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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Brandon Fritts exploding onto scene
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
12:00
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State assistant Tom Herman might be giving Mentor (Ohio) football coach Steve Trivisonno a call this week to ask for a little more game film.
The Buckeyes coach in charge of recruiting the Cardinals has interest in Brandon Fritts, but what the junior wide receiver has done the last two weeks in knocking out the last two Division I state champions has to have just about every coach foaming at the mouth.
“He’s been exploding,” Mentor quarterback and North Carolina commit Mitch Trubisky said. “Brandon just runs great routes. He’s a great player. I know when he gets open, it’s my job to get him the ball.”
The Buckeyes coach in charge of recruiting the Cardinals has interest in Brandon Fritts, but what the junior wide receiver has done the last two weeks in knocking out the last two Division I state champions has to have just about every coach foaming at the mouth.
“He’s been exploding,” Mentor quarterback and North Carolina commit Mitch Trubisky said. “Brandon just runs great routes. He’s a great player. I know when he gets open, it’s my job to get him the ball.”
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Final Verdict: Miller's Heisman hopes
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
11:00
AM ET
By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
Mark May and Lou Holtz debate if Braxton Miller has emerged as a frontrunner for the Heisman trophy.
Across The Field: It's Michigan week
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Scott Kendrick | ESPN.com
The Buckeyes are 11-0, and we all know what this week is. (Warning to OSU freshmen: jumping into Mirror Lake is not advised unless you're up to date on your shots.) Welcome to Across The Field, a regular feature on BuckeyeNation where we point you to noteworthy Buckeyes coverage here and elsewhere. Think something should be included? Send it to espnkendrick@gmail.com.
Ohio State 21, Wisconsin 14 (OT)
- Ryan Shazier and the Ohio State defense came through in a big way on an off day for Braxton Miller and the offense, writes Adam Rittenberg.
- Shazier is at the top of the heap, writes Doug Lesmerises. (Plain Dealer)
- Ohio State is 11-0 and pretty good, but the Buckeyes showed they're not as good as the teams ahead of them in the polls. (Sporting News)
- In a physical game, you don't bet against John Simon, writes Bill Livingston. (Plain Dealer)
- Montee Ball got the record, but Carlos Hyde got the glory. (Wisconsin State Journal)
BuckeyeNation Week in Review
- Bradley Roby, who made another big pass breakup that saved a touchdown at Wisconsin, isn't quite ready to talk about his NFL future, writes Austin Ward.
- Center Cory Linsley has been consistent, a great trait in a snapper in a spread offense.
- The son of a former Ohio State fullback will walk on this fall.
- Ward took a look at what the defensive line could look like in 2013.
- Both Mel Kiper and Brock Huard believe the Buckeyes are primed for 2013.
- Brad Bournival picked his top six recruits remaining on Ohio State's board, and a group of six more.
- Two Georgia juniors received Ohio State offers. RB Miles Autry and WR Demarre Kitt both have Ohio State in their top three.
- Three Buckeyes recruiting targets on the 2014 Watch List were guests of Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. So was 2013 LB Skai Moore.
- 2014 QB DeShone Kizer got an offer from Michigan State.
- Junior OT Demetrius Knox of Texas will make his decision just after Thanksgiving, and the Buckeyes are a finalist.
- All is still quiet on the Mike Mitchell front.
- What are the odds that Urban Meyer can get Gareon Conley to flip his commitment to Ohio State? He says he's going to take visits, defying Michigan.
- Maryland and Rutgers are in talks to join the Big Ten. Thoughts?
Football
- Is this Ohio State's special uniform for the Michigan game? (Land Grant Holy Land).
- While hating Michigan is part of the Ohio State culture, Zach Boren has to maintain some respect, writes Bill Livingston. (Plain Dealer)
- Does moving to defense help Zach Boren's possible pro career? (Eleven Warriors)
- Getting leaner was important to Ohio State's offensive line success. (SI.com)
- Lesmerises received records of Ohio State's latest secondary violations, and all were very minor. The school made two very important hires on the compliance front. (Plain Dealer)
- Urban Meyer gets an A so far, but probably won't be on the awards lists, writes Rob Oller. (Dispatch, $)
Basketball
- The Buckeyes won their first two games, beating Albany at home and Rhode Island at a neutral site.
- Two ESPN 100 recruits signed with the Buckeyes in the early period.
- Thad Matta is pleased with the recruiting class so far. (Plain Dealer)
- The Buckeyes are suffering a bit on the boards without Sullinger. (Dispatch)
The Gang's All Here
- Ohio State's No. 5 wrestling team beat No. 12 Virginia Tech. (OSU)
- The women's soccer team had a great season that ended in a heartbreaker in the NCAA tournament. (OSU)
- The school has a new apparel deal (for teams and items Nike is not involved with). (Lantern)
- A few items were stolen from Ohio Stadium last week.
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.