Fickell & Urban with Josh Perry. (h/t Eleven Warriors)
Drew Thurman (3:07 pm)
As expected, the hiring of Urban Meyer has changed the recruiting landscape for both the Buckeyes and plenty of teams around the country. He has been contacting recruits from the moment he was announced, and it has become clear that he will leave no stone unturned. Committed or uncommitted, Meyer is going after the superstars that could make an instant impact in Columbus.
As things currently stand, the Buckeyes have 16 commitments with the addition of wide receiver Ricquan Southward on Sunday. The word is that Meyer plans to honor all of these commitments, which not only makes sense for future recruiting, but also because this class is already solid. Fickell and company have assembled arguably the second best class in the conference, behind only Michigan, good enough for the 16th best class in 2012 according to Rivals.com. This will limit him a bit this year, as scholarships in this class are a bit limited now with the scholarship reduction. Any transfers though and that number could open up a bit.
With those scholarships, Meyer does have some huge needs to address in 2012 with the two months remaining until signing day. Let's take a look position by position to see where things stand and what players are on Meyer's radar.
As expected, the hiring of Urban Meyer has changed the recruiting landscape for both the Buckeyes and plenty of teams around the country. He has been contacting recruits from the moment he was announced, and it has become clear that he will leave no stone unturned. Committed or uncommitted, Meyer is going after the superstars that could make an instant impact in Columbus.
As things currently stand, the Buckeyes have 16 commitments with the addition of wide receiver Ricquan Southward on Sunday. The word is that Meyer plans to honor all of these commitments, which not only makes sense for future recruiting, but also because this class is already solid. Fickell and company have assembled arguably the second best class in the conference, behind only Michigan, good enough for the 16th best class in 2012 according to Rivals.com. This will limit him a bit this year, as scholarships in this class are a bit limited now with the scholarship reduction. Any transfers though and that number could open up a bit.
With those scholarships, Meyer does have some huge needs to address in 2012 with the two months remaining until signing day. Let's take a look position by position to see where things stand and what players are on Meyer's radar.
Quarterback - Braxton Miller has at least two more seasons under center at OSU, so quarterback wasn't a pressing need coming in. With Bauserman leaving and Graham as a possible transfer in my opinion, that would leave only Guiton on scholarship though. So it is important that the Buckeyes already have a commitment from Cardale Jones, who will enroll in January. Jones would seem to fit well into Urban's system, meaning that the staff wouldn't go after anyone else until 2013.
Running Back - The Buckeyes have seemed set at running back for awhile now with Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball committed. Dunn has showed curiosity in heading elsewhere over the last several months, though, especially in recent weeks as he visited Michigan. He has had a strong friendship with guys like Kyle Kalis and his cousin (and Michigan commitment) Dymonte Thomas has publicly put the pressure on via Twitter. Also hurting the Buckeyes is Meyer's spread offense, which Dunn does not see himself playing in. Meyer did call Dunn right after the press conference which did excite Dunn as he was told the Buckeyes will run plenty of I-formation too. We'll see if Urban does enough to keep him around.
If Dunn does decide to head elsewhere, like Michigan or USC, don't forget about Greg Garmon. He does fit into Meyer's scheme nicely, and could be someone that is pursued in the coming weeks.
Wide Receiver - This position is one of the three biggest needs that the staff had to address in this class. Drayton and Fickell did a great job getting some major playmakers even before Meyer arrived, and have four wideouts committed this far. They include Frank Epitropoulos, Roger Lewis, Mike Thomas, and the previously mentioned Ricquan Southward. It should be mentioned that Epitropoulos could very well end up somewhere else when he arrives to Columbus, like punter or safety.
Anyway, it would appear that this position is done in the 2012 class, but Meyer is still after a big name in athlete Joel Caleb. This shouldn't surprise anyone because Meyer's spread attack requires lots of playmakers at wide receiver, and he has traditionally had high numbers at the position on his roster. Caleb arrives on a visit to Columbus today, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him become the first commitment of the Urban Meyer era. As Alex Gleitman of Eleven Warriors mentioned, the talk of him possibly being utilized in a Percy Harvin type role may be to much to pass up. Also in the Harvin role, watch for Cyrus Jones. The 5-10 183 pound speedster from Baltimore, Maryland, has already been contacted by Meyer and the Buckeyes have shot up his list. His also says a visit to Columbus will happen.
Offensive Line - Meyer has already done a lot of work chasing after big name offensive lineman since Monday, and rightfully so. Next year's team is incredibly thin on the line, especially at tackle, and currently only have two guards (Jacoby Boren and Pat Elflein) on board in 2012. The previous staff was working heavily on Alex Kozan and Nick Davidson, both of which will be Buckeyes if Meyer honors the scholarships that have been extended their way. There has been no real news involving Meyer talking to these guys as of yet, so we will see.
