Michael Chung (8:34 am)

Internet sites have blown up recently about Derrick Green.  At one time, recruiting experts considered Green a virtual lock to Ohio State, but recently reports have surfaced that OSU no longer leads. Instead, Clemson has been reported as Green's new leader with other reports claiming he has an interest in Michigan as well. Derrick took some time to talk to me to set the record straight. 

Internet sites have recently reported that Clemson is your new leader, is that true?

DG: Not true. I do not have a leader at this time. Everyone is equal. 

Which school or schools will you visit next?

DG: I will visit Oklahoma State and Oklahoma

Drew Thurman (11:57 am)

Buckeye Nation was expecting fireworks on the recruiting trail following the Spring Game, and Meyer and company have delivered. After reeling in linebacker Alex Anzalone on Saturday, today DE Joey Bosa and LB/DE Lewis Neal went to Twitter to announce that they too were coming to Columbus.

Bosa, who announced first, is one of the top rated defensive ends in the country. He picked the Buckeyes over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Boston College, Notre Dame and Iowa. Originally he seemed destined to end up in SEC country before making a Midwest tour and stopping in to see Urban Meyer. He hit it off with him and the rest of the coaching staff, and decided to return to Columbus for the Spring Game, which apparently sealed the deal.

Neal also was in attendance on Saturday, and made it clear while leaving that he could soon be picking Ohio State. It didn't take long for that to come to fruition. He chose the Buckeyes over Clemson, North Carolina, Maryland, NC State, and Tennessee. While Neal has primarily played DE in high school, he will likely move back and play outside linebacker for the Buckeyes, much like fellow North Carolina native Jamal Marcus.

These two young men bring the total count in the 2013 class to 13, and become the seventh and eighth players to commit in April. They also go to further prove the dominance Meyer will have on the national recruiting scene from this point on. So far in 2013 the Buckeyes has landed players from California, Texas, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri and North Carolina. It's only April too! Welcome to Buckeye Nation Joey and Lewis! Film after the break...

Dave Thurman (9:57 pm)

Urban Meyer's big day Saturday involved more than an impressive outing from the offenses in the Scarlet and Gray Game.  In addition, he and the coaching staff hosted a bunch of big name high school players, and secured a verbal from linebacker Alex Anzalone (Reading, Pa./Wyomissing).  The 6'3", 220 lb. Anzalone is ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Scout and Rivals, and becomes the eleventh member of the class of 2013.  He could wind up playing at any of the three linebacker positions at Ohio State.  You can check out his film after the break.

Earlier in the day, Thad Matta received a hoops commitment from Amedeo Della Valle.  The 6'4" 185-pound shooting guard from Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep committed to the Buckeyes, over offers from Arizona, Gonzaga and Texas A&M.

Dave Thurman (8:52 pm)

Well that was fun.  On a wet, bitterly cold Saturday that felt more like November than April, over 81,000 fans showed up to welcome the Urban era.  And we were not disappointed!  The Scarlet defeated the Gray 20-14, but as usual, the score in a scrimmage like this was unimportant in the big scope of things. However, many very important things took place in the Shoe today, and a number of them jumped out at me from my seat about 20 rows from the field.  Here are a few of the items and players that stood out to me:

1) Urban is a very hands on coach.  Standing directly behind the offense all day with a whistle in his mouth, Urban was right in the middle of the action.  Actually, before the game even began, he had the players circled at midfield, getting them keyed up.  I loved the fact that he wore shorts on a day when the wind chill was in the mid 30's.  Urban is THE man, and there is no doubt that he is running the show in Columbus.  I also enjoyed the segment of the game when he had Drew Basil attempt one field goal after another, moving him back a few yards each time, all the while standing about a yard behind the action.  This is a hands on coach that will inspire his players, in my opinion. 

2) Braxton looks comfortable in the spread...and Guiton's got game too.  Miller played the whole game for the Scarlet and wound up 24-31 for 258 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.  He couldn't really use his legs, because he was considered down as soon as he was touched.  But he was sharp on his passes, hitting lots of short throws, including more slants than I have seen at OSU in a long time.  Meanwhile, Guiton showed that he is no slouch, finishing 16-24 for 185 yards with one touchdown and one interception.  He also rushed for a score, while guiding the Gray the entire day.  What did seem bizzare was the fact that Cardele Jones never left the sideline, although he appeared to be healthy.  I'm not sure what was up with that.

