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2020 2020 BRPT Class Review - Early Signing Edition

RB07OSU

Head Coach
Staff member
BP Recruiting Team

General Thoughts
RB07OSU: This class is yet another stellar recruiting class that by and large covered our biggest needs. The elite talent on the offensive side of the ball stands out for sure, and the defensive side is pretty stacked as well. To me, the WR position was the biggest area of need and we put together the best WR class I have ever seen. Needed a good DB class and the Phillips decommit hurt...but we still had a great DB group that I am really excited about. The presumed lack of a game breaker at RB (I say presumed because there is a still a very long shot at getting Gibbs) is disappointing when it looked like a class of Robinson and Knighton. But its a position where I think we could afford to miss on those guys. I am thrilled with this class overall.

LordJeffBuck: It's difficult to criticize the #3 class in the country, but I'm going to do it anyway because we are THE Ohio State and the goal is always to be #1 in everything. The class ranking is largely based on the four stellar WR prospects that signed: Julian Fleming (#2 overall in 247 Composite); Jaxon Smith-Njigba (#33 overall); Gee Scott, Jr. (#62 overall); and Mookie Cooper (#82 overall). Having four studs at WR is great, except that there's still only one football to throw around so someone's bound to be disappointed sooner or later. The Buckeyes also signed two QB prospects - C.J. Stroud (#83 overall) and Jack Miller (#290 overall) - which provides necessary depth, but the loser of that battle will win the Most Likely to Enter the Transfer Portal contest (and both might end up in the CFB Matrix if 2021 QB commitment Kyle McCord becomes The Next Big Thing in Columbus). On the OL, the Buckeyes signed two studs and four projects, which is about the right mix (so long as the projects who don't pan out can be processed in a timely manner). The Buckeyes also signed four DL, but none is a true DE, much less a pass rush specialist, much less an All American pass rush specialist like we have become accustomed to at Ohio State, so that is a definite position of need in the Class of 2021 (where #2 overall prospect Jack Sawyer is already in the fold). Linebackers and safeties are solid, but cornerback is thin with only one true CB signee (Ryan Watts) after Clark Phillips III defected to Utah. And then there's the whole RB situation....


Earliest Impact
RB07OSU: Probably obvious, but my vote is Fleming by a longshot. Incredible talent, very developed in his game, and can block. Add that to a mass exodus of talent at the WR position, and that equals immediate PT for Fleming. Also wouldn't be surprised if JSN or Scott end up being the guy either (or ends up being the best WR of this class eventually). But Fleming might be a starter out of the gate.

LordJeffBuck: I'll go with a WR as well, but a different one: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. None of the Buckeye signees (with the possible exception of QB C.J. Stroud) has seen his stock rise faster, and if Jaxon keeps up that progression he should be college-ready by the start of training camp. More quick than fast (pedestrian 4.59 forty, but excellent 3.91 shuttle), I'd like to see Jaxon get a shot to replace K.J. Hill at the slot WR position. Regarding the higher-ranked Julian Fleming, he's more of a true outside receiver, so he will have to compete for playing time with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson (arguably the two best players on the entire 2020 team not named Justin Fields).

Most Upside/Star Potential
RB07OSU: Paris Johnson. Seems odd to hear that for an offensive lineman, but he has the tools to be a top-5 pick. Not just the unreal physical tools, but he plays nasty and dominated at a high level. Might have a low floor, but he has an incredibly high ceiling. Honorable mention here is Lathan Ransom, who I think is a 5-star talent...incredible athlete that just lights people up...another candidate for some early PT.

LordJeffBuck: It's hard to be a true "star" when you don't throw, catch, run, or make highlight reels, but Paris Johnson, Jr. is going to be the best Buckeye player in the Class of 2020. Maybe the best player in the entire CFB Class of 2020. Johnson is already being projected as a high first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and with his size (6-foot-7, 290 pounds) and athleticism (4.53 shuttle) and demeanor (nasty attitude) he certainly seems like a sure thing. The next Orlando Pace...?

Surest Thing
RB07OSU: Jaxon Smith-Njigba. I just can't imagine a scenario where JSN he does not tear it up here. I don't think he quite has the ceiling as Fleming, but he is just going to produce here at a bare minimum.


