Football Recruiting - Midwest Region: Gareon Conley
Ohio State sends offer to unlikely state 
April, 1, 2013
Apr 1
3:42
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s defense is based on speed, and the Buckeyes will go anywhere to find it.
And that includes Oklahoma, a state Ohio State rarely recruits.
And that includes Oklahoma, a state Ohio State rarely recruits.
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OSU offers big-time safety from Virginia
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
9:46
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
C.J. Reavis (Chester, Va./Thomas Dale) got a sneak peak at The Horseshoe seven and half months ago when he participated in Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights camp.
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Joey Bosa (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas) will stay in his home state this weekend for his all-star game, but the ESPN 150 defensive tackle will do so with the attitude that made him a state champion this season.
A hard-nosed senior, Bosa joins an Ohio State fearsome five of Jalin Marshall, Marcus Baugh, Gareon Conley and Cam Burrows in the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday and will do so with the idea of proving his rankings are exactly where they should be.
Ranked 46th overall in the ESPN 150, Bosa played a versatile role for the Raiders this season, lining up at nose tackle, defensive tackle and defensive end for St. Thomas Aquinas. Despite an injury early in the season, Bosa finished with 70 tackles -- 27 for loss -- and added a team-leading 9.5 sacks.
A hard-nosed senior, Bosa joins an Ohio State fearsome five of Jalin Marshall, Marcus Baugh, Gareon Conley and Cam Burrows in the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday and will do so with the idea of proving his rankings are exactly where they should be.
Ranked 46th overall in the ESPN 150, Bosa played a versatile role for the Raiders this season, lining up at nose tackle, defensive tackle and defensive end for St. Thomas Aquinas. Despite an injury early in the season, Bosa finished with 70 tackles -- 27 for loss -- and added a team-leading 9.5 sacks.
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Under Armour spotlight: Gareon Conley
January, 1, 2013
Jan 1
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, but the ESPN 150 cornerback is in Florida this week ready to prove he belongs ... as a wide receiver.
Originally a Michigan commit, Conley was recruited by Ohio State as an athlete for his unbelievable ability at the wideout position as well. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Conley committed to the Buckeyes on Dec. 7 after a whirlwind courtship by Urban Meyer and his staff. He accepted his Under Armour jersey Oct. 18. Conley is ranked No. 62 overall and is the ninth-best cover corner in the nation according to ESPN.
An impact two-way threat, Conley heads to Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game with impressive numbers. In just his first season as the starting wide receiver for the Tigers, Conley led the team in every statistical category. His most impressive moves came when he was afforded space as he made 50 catches, for 1,096 yards receiving and scored 16 touchdowns.
Originally a Michigan commit, Conley was recruited by Ohio State as an athlete for his unbelievable ability at the wideout position as well. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Conley committed to the Buckeyes on Dec. 7 after a whirlwind courtship by Urban Meyer and his staff. He accepted his Under Armour jersey Oct. 18. Conley is ranked No. 62 overall and is the ninth-best cover corner in the nation according to ESPN.
An impact two-way threat, Conley heads to Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game with impressive numbers. In just his first season as the starting wide receiver for the Tigers, Conley led the team in every statistical category. His most impressive moves came when he was afforded space as he made 50 catches, for 1,096 yards receiving and scored 16 touchdowns.
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Under Armour Spotlight: Cam Burrows
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Cam Burrows is a man of few words, preferring to let what he does on the field do the talking for him. That said, Burrows, who was Ohio State’s first commit of the 2013 class on Jan. 19, has been all about recruiting others.
He’s headed to Friday’s Under Armour Game with the idea of grabbing more future Buckeyes. Burrows picked up his Under Armour jersey on Oct. 17 along with future Michigan linebacker and high school teammate Mike McCray II. As a senior, Burrows showed what a lockdown corner he was when the 6-foot, 203-pound cornerback made 39 tackles, broke up 14 passes and had a fumble recovery.
With Gareon Conley joining the team on Dec. 7 many talked about moving Burrows over to safety to make room for Conley, a two-way star out of Massillon, Ohio.
He’s headed to Friday’s Under Armour Game with the idea of grabbing more future Buckeyes. Burrows picked up his Under Armour jersey on Oct. 17 along with future Michigan linebacker and high school teammate Mike McCray II. As a senior, Burrows showed what a lockdown corner he was when the 6-foot, 203-pound cornerback made 39 tackles, broke up 14 passes and had a fumble recovery.
With Gareon Conley joining the team on Dec. 7 many talked about moving Burrows over to safety to make room for Conley, a two-way star out of Massillon, Ohio.
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Under Armour Spotlight: Marcus Baugh
December, 30, 2012
12/30/12
11:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Marcus Baugh has been waiting for Friday’s Under Armour All-America Game since the moment he put on the black No. 12 jersey on Sept. 25.
A tight end who has been an Ohio State commit since April 10, Baugh caught 38 passes for 610 yards and added four scores this season for the Huskies. As a junior, he made 30 catches for 528 yards and added seven scores.
