OSU Buckeyes: Derrick Green
Green, Wilson make impact freshmen list
May, 22, 2013
May 22
5:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Every Big Ten team will rely on a handful of freshmen (sometimes more than a handful) to fill key roles when the 2013 season rolls around. Which newcomers will make the biggest impact in the league?
Tom Luginbill, RecruitingNation's senior national recruiting analyst, has identified five names to remember among incoming freshmen
who will enroll this summer. Luginbill already singled out Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple as an early enrollee who could make a difference this fall.
Two Big Ten freshmen make Luginbill's new list. Neither needs much of an introduction.
Michigan running back Derrick Green is expected to compete right away for a starting job. Ranked by RecruitingNation as the No. 5 running back (No. 38 overall player) in the 2013 class, Green will be Michigan's best option in the backfield as the Wolverines go back to a more traditional pro-set scheme that will emphasize power running. No Michigan back distinguished himself this spring, and Green likely will face the most competition from Fitzgerald Toussaint, who comes off of leg surgery.
Luginbill also likes the impact potential of Ohio State incoming freshman Dontre Wilson, who could be fill the so-called "Percy position" in Urban Meyer's spread offense in Columbus. Wilson, a speedster from Texas who picked Ohio State ahead of Oregon and Texas, brings playmaking ability to an offense that needs more of it other than star quarterback Braxton Miller. Although Jordan Hall returns to the mix after battling injuries throughout 2012, Wilson could have a significant role in the offensive vision with a strong preseason showing.
What other incoming freshmen (non-early enrollees) could make an impact in the Big Ten this season?
Here are a few:
Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg: It'll be Hackenberg or junior-college transfer Tyler Ferguson starting for the Lions in their season opener against Syracuse. Unless Ferguson creates significant separation in camp, Hackenberg likely will be a factor this season.
Indiana DT Darius Latham: The Hoosiers need help along their defensive line, and could turn to Latham right away. A four-star prospect with good size and athleticism (played basketball in high school), Latham should be part of the mix up front at IU.
Michigan State RB Delton Williams: The Spartans need help in the backfield after no one really emerged this spring, and the coaches moved backup middle linebacker Riley Bullough to offense for help. There's a good chance Michigan State turns to an incoming freshman and Williams, the team's highest-rated recruit in the 2014 class according to RecruitingNation, will have a golden opportunity in camp.
Ohio State S Vonn Bell: Unlike the other freshmen listed here, Bell doesn't play a position where Ohio State has an overly pressing need. But he might be too talented to keep off of the field, especially when the Buckeyes go to their nickel and dime packages.
Tom Luginbill, RecruitingNation's senior national recruiting analyst, has identified five names to remember among incoming freshmen who will enroll this summer. Luginbill already singled out Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple as an early enrollee who could make a difference this fall.
Two Big Ten freshmen make Luginbill's new list. Neither needs much of an introduction.
Michigan running back Derrick Green is expected to compete right away for a starting job. Ranked by RecruitingNation as the No. 5 running back (No. 38 overall player) in the 2013 class, Green will be Michigan's best option in the backfield as the Wolverines go back to a more traditional pro-set scheme that will emphasize power running. No Michigan back distinguished himself this spring, and Green likely will face the most competition from Fitzgerald Toussaint, who comes off of leg surgery.
Luginbill also likes the impact potential of Ohio State incoming freshman Dontre Wilson, who could be fill the so-called "Percy position" in Urban Meyer's spread offense in Columbus. Wilson, a speedster from Texas who picked Ohio State ahead of Oregon and Texas, brings playmaking ability to an offense that needs more of it other than star quarterback Braxton Miller. Although Jordan Hall returns to the mix after battling injuries throughout 2012, Wilson could have a significant role in the offensive vision with a strong preseason showing.
What other incoming freshmen (non-early enrollees) could make an impact in the Big Ten this season?
Here are a few:
Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg: It'll be Hackenberg or junior-college transfer Tyler Ferguson starting for the Lions in their season opener against Syracuse. Unless Ferguson creates significant separation in camp, Hackenberg likely will be a factor this season.
Indiana DT Darius Latham: The Hoosiers need help along their defensive line, and could turn to Latham right away. A four-star prospect with good size and athleticism (played basketball in high school), Latham should be part of the mix up front at IU.
Michigan State RB Delton Williams: The Spartans need help in the backfield after no one really emerged this spring, and the coaches moved backup middle linebacker Riley Bullough to offense for help. There's a good chance Michigan State turns to an incoming freshman and Williams, the team's highest-rated recruit in the 2014 class according to RecruitingNation, will have a golden opportunity in camp.
Ohio State S Vonn Bell: Unlike the other freshmen listed here, Bell doesn't play a position where Ohio State has an overly pressing need. But he might be too talented to keep off of the field, especially when the Buckeyes go to their nickel and dime packages.