Biggest Reach
RB07OSU: Trey Leroux or Josh Fryar. I say that, but the OL position is tough to call and I trust the staff's judgment at the position. Plus they wanted both of these guys on board early on, so you can't say they were a last option type of prospect. You could throw out Ty Hamilton, but with those genetics and the staff offering him early, I would be hesitant to call him a reach.

LordJeffBuck: Every 3-star prospect is a reach. Yes, I know, that doesn't include Buckeye 3-star prospects, each of whom is going to be the next A.J. Hawk or James Laurinaitis or Malcom Jenkins. But let's be real for a minute: Prospects get three stars because they simply aren't good enough to get four or five stars. Ohio State has nine 3-star prospects in the Class of 2020. They are all reaches. Or sleepers. Or future All Americans. Depends on if the glass is half empty, or half full, or overflowing. You decide.

Sleeper
RB07OSU: I will throw out Jacolbe Cowan. No idea how he is not a top 100 guy, supremely talented and could be a superstar here. Cody Simon and Kourt Williams are 2 guys who aren't ranked super low, but I think they are going to be great players here. I also think Jakob James could turn into a stud on the OL despite a really low ranking.

LordJeffBuck: Can you imagine a Buckeye offensive line with Dawand Jones (6-foot-8, 360 pounds) and Trey Leroux (6-foot-8, 355 pounds) as your bookend tackles? Well, a year ago I couldn't either, but today they are both Buckeyes. A sleeper double feature. And if they can't cut it at Ohio State, they'd make one Hell of a WWE tag team.

Biggest Surprise
RB07OSU: Lathan Ransom. Amazing player but without the ties to Columbus, wasn't sure if he would keep his commitment to OSU after the Halfley news...definitely glad he did. Gee Scott is up there too, tough to sign and keep a kid from Seattle.

LordJeffBuck: (1)(A) Landing quarterback C.J. Stroud late in the process. (1)(B) Keeping quarterback Jack Miller after Stroud committed.

The One Who Got Away
RB07OSU: Bijan Robinson. Even though he didn't commit here, it was seemingly all but locked up and he is a big time talent. But close on his heels is Clark Phillips, who was committed and is a top talent at a big position of need. Losing Phillips was tough, one of the best cover corners in this class.

LordJeffBuck: Running back Bijan Robison. Seems like a classic lose-lose situation to me. Who will be the bigger loser? I'm guessing that it won't be Ohio State....

What This Class Lacks
RB07OSU: A top RB. I think Miyan Williams is serviceable, but I just re-watched the 2015 playoffs and Zeke changed those games entirely...having a top-shelf RB can be a big deal even if you have talent everywhere else. I also have some concerns on the OL, but the 2021 class looks to be promising. DB could also be a big issue if we do not hold Martinez down.

LordJeffBuck: Turn back the clock to July 25, 2018, when Ohio State received a commitment from Arizona running back Darvon Hubbard. Fast forward to February 21, 2019, when Hubbard "decommitted" from Ohio State after receiving negative feedback from new Buckeye head coach Ryan Day. Since that time, the Buckeye staff has targeted and missed on the following running backs (in no particular order): Zachary Evans; Bijan Robinson; Kendall Milton; Jaylan Knighton; Sam Adams II; Blake Corum; Kevontre Bradford; DeaMonte Trayanum; and Lawrence Toafili (and maybe a few other long shot guys who never really entered the mix). The Buckeyes did finally get a running back in the Class of 2020 - Miyan Williams from Cincinnati Winton Woods - but he was at best their Plan J or K option. Ohio State should never have to go that far down its recruit board to get a prospect, especially at a position where an impact player could win the starting job as a true freshman. Depth chart and recent success (Ezekiel Elliot; J.K. Dobbins) should have been huge factors in favor of the Buckeyes; I'm guessing that negative recruiting ("air raid offense") was an even bigger factor against them.

Top Targets for February
RB07OSU: Cam Martinez by a mile. Incredibly talented kid that we need to keep in the fold and at a big position of need. Not really anything left beyond Martinez that I am aware of. Maybe McGlothern?

