• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

A Comprehensive Review of Coach Tressel's Recruiting Classes

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Sort by date Sort by votes
Tressel Era Recruits - Miscellaneous Lists

Top Ten Prospects Who Lived Up to Their Reputations

01. Terrelle Pryor (QB; Class of 2008; Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Rivals 5*, #1 dual-threat QB, #1 overall; Scout 5*, #1 QB, #1 overall); second total yards, second total touchdowns in Ohio State history
02. Theodore Ginn, Jr. (ATH; Class of 2004; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 5*, #1 CB, #2 overall; Scout 5*, #1 CB); two-time All American; Buckeyes' all-time leading return man
03. Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB; Class of 2006; Akron Garfield; Rivals 5*, #1 RB, #3 overall; Scout 5*, #1 RB, #1 overall); fourth leading rusher in Ohio State history
04. Troy Smith (QB; Class of 2002; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #12 dual-threat QB; Scout 4*, #15 QB); All American; Heisman Trophy
05. Michael Brewster (OC; Class of 2008; Orlando Edgewater; Rivals 5*, #4 OT, #12 overall; Scout 5*, #1 OC, #23 overall); All American; 49 career starts
06. Donte Whitner (S; Class of 2003; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #3CB, #27 overall; Scout 5*, #1 CB); All American
07. Kurt Coleman (S; Class of 2006; Clayton Northmont; Rvals 4*, #13 CB; Scout 4*, #14 CB); All American
08. Quinn Pitcock (DT; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #5 DT, #72 overall; Scout 4*, #7 DT, #46 overall); All American
09. Cameron Heyward (DL; Class of 2007; Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge; Rivals 4*, #13 DT; Scout 4*, #20 DT); first round draft choice
10. Bobby Carpenter (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #13 OLB; Scout 4*, #22 LB); first round draft choice
HM. Braxton Miller (QB; Class of 2011; Huber Heights Wayne; Rivals 4*, #1 dual-threat QB, #34 overall; Scout 5*, #2 QB, #36 overall); 1,871 total yards, 20 total touchdowns
HM. Andrew Norwell (OL; Class of 2010; Cincinnati Anderson; Rivals 4*, #9 OT, #59 overall; Scout 5*, #2 OT, #8 overall)
HM. Michael Bennett (DL; Class of 2011; Centerville; Rivals 4*, #3 DT, #41 overall; Scout 4*, #8 DT, #57 overall); 17 tackles, 5 TFL's, 3 sacks
HM. Ryan Shazier (LB; Class of 2011; Plantation, Florida; Rivals 4*, #14 OLB; Scout 4*, #5 OLB, #81 overall); 57 tackles, 5 TFL's, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt
HM. C.J. Barnett (S; Class of 2009; Clayton Northmont; Rivals 4*, #13 CB, #145 overall; Scout 4*, #14 CB, #136 overall); 84 tackles, 2 interceptions
HM. Jack Mewhort (OL; Class of 2009; Toledo St. Johns; Rivals 4*, #2 OC, #212 overall; Scout 4*, #11 OT, #146 overall)

