OSU Buckeyes: Ohio State football recruiting
Watch List safety picks up Georgia offer 
March, 21, 2013
Mar 21
1:41
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- For most high school players, the end of practice means they get a break from the incessant nagging and ceaseless instruction of their coaches. They go home, eat dinner, study and enjoy the respite until the whistles start blowing next time. For ESPN Watch List safety Quincy Wilson (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./University School), that is not the case.
Wilson’s father is the defensive coordinator and the defensive backs coach at the University School, so Wilson jokes that he gets no respite.
“Oh no, there’s no break, there’s no break,” Wilson said. “Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yeah, I get it at practice, before practice, after practice, in the car, at the dinner table ...”
The talented junior laughed about the nonstop instruction but he also credited his father with making him the player he is today -- one of the most coveted safeties in Florida.
Wilson’s father is the defensive coordinator and the defensive backs coach at the University School, so Wilson jokes that he gets no respite.
“Oh no, there’s no break, there’s no break,” Wilson said. “Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Yeah, I get it at practice, before practice, after practice, in the car, at the dinner table ...”
The talented junior laughed about the nonstop instruction but he also credited his father with making him the player he is today -- one of the most coveted safeties in Florida.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ATLANTA -- With a wind-chill factor in the low 20s and occasional snow flurries blowing through the air, outside linebacker Petera Wilson (Memphis, Tenn./White Station) had a hard time staying warm Saturday. The cold kept his legs tight and he was not happy with his 40-yard dash or agility shuttle times. After having driven from Memphis, Tenn., to Atlanta to compete in the Nike SPARQ Combine, the talented junior left Lakewood Stadium cold and disappointed.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Georgia quick to offer Watch List RB
February, 16, 2013
Feb 16
10:24
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Many high school prospects are evaluated for months or even years before a college program extends a scholarship offer. Highlights from sophomore seasons are compared to those of junior seasons to see progression and potential. Players who make a name for themselves as juniors are visited as seniors to gauge their possible impact at the next level. And then there are prospects like Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) for whom the entire process takes three or maybe four days.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Watch List DE Sawyer a popular target
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
7:10
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
SUWANEE, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List defensive end Dante Sawyer of North Gwinnett (Ga.) High School is becoming one of the most popular juniors in the country.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
When Georgia lost defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner to Auburn, the worry amongst the Georgia fans was more focused on how his departure would impact recruiting so close to signing day rather than what would happen on the defensive front. But according to one ESPN Watch List standout, Garner’s replacement will do just fine.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Recruiting is never static, especially at this time of the year. Coaches are on the road and visits are being taken. That holds true not just for the Class of 2013 but for this year’s junior class, which is being wooed by college coaches trying to get a jump on the ever-quickening recruiting cycle.
Each day we find college coaches checking in on the top prospects for the Class of 2014. Such is the case with ESPN Watch List wide receiver Demarre Kitt (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek).
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
RB Nick Chubb picks up Georgia offer
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
6:13
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATLANTA -- Running back Nick Chubb (Cedartown, Ga./Cedartown) walked off the field Monday at Grady High School at the conclusion of the Georgia Junior Bowl game surrounded by his family. Well-wishers called out to him and congratulated him on his performance. More than one person congratulated him on his most recent scholarship offer -- from the University of Georgia -- that Chubb picked up before the game.
“It was a real good day,” Chubb said. “I am blessed. Georgia said they were going to offer me but they can’t make it official until they figure out the 2013 class and all that stuff and then they will offer me. But he said I have an offer from them. I felt better when he said, 'I am going to give it to you.'”
“He” in this case is Bulldogs' running backs coach Bryan McClendon, whose tenure at Georgia has been successful in recruiting such highly coveted tailbacks as Isaiah Crowell, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall.
“It was a real good day,” Chubb said. “I am blessed. Georgia said they were going to offer me but they can’t make it official until they figure out the 2013 class and all that stuff and then they will offer me. But he said I have an offer from them. I felt better when he said, 'I am going to give it to you.'”
“He” in this case is Bulldogs' running backs coach Bryan McClendon, whose tenure at Georgia has been successful in recruiting such highly coveted tailbacks as Isaiah Crowell, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Watch List TE Blazevich talks top six
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
9:01
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List tight end Jeb Blazevich (Charlotte, N.C./Charlotte Christian) named his top six schools on Twitter last week. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior is one of the most coveted targets in the Class of 2014 and that news left 17 programs with lumps of coal in their recruiting stockings.