LordJeffBuck: Cameron Martinez is still verbally committed to Ohio State, but he is looking around (primarily at Northwestern, who sees him as their version of Chris Gamble, or something). Running back Jahmyr Gibbs is currently a Georgia Tech verbal, but he is scheduled to officially visit Ohio State on January 17th (and Florida January 24th, and Georgia Tech January 31st). APB Michael Drennan II (Dublin Coffman) is still unsigned, but the Buckeye staff has had numerous chances to evaluate and pursue the state's #4 prospect and to date they have chosen not to do so. Walnut Ridge ATH Qian Magwood has been mentioned from time to time, but he seems more like a MAC level player and he doesn't really fill a position of need for Ohio State. There's always a chance that we see a name arise out of nowhere, like Enokk Vimahi in last year's class. I'm hoping for a 4-star DE with top-end speed. I'm probably banking that scholarship.

Recruiting Impact of Coaching Changes
RB07OSU: Losing Halfley definitely hurt us on at least Phillips, and maybe still on Martinez. I think we'll get a top guy to replace him, but it better be soon so we don't lose Martinez. Might be a pipe dream, but I would lose my mind if we got Coombs back.

LordJeffBuck: The loss of DB coach Jeff Hafley definitely cost the Buckeyes CB Clark Phillips III, and it might cost them ATH Cameron Martinez as well (he will sign somewhere in February). If an 18-year old kid thinks that he's got a better chance for success at Utah than Ohio State, then more power to him. Life comes at you fast.... And life at Ohio State will be just fine with or without Jeff Hafley.

And a word about coaching changes in general, and assistant coaching changes in particular. Some people say that recruiting is all about comfort and relationships, meaning primarily comfort and relationships with position coaches. Here is the Ohio State coaching staff for 2014, the year that the current fifth-year seniors were being recruited to Ohio State:

Head coach: Urban Meyer
Quarterbacks: Tom Herman
Running backs: Stan Drayton
Wide receivers: Zach Smith
Tight ends: Tim Hinton
Offensive line: Ed Warinner
Defensive line: Larry Johnson, Sr.
Linebackers: Luke Fickell
Defensive back: Kerry Coombs
Defensive backs: Chris Ash

It's just five years later, and the only name still on that list is Larry Johnson, Sr. Every other position has changed at least once, and six assistants came and went within that five-year window (Greg Schiano; Bill Davis; Alex Grinch; Taver Johnson; Jeff Hafley; Mike Yurcich). A fifth-year senior like K.J. Hill has seen no less than 25 coaches on the sidelines, plus numerous graduate assistants and quality control coaches. College coaches move around a lot. Good coaches move up, bad coaches move on, and every coach eventually retires. Any recruit who commits to a school because he likes his assistant coach is being ... short-sighted. That's a nice way to put it.

2021 Outlook
RB07OSU: We're already off to an incredible start in 2021. I think we have as good, if not a better, class than 2020. Sawyer, McCord, Harrison, and Christman are elite. Then Carrico and Ballard are very very good. Looking at what we need, it goes in this order for me: (1) RB - Shipley is at the top of my list, but I want at least one of Kiner, Edwards, or Pryor; (2) DE - Off to a killer start on Sawyer, but need a couple more big names; (3) DT - we've got some great players at the position, but need to rebuild here with some upcoming attrition; and (4) OL - Christman is a great start and I like our odds on Donovan Jackson/Spindler/Latham/Burton. Way early but it looks nice and with a run in the playoffs, it could look even better.

LordJeffBuck: Someone stated (and I agreed) that the Class of 2020 was half Alabama, half Michigan, meaning an unusual mixture of 5-star studs (8 players in top 100) and 3-star reaches (9 players #400 or higher). So far the Class of 2021 is all Alabama, with a ridiculous (and unsustainable) recruit average of 97.43 (by way of comparison, Ohio State's best ever recruiting class, the Class of 2017, had a recruit average of 94.59). Five of Ohio State's commitments are in the top 75, and the sixth is #121. The low 4-star and high 3-star recruits will eventually filter into this class, but I would be shocked if Ohio State's Class of 2021 finished outside of the top five, and it could easily be #1 overall.
 