Top Ten Most Underrated Prospects
01. James Laurinaitis (LB; Class of 2005; Plymouth (MN) Wayzata; Rivals 3*, #28 MLB; Scout 3*, #45 LB); three-time All American; Butkus Award; Bednarik Award; Lott Award; Lowe's CLASS Award
02. A.J. Hawk (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 3*, #30 OLB; Scout 3*, #32 LB); two-time All American; Lombardi Award
03. Malcolm Jenkins (CB; Class of 2005; Piscataway, New Jersey; Rivals 3*, #61 CB; Scout 3*, #28 S); two-time All American; Thorpe Award
04. Mike Nugent (PK; Class of 2001; Centerville; Rivals 2*, #8 PK; Scout NR); two-time All American; Groza Award; Buckeyes' all-time leading scorer
05. Bradley Roby (CB; Class of 2010; Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge; Rivals 3*, NR; Scout 3*, #44 CB); two-time All American
06. Chris Gamble (ATH; Class of 2001; Fort Lauderdale Dillard; Rivals 2*, #89 WR; Scout NR); two-time All Big Ten
07. Chimdi Chekwa (CB; Class of 2006; Clermont (FL) East Ridge; Rivals 3*, #45 CB; Scout 2*); All American
08. Brian Robiskie (WR; Class of 2005; Chagrin Falls; Rivals 3*, #61 WR; Scout 2*); two-time Academic All American
09. Kirk Barton (OT; Class of 2003; Massillon Perry; Rivals 3*, #60 OT; Scout 3*, #101 OL); All American
10. Dane Sanzenbacher (WR; Class of 2007; Toledo Central Catholic; Rivals 3*, #71 WR; Scout 4*, #58 WR); team MVP
HM. Anderson Russell (S; Class of 2005; Atlanta Marist; Rivals 2*; Scout 3*, #84 RB); three-year starter
HM. Johnathan Hankins (DT; Class of 2010; Detroit Southeastern; Rivals 3*; Scout 3*, #48 DT); 83 tackles, 12 TFL's, 4 sacks
HM. Zach Boren (FB; Class of 2009; Pickerington Central; Rivals 3*, #78 ATH; Scout 3*, #45 MLB); 153 all-purpose yards, 1 touchdown
HM. Devin Smith (WR; Class of 2011; Massillon Washington; Rivals 3*, #58 WR; Scout 4*, #29 WR); 14 receptions, 294 yards, 4 touchdowns
HM. Jeff Heuerman (TE; Class of 2011; Naples (FL) Barron Collier; Rivals 3*, #18 TE; Scout 3*, #24 TE); 1 reception, 25 yards
HM. Drew Basil (PK; Class of 2010; Chillicothe; Rivals 2*, #12 PK; Scout 3*, #6 PK); 16 for 21 field goals, .762 percentage

Top Ten Most Overrated Prospects
01. Mike D'Andrea (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 5*, #2 ILB, #29 overall; Scout 5*, #2 LB, #12 overall); 44 tackles, 6.5 TFL's, 1 sack
02. Robert Rose (DL; Class of 2006; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 5*, #1 SDE, #17 overall; Scout 4*, #5 DE, #52 overall); 31 tackles, 11 TFL's, 7.5 sacks, 5 pass deflections
03. Jamario O'Neal (S; Class of 2005; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #3 CB, #31 overall; Scout 5*, #3 CB, #17 overall); 49 tackles, 1 interception
04. Connor Smith (OL; Class of 2006; Cincinnati Colerain; Rivals 4*, #4 OG, #55 overall; Scout 5*, #4 OL, #30 overall)
05. Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown (DB; Class of 2009; Pittsburgh Gateway; Rivals 5*, #6 CB, #31 overall; Scout 4*, #9 CB, #74 overall); 81 tackles, 1 interception
06. Kyle Mitchum (OL; Class of 2004; Erie (PA) McDowell; Rivals 4*, #6 OT, #56 overall; Scout 4*, #7 OL)
07. Ray Small (ATH; Class of 2006; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #7 WR, #88 overall; Scout 4*, #11 CB, #98 overall); 2,252 all-purpose yards, 5 total touchdowns
08. Justin Zwick (QB; Class of 2002; Massillon Washington; Rivals 4*, #3 pro-style QB, #40 overall; Scout 4*, #14 QB); 158/276 (.572), 1,779 yards, 7 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
09. Maurice Wells (RB; Class of 2005; Jacksonville Sandalwood; Rivals 4*, #4 all-purpose back; Scout 4*, #19 RB); 1,271 yards rushing, 4.14 average, 145 yards receiving, 12 total touchdowns
10. Roy Hall (WR; Class of 2002; Lyndhurst Brush; Rivals 4*, #19 WR; Scout 4*, #24 WR); 52 receptions, 580 yards, 3 touchdowns
HM. Stan White, Jr. (FB; Class of 2002; Baltimore Gilman; Rivals 4*, # 18 OLB; Scout 4*, #9 TE); 11 receptions, 78 yards
HM. Curtis Grant (LB; Class of 2011; Richmond (VA) Hermitage; Rivals 5*, #1 MLB, #2 overall*; Scout 5*, #1 OLB, #19 overall); 2 tackles
HM. Etienne Sabino (LB; Class of 2008; Miami Dr. Krop; Rivals 4*, #1 MLB, #46 overall; Scout 5*, #2 MLB, #39 overall); 74 tackles, 7 TFL's, 2.5 sacks
HM. Marcus Hall (OL; Class of 2009; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #6 OT, #52 overall; Scout 4*, #5 OT, #65 overall)
HM. Garrett Goebel (DT; Class of 2008; Lombard (IL) Montini; Rivals 4*, #6 DT, #64 overall; Scout 4*, #4 DT, #51 overall); 44 tackles, 5 TFL's, 1 sack
HM. Jamie Wood (S; Class of 2009; Pickerington Central; Rivals 4*, #4 S, #74 overall; Scout 4*, #9 S, #131 overall); 17 tackles