State of the rivalry: Running backs 
February, 19, 2013
Feb 19
8:00
AM ET
By Chantel Jennings & Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The writers at WolverineNation and BuckeyeNation put their heads together to break down the rivals' 2013 classes. They'll give readers a position-by-position look at who coaches Brady Hoke and Urban Meyer brought in and, ultimately, which class edged out the other. It's too early to say what will happen through the next few seasons, and we won't make any promises except that Hoke and Meyer are going to put talent on the field.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
OSU, Michigan will battle to the end
January, 16, 2013
Jan 16
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s battle with Michigan doesn’t just happen on the football field. It’s a 365-day war.
Especially when it comes to recruiting.
The Wolverines blew out of the gate with the No. 1 class in the nation in June thanks in large part to a February weekend when seven recruits committed.
Especially when it comes to recruiting.
The Wolverines blew out of the gate with the No. 1 class in the nation in June thanks in large part to a February weekend when seven recruits committed.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
U.S. Army Bowl: Tuesday notebook
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
7:52
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson and
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO – ESPN 150 wide receiver James Quick (Louisville, Ky./Trinity) has drawn plenty of attention for his play through two practices for the East team in preparation for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
He’ll garner even more eyes his way on Saturday when he announces his commitment during the game.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said he is down to Louisville, Ohio State and Oregon. Though his decision will come Saturday, it could be finalized by Wednesday morning, as he sits down to discuss his options with his parents, who are in town for the event.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
U.S. Army Bowl: Monday notebook
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
8:51
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) isn’t big on speaking publicly. He’d rather let his game do the talking -- and it speaks volumes.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
#BlueChipBattles: Nov. 16
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
12:13
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comUncommitted 2013 running backs Alvin Kamara and Derrick Green.ESPN 100 running backs Alvin Kamara and Derrick Green can score from anywhere on the field thanks to their breakaway speed, an attribute that makes them very attractive recruits to the Oregon Ducks. Oregon's pursuit of the duo headlines this week’s #BlueChipBattles.
Click through for our list to rank the top 10 recruiting battles
.#BlueChipBattles: Week 3
October, 19, 2012
10/19/12
12:07
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
David Dawson decommited from Michigan and Justin Manning delayed his decision date, and that had a big-time ripple effect in this week's #BlueChipBattles 
, as more than half of the top 10 spots have new occupants.
, as more than half of the top 10 spots have new occupants.
Saturday was hardly a banner day for the Big Ten.
But the conference could be raising some banners in the near future with the strong recruiting classes many of the league’s programs are putting together.
The best of the Big Ten’s 2013 recruiting classes belongs to Michigan right now. ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) is the future of the program and is the kind of pro-style quarterback Brady Hoke needs for his offense. Morris won’t have to worry much about protection either once he arrives in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines have five offensive line commitments -- and all five are in the ESPN 150.
But the conference could be raising some banners in the near future with the strong recruiting classes many of the league’s programs are putting together.
The best of the Big Ten’s 2013 recruiting classes belongs to Michigan right now. ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris (Warren, Mich./De La Salle) is the future of the program and is the kind of pro-style quarterback Brady Hoke needs for his offense. Morris won’t have to worry much about protection either once he arrives in Ann Arbor, as the Wolverines have five offensive line commitments -- and all five are in the ESPN 150.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
RB Derrick Green out of Ohio State's plans
July, 25, 2012
7/25/12
10:58
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The numbers game caught up with Ohio State’s recruitment of ESPN 150 running back Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage) on Wednesday.
Green, who is ranked 53rd, had been planning on heading to Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights this weekend, but won’t be coming to Columbus now because the Buckeyes have apparently pulled their offer, according to the four-star, 6-foot, 215-pound senior.
“I think they had one scholarship left or something like that and they took a receiver (Taivon Jacobs) instead of waiting on me and not getting me,” he said.
Green, who is ranked 53rd, had been planning on heading to Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights this weekend, but won’t be coming to Columbus now because the Buckeyes have apparently pulled their offer, according to the four-star, 6-foot, 215-pound senior.
“I think they had one scholarship left or something like that and they took a receiver (Taivon Jacobs) instead of waiting on me and not getting me,” he said.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Derrick Green is weighing his options, all of his options. This summer, the ESPN 150 running has already visited nine different schools, and he made a trip down south over the weekend to check out three more.
The trip began with a stop in Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama. It was the first time the Richmond, Va., resident had ever been on the Crimson Tide’s campus.
“It was really nice,” Green said. “I got there, spoke to my position coach, spoke to Coach [Nick] Saban, toured the campus. I had a good time seeing the facilities. I got to speak with the strength and conditioning coach. I really like him a lot. It was overall a good trip.”
The trip began with a stop in Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama. It was the first time the Richmond, Va., resident had ever been on the Crimson Tide’s campus.
“It was really nice,” Green said. “I got there, spoke to my position coach, spoke to Coach [Nick] Saban, toured the campus. I had a good time seeing the facilities. I got to speak with the strength and conditioning coach. I really like him a lot. It was overall a good trip.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Derrick Green is weighing his options -- all of his options. The ESPN 150 running back has already visited nine schools this summer, and he made a trip south over the weekend to check out three more.