“It is Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama and Ole Miss,” Blazevich said.
The Rebels would not have made the cut had Blazevich decided to trim the list before the football season.
“It is Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama and Ole Miss,” Blazevich said.
The Rebels would not have made the cut had Blazevich decided to trim the list before the football season.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
HINESVILLE, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List linebacker Raekwon McMillan (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County) has narrowed his long offer list down to a top five, with Ohio State in the lead. Clemson, Georgia, USC and Alabama are also in his top group. But don’t expect an announcement anytime soon.
“My decision will be at the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game,” McMillan said.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
QB commit gets confirmation of torn ACL
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
2:46
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The second opinion for J.T. Barrett (Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider) came back almost the same as the first and the ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback will have surgery on Oct. 23 to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Barrett planted his right leg but was hit from behind, causing the injury during a 44-17 win over Brewer on Friday.
In Rider’s opening drive, Barrett rushed for 49 yards and a score and was 2-of-4 for 41 yards, but then the injury to his right knee happened.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Barrett planted his right leg but was hit from behind, causing the injury during a 44-17 win over Brewer on Friday.
In Rider’s opening drive, Barrett rushed for 49 yards and a score and was 2-of-4 for 41 yards, but then the injury to his right knee happened.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Allen Lazard ranks OSU scene in top 2
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
5:30
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Following his first ever visit to Ohio State, 2014 receiver Allen Lazard (Urbandale, Iowa/Urbandale) is confident there is something special going on in Columbus.
The ESPN Watch List prospect spent the entire day at Ohio State, meeting with Urban Meyer around noon before seeing all the Buckeyes’ program has to offer.
“I like the whole tradition there. It’s always been a good school. I feel Coach Meyer has something special there. They’re going to win a national championship in the next few years. It’ll be a great place to be.”
The ESPN Watch List prospect spent the entire day at Ohio State, meeting with Urban Meyer around noon before seeing all the Buckeyes’ program has to offer.
“I like the whole tradition there. It’s always been a good school. I feel Coach Meyer has something special there. They’re going to win a national championship in the next few years. It’ll be a great place to be.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Shelton Gibson reaffirms OSU's standing
October, 7, 2012
10/07/12
2:28
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
If there was ever a question regarding how Shelton Gibson (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) felt about Ohio State, the ESPN 300 wide receiver put an end to lingering doubts Sunday.
The Buckeyes have long been Gibson’s top choice, but the atmosphere from Saturday’s Ohio State-Nebraska game put the Buckeyes over the top for the 5-foot-11, 173-pound Gibson, who is ranked 196th in the nation.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
3-star Tyquan Lewis pledges to Buckeyes
September, 20, 2012
9/20/12
4:05
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
It took almost two months in between recruits, but Ohio State picked up its 17th commitment Thursday with Tyquan Lewis (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro).
The Buckeyes have been courting the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Lewis for quite a while in a summer affair that finally landed the three-star hybrid defensive end/linebacker.
Lewis ended the suspense in a news conference at his high school.
He came to Ohio State’s Senior Advanced Camp on June 10 and got the offer he was looking for, then returned with his mother July 27 for the Buckeyes’ Friday Night Lights camp.
While Lewis didn’t participate at the second event, he did spend the night and the better portion of the next day talking football and beyond with Ohio State brass.
“I felt comfortable there,” Lewis said. “I think it’s a great choice overall. The coaching staff and the facilities, everything there is nice.”
In choosing the Buckeyes over North Carolina and LSU, Lewis adds a dimension the 2013 recruiting class didn’t have as a linebacker.
“I see myself at the linebacking position,” Lewis said. “Just moving around and being aggressive.”
It looked like Ohio State had the position filled, but decommitments from Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) left the Buckeyes scrambling to fill the position.
Lewis is a standout athlete who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. As a junior, he amassed 63 tackles and 12 sacks. He also brings a winning attitude as Tarboro has won three consecutive state championships and is undefeated this season.
“I bring a winning spirit, speed, and I’m someone that will go out there and play hard every game,” he said.