Top Ten Biggest Busts
01. Dorian Bell (LB; Class of 2009; Pittsburgh Gateway; Rivals 5*, #3 OLB, #33 overall; Scout 5*, #2 WLB, #19 overall); 9 tackles
02. Derek Morris (OL; Class of 2002; Rivals 5*, #2 OT, #24 overall; Scout 5*, #6 OL); never enrolled at Ohio State
03. Eugene Clifford (S; Class of 2007; Cincinnati Colerain; Rivals 4*, #4 S, #60 overall; Scout 5*, #2 S, #25 overall); 8 tackles
04. Louis Irizarry (TE; Class of 2003; Youngstown Ursuline; Rivals 4*, #3 TE, #38 overall; Scout 4*, #4 TE); no stats
05. Jamel Turner (DE; Class of 2010; Youngstown Ursuline; Rivals 4*, #22 WDE; Scout 4*, #6 OLB); never enrolled at Ohio State
06. Redgie Arden (DE; Class of 2001; Ironton; Rivals 4*, #7 LB, #54 overall); 4 receptions, 50 yards; 3 tackles
07. Jaamal Berry (ATH; Class of 2009; Miami Palmetto; Rivals 4*, #5 RB, #56 overall; Scout 4*, #8 RB, #69 overall); 970 all-purpose yards, 1 touchdown
08. Lamaar Thomas (ATH; Class of 2008; Fort Washington (MD) Friendly; Rivals 4*, #4 ATH, #33 overall; Scout 4*, #10 RB, #107 overall); 766 all-purpose yards
09. Duron Carter (WR; Class of 2009; Fort Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas; Rivals 4*, #11 WR, #90 overall; Scout 4*, #10 WR, #93 overall); 13 receptions, 176 yards, 1 touchdown
10. Dareus Hiley (DB; Class of 2003; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #14 CB; Scout 4*, #6 CB); no stats
HM. Melvin Fellows (DE; Class of 2009; Garfield Heights; Rivals 4*, #10 WDE, #216 overall; Scout 5*, #3 DE, #22 overall); career-ending injury
HM. Angelo Chattams (WR; Class of 2001; Dayton Chaminade Julienne; Rivals 4*, #9 WR, #67 overall; Scout NR); career-ending injury
HM. Adam Olds (OL; Class of 2001; Dublin Coffman; Rivals 4*, #27 OL; Scout NR); career-ending injury