Meyer has contacted several other names though. The first is Jordan Diamond, who made it clear via Twitter that he likes Urban. I really thought Diamond would have been a Buckeye if not for the turmoil and the Tressel firing, and now with talks going well between him and Urban, things seem to be headed in the right direction again. Meyer is also going after Evan Goodman (Lakeland, FL), who committed to Arizona State in August. Not only is Goodman an easy target with Dennis Erickson departing, but his teammate is Ricquan Southward. Goodman told Bill Kurelic that he has been in touch with Mark Pantoni and that Urban is visiting him and Southward soon. Lakeland produced a lot of talent for Meyer while at Florida, and it appears he's looking to reestablish the connection now that he is in Columbus.
Further proof that he is leaving no stone unturned, Meyer has also been in contact with Notre Dame commitment Taylor Decker's coaches. Decker seems very committed to Irish though, and isn't making it sound like there is much possibility of opening things back up. The only other name to mention is Kyle Dodson. There has been no word on him receiving contact from Meyer, but his name has to be mentioned because of how much he favored the Buckeyes before Tressel left. He remains committed to Wisconsin, but one has to wonder if one phone call could change that.
Defensive Line - While the Buckeyes have mostly missed out on a solid defensive line class in Ohio this year, there really is no need to worry. Not only do all the starters return from this year's squad, but Nathan Williams will return next season. Behind those guys sit a handful of youngsters, including the five from the loaded 2011 class.
So far in 2012, the Buckeyes have only received one commitment in defensive end Adolphus Washington. He is the only five star commitment in this class, and could have an immediate impact in the two deep next season. Meyer has shown he is not satisfied though, and is going looking for a speed rush end. No doubt he watched some tape on the 2011 squad and saw how badly a pure pass rusher was missing.
The big name that has surfaced this week is Noah Spence. He's the number one defensive end in the country and after a phone conversation with Meyer, put the Buckeyes on top of his list. While he's not going to be easy to reel in with all the suitors out there, it doesn't appear that anyone has surfaced as a clear leader above Ohio State. Another defensive end, FSU commit Dante Fowler, also has been contacted by Meyer. While he was excited by the call and claims he wants to visit Columbus, many feel he just loves the recruiting attention. If a visit happens though, that would definitely change things.
Linebacker - Besides wide receiver and offensive tackle, there is not a greater need than linebacker. In fact, Urban mentioned in his press conference that Fickell even told him that was an area of great need. So far, Josh Perry and Luke Roberts are both on board for 2012, though Perry could end up on the defensive line thanks to his continued growth and long frame.
Thus far, Meyer hasn't hit the headlines for making any big calls for this unit. The one player the Buckeyes were previously after, and someone who Meyer will likely call, is Ifeadi Odenigbo. It's interesting though that Odenigbo has been pretty outspoken about not loving the Urban Meyer hire. The Buckeyes have always trailed for his services, and seeing three different head coaches during his recruitment hasn't helped. Right now Stanford or Notre Dame seem like his possible destinations unless Meyer can work some magic. Something that could also help is that Odenigbo has a good relationship with Tim Hinton at Notre Dame, who is rumored to be a candidate for a job on Meyer's staff.
Defensive Back - Thus far there are three guys on board in 2012 here - De'van Bogard, Najee Murray, and Tyvis Powell. All three are solid athletes, but I'm really excited about Bogard and Murray. On top of these names, Urban is looking to add a player or two. He has already called Demetrious Cox from Jeannette, Pennsylvania, who has kept the Buckeyes on his short list all along. It can't hurt that several of guys from his school have had success in scarlet and gray. Cox also likes Meyer and the hiring, and it would appear the Buckeyes will be in it until the end. Another name being thrown around as a possibility is A.J. Leggett. Even though he's committed to Miami, many believe that he's previous relationship with Meyer when at Florida, could mean he looks the Buckeyes way.
Running Back - The Buckeyes have seemed set at running back for awhile now with Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball committed. Dunn has showed curiosity in heading elsewhere over the last several months, though, especially in recent weeks as he visited Michigan. He has had a strong friendship with guys like Kyle Kalis and his cousin (and Michigan commitment) Dymonte Thomas has publicly put the pressure on via Twitter. Also hurting the Buckeyes is Meyer's spread offense, which Dunn does not see himself playing in. Meyer did call Dunn right after the press conference which did excite Dunn as he was told the Buckeyes will run plenty of I-formation too. We'll see if Urban does enough to keep him around.
If Dunn does decide to head elsewhere, like Michigan or USC, don't forget about Greg Garmon. He does fit into Meyer's scheme nicely, and could be someone that is pursued in the coming weeks.
Wide Receiver - This position is one of the three biggest needs that the staff had to address in this class. Drayton and Fickell did a great job getting some major playmakers even before Meyer arrived, and have four wideouts committed this far. They include Frank Epitropoulos, Roger Lewis, Mike Thomas, and the previously mentioned Ricquan Southward. It should be mentioned that Epitropoulos could very well end up somewhere else when he arrives to Columbus, like punter or safety.
