The BPRT - Another Candid Conversation

[BP Recruiting Team]

Here's the BPRT's update on the recruits whom Ohio State is still pursuing (or had been pursuing until recently):

OL Seantrel Henderson - Ohio State is on the rise with Southern Cal currently being the main competition ... there's still a long way to go, but it's looking good for the good guys ... Ohio State is in great shape here, likely the leader in the clubhouse. USC may be too far and Minny not big enough. May not matter, as Seantrel will need to raise his test score to be a full qualifier with only one real testing period left until signing day. Rest assured that we will wait until summer for him to get his score if that's what it takes...something clicked for Seantrel when he met with the staff. The test score issue should not be an issue and the staff will wait...count on Buckeye. I really think Minnesota is still in the hunt here...Brewster absolutely needs this kid and I don't see them going down quietly. Whoever ends up at ND will obviously make Seantrel a priority as well. I think USC is too far away. Lots of positives for OSU but I've seen this movie before and it doesn't seem to end well for JT more often than not.

OL Matt James - I still say Ohio State ... Notre Dame looks to be in turmoil right now, and one Cinderella season will not be enough to keep Cincinnati in the race ... Ohio State and UC are his top two as we speak, with tOSU slightly out in front... Weis's inevitable offing at ND will keep Matt interested in who replaces him there. This one may go until signing day... If Brian Kelly goes to ND, that could change everything...otherwise, I'm still calling tossup between UC and tOSU OSU if Kelly stays put...ND if Kelly bolts for South Bend.

OL Brandon Linder - Looks like Miami right now, although Ohio State could make a late push if he makes an official visit to Columbus ... Not coming here...Call in the dogs, this hunt's over Not gonna happen...I think he's been a Cane for months.

OL Sklyer Schofner - No Buckeye offer yet, and I doubt that he gets one regardless of what the three guys in front of him end up doing ... has recently committed to Michigan State, but the "right" offer could change that ... The length of Matt James's decision will directly affect Skyler... He seems willing to wait it out right now, which is the best decision if he wants to be a Buckeye. All depends on what goes on with James and Henderson... Committed but not sure of how solid it is...if Buckeyes jump in before Christmas, there may be a shot. Otherwise, forget it. I think this is a Joe Thomas situation...I think he sticks with MSU.

WR James Louis - After his surprising verbal back in July, he has been somewhat of a mystery man ... many people think that his silence is bad news for the Buckeyes, but this kid hasn't been talking to anyone ... this will sound kind of wishy-washy, but there's no reason to be worried or not worried at this point ... I'm not worried here... I think he's all Buckeye and has been. No clue and not worried. I think he sticks with OSU...although I could see JT encouraging him to take visits.

RB Erick Howard - Looks like an academic casualty ... See Mr. Red's post...Possibly off to Prep School Prep school.

DT Sharrif Floyd - Reminds me of 2005 DT prospects Callahan Bright and Marques Slocum - same home town (Philadelphia), similar size, similar talent, similar academic issues ... Ohio State leads, but prep school might be his next stop ... I'm actually hearing he'll be a qualifier... And the good guys lead BIG for this one. Ohio State out front with UF behind and at least one more official left to either South Carolina or North Carolina...Buckeye soon..qualifying is the only question. I think he is a Buckeye...too much positive info out there.

DT Johnathon Hankins - Another kid with some academic issues, and maybe some talent issues as well ... the earlier comparison to Shaq Rowell was spot on IMHO ... Recently reporting an offer from Florida, but seems to be cloudy in the officialness... Still looks like Ohio State in the driver's seat. Several times this year commit rumors have surfaced with Big John... If he can get in, he's a Buckeye IMO... Another enigma in terms of what has been reported. Grades and motor all depend on who you ask. Get back to me after the OSU visit...if OSU doesn't lead after that visit, then it's trouble.

DE Jamel Turner - Looks like the year at military school has done some good and that he makes it in to Ohio State ... Agree with Mr. Red. Jamel has been disruptive ON the field and not off it, which is what we all wanted to see... Haven't heard his name in a long time and that is a great thing. Agreed.

LB Jordan Hicks - Still a three-team race with Ohio State (local favorite), Texas (childhood favorite), and Florida (overall favorite) ... too close to call, but the odds are against Ohio State right now ... Really a 3 team race with Texas slightly out front, Florida & Ohio State right behind... May visit for a bowl practice in December. Still some work to do, but still in the game. Florida feels great about their chances, Texas feels great, tOSU feels...ok. Surprised if he commits to tOSU. I see him at Texas...Muschamp has done too good of a job and simply won't be outworked when it comes to a defensive recruit he really wants.