The All-Tressel Team
QB Troy Smith (QB; Class of 2002; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #12 dual-threat QB; Scout 4*, #15 QB); Heisman Trophy
RB Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB; Class of 2006; Akron Garfield; Rivals 5*, #1 RB, #3 overall; Scout 5*, #1 RB, #1 overall); fourth leading rusher in Ohio State
FB Zach Boren (FB; Class of 2009; Pickerington Central; Rivals 3*, #78 ATH; Scout 3*, #45 MLB)
WR Santonio Holmes (WR; Class of 2002; Belle Glades (FL) Central; Rivals 3*, #38 WR; Scout 4*, #13 WR); fifth leading receiver at Ohio State
WR Brian Robiskie (WR; Class of 2005; Chagrin Falls; Rivals 3*, #61 WR; Scout 2*, NR); two-time Academic All American
TE Jake Stoneburner (TE; Class of 2008; Dublin Coffman; Rivals 4*, #3 TE, #120 overall; Scout 4*, #4 TE, #65 overall)
OC Nick Mangold (OC; Class of 2002; Kettering Alter; Rivals 4*, #3 OC; Scout NR); All American
OG Michael Brewster (OC; Class of 2008; Orlando Edgewater; Rivals 5*, #4 OT, #12 overall; Scout 5*, #1 OC, #23 overall); All American
OG Rob Sims (OL; Class of 2002; Nordonia; Rivals 4*, #20 OG; Scout 3*, #38 OL); All Big Ten
OT Kirk Barton (OT; Class of 2003; Massillon Perry; Rivals 3*, #60 OT; Scout 3*, #101 OL); All American
OT Mike Adams (OT; Class of 2008; Dublin Coffman; Rivals 5*, #1 OT, #3 overall; Scout 5*, #2 OT, #11 overall); All Big Ten
PK Mike Nugent (PK; Class of 2001; Centerville; Rivals 2*, #8 PK; Scout NR); two-time All American
ATH Theodore Ginn, Jr. (ATH; Class of 2004; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 5*, #1 CB, #2 overall; Scout 5*, #1 CB); two-time All American

DE Cameron Heyward (DL; Class of 2007; Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge; Rivals 4*, #13 DT; Scout 4*, #20 DT)
DE Vernon Gholston (DE; Class of 2004; Detroit Cass Tech; Rivals 4*, #11 WDE; Scout 3*, #39 DE); All American
DT Quinn Pitcock (DT; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #5 DT, #72 overall; Scout 4*, #7 DT, #46 overall); All American
DT John Simon (DL; Class of 2009; Youngstown Cardinal Mooney; Rivals 3*, #36 DT; Scout 5*, #5 DT, #27 overall)
LB A.J. Hawk (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 3*, #30 OLB; Scout 3*, #32 LB); two-time All American
LB James Laurinaitis (LB; Class of 2005; Plymouth (MN) Wayzata; Rivals 3*, #28 MLB; Scout 3*, #45 LB); three-time All American
LB Bobby Carpenter (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #13 OLB; Scout 4*, #22 LB)
CB Malcolm Jenkins (CB; Class of 2005; Piscataway, New Jersey; Rivals 3*, #61 CB; Scout 3*, #28 S); two-time All American
CB Bradley Roby (CB; Class of 2010; Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge; Rivals 3*, NR; Scout 3*, #44 CB); two-time All American
CB Chimdi Chekwa (CB; Class of 2006; Clermont (FL) East Ridge; Rivals 3*, #45 CB; Scout 2*); All American
_S Donte Whitner (S; Class of 2003; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #3CB, #27 overall; Scout 5*, #1 CB); All American
_S Kurt Coleman (S; Class of 2006; Clayton Northmont; Rvals 4*, #13 CB; Scout 4*, #14 CB); All American
_P A.J. Trapasso (P; Class of 2004; Pickerington; Rivals 2*, #25 PK; Scout 3*)
ATH Chris Gamble (ATH; Class of 2001; Fort Lauderdale Dillard; Rivals 2*, #89 WR; Scout NR); two-time All Big Ten
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
LordJeffBuck;2128680; said:
The All-Tressel Team