Anyway, it would appear that this position is done in the 2012 class, but Meyer is still after a big name in athlete Joel Caleb. This shouldn't surprise anyone because Meyer's spread attack requires lots of playmakers at wide receiver, and he has traditionally had high numbers at the position on his roster. Caleb arrives on a visit to Columbus today, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him become the first commitment of the Urban Meyer era. As Alex Gleitman of Eleven Warriors mentioned, the talk of him possibly being utilized in a Percy Harvin type role may be to much to pass up. Also in the Harvin role, watch for Cyrus Jones. The 5-10 183 pound speedster from Baltimore, Maryland, has already been contacted by Meyer and the Buckeyes have shot up his list. His also says a visit to Columbus will happen.
Offensive Line - Meyer has already done a lot of work chasing after big name offensive lineman since Monday, and rightfully so. Next year's team is incredibly thin on the line, especially at tackle, and currently only have two guards (Jacoby Boren and Pat Elflein) on board in 2012. The previous staff was working heavily on Alex Kozan and Nick Davidson, both of which will be Buckeyes if Meyer honors the scholarships that have been extended their way. There has been no real news involving Meyer talking to these guys as of yet, so we will see.
Meyer has contacted several other names though. The first is Jordan Diamond, who made it clear via Twitter that he likes Urban. I really thought Diamond would have been a Buckeye if not for the turmoil and the Tressel firing, and now with talks going well between him and Urban, things seem to be headed in the right direction again. Meyer is also going after Evan Goodman (Lakeland, FL), who committed to Arizona State in August. Not only is Goodman an easy target with Dennis Erickson departing, but his teammate is Ricquan Southward. Goodman told Bill Kurelic that he has been in touch with Mark Pantoni and that Urban is visiting him and Southward soon. Lakeland produced a lot of talent for Meyer while at Florida, and it appears he's looking to reestablish the connection now that he is in Columbus.
Further proof that he is leaving no stone unturned, Meyer has also been in contact with Notre Dame commitment Taylor Decker's coaches. Decker seems very committed to Irish though, and isn't making it sound like there is much possibility of opening things back up. The only other name to mention is Kyle Dodson. There has been no word on him receiving contact from Meyer, but his name has to be mentioned because of how much he favored the Buckeyes before Tressel left. He remains committed to Wisconsin, but one has to wonder if one phone call could change that.
Defensive Line - While the Buckeyes have mostly missed out on a solid defensive line class in Ohio this year, there really is no need to worry. Not only do all the starters return from this year's squad, but Nathan Williams will return next season. Behind those guys sit a handful of youngsters, including the five from the loaded 2011 class.
So far in 2012, the Buckeyes have only received one commitment in defensive end Adolphus Washington. He is the only five star commitment in this class, and could have an immediate impact in the two deep next season. Meyer has shown he is not satisfied though, and is going looking for a speed rush end. No doubt he watched some tape on the 2011 squad and saw how badly a pure pass rusher was missing.
The big name that has surfaced this week is Noah Spence. He's the number one defensive end in the country and after a phone conversation with Meyer, put the Buckeyes on top of his list. While he's not going to be easy to reel in with all the suitors out there, it doesn't appear that anyone has surfaced as a clear leader above Ohio State. Another defensive end, FSU commit Dante Fowler, also has been contacted by Meyer. While he was excited by the call and claims he wants to visit Columbus, many feel he just loves the recruiting attention. If a visit happens though, that would definitely change things.
Linebacker - Besides wide receiver and offensive tackle, there is not a greater need than linebacker. In fact, Urban mentioned in his press conference that Fickell even told him that was an area of great need. So far, Josh Perry and Luke Roberts are both on board for 2012, though Perry could end up on the defensive line thanks to his continued growth and long frame.
Thus far, Meyer hasn't hit the headlines for making any big calls for this unit. The one player the Buckeyes were previously after, and someone who Meyer will likely call, is Ifeadi Odenigbo. It's interesting though that Odenigbo has been pretty outspoken about not loving the Urban Meyer hire. The Buckeyes have always trailed for his services, and seeing three different head coaches during his recruitment hasn't helped. Right now Stanford or Notre Dame seem like his possible destinations unless Meyer can work some magic. Something that could also help is that Odenigbo has a good relationship with Tim Hinton at Notre Dame, who is rumored to be a candidate for a job on Meyer's staff.
Defensive Back - Thus far there are three guys on board in 2012 here - De'van Bogard, Najee Murray, and Tyvis Powell. All three are solid athletes, but I'm really excited about Bogard and Murray. On top of these names, Urban is looking to add a player or two. He has already called Demetrious Cox from Jeannette, Pennsylvania, who has kept the Buckeyes on his short list all along. It can't hurt that several of guys from his school have had success in scarlet and gray. Cox also likes Meyer and the hiring, and it would appear the Buckeyes will be in it until the end. Another name being thrown around as a possibility is A.J. Leggett. Even though he's committed to Miami, many believe that he's previous relationship with Meyer when at Florida, could mean he looks the Buckeyes way.
RSS Feed