His high school coach lauded his linebacker skills as well, proving that Baugh is more than just a one-trick pony.
A tight end who has been an Ohio State commit since April 10, Baugh caught 38 passes for 610 yards and added four scores this season for the Huskies. As a junior, he made 30 catches for 528 yards and added seven scores.
His high school coach lauded his linebacker skills as well, proving that Baugh is more than just a one-trick pony.
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Guide: OSU recruiting during dead period
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
12:33
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
As of this moment, we sit smack dab in the middle of a dead period that lasts through Jan. 3, 2013. While it’s considered “dead,” it really isn’t at all.
It’s a time when coaches aren’t allowed to meet recruits in-person whether on campus or off. Prospects can still visit bowl practices, but only if those practices are open to the public. They still can receive calls from coaches once a week.
While Ohio State really never stops the recruiting process -- the Buckeyes have amped up efforts with no bowl game -- it does slow down a bit during the holiday season.
It’s a time when coaches aren’t allowed to meet recruits in-person whether on campus or off. Prospects can still visit bowl practices, but only if those practices are open to the public. They still can receive calls from coaches once a week.
While Ohio State really never stops the recruiting process -- the Buckeyes have amped up efforts with no bowl game -- it does slow down a bit during the holiday season.
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Ohio State 2013: Needs versus wants
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
It’s the dead period in college football recruiting, which means coaches can still call players once a week, but they can not make on- or off-campus contact with non mid-year enrollees.
With that said, the Buckeyes can probably take four or five more players in the Class of 2013 depending on medical hardships, players transferring or leaving early for the NFL draft.
Here’s a position by position look at what the Buckeyes want vs. what they need.
With that said, the Buckeyes can probably take four or five more players in the Class of 2013 depending on medical hardships, players transferring or leaving early for the NFL draft.
Here’s a position by position look at what the Buckeyes want vs. what they need.
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Gareon Conley's talent is huge upside
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
2:46
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) became commit No. 18 to Ohio State’s recruiting class, and Urban Meyer has to be out-of-his-mind ecstatic about getting the 6-foot-1, 165-pound senior on campus.
Analysts throw the term around "raw talent" all the time. Conley epitomizes the phrase.
A basketball player -- he still plays varsity for the Tigers -- the senior tried out for the team after Massillon football coach Jason Hall begged him.
Analysts throw the term around "raw talent" all the time. Conley epitomizes the phrase.
A basketball player -- he still plays varsity for the Tigers -- the senior tried out for the team after Massillon football coach Jason Hall begged him.
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Gareon Conley commits to Ohio State
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
2:30
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Commit No. 18 for Ohio State’s 2013 recruiting class came in a big way when ESPN 150 cornerback Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) decided he wanted to join the Buckeyes.
Massillon coach Jason Hall confirmed the commitment.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Conley was in Columbus for his official visit beginning Wednesday night and was pretty much one-on-one with the coaches until Friday.
Apparently, it went well, because the senior saw enough to join an Ohio State class ranked sixth in the ESPN rankings. Conley has been an interesting case of late, as he was a Michigan commit until a little over a week ago.
He attended the Ohio State-Michigan game -- a no-no in Wolverines recruiting -- and then gave his decommitment to the school up north the following week.
Urban Meyer started his all-out blitz for the cornerback with an in-home visit eight days ago and stuck around the next two days to watch the Ohio high school state finals, where he was seen with Hall quite a bit.
Conley was being courted as a cornerback for the most part -- he is ranked as the ninth-best corner in the nation in the ESPN 150 and 62nd overall -- but the Buckeyes recruited him as a two-way threat athlete, similar to Chris Gamble.
Conley can do both well, as he was the figurehead this season for a Massillon team loaded with BCS-caliber talent that reached the Division I regional finals.
An athlete with incredible speed, the four-star cornerback excelled this season on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Conley made 25 tackles, forced a fumble, had two fumble recoveries and returned an interception for a score, despite teams rarely throwing his way.
At receiver, Conley led the Tigers in catches (50), yards receiving (1,096) and touchdowns (16).
Massillon coach Jason Hall confirmed the commitment.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Conley was in Columbus for his official visit beginning Wednesday night and was pretty much one-on-one with the coaches until Friday.
Apparently, it went well, because the senior saw enough to join an Ohio State class ranked sixth in the ESPN rankings. Conley has been an interesting case of late, as he was a Michigan commit until a little over a week ago.
He attended the Ohio State-Michigan game -- a no-no in Wolverines recruiting -- and then gave his decommitment to the school up north the following week.
Urban Meyer started his all-out blitz for the cornerback with an in-home visit eight days ago and stuck around the next two days to watch the Ohio high school state finals, where he was seen with Hall quite a bit.
Conley was being courted as a cornerback for the most part -- he is ranked as the ninth-best corner in the nation in the ESPN 150 and 62nd overall -- but the Buckeyes recruited him as a two-way threat athlete, similar to Chris Gamble.