DE Cameron Heyward (DL; Class of 2007; Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge; Rivals 4*, #13 DT; Scout 4*, #20 DT)
DE Vernon Gholston (DE; Class of 2004; Detroit Cass Tech; Rivals 4*, #11 WDE; Scout 3*, #39 DE); All American
DT Quinn Pitcock (DT; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #5 DT, #72 overall; Scout 4*, #7 DT, #46 overall); All American
DT John Simon (DL; Class of 2009; Youngstown Cardinal Mooney; Rivals 3*, #36 DT; Scout 5*, #5 DT, #27 overall)
LB A.J. Hawk (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 3*, #30 OLB; Scout 3*, #32 LB); two-time All American
LB James Laurinaitis (LB; Class of 2005; Plymouth (MN) Wayzata; Rivals 3*, #28 MLB; Scout 3*, #45 LB); three-time All American
LB Bobby Carpenter (LB; Class of 2002; Rivals 4*, #13 OLB; Scout 4*, #22 LB)
CB Malcolm Jenkins (CB; Class of 2005; Piscataway, New Jersey; Rivals 3*, #61 CB; Scout 3*, #28 S); two-time All American
CB Chris Gamble (ATH; Class of 2001; Fort Lauderdale Dillard; Rivals 2*, #89 WR; Scout NR); two-time All Big Ten
NB Chimdi Chekwa (CB; Class of 2006; Clermont (FL) East Ridge; Rivals 3*, #45 CB; Scout 2*); All American
_S Donte Whitner (S; Class of 2003; Cleveland Glenville; Rivals 4*, #3CB, #27 overall; Scout 5*, #1 CB); All American
_S Kurt Coleman (S; Class of 2006; Clayton Northmont; Rvals 4*, #13 CB; Scout 4*, #14 CB); All American
_P A.J. Trapasso (P; Class of 2004; Pickerington; Rivals 2*, #25 PK; Scout 3*)
Click to expand...

What I wouldn't give to see this defense together in their prime at Ohio State for a season or two.

:yow1:
 
Upvote 0
Incredible detailed job, LJB!
I find the number of "reaches" and outright "busts" sobering. It points to what a crap shoot recruiting is. :(

And I'm still in absolute awe of what Beanie Wells accomplished with such mediocre offensive lines! I believe he was one of the greatest ever to wear S & G!!!!!
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
MD Buckeye said:
Amazing work LJB
Click to expand...
This. I tried to quibble as I read, but any amount of thought required that I agree. Amazing work. Comprehensive. No better overall look at recruiting.

Looking at the big picture it's clear why OSU had problems: the lines. We had no 5* defensive or offensive lineman. And especially a paucity of 4* offensive lineman.

I was never really a Bollman basher, but this makes the Oline recruiting and development fairly clear. He was not up to Ohio State standards when compared with the rest of the team.
 
Upvote 0
t_BuckeyeScott;2128811; said:
Look through the LJB rankings. There were no 5* offensive lineman careers. Mangold and Brewster managed 4.5s though.
Click to expand...


Adams, who was the third overall recruit, according to rivals, wasn't a five star? Brewster was a five star, according to rivals, as well. Plus, you can't just go by ratings, as some players played like five stars when they were here.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/football/recruiting/player-Michael-Brewster-54550


http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/football/recruiting/player-Mike-Adams-55829
 
Upvote 0
the traveler;2128848; said:
Adams, who was the third overall recruit, according to rivals, wasn't a five star? Brewster was a five star, according to rivals, as well. Plus, you can't just go by ratings, as some players played like five stars when they were here.
Click to expand...

Not the recruiting ratings. The ratings LJB assigned based on their performance.
 
Upvote 0
the traveler;2128848; said:
Adams, who was the third overall recruit, according to rivals, wasn't a five star? Brewster was a five star, according to rivals, as well. Plus, you can't just go by ratings, as some players played like five stars when they were here.
Click to expand...

I believe what BuckeyeScott was referring to was LBJ's personal rankings. There was no doubt that we landed a few big time OL prospects out of high school but I think the point he was alluding to was that none really developed fully into that 5* potential here at OSU.
 
Upvote 0
Bucky Katt;2128852; said:
Not the recruiting ratings. The ratings LJB assigned based on their performance.
Click to expand...


HypeMachine;2128853; said:
I believe what BuckeyeScott was referring to was LBJ's personal rankings. There was no doubt that we landed a few big time OL prospects out of high school but I think the point he was alluding to was that none really developed fully into that 5* potential here at OSU.
Click to expand...


got it
 
Upvote 0
Great write-up LJB. I think your "ratings" were hard but fair.

I have to ask, do you contribute the "performance" of most of the recruits during Tressel's reign to be that of poor evaluation by the coaching staff during the recruiting process or the quality of coaching during the athletes tenure at tOSU?

I understand injuries and attrition will happen but it appears to me there was a combination of both during the Tressel years especially the quality of discipline amongst the student/athletes as a whole.

What is your perspective?
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top