RB Jaamal Berry (official thread)

[moopdawg]

Hey folks,

Berry really sounds like a stud from what I've been reading on this board and others. If Jordan Hall commits (which is expected), does Berry remain a priority? Does the staff elect to focus on Hyde or a bigger back? Or, if possible, will the staff take Hall, Berry, and Hyde?

One last question: do you folks believe that Berry is an everydown Big 10 Buckeye-caliber back, or is he a situational guy? A. Pittman wasn't this biggest guy, and TOSU trusted him with the rock...I personally think Berry can handle it too.

I appreciate everybody's opinions, thanks.

[ant80]

Few things. I've always trusted Pittman as a RB. I really do think that he was underutilized in both the Texas game of 05 and the NC game against Florida. I believe that Pitt should've been given the ball during the 4th and 1 instead of Beanie as a true Frosh. But what do I know.

We are going hard after Jamaal Berry and Jordan Hall. They are both speed backs. In addition, we haven't heard anything on Hyde since the offer. I think given the information, our staff is sticking with speed backs this year, considering that next year we have a couple of power backs in Ohio like Eric Howard and Spencer Ware. Just my opinion.

[sepia5]

Originally Posted by moopdawg

Hey folks,

Berry really sounds like a stud from what I've been reading on this board and others. If Richard Hall commits (which is expected), does Berry remain a priority? Does the staff elect to focus on Hyde or a bigger back? Or, if possible, will the staff take Hall, Berry, and Hyde?

One last question: do you folks believe that Berry is an everydown Big 10 Buckeye-caliber back, or is he a situational guy? A. Pittman wasn't this biggest guy, and TOSU trusted him with the rock...I personally think Berry can handle it too.

I appreciate everybody's opinions, thanks.

To be sure, Richard Hall was a promising recruit out of Cincinnati Wyoming that committed to the '99 class. But alas, he did not qualify academically. (OSU Verbal Commitments). Perhaps you meant Jordan Hall from Jeanette, PA.

To answer your questions, however, (and I'm no expert, just a board searcher) I think OSU keeps after Berry even if they land Hall, though scholarships are going fast. Hall could play on either side of the ball, but I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that we would take 3 backs in this class since we didn't snag one last year. Berry is definitely capable of carrying the load by himself, in my opinion. He's the back I would like to see in this class more than any other. In the end, it seems doubtful that we get both Hyde and Berry, but man that would be great.

Again, this class is filling in record time. It almost feels like the classes Texas puts together, where the scholarships are gone by the time the season begins. Hopefully the kids that are at the top of our board keep an eye on the dwindling number of 'ships and jump on board sooner rather than later.

[C-busBuck]

Very good observation. When you think that Herron is like an 08 recruit after his red shirt year. I expect him to carry the power back torch in 09 (unless for some untold reason, Beanie stays). In that light. We are not in dire need of a power back until the next recruiting season. Not to mention that Saine isn't exactly a small back himself.

[Oh8ch]

By Bill Kurelic......Berry rated everything about the trip a "10." Has not narrowed down a "top" list but states OSU would be in his final 2. He holds over a dozen scholarship offers.

IMO, and without knowing who it is, the other school in the "final 2" is likely the favorite right now.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

IMO, and without knowing who it is, the other school in the "final 2" is likely the favorite right now.

Or it is tOSU vs the field...

[3074326]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

IMO, and without knowing who it is, the other school in the "final 2" is likely the favorite right now.

Why do you say that?

I'm not questioning your opinion - just curious.

[wadc45]

Again, landing McGee and Emilien (and possibly Marc) would go a long way towards landing Berry...

[TheIronColonel]

Well, if OSU was the leader why would you say "They're in the top two"? It's technically a true statement, but it's not really the kind of statement people normally make. If they're the leader, you'd probably say "They're the leader", not "They're in my final 1,000 schools". Both are true, but the latter statement doesn't really fall in line with how most people talk.

Then again, reading that much into what kids say is a crap shoot at best. Whether I'm right or not, Jaamal will make whatever decision he's going to make. His decision will probably change three or four times before being finalized, in any event. I hope he chooses the Bucks, but even if he doesn't I wish him the best of luck.

[tsteele316]

Originally Posted by TheIronColonel

Well, if OSU was the leader why would you say "They're in the top two"? It's technically a true statement, but it's not really the kind of statement people normally make. If they're the leader, you'd probably say "They're the leader", not "They're in my final 1,000 schools". Both are true, but the latter statement doesn't really fall in line with how most people talk.

Then again, reading that much into what kids say is a crap shoot at best. Whether I'm right or not, Jaamal will make whatever decision he's going to make. His decision will probably change three or four times before being finalized, in any event. I hope he chooses the Bucks, but even if he doesn't I wish him the best of luck.

when you say one team is definately in my top 2, and you have no idea who the 2nd school is, you pretty much are coming out and saying who the leader is.

[alpo]

Originally Posted by wadc45

Again, landing McGee and Emilien (and possibly Marc) would go a long way towards landing Berry...

No doubt!

[wadc45]

Or people are just reading a tad too much into what these kids have to say...

[jimotis4heisman]

Originally Posted by wadc45

Or people are just reading a tad too much into what these kids have to say...

and what the writers have to say...

[BuckNutty]

Originally Posted by wadc45

Or people are just reading a tad too much into what these kids have to say...

Nuh-Tee

[wadc45]

PalmettoSports.com | South Carolina Recruiting | Phil Kornblut | GoUpstate.com

RB Jaamal Berry (5-11 190) of Miami traveled up to Columbus, OH over the weekend to watch the Ohio State spring game. "It was amazing, I loved it up there," Berry said. Berry visited Florida two weeks ago and doesn't have any other trips planned right now. Clemson and USC are among his offers and he seems to be getting a stronger push from the Tigers. "I talk to Clemson all the time," Berry said. "Coach Blackwell, I have a good relationship with him. I've not heard from South Carolina recently." Berry also has offers from Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Ole Miss, Minnesota, Rutgers, Tennessee, Michigan and Florida International. After Saturday, Berry has a feel for a favorite. "Ohio State was like a big thing for me," he said. "They are up at the top."