Drew Thurman (7:10 am)

It seems you can't click the refresh button quick enough these days, as Buckeye football news is just pouring in. Again yesterday, we got major news pertaining to what this team will look like in 2012 and beyond, both good and bad. Buckeye Nation not only can welcome some new faces, but also has to say it's goodbyes to several players and coaches. Let's take a look at the additions and the unfortunate attrition.

Addition - Taylor Decker

There arguably isn't a bigger need left in the 2012 recruiting class than offensive tackle. That void got smaller as Vandalia Butler offensive tackle Taylor Decker committed to Buckeyes yesterday.

Decker originally committed to Notre Dame back in March, and seemed to have little interest in Ohio State in the midst of all of the turmoil. Meyer's hiring in November seemed to peak Decker's interest and at least made him evaluate his options again. Then when Notre Dame coaches Tim Hinton and Ed Warriner joined Meyer's staff, Decker's public shock made most believe the switch was imminent. His visit this weekend sealed the deal.

Decker is the 20th member of the 2012 class and the third offensive lineman with Jacoby Boren and Pat Elflein. He's listed at 6-8 315 pounds, and is ranked as a four star prospect by all the major recruiting services. Between Kyle Dodson, Jordan Diamond, and Joey O'Connor the staff will be looking to add at least one more offensive lineman in this class. O'Connor was the only one of the three without an offer, but he finally got that offer extended this weekend on his visit to Columbus.

Attrition - Jeremy Cash, Dominic Clarke, and Derjuan Gambrell

The Buckeyes have lost a lot of depth in the defensive backfield in the last 48 hours. First news was released that safety Jeremy Cash is seeking a transfer. Cash played in five games last year as a freshman, and it appeared he had a bright future. While no reason has been given as to his motivation to transfer, the combination of a new coaching staff and the entire defensive backfield returning next season would seem to be likely explanations. No schools have been named as his possible destination. 

Last night the university also confirmed that cornerbacks Dominic Clarke and Derjuan Gambrell have been released from their scholarships for violating team rules. While it is still unknown what rule(s) Gambrell broke, Clarke's punishment stems from his second offense for being pulled over for running a stop sign and operating a vehicle while impaired. Clarke showed a ton of promise this year, and many fans (including myself) thought he outperformed Travis Howard. His loss will likely hurt the most of the three.

Interestingly enough, Chad Hagan also has hinted via Twitter that he may be on his way out too. If he decides to go, that would add a fourth DB out the door, adding insult to injury at the position. If the attrition at linebacker the last few years has shown us anything, an offseason like this can have a ripple effect for several seasons. The only positive is that Meyer and the staff have been relentless on the recruiting trail, and have been after a bevy of defensive backs this last week. With these scholarships now freed up, I fully expect Meyer to fill them by March with guys that are ready to do things his way.

Addition - Assistant Coaches

At halftime of the 80-63 beat down of the Hoosiers, fans got a chance to welcome Urban Meyer and get officially introduced to the new assistant coaches. It truly was a special moment, especially the raucous cheer for Luke Fickell. 

Attrition - Taver Johnson

The one coach that wasn't there for the introductions was Taver Johnson. As previously rumored, he decided to join Paul Haynes on Bobby Petrino's Arkansas staff. Haynes was hired as the defensive coordinator in December, and Johnson will work alongside him as a defensive assistant. Johnson had this to say:

“This is a great opportunity, getting the chance to be an assistant head coach and some of the added duties that will come with that,” Johnson said.  “With that said, I love Ohio State. Urban Meyer is an incredible coach, and I really am appreciative of the opportunity coach Jim Tressel gave me (six years ago) to come to a place I’ve always wanted to be a part of."

It definitely hurts to lose Johnson, who was not only a solid coach but a quality recruiter. It does give Meyer a chance to bring in at least one defensive coach that he has previous experience with, which isn't currently the case. There's a lot of buzz around Chuck Heater's name, who coached alongside Meyer at Utah and Florida. He's currently the defensive coordinator at Temple. Stay tuned.

Additions in the future?

- ATH Davonte Neal gave his Ohio State visit this last weekend very high marks. In fact, he called it his "best visit yet." He's gotten a late start on his recruitment and may not announce until March.

- LB David Perkins also raved about his visit this weekend, calling it "amazing." He wrestled with almost committing during the visit and it definitely appears that Ohio State is his leader.

- There has been little news about LB Jamal Marcus over the last few weeks, and it appeared he didn't have a ton of interest in the Buckeyes. Well, he will be on campus for a visit next weekend. Don't ever count Urban out!

- Finally, it sounds like CB Armani Reeves really enjoyed his visit to Ann Arbor this weekend.