Drew Thurman (10:23 pm)

Tressel and the staff have made the offensive line a major priority in the last two recruiting classes, and have stock piled a lot of future talent. With that said, there is no such thing as enough good offensive linemen (on top of that Cordle is also leaving). All that to say, the 2010 class will probably not be filled with offensive linemen, but the staff is going to grab up a few guys. There has been a lot of buzz about some of the big players out there, so let's take a look at how the class will shape up at offensive line:

Committed:

Andrew Norwell - Norwell is one of the best offensive linemen in the state of Ohio in the 2010 class, and was a nice addition to the class. At 6'7'' 275 pounds, he possess the size to become a big time blocker at the next level. He is very quick coming off the ball, and wastes no time driving into defensive linemen. Of course, this serves him best as a run blocker. Like many young offensive linemen, Norwell will have to work on his speed and footwork in pass protection. If he sorts that out, it could be the difference in him being another Conner Smith or becoming a true force.

Other Names Circulating: 

James Hurst - Hurst gets a lot of play on the boards, and rightfully so, he is one of the best players to come out of the state of Indiana in recent years. I think he projects himself at the next level better at guard than tackle, but regardless he has serious ability. He has found himself ranked in the ESPN 150, and has offers from Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee (Including many others). I know many people around the Hurst situation, and I can say that it will be hard to pull him away from an SEC school. His father played for Alabama and his brother plays for Mississippi State, if that is any indicator. ESPN has this to say about his ability:

"Hurst is a solid offensive lineman that shows very good consistency when run blocking. He has good size and overall strength. Powerful at the point of attack and gets good movement off the line of scrimmage. Comes out with low pads initially and is quick into the block. Needs to be consistent with initial hand punch; could be more violent with first punch. Tends to get a little high after initial movement and feet come together losing some of the initial leverage. Recovers well due to churning leg drive and works hard to finish the blocks."

Seantrel Henderson - The 6'8'' 310 pound Henderson (pictured) may be the most impressive offensive lineman the Buckeyes have pursued in recent years, and is ranked the number one offensive linemen by almost all the services in 2010. He hails from St. Paul, Minnesota, and is holding offers from a bevy of schools including Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida, UCLA, Boston College, and North Carolina. Ohio State has offered as well, but things haven't quite heated up yet. Regardless, no one knows the future and the Buckeyes could become a big player. Some analysis from ESPN:

"Henderson has the size and athletic ability to eventually play left offensive tackle and be a great college lineman. There is very good growth potential through increased upper and lower body bulk. Good arm length will allow him to stay clean. Demonstrates the initial quickness necessary to angle block, pull and trap. Possesses the ability to change direction in space and adjust to second level players."

Matt James - I save James for last because the St. Xavier is probably the number one target for Buckeye fans. James has all the ability to be an offensive tackle in college, and at 6'8'' 280 has the frame as well. Tackle is a position that the staff seems to have more difficulty grabbing talent at, so James is obviously a high priority. Though the other names on this list are also big time players, I have a hard time believing the staff will pursue anyone hard than James. Once again, ESPN's thoughts:

"James is an athletic offensive lineman that has good foot agility. He is a tall and lean offensive tackle that is a towering player on the field. Leads with his hands in both the run and pass game. Gives a good solid punch and jolts the defender with the initial blow. Comes out of his stance a little high in the run game but takes good steps and rarely gets beat at the line of scrimmage."

Overall:

There are a few other names that could be mentioned, but at this time these are the guys to watch. The Buckeyes have very limited scholarships in 2010, and the staff is going to be very picky in selecting offensive linemen. I personally believe the Buckeyes will snag James late, and maybe a second tier linemen (probably from in-state). Henderson and Hurst are not showing lots of love to the Buckeyes at this point.

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