large bid. The Devin Gardner/Denard Robinson combo gives Michigan some crazy explosiveness, while Braxton Miller will try to rebound from his first subpar game of the season at Wisconsin. And it's Urban Meyer's first entry into this rivalry as head coach. Is it Saturday yet?
Wisconsin (7-4, 4-3) at Penn State (7-4, 5-2), 3:30 p.m., ESPN2: This game is meaningless in the big picture, but it won't feel that way for the Nittany Lions' seniors who have created a unique legacy. The Badgers no longer have a division title to play for and are going to Indianapolis regardless. Still, Wisconsin can help its bowl placement with a win and doesn't want to go into the Big Ten title game on a two-game losing streak. Montee Ball needs one more touchdown to break a tie with Travis Prentice for the NCAA career record.
Michigan State (5-6, 2-5) at Minnesota (6-5, 2-5), 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network: It's still a little hard to believe that the Spartans have to win their finale just to go bowling, but that's the predicament they put themselves in. At least they're on the road and not at home, where they went winless in Big Ten play. Will any Michigan State fan even want to travel to watch this team play another game? Minnesota could make that a moot point by winning on senior day and getting to seven wins, which would be a great achievement in Jerry Kill's second year. The Gophers' home finale could be overshadowed by the A.J. Barker controversy this week, however.
Indiana (4-7, 2-5) at Purdue (5-6, 2-5), Noon, BTN: The Old Oaken Bucket game takes on real meaning as Purdue needs to win to reach its second straight bowl. Indiana saw its bowl hopes end last week, but the Hoosiers will be fired up for this rivalry and would love to keep the Boilermakers home. Danny Hope could be coaching for his job. Purdue has won eight of the last 10 meetings between these two, but Indiana came out on top the last time they met in West Lafayette in 2010.
Illinois (2-9, 0-7) at Northwestern (8-3, 4-3), Noon, BTN: Northwestern can wrap up a pretty impressive nine-win season and extend the misery of its top rival. The health of Kain Colter and Venric Mark will be the main angle to watch this week. Illinois coach Tim Beckman hasn't done much if anything to endear himself to Illini fans this season, but a win here could be a small step in that direction. His team is really thin, though, after enduring several more injuries last week. What are the chances Daniel Day-Lewis can show up in character to present the Land of Lincoln Trophy?
OSU commits will meet in state semifinals
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
12:45
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Division II will be where it’s at in Ohio this weekend as far as Ohio State commits are concerned.
Darron Lee (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany), Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood) and Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) each reached the state semifinals with their teams. Lee and Burrows will square off in one semifinal on Friday night, and Thompson is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Aurora in the other.
Here’s how the 17 Ohio State commits fared over the weekend in high school action:
J.T. Barrett: Rider (Texas) quarterback is out for season with knee injury. His team beat Dunbar 44-26 in bi-district round of Class 4A Division II playoffs.
Marcus Baugh: John W. North (Calif.) tight end season finished.
Joey Bosa: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle held Miami Beach to one touchdown in 42-7 Class 7A opening round victory.
Cam Burrows: Trotwood-Madison cornerback recorded six tackles in 42-14 Division II, Region 8 win over Cincinnati Turpin.
Ezekiel Elliott: John Burroughs (Mo.) and its running back advanced to a third consecutive Class 3 title game with 28-6 win over Monett. Elliott rushed for 233 yards and scored three touchdowns to bring career total to 97 scores.
Tim Gardner: Lawrence Central (Ind.) offensive tackle helped Bears rush for 305 yards in 28-15 Class 5A semifinal win over Center Grove.
Michael Hill: Pendleton (S.C.) defensive tackle season finished.
Taivon Jacobs: Suitland (Md.) wide receiver caught 7 passes for 88 yards and scored touchdown in 41-6 Maryland 4A South regional final loss to Wise.
Darron Lee: New Albany safety sealed 32-30 Division II, Region 7 win over Marion-Franklin with interception in waning moments. He also scored two touchdowns from quarterback position and returned punt for another score.
Tyquan Lewis: Tarboro (N.C.) defensive end/linebacker watched Vikings jump out to 30-point lead as team beat Northeastern 52-24 in third round of 2A playoffs.