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I think the 2019 and 2020 classes likely will be looked back upon as the weakest pair of classes in a decade, and that we're likely to see the team "struggle" more in the next 2-3 years than in recent history. (By "struggle" I'm thinking 2 regular season losses.) But afterward, starting with the sophomore or junior year of the 2021 class, we'll be back in the NC hunt.

I hope I'm absolutely wrong about this. :cool:
 
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I think the 2019 and 2020 classes likely will be looked back upon as the weakest pair of classes in a decade, and that we're likely to see the team "struggle" more in the next 2-3 years than in recent history. (By "struggle" I'm thinking 2 regular season losses.) But afterward, starting with the sophomore or junior year of the 2021 class, we'll be back in the NC hunt.

I hope I'm absolutely wrong about this. :cool:
2019 was just small and 2020 finished 4th in the country? How is that weak?

Also who's going to beat us? The gap is widening not closing.
 
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General Thoughts: Another year, another stellar class for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s first class exceed almost all expectations, even for the most optimistic of Ohio State fans. With all that said, a deeper dive into each position has a feast or famine feel to it.

When talking about feasting, one needs to look no further than wide receiver. Ohio State brings in four wide receivers ranked in the top 82 players overall, including the nation’s top ranked receiver in Julian Fleming. Jaxon Smith-Njigba may have had the best season of of any wide receiver in America, while physically Gee Scott Jr. already looks ready to step onto the field. Mookie Cooper gives the Buckeyes a true homerun threat that they can move all over the field.

The quarterback room was in desperate need of a shot in the arm, and it got just that in the form of long-time Buckeye commit Jack Miller and recent pledge CJ Stroud. Stroud, who took home this year’s elite 11 championship, has seen his stock soar in the last 6-8 months. The final rankings update may very well see Stroud finish the season as a five star prospect. Miller battled injury this past season, but his ability is well documented. The two quarterbacks give Ohio State a viable option behind Justin Fields, something Day didn’t have the luxury of this past season.

Offensive line depth was an area that needed to be addressed, and was done so in a major way. Paris Johnson has all the tools to become the top tackle taken in the NFL draft. The nation’s top ranked player at his position steps into the two deep immediately, and looked ready to take on that role at last week’s All American game against the best defensive linemen in the nation. Fellow All-American Luke Wypler also ranks as one of the best nationally at his position. The heady interior lineman has the opportunity to learn for a year or two, but the skill to step in if called on. Josh Fryar, Grant Toutant, Jakob James and Trey Leroux provide Stud with excellent depth and developmental potential.

On the flip side, several position groups probably didn’t close out this year’s cycle meeting Ohio State’s lofty expectations. Call it bad luck in timing, but the cornerback group has taken a major hit in the last few classes due to coaching changes. 2019 saw only Bryson Shaw (a high school safety) added to the cornerback room, while the 2020 class only grew that number by two. The good news? Those two, Lejond Cavazos and Ryan Watts, are absolute athletic freaks that could develop into the next great members of Ohio State’s rich lineage at the position. The bad news? They’re both raw in their technique and need some time to develop. Unfortunately for Ohio State, Hafley’s departure for Boston College cost them Clark Phillips lll. Phillips ranked as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, and was a guy who was expected to be ready to play from the jump. Cameron Martinez remains committed to the Buckeyes and is perhaps a Tennessee Titans playoff loss away from meeting with Kerry Coombs and reaffirming his decision to attend Ohio State as a defensive back. He would be a very welcomed addition, and is a guy Ryan Day continues to recruit relentlessly.

Perhaps no position represents a “what could have been” story more than running back. This summer it looked like the Buckeyes were set to add two of the nation’s best in Bijan Robinson and Jaylen Knighton. Both had given commitments to the staff, yet both ended up elsewhere for different reasons. Robinson’s family wanted him to play somewhere more accessible, while Knighton chose to stay closer to home. Although Knighton and the Buckeyes had some brief conversations about reconnecting later in the process, the decision was made to move on. Not all was lost though, as Alford added Miyan Williams down the stretch. Williams is a tough runner that was one of Ohio’s best the last few years. Jahmyr Gibbs will soon make an official visit, and while a long-shot, the staff will work hard to sell the All-American on being the next featured back at Ohio State.