Dave Thurman and Ken Kohl (1:00 pm)

Once again we are joining with the Buckeye Blogger Network - this time to preview the Spring Game, with each blog taking a different position.  Besides us, the BBN consists of  Men of the Scarlet and Gray, Our Honor Defend,The Buckeye Battle Cry, Buckeye House Call, the Buckeye Blog, and Fox Sports Ohio. Special thanks to Grant Edgell of Buckeye House Call for the cool graphic.

We are taking on the position of linebacker, which I think will be one of the most important for Buckeye success in 2012.  Along with the other bloggers we are answering three simple questions:

1) What will be most different this year than last?

Dave: Let's hope that the answer is everything, because last year was pretty bad.  In fact in 40 years of watching OSU football I'm not sure if I can remember a worse performance from a linebacking crew than in 2011.  Andrew Sweat, who used up his eligibility, had his moments but lacked the kind of speed fans are used to seeing.  The other two starters from last year are back, in Etienne Sabino and Storm Klein. Sabino has the skills, but must quit overrunning plays and become more dependable as a tackler.  I think the light goes on for him this year as a senior.  I am not as sold on Klein, a small school superstar who has not shown he has what it takes to be a big-time Buckeye linebacker.  Everyone is excited to see Ryan Shazier, with a year of experience under his belt.  I think he will be a star this season, with more size and a better understanding of the defense.  But what I think will really be different in 2012 is the additional athletic ability brought to the table by Curtis Grant and Connor Crowell.  This may be the most improved position group on the team.

Ken: I think the most different aspect of LB play in 2012, compared to last year, will be improved speed and aggressiveness of their play. Uncertainty begets indecision, which begets slowness in reaction time. The 2011 season was marked by uncertainty as new players and new coaches, for the most part, tried to stabilize the season. This year brings certainty to the team in terms of purpose and somewhat in experience. The two LB’s returning with most game experience are Etienne Sabino (6’3” 237) and Ryan Shazier (6‘2“ 226). While penciled-in starter Storm Klein (6’3” 242) is recovering from assorted afflictions, Curtis Grant (6’3” 235) is ably filling in and making plays this Spring.

WHAT DO THE TEAMS LOOK LIKE? (Via OhioStateBuckeyes.com)

Team Scarlet:
Head Coach – Tom Herman
Assistant Coaches – Everett Withers, Mike Vrabel, Tim Hinton
Game Captains – Zach Boren and Jack Mewhort
QBs - Braxton Miller, Justin Siems
OL - Darryl Baldwin, Reid Fragel, Marcus Hall, Eric Kramer, Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort, Tim Trummer
RBs - Carlos Hyde, Rod Smith
FB - Zach Boren
TEs - Jeff Heuerman, Derek Burkholder, Nick Vannett
WRs - Chris Fields, Frank Kangah, Ryan Ross, Evan Spencer, Michael Thomas, Tyrone Williams
DL - Michael Bennett, Logan Beougher, Chase Farris, Joel Hale, Johnathan Hankins, William McCary, J.T. Moore, Se’Von Pittman, Kharim Stephens
LBs - Connor Crowell, Storm Klein, Ryan Shazier, Stewart Smith
DBs - C.J. Barnett, Christian Bryant, Doran Grant, Zach Domicone, Travis Howard, Vincent Petrella, Ron Tanner, Julian Vann, Jamie Wood
K/P - Drew Basil, Kyle Clinton, Kevin Niehoff
LS - Bryce Haynes

Michael Chung (11:10 pm)

[Ed. Note] - This is Michael's second look into Ohio State football and Urban Meyer's life through interviews with his daughters. He previously chatted with Nicki, which you can read here.

Gigi Meyer is currently studying at Florida Gulf Coast University. The younger daughter of Shelley and Urban Meyer, Gigi went to Buchholz High School in Gainesville, FL. A self-proclaimed tomboy as a youth, Gigi was described by her dad as “the most focused one” in the Meyer family.  She took some time to answer some questions.

How do you feel about the Sporting News recent articles on your dad and the proposed negative impact he had on Florida football?

GM: It’s just criticism. Everyone has critics, especially when they’re really successful. So it’s almost like a compliment that they’re focusing all their attention on my dad. Unfortunately, it’s negative attention, but fortunately, I have a father that could care less of what people say. What he uses as an escape is his family and that’s all that matters.