Evan Lisle: Centerville (Ohio) offensive tackle season finished.
Jalin Marshall: Middletown (Ohio) athlete season finished.
Billy Price: Austintown Fitch (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Tracy Sprinkle: Elyria (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Jayme Thompson: Toledo Central Catholic safety held Michigan commit Ross Douglas to 26 yards receiving and 16 yards rushing, intercepted pass for touchdown and recorded sack in 42-14 Division II, Region 6 final win over Avon. Douglas finished with 69 yards rushing, but 53 came in fourth quarter with Thompson on bench.
Johnny Townsend: Orlando (Fla.) Boone punter season finished.
Eli Woodard: Eastern (N.J.) cornerback caught 8-yard touchdown pass on offense to lead team to a 41-38 win over River North in Group 5 postseason opener.
Darron Lee (New Albany, Ohio/New Albany), Cam Burrows (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood) and Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) each reached the state semifinals with their teams. Lee and Burrows will square off in one semifinal on Friday night, and Thompson is slated for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against Aurora in the other.
Here’s how the 17 Ohio State commits fared over the weekend in high school action:
J.T. Barrett: Rider (Texas) quarterback is out for season with knee injury. His team beat Dunbar 44-26 in bi-district round of Class 4A Division II playoffs.
Marcus Baugh: John W. North (Calif.) tight end season finished.
Joey Bosa: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle held Miami Beach to one touchdown in 42-7 Class 7A opening round victory.
Cam Burrows: Trotwood-Madison cornerback recorded six tackles in 42-14 Division II, Region 8 win over Cincinnati Turpin.
Ezekiel Elliott: John Burroughs (Mo.) and its running back advanced to a third consecutive Class 3 title game with 28-6 win over Monett. Elliott rushed for 233 yards and scored three touchdowns to bring career total to 97 scores.
Tim Gardner: Lawrence Central (Ind.) offensive tackle helped Bears rush for 305 yards in 28-15 Class 5A semifinal win over Center Grove.
Michael Hill: Pendleton (S.C.) defensive tackle season finished.
Taivon Jacobs: Suitland (Md.) wide receiver caught 7 passes for 88 yards and scored touchdown in 41-6 Maryland 4A South regional final loss to Wise.
Darron Lee: New Albany safety sealed 32-30 Division II, Region 7 win over Marion-Franklin with interception in waning moments. He also scored two touchdowns from quarterback position and returned punt for another score.
Tyquan Lewis: Tarboro (N.C.) defensive end/linebacker watched Vikings jump out to 30-point lead as team beat Northeastern 52-24 in third round of 2A playoffs.
Evan Lisle: Centerville (Ohio) offensive tackle season finished.
Jalin Marshall: Middletown (Ohio) athlete season finished.
Billy Price: Austintown Fitch (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Tracy Sprinkle: Elyria (Ohio) defensive tackle season finished.
Jayme Thompson: Toledo Central Catholic safety held Michigan commit Ross Douglas to 26 yards receiving and 16 yards rushing, intercepted pass for touchdown and recorded sack in 42-14 Division II, Region 6 final win over Avon. Douglas finished with 69 yards rushing, but 53 came in fourth quarter with Thompson on bench.
Johnny Townsend: Orlando (Fla.) Boone punter season finished.
Eli Woodard: Eastern (N.J.) cornerback caught 8-yard touchdown pass on offense to lead team to a 41-38 win over River North in Group 5 postseason opener.
Ohio State 10: Week 11 power rankings
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Austin Ward | ESPN.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Maybe Ryan Shazier is running out of time to take over the top spot in the power rankings.
But the Ohio State sophomore is building a pretty strong case as the best defensive player in the Big Ten -- and he's also starting to give Braxton Miller a run for his money.
Shazier delivered another highlight-reel play that won't be forgotten by the Buckeyes for a long time, even if it ultimately didn't end up going down as a game-winner after he punched the ball loose from Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball at the goal line in the fourth quarter of the 21-14 overtime win on Saturday. And while that resume still leaves him a spot behind Miller in the latest edition of the Ohio State 10, he might be No. 1 in a different poll soon if he keeps up his torrid pace for one more week.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
But the Ohio State sophomore is building a pretty strong case as the best defensive player in the Big Ten -- and he's also starting to give Braxton Miller a run for his money.
