Dave Thurman (9:33 pm)
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent." - Lorenzo in "A Bronx Tale"
Another can't miss prospect has done just that. Jamaal Berry, ranked as one of the top tailbacks in the class of 2009 has possibly played his last game in Scarlet and Gray. Though he flashed some of his amazing potential as a redshirt freshman, Berry has hardly seen the field this year, due at least partially to off the field problems.
Earlier today Jamaal was officially charged with assault and disorderly conduct for allegedly punching a man off campus. It was the second time in four weeks Berry was charged with assault, and there are strong rumblings that he has a major drug problem as well as possible psychological issues. All in all it would seem highly probable that Berry, who has been suspended indefinitely, will never suit up for the Buckeyes again. If that is the case he will join a large group of high school superstars who never panned out at Ohio State.
Players fail to live up to the hype and recruiting rankings for a variety of issues:
-Injuries that keep them from maximizing their potential. A few of the names that come to mind from recent years are Richard McNutt, Mike D'Andrea (#1 LB in America as a senior), Devon Jordan, Aram Olson, Curt Lukens, Melvin Fellows, and Scott McVey.
-Possibly being overated coming out of high school, or reaching their ceiling early. Some of the players that fit this description are Jason Ott, Devon Lyons, Kyle Mitchum, Sammy Maldonado, Chad Hoobler, Jamario O'Neal, Connor Smith, Robert Rose, and most recently, James Louis. You could argue that some lacked football intelligence which stunted their development, and others lacked proper motivation, but in many cases these guys got rave reviews in high school, but never got any better, and were passed by players who weren't as highly recruited.
-Not being a good fit for the team. I think runing backs Maurice Wells and Lamaar Thomas would have been better served to sign with schools that featured a true spread offense employing lots of bubble screens. Wide receiver Bam Childress, due to his lack of size, probably should have chosen a different desination, as well. And quarterback Taylor Graham picked the wrong time to come to OSU, since he is a pocket passer, whereas the Buckeye offense is presently designed for a dual threat quarterback.
-Academic issues and off the field problems. Unfortunately most "busts" have nobody to blame but themselves. The list of wasted talent in the past 15 years is a lengthy one. Here are a few of the higher ranked players who messed up, and never maximized their massive ability: Curtis Crosby (grades), Richard Hall (grades), Shawn Price (grades), Marco Cooper (criminal charges), Reggie Arden (criminal charges), Angelo Chattams (criminal charges), Maurice Clarett (where to start?), E.J. Underwood (grades), Ira Guilford (criminal charges), Louis Irizarry (criminal charges), Darius Hiley (grades), Sirjo Welch (grades), Freddie Lenix (grades), Keith Wells (grades, perpetual doghouse or both), Duron Carter (grades), Dorian Bell (violation of team rules), and Jamel Turner (criminal charges). There are plenty more that could be added to this list, and so Jamaal Berry is in good (or maybe bad) company. What a waste of talent! Jamaal, we hardly knew you.
"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent." - Lorenzo in "A Bronx Tale"
Another can't miss prospect has done just that. Jamaal Berry, ranked as one of the top tailbacks in the class of 2009 has possibly played his last game in Scarlet and Gray. Though he flashed some of his amazing potential as a redshirt freshman, Berry has hardly seen the field this year, due at least partially to off the field problems.
Earlier today Jamaal was officially charged with assault and disorderly conduct for allegedly punching a man off campus. It was the second time in four weeks Berry was charged with assault, and there are strong rumblings that he has a major drug problem as well as possible psychological issues. All in all it would seem highly probable that Berry, who has been suspended indefinitely, will never suit up for the Buckeyes again. If that is the case he will join a large group of high school superstars who never panned out at Ohio State.
Players fail to live up to the hype and recruiting rankings for a variety of issues:
-Injuries that keep them from maximizing their potential. A few of the names that come to mind from recent years are Richard McNutt, Mike D'Andrea (#1 LB in America as a senior), Devon Jordan, Aram Olson, Curt Lukens, Melvin Fellows, and Scott McVey.
-Possibly being overated coming out of high school, or reaching their ceiling early. Some of the players that fit this description are Jason Ott, Devon Lyons, Kyle Mitchum, Sammy Maldonado, Chad Hoobler, Jamario O'Neal, Connor Smith, Robert Rose, and most recently, James Louis. You could argue that some lacked football intelligence which stunted their development, and others lacked proper motivation, but in many cases these guys got rave reviews in high school, but never got any better, and were passed by players who weren't as highly recruited.
-Not being a good fit for the team. I think runing backs Maurice Wells and Lamaar Thomas would have been better served to sign with schools that featured a true spread offense employing lots of bubble screens. Wide receiver Bam Childress, due to his lack of size, probably should have chosen a different desination, as well. And quarterback Taylor Graham picked the wrong time to come to OSU, since he is a pocket passer, whereas the Buckeye offense is presently designed for a dual threat quarterback.
-Academic issues and off the field problems. Unfortunately most "busts" have nobody to blame but themselves. The list of wasted talent in the past 15 years is a lengthy one. Here are a few of the higher ranked players who messed up, and never maximized their massive ability: Curtis Crosby (grades), Richard Hall (grades), Shawn Price (grades), Marco Cooper (criminal charges), Reggie Arden (criminal charges), Angelo Chattams (criminal charges), Maurice Clarett (where to start?), E.J. Underwood (grades), Ira Guilford (criminal charges), Louis Irizarry (criminal charges), Darius Hiley (grades), Sirjo Welch (grades), Freddie Lenix (grades), Keith Wells (grades, perpetual doghouse or both), Duron Carter (grades), Dorian Bell (violation of team rules), and Jamel Turner (criminal charges). There are plenty more that could be added to this list, and so Jamaal Berry is in good (or maybe bad) company. What a waste of talent! Jamaal, we hardly knew you.
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