The other plus Ohio State had going for it was the culture of winning Urban Meyer brings to the Buckeyes.
Already a successful program, Meyer’s two national titles were on the mind of Lewis as well. It’s a tradition the three-star commit hopes to continue.
“I expect to win a national championship,” Lewis said. “Year after year after year.”
Lewis plans on making his official visit on Nov. 24 for the Michigan game.
With Lewis’ commitment, the Buckeyes will likely look once more at the position with athlete Christopher Worley (Cleveland/Glenville) or Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian). Both are very interested in Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have been courting the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Lewis for quite a while in a summer affair that finally landed the three-star hybrid defensive end/linebacker.
Lewis ended the suspense in a news conference at his high school.
He came to Ohio State’s Senior Advanced Camp on June 10 and got the offer he was looking for, then returned with his mother July 27 for the Buckeyes’ Friday Night Lights camp.
While Lewis didn’t participate at the second event, he did spend the night and the better portion of the next day talking football and beyond with Ohio State brass.
“I felt comfortable there,” Lewis said. “I think it’s a great choice overall. The coaching staff and the facilities, everything there is nice.”
In choosing the Buckeyes over North Carolina and LSU, Lewis adds a dimension the 2013 recruiting class didn’t have as a linebacker.
“I see myself at the linebacking position,” Lewis said. “Just moving around and being aggressive.”
It looked like Ohio State had the position filled, but decommitments from Alex Anzalone (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing) and Lewis Neal (Wilson, N.C./James B. Hunt) left the Buckeyes scrambling to fill the position.
Lewis is a standout athlete who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. As a junior, he amassed 63 tackles and 12 sacks. He also brings a winning attitude as Tarboro has won three consecutive state championships and is undefeated this season.
“I bring a winning spirit, speed, and I’m someone that will go out there and play hard every game,” he said.
The other plus Ohio State had going for it was the culture of winning Urban Meyer brings to the Buckeyes.
Already a successful program, Meyer’s two national titles were on the mind of Lewis as well. It’s a tradition the three-star commit hopes to continue.
“I expect to win a national championship,” Lewis said. “Year after year after year.”
Lewis plans on making his official visit on Nov. 24 for the Michigan game.
With Lewis’ commitment, the Buckeyes will likely look once more at the position with athlete Christopher Worley (Cleveland/Glenville) or Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian). Both are very interested in Ohio State.
DE Nile Sykes high on Illini, OSU, UW
September, 18, 2012
9/18/12
6:42
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Oak Park and River Forest (Ill.) High School is off to a 3-1 start, and one of its best players has yet to play. It will face its toughest test yet Saturday against Glenbard West, and it looks like Nile Sykes (Oak Park, Ill./Oak Park-River Forest) should be able to play.
“I’ve been out with my ankle,” the 2014 defensive end said. “I hurt it in a scrimmage, but I’m back to practice this coming week. I’m going to see how I feel come Saturday.”
Sykes is coming off a visit to Michigan State this past weekend, and he is one of the Chicago area’s top 2014 prospects. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Sykes has offers from Illinois, Northern Illinois, Purdue and Toledo.
“I’ve been out with my ankle,” the 2014 defensive end said. “I hurt it in a scrimmage, but I’m back to practice this coming week. I’m going to see how I feel come Saturday.”
Sykes is coming off a visit to Michigan State this past weekend, and he is one of the Chicago area’s top 2014 prospects. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Sykes has offers from Illinois, Northern Illinois, Purdue and Toledo.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Snodgrass, Rogers amped after OSU visit
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
11:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Thaddeus Snodgrass (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield) and Devon Rogers (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson) picked a great day to make some memories.
The duo out of the 2014 recruiting class were on hand for Ohio State’s game against Cal and watched the Buckeyes hang on for a thrilling 35-28 win at The Horseshoe.
“It was a lot of fun,” Rogers, a safety, said. “I talked to the coaches before and after. The experience was just great. Everybody should get to experience that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
The duo out of the 2014 recruiting class were on hand for Ohio State’s game against Cal and watched the Buckeyes hang on for a thrilling 35-28 win at The Horseshoe.
“It was a lot of fun,” Rogers, a safety, said. “I talked to the coaches before and after. The experience was just great. Everybody should get to experience that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.