Shazier delivered another highlight-reel play that won't be forgotten by the Buckeyes for a long time, even if it ultimately didn't end up going down as a game-winner after he punched the ball loose from Wisconsin tailback Montee Ball at the goal line in the fourth quarter of the 21-14 overtime win on Saturday. And while that resume still leaves him a spot behind Miller in the latest edition of the Ohio State 10, he might be No. 1 in a different poll soon if he keeps up his torrid pace for one more week.
No. 1: QB Braxton Miller
- Last week: No. 1
- Against Wisconsin: The sophomore clearly didn’t have his best stuff and was effectively bottled up by the Badgers' sound game plan, but that doesn’t diminish his value for the Buckeyes through the season. And what Miller might have lacked on the stats sheet over the weekend, he more than made up for by keeping his record as the starting quarterback perfect this season.
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Ohio State lost out on ESPN 150 offensive tackle and Pittsburgh commit Dorian Johnson (Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon), but the Buckeyes might have a backup plan with ESPN Watch List junior Jimmy Byrne (Cleveland/St. Ignatius).
After St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime 57-56 to Mentor on Saturday, Byrne scheduled an unofficial visit to Ohio State to see the Nov. 24 Michigan game.
He has the Buckeyes and Notre Dame in his final two but has been able to see only the Fighting Irish, because most of his games were on Saturdays.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ohio State, to seeing their offensive line and to seeing how their game day works,” Byrne said. “It’s kind of the same thing I did when I went to Notre Dame. I’ll be looking more at my position than anything else.”
After St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime 57-56 to Mentor on Saturday, Byrne scheduled an unofficial visit to Ohio State to see the Nov. 24 Michigan game.
He has the Buckeyes and Notre Dame in his final two but has been able to see only the Fighting Irish, because most of his games were on Saturdays.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Ohio State, to seeing their offensive line and to seeing how their game day works,” Byrne said. “It’s kind of the same thing I did when I went to Notre Dame. I’ll be looking more at my position than anything else.”
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Dorian Johnson cancels Ohio State visits
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
11:04
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area offensive lineman Dorian Johnson committed to Pittsburgh on Sunday, and that verbal pledge is solid.
Johnson committed to Pitt over Ohio State, but the No. 2 tackle nationally and No. 22 player in the ESPN 150 had two visits planned to Ohio State over the next three weekends.
He says those visits have been canceled.
Johnson committed to Pitt over Ohio State, but the No. 2 tackle nationally and No. 22 player in the ESPN 150 had two visits planned to Ohio State over the next three weekends.
He says those visits have been canceled.
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Booth finds good in Wisconsin, Ohio State
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
9:13
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Camp Randall Stadium was rocking Saturday when Wisconsin took undefeated Ohio State to the limit in a 21-14 overtime loss.
With an offer from the Badgers, Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) certainly took notice as the ESPN Watch List wide receiver was there on an unofficial visit.
“I like the campus and I love the atmosphere,” Booth said. “It’s probably the best around. I get along well with the coaches.
With an offer from the Badgers, Dominique Booth (Indianapolis/Pike) certainly took notice as the ESPN Watch List wide receiver was there on an unofficial visit.
“I like the campus and I love the atmosphere,” Booth said. “It’s probably the best around. I get along well with the coaches.
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Loss brings unofficial OSU visit for Byrne
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
9:02
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
One team’s loss is another’s gain.
When Cleveland St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime to Mentor on Saturday, Ohio State might have reaped the benefits. The Cardinals eschewed an extra point in favor of a two-point conversion and knocked out the defending state champion Wildcats in a 57-56 thriller.
Watch List offensive tackle Jimmy Byrne took the defeat hard, but now will be able to make an unofficial visit to Ohio State on Saturday to see The Game against Michigan.
When Cleveland St. Ignatius lost a Division I, Region 1 final in triple overtime to Mentor on Saturday, Ohio State might have reaped the benefits. The Cardinals eschewed an extra point in favor of a two-point conversion and knocked out the defending state champion Wildcats in a 57-56 thriller.
Watch List offensive tackle Jimmy Byrne took the defeat hard, but now will be able to make an unofficial visit to Ohio State on Saturday to see The Game against Michigan.
