2009 tOSU Recruiting Discussion

[Napoleonbuck]

Just expounding more on my previous post.

I think Homan is being recruited as a linebacker/DE, much like Gibson. I think Ferrell is either a HUGE MLB or a DE. I'm thinking that might get him shut out of an offer. I also think Studlien might get shut out of an offer, depending on how many linebackers we want and what goes down with the OOS big speed prospects. After giving both Homan's and Ferrell's film a second glance over, it's surprising how similar they are as prospects. I think both lack the sideline to sideline speed, which would make them more similar to Schlegel than JL when it comes to Ohio State middle linebackers.

Both could be DE candidates.

Then again, with Sabino's reported size(6'4" 240), he might move down eventually too. It'll be interesting to see how the staff handles all these talented big speed prospects.

[RB07OSU]

Originally Posted by Tresselbeliever

Sorry dude but I don't buy it.





Could be wrong but if if a recruit were reading thing like this said about if, even on message boards, I think it's going to leave a bad taste in his mouth. I know you are an excellent poster and makes a lot of positive contributions, but why are we still in the stage of questioning Tressel's calls, on offering kids, given his track record, when he's freakin offering a kid who's not even finished with his JR year yet?

Me being surprised over an offer doesn't mean I disagree with it. Not many people saw this offer coming, especially this early. However the staff did and as Wad said, good enough for me. Homan has shown some promise and I have yet to see his junior film, which is going to help a TON. Yes, the staff offering this early does speak volumes but I'm just wondering if Homan stays at LB with so many other offers/interest out there to guys that have legit interest in us. He is a Big Speed guy at this point and the staff will figure out later where he projects.

[osugrad21]

I think you'd be better served just saying you missed on this one and moving on...

It happens.

There is limited film available and you weren't blown away in person. You said he wasn't tOSU material...turns out the staff disagrees.

Move on.

[RB07OSU]

Originally Posted by osugrad21

I think you'd be better served just saying you missed on this one and moving on...

It happens.

There is limited film available and you weren't blown away in person. You said he wasn't tOSU material...turns out the staff disagrees.

Move on.

Oh I definetly missed on this one for sure and no arguing that. I was surprised but I will be just as happy as anyone to welcome Adam in when he commits to OSU.

[Napoleonbuck]

How about an early guess for the 2009 class?

We have 24 players coming off scholarship, though I'm guessing a few redshirt juniors come back and a few juniors leave early, so I'm using 24 as my base number.

Quarterback: 1

I'll guess we go after a true sleeper prospect, someone in the Antonio Henton mold. Assuming we get Pryor, we won't need a big name. I guess our first offer to a QB doesn't go out until camp at the earliest.

Runningback: 2

Replace Wells & Wells ltd.

I think Touissant gets an offer for sure. He reminds me of a faster Pittman. I think we look for a bigger back with the second scholly, such as Hersey Jackson

WR: 2/3

I think Fields for sure gets a scholarship and accepts it quickly afterwards. I think we go after another big WR with the other offer. Maybe a sleeper prospect. I also wouldn't be surprised if we took a third one if a prospect comes on board that you just have to take, such as Je'ron Stokes.

OL: 3

I think Ricky Harris, Jack Mewhort, and Marcus Hall are our linemen for next year. Solid in-state line class next year, so I don't think we'll have any problem filling our spots.

DE: 2/3

I think we'll take 2 pure defensive ends. I'm hoping for Fellows and Jack Lippert. I could also see Ferrell or Homan coming down to DE. I think we'll look for someone who can play both positions, and it sounds like we won't have to look long if Simon jumps on board. Trae Tiller is someone to watch as well.

DT: 2/3

I think we get Simon and I'm hoping we get Corey Adams. I think those are our top prospects at this point in time

LB: 4/5

We have Klein and Whiting. I'm penciling in Homan as a get, though he could be a FB as well. Not foreseeing any injury or grade concerns, I have to believe we offer Ferrell at some point in time. It also seems like we stand a good chance to be a player for Quan Fletcher(though he and Ferrell have a very similar build and both probably project the same in college). You also can't forget Studlien, not to mention other out of state players like Bell and Smith. Will be interesting to see how the staff projects these players and which end up getting offers. I have a feeling some very worthy players will be getting shut out of offers.

CB: 2/3

I think we go after Barnett and one other cornerback. Wouldn't shock me if we took a third.

Safety: 3

I think we go after Denicos Allen, Darrell Mason, and one other player to be named.

This is roughly 25 players. It's hard to guess names since only a handful of players have offers at this point, but it seems clear that our staff definitely have been grading out some of these players already.

[casey_buckeye]

A DL class that includes Simon and Fellows is a great DL class!

[txbuckeye1983]

Originally Posted by Buckeyes27

Mark me down as one that was not all that impressed with Ferrell or Mason. Not saying they are bad players just I think I have seen better. Size will hurt these kids at the next level also, think Moeller and Roll great players but will be on SP teams most their careers at OSU unless they put on some size.

To relegate Moeller and Rolle as "special team players," when they are only finishing their sophomore and freshmen years is ignorant at best.

[808 Buck]

Originally Posted by tlinc

I've said this in threads about different recruits, but I think it is pertinent here as well. I believe that Tressel and staff do a certain amount of due diligence before making official offers. They take this due diligence very seriously and they offer less players than most comparable programs. They view these offers seriously and know that a high percentage of them will be accepted, especially in-state offers.

I feel that more than any other program, OSU's due diligence includes an in-depth look at a guy's work ethic and character. They learned from past mistakes (the class of 2003) and have found a formula that seems to be working. They have had a lot of success taking lower rated kids who work hard, love football and understand the game. They have also had a much higher retention rate and better team chemistry than in the past.

In short, I no longer look at the order that OSU offers kids in as an accurate reflection of their talent compared to other kids. Offers seem to come out earlier to guys from big programs. Guys from families that the staff knows. Guys with great academics. Character guys.

As all of this relates to Adam, I would say that just because Homan was the 4th or 5th in-state offer doesn't necessarily mean that he is the 4th best player in Ohio or that the staff views him as a top 5 talent. It may just mean that the OSU staff had completed their due diligence on him more quickly than they did on other prospects. They know his family. They know the kid. They love the work ethic that they see up close every day from his brother. They are comfortable with his level of competition and respect the Coldwater program. They like his work ethic and character and they feel he is talented enough to play here. Therefore, the offer was made.

Great post above. My opinion of the '09 class is that it's going to be a "meat and potatoes" type of class. Based on the number of scholarships available, it's going to be a large class (there is room to take guys who need time to develop). If you review the state of the program right now, there are no pressing needs, other than maybe offensive tackle (should Boone leave). But, that has been somewhat addressed with the '08 class. So, my point is that the staff may be looking for guys who can not only be a great player, but a great teammate as well. Sometimes, high school superstars have a difficult time accepting that role. That's why I liked the above post - words like character, work ethic, chemistry. That's how you build a great team, or in tOSU's case, continue to be a dominant program. Granted, you need the difference makers, and I have no doubt that the Bucks will grab their share, but you need the nuts and bolts as well. My usual disclaimer - I have not seen any of the potential '09 recruits, my message is not about any individual recruit, nor do I usually engage in speculating about recruits.