What did you think about Chris Rainey’s comments regarding your dad and coaches being afraid of Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Brandon Spikes?

GM: I’m quite shocked at his comments in that interview considering all the things we have done for him. Chris Rainey was a great player and great person. It was like he was apart of our family, considering that he didn’t really have a biological one. But as far as coaches fearing certain players like Timmy, Percy, and Brandon, I have no comment. All I know is that players, who were recognized most, worked the hardest and had the most heart. My dad doesn’t hand out respect, they have to earn it.

Dave Thurman (4:47 pm)

For fans who were worried a couple of weeks ago about Urban Meyer and his recruiting, rest easy. The latest good news came today as the country’s number one dual-threat quarterback (according to 247Sports), JT Barrett, committed to Ohio State.  Hailing from Wichita Falls, Texas (Rider), Barrett is yet another sign that Buckeye recruiting has taken on a much more national scope under Team Urban.

The 6-foot-2 and 205-pound Barrett completed 102 of 171 passes for 1,605 yards during his junior season, throwing 14 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. Barrett also rushed for 1,521 yards and 9 touchdowns. He is ranked as a four-star prospect by 247Sports, Scout and Rivals. JT's list of offers included LSU, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi, Baylor, Kansas State and Mississippi State

Fans will naturally assume that Barrett will be the successor to Braxton Miller, as he brings similar size and skills to the table.  Time will tell if that is the case, but for now, he ranks as another huge victory for the Ohio State coaching staff. 

Video highlights after the jump. 

Dave Thurman (10:22 am)

Well I have spent the last few days with my sister and her husband in Coshocton, Ohio, and it has been great to leave Hoosier-land for a while and return to the greatest state in the union.  There really is no place quite like Ohio when it comes to football, and the best of the best takes place in Columbus on crisp autumn Saturdays.  There have been a few interesting news items surfacing this week, although not all of it has been related to football. 

Transfer Time: Nobody was too shocked with news from the hardwood this week, that both Jordan Sibert and J.D. Weatherspoon have decided to leave.  Sibert is heading to Dayton, while Weatherspoon has yet to make his future destination known, though some think it may be Xavier, which recruited him out of high school.  Both guys could have helped next season.  Sibert came in with the reputation of being a shooter, and though he didn't play well this year, I thought he could be a valuable weapon off the bench in the future.

"Spoon" will be missed if for no other reason than his monster dunks, which made him a fan favorite.  Certainly he could score points, and I thought he would get more minutes in 2012-13.  There are still plenty of frontcourt candidates to fill the roster, but J.D.'s energy and leaping will be missed.

With Sully going pro, and Buford having used up his eligibility, the Buckeyes are now very thin heading into next season.  Thad won't have much bench at his disposal (cue the jokes and laughter), not that he would have used it anyway.  However, an injury or two could derail this team.  I keep thinking that Matta will still sign someone in the class of '12, but at this point he has come up empty.  Stay posted!

Drew Thurman (7:17 pm)

As we wade through the 2013 recruiting waters position by position, it is time to take a deeper look into what is going on with the defensive line. We previously looked at the quarterback, offensive line, and linebacker positions.

There is arguably no position group the Buckeyes have loaded up more at in the last two years than on the defensive line. After Tressel got five commitments from linemen in 2011, Meyer and company nabbed Se'Von Pittman, Tommy Schutt, Noah Spence, and Adolphus Washington in 2012. Combine those nine with the upperclassman on the roster, and it's not difficult to see that the Buckeyes have a ridiculous wealth of riches at the position.

2013 is looking bright too. Already in the fold are Billy Price and Tracy Sprinkle, both of which are Ohio products. Price was one of the first commitments in this class, and is a high motor guy that's rated as one of the top defensive tackles in the class. Sprinkle, on the other hand, just jumped on board. He was a relatively unknown commodity that had just started to make waves on the recruiting circuit following his junior season. Rather than ride that wave and allow more schools to offer, Sprinkle picked the place he wanted to be all along, Ohio State. While the national recruiting services haven't given him much hype or a high ranking, don't underestimate this kid. He's big, he's versatile, and he's the leader of his football team. Keep an eye on him.

With those two already on board, the staff will likely only take one more defensive lineman. They could take two depending on how the class shakes out, but at this point, one is probably the magic number. Let's take a look at who is on the radar, even though the drama could end very soon. More on that in a bit...