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Coach: Dorian Johnson commits to Pitt
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
7:18
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Paul Chryst landed his biggest commitment since becoming the coach at Pittsburgh.
Belle Vernon (Pa.) Area's Dorian Johnson, an ESPN 150 prospect and the No. 2 offensive tackle nationally, committed to Pitt while on his official visit this weekend, his coach, Aaron Krepps, told ESPN.com in a text message.
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Buckeyes improve to 3-0, beat Washington
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
7:04
PM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
Deshaun Thomas led all scorers with 31 points as No. 4 Ohio State defeated Washington 77-66.
Nile Sykes takes in Wisconsin on visit
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
6:08
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
It was a busy week for 2014 prospect Nile Sykes (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park-River Forest), who made two visits to Midwest programs.
The more recent of the two trips came Saturday to Wisconsin, which he was seeing for a second time.
“It was good. The whole game was exciting,” Sykes said.
The more recent of the two trips came Saturday to Wisconsin, which he was seeing for a second time.
“It was good. The whole game was exciting,” Sykes said.
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2014 QB Drew Barker talks SEC, Big Ten
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
2:53
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Some big-time college programs are in the hunt for Drew Barker.
The junior quarterback from Hebron (Ky.) Conner was recently contacted by Georgia, visited Notre Dame this weekend and will visit Ohio State on Nov. 24. The Fighting Irish did a good job of establishing themselves this weekend while Barker was in South Bend.
"The most unique thing that I haven't felt anywhere else was that you could actually feel the tradition," Barker said of the visit. "It was pretty awesome."
The junior quarterback from Hebron (Ky.) Conner was recently contacted by Georgia, visited Notre Dame this weekend and will visit Ohio State on Nov. 24. The Fighting Irish did a good job of establishing themselves this weekend while Barker was in South Bend.
"The most unique thing that I haven't felt anywhere else was that you could actually feel the tradition," Barker said of the visit. "It was pretty awesome."
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No. 27 junior Bates-Diop to Ohio State
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
1:59
PM ET
By
Reggie Rankin | ESPN.com
Combo forward Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University High) has committed to Ohio State over offers from Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State. Bates-Diop is rated the No. 27 prospect in the ESPN 60 and becomes Thad Matta’s first pledge in the 2014 class.
Bates-Diop saw his recruiting skyrocket after a great spring and all throughout the July evaluation period. He also enjoyed a tremendous outing this fall at the Under Armour Grind Session. Bates-Diop took a number of unofficial visits in recent months, so he had some great comparisons before coming to a final decision with the Buckeyes.
This is important for Ohio State because Matta has continued to have a strong presence in the fertile recruiting ground of Illinois. Former Buckeye and current 76er Evan Turner and current players Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Sam Thompson are also natives of Illinois.
Bates-Diop saw his recruiting skyrocket after a great spring and all throughout the July evaluation period. He also enjoyed a tremendous outing this fall at the Under Armour Grind Session. Bates-Diop took a number of unofficial visits in recent months, so he had some great comparisons before coming to a final decision with the Buckeyes.
This is important for Ohio State because Matta has continued to have a strong presence in the fertile recruiting ground of Illinois. Former Buckeye and current 76er Evan Turner and current players Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Sam Thompson are also natives of Illinois.
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Bates-Diop to bring versatility to Buckeyes
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
1:23
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State went into enemy territory and nabbed a power forward who add a lot flexibility to the Buckeyes' roster in two years.
What Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University) will bring to the Buckeyes shows up beyond the stat sheets as he can spread the floor and cause mismatches virtually everywhere.
The 6-foot-7 high school junior, who committed to Ohio State on Sunday, is ranked No. 27 in the ESPN 60. With touch around the rim, he uses his height in the low post to rise above defenders and is a marksman as a passer.
What Keita Bates-Diop (Bloomington, Ill./University) will bring to the Buckeyes shows up beyond the stat sheets as he can spread the floor and cause mismatches virtually everywhere.
The 6-foot-7 high school junior, who committed to Ohio State on Sunday, is ranked No. 27 in the ESPN 60. With touch around the rim, he uses his height in the low post to rise above defenders and is a marksman as a passer.
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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.