The trip began with a stop in Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama. It was the first time the Richmond, Va., resident had been on the Crimson Tide’s campus.
“It was really nice,” Green said. “I got there, spoke to my position coach, spoke to Coach [Nick] Saban, toured the campus. I had a good time seeing the facilities. I got to speak with the strength and conditioning coach. I really like him a lot. It was overall a good trip.”
The trip began with a stop in Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama. It was the first time the Richmond, Va., resident had been on the Crimson Tide’s campus.
“It was really nice,” Green said. “I got there, spoke to my position coach, spoke to Coach [Nick] Saban, toured the campus. I had a good time seeing the facilities. I got to speak with the strength and conditioning coach. I really like him a lot. It was overall a good trip.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Georgia offers ESPN 150 RB Derrick Green
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
10:50
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
As a junior, Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage) ran for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, often being taken out early because after helping his team build a comfortable lead.
The 6-foot, 215-pound running back picked up offer No. 34 last week, interesting enough, from the University of Georgia, a program where No. 34 is associated with one of the all-time great running backs in college history, Herschel Walker. The courtship between the Bulldogs and the ESPN 150 prospect really only started at the beginning of the month, which just happens to be right after the departure of tailback and returning SEC Freshman of the year Isaiah Crowell.
“Bryan McClendon reached out to me a couple weeks ago and then offered shortly after,” Green said. “Coach McClendon talked me about the depth at running back and how even though I would have to come in and work for my spot, that he felt I would be a great fit for their offense.”
The 6-foot, 215-pound running back picked up offer No. 34 last week, interesting enough, from the University of Georgia, a program where No. 34 is associated with one of the all-time great running backs in college history, Herschel Walker. The courtship between the Bulldogs and the ESPN 150 prospect really only started at the beginning of the month, which just happens to be right after the departure of tailback and returning SEC Freshman of the year Isaiah Crowell.
“Bryan McClendon reached out to me a couple weeks ago and then offered shortly after,” Green said. “Coach McClendon talked me about the depth at running back and how even though I would have to come in and work for my spot, that he felt I would be a great fit for their offense.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Derrick Green's list of finalists has grown.
Just about a week after announcing his top 13 schools, the tailback from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage was ecstatic about a recent offer from Georgia, texting, "Just got my #34 offer from #UGA UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA."
Clearly the Bulldogs are in the market for a top, power tailback after Derrick Henry from Yulee (Fla.) High School. pulled his verbal pledge in June. Henry is ranked the fourth-best tailback in the nation; Green is ranked sixth.
Just about a week after announcing his top 13 schools, the tailback from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage was ecstatic about a recent offer from Georgia, texting, "Just got my #34 offer from #UGA UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA."
Clearly the Bulldogs are in the market for a top, power tailback after Derrick Henry from Yulee (Fla.) High School. pulled his verbal pledge in June. Henry is ranked the fourth-best tailback in the nation; Green is ranked sixth.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
TIGARD, Ore. -- Want to know how important The Opening is to ESPN 150 running back Derrick Green? So important that the Richmond (Va.) Hermitage High School standout was in the weight room at the players’ host hotel Wednesday afternoon -- a full day before the event officially kicks off.
Green, the nation’s No. 6 running back and No. 58 overall player in the 2013 class, was the first player to check into the host hotel on Wednesday, and he is entering Thursday’s action with the goal of leaving Oregon as the top running back. Since the Nike Football Training Camp in Baltimore in May, Green has lost 20 pounds and is now 6 foot and 215 pounds.
“[The Opening] is definitely a blessing, and I’m taking it seriously,” said Green, who was 5-11 and 235 pounds in Baltimore. “I’ve been getting ready and getting my mind focused on going out and winning.
Green, the nation’s No. 6 running back and No. 58 overall player in the 2013 class, was the first player to check into the host hotel on Wednesday, and he is entering Thursday’s action with the goal of leaving Oregon as the top running back. Since the Nike Football Training Camp in Baltimore in May, Green has lost 20 pounds and is now 6 foot and 215 pounds.
“[The Opening] is definitely a blessing, and I’m taking it seriously,” said Green, who was 5-11 and 235 pounds in Baltimore. “I’ve been getting ready and getting my mind focused on going out and winning.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The names sit out there ready to be plucked by the biggest schools in college football.
Players such as cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton) and Kendall Fuller (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) are scheduled to participate at The Opening, which runs from Thursday through Sunday at Beaverton, Ore.
Among the elite, they’ll be joined by wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee) and running back Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage).
Players such as cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves III (Tampa, Fla./Wharton) and Kendall Fuller (Olney, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel) are scheduled to participate at The Opening, which runs from Thursday through Sunday at Beaverton, Ore.
Among the elite, they’ll be joined by wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (Crete, Ill./Crete-Monee) and running back Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage).
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.