Conley can do both well, as he was the figurehead this season for a Massillon team loaded with BCS-caliber talent that reached the Division I regional finals.
An athlete with incredible speed, the four-star cornerback excelled this season on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, Conley made 25 tackles, forced a fumble, had two fumble recoveries and returned an interception for a score, despite teams rarely throwing his way.
At receiver, Conley led the Tigers in catches (50), yards receiving (1,096) and touchdowns (16).
The official visit of Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) is an interesting one, as the ESPN 150 cornerback will spend a whole bunch of time one-on-one with Urban Meyer and his coaching staff.
While most of this weekend’s heavy hitters --Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas, Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) are expected in town -- will make their official visits beginning on Friday, Conley will not.
Because of the ACT test Saturday morning and a boys basketball game at Canton Timken later that night, Conley’s official visit actually started Wednesday night and runs through Friday.
While most of this weekend’s heavy hitters --Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas, Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) are expected in town -- will make their official visits beginning on Friday, Conley will not.
Because of the ACT test Saturday morning and a boys basketball game at Canton Timken later that night, Conley’s official visit actually started Wednesday night and runs through Friday.
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Mike Mitchell getting to know OSU well
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
10:00
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By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s -- pardon the pun -- blitz for outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) hits overdrive this weekend, as the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior finally makes his way to Columbus.
The team has been trying to get Mitchell on campus for months, but his team’s success in the regular season and part of the postseason prevented the ESPN 150 prospect from coming to Columbus. Finally, Ohio State will have Mitchell all to its own on an official visit, as he'll be in town Friday through Sunday.
The Buckeyes have been no stranger to Mitchell, as assistants Tom Herman and Luke Fickell were in Plano last week to check in on the No. 121-ranked player in the country.
The team has been trying to get Mitchell on campus for months, but his team’s success in the regular season and part of the postseason prevented the ESPN 150 prospect from coming to Columbus. Finally, Ohio State will have Mitchell all to its own on an official visit, as he'll be in town Friday through Sunday.
The Buckeyes have been no stranger to Mitchell, as assistants Tom Herman and Luke Fickell were in Plano last week to check in on the No. 121-ranked player in the country.
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David Dawson postpones OSU visit
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
10:25
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
The big four coming on official visits to Ohio State this weekend is now just three as David Dawson (Detroit/Cass Tech) had to change plans at the last moment.
The top-ranked offensive guard in the Class of 2013 was scheduled to join Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington), Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) as well as eight Ohio State commits for what looked like a big weekend.
Now, Dawson will have to find an open date that works with the Buckeyes.
The top-ranked offensive guard in the Class of 2013 was scheduled to join Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington), Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) as well as eight Ohio State commits for what looked like a big weekend.
Now, Dawson will have to find an open date that works with the Buckeyes.
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Sanctions mean Meyer must be creative
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
5:03
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
From expert recruiter to a wizard with the numbers, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has to be creative because of scholarship restrictions handed down by the NCAA.
The key number to look at is 82 -- that’s the bottom-line number and the maximum amount of scholarship athletes the Buckeyes are allowed to have on their roster.
It’s a number Meyer has become quite good at maintaining for the past year after NCAA sanctions. While spots come at a premium at Ohio State right now -- that 82-scholarship limit will be in place through 2014, while other schools are allowed to have 85 -- Meyer is keeping things in check, though there will be a couple of players he’d love to have that he can’t sign because of it.
The key number to look at is 82 -- that’s the bottom-line number and the maximum amount of scholarship athletes the Buckeyes are allowed to have on their roster.
It’s a number Meyer has become quite good at maintaining for the past year after NCAA sanctions. While spots come at a premium at Ohio State right now -- that 82-scholarship limit will be in place through 2014, while other schools are allowed to have 85 -- Meyer is keeping things in check, though there will be a couple of players he’d love to have that he can’t sign because of it.
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Juco OLB Sanders will take OSU official
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
11:14
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s pursuit of a linebacker has taken the Buckeyes to the junior college level, where the squad is eyeing one of the key members of the national runner-up Butler Community Grizzlies.
Outside linebacker Tommy Sanders of Cordele, Ga. will join the likes of Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington), Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas), David Dawson (Detroit/Cass Tech) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) on an official visit to Ohio State this weekend .
“I’m looking to meet the coaches and players and see what they have to offer,” said Sanders, who doesn’t have an offer from the Buckeyes just yet. “I’ll be looking at the academics and the community, and how well the program is being supported.”
Outside linebacker Tommy Sanders of Cordele, Ga. will join the likes of Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington), Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas), David Dawson (Detroit/Cass Tech) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) on an official visit to Ohio State this weekend .
“I’m looking to meet the coaches and players and see what they have to offer,” said Sanders, who doesn’t have an offer from the Buckeyes just yet. “I’ll be looking at the academics and the community, and how well the program is being supported.”
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RECRUITING NATION MIDWEST COVERAGE
The Midwest Region consists of the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and is where the foundation of most Big Ten recruiting classes are made up of. It's also where the MAC finds most of its talent and national programs hunt for prospects.
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