DB Lamarcus Joyner - I never thought that Joyner would end up in Columbus, but I have to admit that things are looking pretty good for the Buckeyes right now ... however, there's still a long way to go ... Official visit to FSU for Joyner this past weekend will go a long way towards his decision... Ohio State was firmly in the driver's seat heading into it, and I have no reason to believe they won't be after it. Two team race, no others need apply... Logic says he commits to tOSU but for some reason, Florida, not Florida State, bothers me. Florida has always worried me here...what program can offer a kid more than UF right now?

DB Joshua Shaw - Many people expected this kid to be a Buckeye on his official visit back in September, but when he left Columbus without verbaling, it was all over for Ohio State ... the "soft sell" approach failed to "close" this kid ... Urban Meyer's personal touch did it for Shaw... Sorry to lose out on this talent, but you can't get them all. Thanks Ronald Powell. We hardly knew ye.

DB Christian Bryant - Not much to say here except "Buckeye!" ... Ditto. Pipeline continues. No worries.

DB Latwan Anderson - This kids seems to have turned things around under the tutelage of Ted Ginn, Sr. ... if he stays on course, then he's a Buckeye ... Agreed. Another one that if he can clear admissions he'll don the Scarlet & Gray. Buckeye. Get it done in the classroom and this one is a slam dunk.

DB Cullen Christian - Was always all Michigan, and he has already committed, but the continuing troubles of the RichRod regime might cause him to look around a bit ... ... Visit was postponed by Ohio State and the Christian camp didn't take kindly to it... Michigan/Pitt race here. Don't think he's the lock to UM that some have made him out to be... Pitt's on the upswing and he enjoyed himself at the Pitt/ND game a couple of weekends ago... Have fun up north. Hopefully he enjoys himself up north.

ATH Verlon Reed - This was "Mr. X" from our last update ... Tressel and Company always find some kid late in the process, and this year Reed might be that guy ... still no offer, but the staff is giving him a serious look ... a MAC quarterback prospect who would probably play DB or STAR at Ohio State ... The wild card in this class... If there's space, I think he gets an offer. I think he could play QB, WR, DB here... Big upside and great athlete. I would be excited to have him in this class... There's one every year...and I would love it to be Reed this year.

The Ohio State Class of 2010
QB Taylor Graham
RB Roderick Smith
WR Tyrone Williams
WR James Louis
OL Andrew Norwell
DL Darryl Baldwin
DE J.T. Moore
DE David Durham
DE Jamel Turner
LB Scott McVey
ATH Chad Hagan
ATH Corey Brown
PK Drew Basil

After the super classes of 2008 and 2009, this class is somewhat of a let down ... Of the uncommitted prospects, Anderson and Bryant are probably "in", but the Buckeyes need to close strong with kids like Henderson, Joyner, Linder, Hicks, and James or else this class will end up being good but not great ... too many academic risks for my liking (Turner, Floyd, Hankins, Williams, Anderson) ... This is a "cricket" class... Not big on numbers, but as in the dart game, they've targeted specific areas to add players for depth... Potential for a big finish could drive this class firmly into the top 10 though... Norwell should see the 2-deep the minute he steps foot on campus... He'll bring a degree of nastiness to the OT competition... Corey "O" Brown (the "O" is for offense, as to not be confused with 2009's Corey "D" Brown), is a potential star, as is Roderick Smith...
Finish with Joyner, Henderson, Floyd, Bryant and Anderson and I will be happy. Would love to see Reed get a late offer. James or Hicks would just be gravy.

[ysubuck]

Finishing with Joyner, Henderson, Floyd, Bryant and Anderson would be the perfect ending to this class. Couldn't really ask for anything more in my opinion.

[starBUCKS]

Any thoughts on the Middletown duo of Rashad Frazier and Jerry Gates?

[BuckeyeLiger87]

Gotta believe that there is someone who is not mentioned in this thread that will be a part of the '10 class. Even besides Reed theres always a few people nobodys talking about but come mid December early January a random official visit will pop up. Should be an exciting finish.

[stxbuck]

Originally Posted by starBUCKS

Any thoughts on the Middletown duo of Rashad Frazier and Jerry Gates?

My question exactly-these guys look good-Frazier is in his 1st year of football, and already plays w/ good pad level at DT, crazy athlete, moved from Maine to play football (or maybe not, but his dad is from Middletown). Gates is hell on wheels in the return game, and pretty smooth in coverage.

[akgoel77]

This site is awesome! I was logging on this morning about to make a request to for one of these updates. Huge Kudos guys - thanks for the summaries, your thoughts, and the updates!

[Outstanding]

Well done gentlemen.

Some of your opinions differ from the sites I usually follow, but on the positive side.

Would love to see a post Dec. 12th edition.

[BuckeyesBaby]

Thank you for the updates!! This site is amazing...

[Gatorubet]

With signing day approaching, and with at least some of the questions answered, what areas of need do the BPRT panel consider to be of the greatest concern in 2010, and how does it look so far in meeting those needs?

What - if any - "must have" needs are there in 2011 that Tress and Co. are sure to lock down with an early focus and/or offers?