2012 tOSU Recruiting Discussion

[ScriptOhio]

Interesting article:

Re-ranking 2012 recruiting classes based on their on-field production

2. Ohio State
Original Rivals.com rank: 4

Record since 2012: 38-3

BCS/CFP bowl appearances: 2 

Conference titles: 2*

National titles: 1

*Though 12-0 in 2012, Ohio State could not play for the Big Ten championship or in a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.

2014 major contributors: C Jacoby Boren, OT Taylor Decker, OT Pat Elflein, QB Cardale Jones, LB Joshua Perry, S Tyvis Powell, Nickel Armani Reeves, WR Michael Thomas, DL Adolphus Washington

The 2013 Ohio State recruiting class is the prohibitive favorite to be No. 1 in next year’s re-rank, but let’s not overlook the contributions of Urban Meyer’s first class in Columbus. The timing of Meyer’s hire in November ‘11—plus the loyalty of some recruits originally targeted by Jim Tressel’s staff—made it a little easier to assemble a full class, but this is still a remarkable group for a program that underwent a regime change. Three-fifths of the reigning national champ’s offensive line came in this haul. So did the player who led the Buckeyes in receptions (Thomas). So did Jones, who won three postseason games after getting buried at third on the depth chart in the preseason. Jones graduated from high school in ’11, but his high school coach suggested he attend Fork Union Military Academy to separate him from ’11 signee Braxton Miller. In prep school, Jones roomed with Thomas. Washington made one of the biggest contributions to the ’14 defense when he agreed to play nose tackle even though he is probably better suited for the three technique or even defensive end. With Washington at nose, Michael Bennett at three technique and Joey Bosa at end, the Buckeyes boasted one of the nation’s most formidable defensive lines. With Bennett bound for the NFL, Washington will move to three technique in '15.

Entire article: http://www.si.com/college-football/2015/02/17/recruiting-class-2012-rerank

 

[ScriptOhio]

THOSE WHO STAYED

"I can't go there and take penalties for something I never did."

Ohio State is a great program. I'm just not sure how long it will take them to recover. I want a solid, grounded coaching staff with a safe environment. Where there aren't such tough questions.

That's Lakewood St. Edward high school senior Kyle Kalis in July of 2011, parroting the recruiting pitch relayed by Brady Hoke and his staff throughout Ohio. Kalis was the face of Ohio State's recruiting class until he abruptly took on the same role in Ann Arbor.

I believe the Michigan-Ohio border is now open. I think you're going to see eight or nine guys from the state of Ohio going over to Michigan this year.

While Kalis was running away from Columbus, there were several players who were running toward it - and today they beat Michigan for the fourth time in four tries. They deserve some recognition for their courage, commitment and their resolve.

Tyvis Powell chose Ohio State football at its low point.

The first commit from the Class of 2012 who stayed was Joshua Perry. Warren Ball and Jacoby Boren followed him. Cardale Jones then committed, taking a year prior to college to play at Fork Union Military Academy with Michael Thomas who would pledge while Luke Fickell was still coaching the team. Devan Bogard gave his word as well.

Tyvis Powell committed the week Jim Tressel resigned. Two weeks later, Pat Elflein gave his pledge. Those players stuck with the program when it was literally the most unpopular thing to do in college football - in the face ofevery rumor about Ohio State being cratered by the NCAA and in spite of recruiting pitches both from and exactly like the one Kalis heard from Hoke.

Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt, Taylor Decker, Camren Williams, Armani Reeves and Kyle Dodson verballed after Urban Meyer was hired, and Brionte Dunn reaffirmed his commitment.They all stayed after the NCAA punished the program with a postseason ban and they're all with the program this afternoon, following Ohio State's fourth straight win over Michigan.

As for Kalis, shortly after making his switch to Michigan he gave Steve Lorenz his vision of what The Game would look like from his vantage point:

[Lorenz]: Give me your dream scenario in (the Ohio State/Michigan) game.

[Kalis]: A pancake on every play of the game, us putting up a ton of points on them and once again, a jersey drenched in red.

Here are two Kalis highlights from this afternoon where he attempted to block two of his would-be teammates:





Thankfully there was no blood spilled.

Thank you, Seniors. Your courage, commitment and resolve made today and the last four years possible. Go Bucks.

Great article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2015/11/64184/those-who-stayed

 

[OregonBuckeye]

Blows my mind this class has gone 49-4....and will only come away with 1 B1G title, yet still might have a chance at 2 NC's.

 

[calibuck]

Amen