Great read...
CPD
How Tressel does it
Thursday, August 24, 2006
It's no surprise that Ohio State lands the state's top talent. This season, 22 of the 28 players
OSU lists as "starters" hail from the home state. The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises lists four keys to Ohio State's in-state recruiting success under Jim Tressel:
1. Building bridges
In every recruiting discussion - every single solitary one - Tressel starts by talking about the home state. Ohio high school coaches feel that love.
"A number of coaches complained to me that the only time John Cooper had a conversation with you was when he wanted something," said Duane Long, Ohio recruiting analyst for scout.com. "Jim Tressel and his staff stop by for a cup of coffee."
When coaches consider the home state coach a friend, the recruiting often takes care of itself.
2. Playing big
At 50-13, Tressel's winning percentage in his five years is the eighth-best in college football. But it's what the Buckeyes do when the most eyes are on them that sticks in the minds of recruits. Going 4-1 against Michigan and 4-1 in bowls builds that foundation of kids just "liking" Ohio State.
3. 'The next level'
"Everyone's goal here is to one day play in the NFL," cornerback Jamario O'Neal said, and Ohio State does that as well as anyone. The lure of Southern schools can be strong, and plenty of the best kids in Ohio have chances to head for warm weather. But Ohio State has proven to be a sound business decision for good players, as much as Miami, Florida State or even Southern Cal.
Ohio State's 14 players drafted in 2004 was a record for a seven-round NFL draft.
And with the way the Buckeyes run their spread offense now, skill players know they'll get the showcase they need for NFL scouts.
4. Mr. Clean
After his assistants lay the groundwork, Tressel can be a killer with the parents when it comes to closing the deal.
The team GPA is on the rise, and Tressel's measured style can make moms swoon. Browns assistant coach Terry Robiskie remembers the recruitment of his son Brian, now a receiver for the Buckeyes, and his wife watching Tressel walk up their driveway.
"She saw him with his gray suit and his red tie and his little American flag pin, and she said, 'That's it,' " Robiskie said.
And Brian was off to Columbus. Mothers, prepare yourselves.