Earliest Impact: It’s hard to keep talent off the field, and if it’s talent that you’re looking for Ohio State’s incoming freshman receivers are a great place to start. I’m going to go with Jaxon Smith-Njigba here. Right now he’s arguably the most polished and productive wide receiver in the 2020 class. Olave, Wilson and Williams all figure to play prominent roles, but Day’s wide open offense provides an excellent opportunity for one of the true freshmen to get a lot of reps early.

Most Upside/Star Potential: Paris Johnston. If you went into a lab and designed a prototypical tackle, it would come out looking like Paris. The tools are there. The mental makeup is there. If he puts it all together, there’s absolutely no reason he can’t live up to his #1 ranking. The Buckeyes will look to lean on Johnson as the cornerstone of their offensive line in year two, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him eventually earn a starting role in year one.

Surest Thing: Luke Wypler. In my option, there isn’t a player with a higher floor than Luke in the class. His physical tools are evident, but it’s the mental part of his game that leads me to believe he’s a can’t miss interior lineman. Wypler just feels like a prototypical Ohio State center or guard, but comes in more decorated than some of the recent guys that have gone to the league.

Biggest Reach: It’s hard for me to label any kid as a reach before they’ve ever even practiced as a Buckeye. I’m going to refrain from naming anyone, but I’ll say there are some guys I was surprised were taken as early as they were. As Day solidifies the roster, I’d expect some of those opportunities to dry up.

Sleeper: Mitchell Melton. Melton had a phenomenal senior season terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge and showing an innate ability to get into the backfield. While listed as a linebacker, I see his future as a rush defensive end. It doesn’t hurt that he could possibly have one of the very best in Larry Johnson showing him the ropes. Even better? There’s still loads of untapped potential there.

Biggest Surprise: Getting Gee Scott Jr. early and holding on to him. Hartline has proven to be one of the best recruiters in the nation, and this may be the best example of that. Not only was Scott one of the top underclassmen in the nation with everyone after him, but he lived across the country in the heart of Pac12 country. The commitment paid huge dividends in the 2020 class, dividends that could extend into 2021.

The One That Got Away: Bijan Robinson. I discussed him in the summary, but this one appeared to be in the bag. An elite running back makes Day’s system go, and Robinson definitely looks the part.

What This Class Lacks: A ready to play cornerback. The numbers are getting dangerously thin at cornerback, and a elite guy who could step in right away would have been massive for the defense. Losing Phillips hurt more than many Buckeye fans are willing to admit.

Top Targets For February: Currently the Buckeyes are focused on keeping Cameron Martinez and adding Jahmyr Gibbs. Both are equally important for the reasons listed above. There are rumors that Ohio State is kicking the tires on #1 running back Zachary Evans should they get a bad vibe from Gibbs on his visit. Off the field concerns make me wonder how involved Ohio State really gets here, but it’s worth paying attention to.

Recruiting Impact Of Coaching Changes: As noted, Hafley cost the Buckeyes Phillips and Martinez remains in limbo. Additionally, there’s been ground lost with some 2021 guys that will need made up.

2021 Outlook: 2021 is off to a phenomenal start and may challenge for the #1 overall class if things keep trending the way they have been. Kyle McCord is one of the top signal callers in the nation, while Jack Sawyer checks in as one of the best defensive ends, and overall players, in the entire class.

On the offensive line the Buckeyes already have two studs in Ben Christman and Donovan Jackson on board, and are in excellent shape with top 300 guys like JC Latham, Tristan Leigh and Jager Burton.

Keep an eye on defensive tackle this cycle, as Ohio State is positioning themselves to have an outstanding haul. Names like JT Tuimoloau, Damon Payne, Tywone Malone, Marcus Bradley, Taizse Johnson and Mike Hall all have Ohio State at, or near, the top of their lists.

Hartline continues to stockpile talent at WR with Jayden Ballard and Marin Harrison Jr. on board. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Troy Stellato join the fold sooner rather than later, and they’ll chase Emeka Egbuka all the way to signing day.

Reid Carrico is one of the best linebackers in the nation, and they’ll look to add another elite guy or two to that group.

The two position groups that MUST be nailed this cycle are running back and cornerback. Ohio State is in on a load of elite backs this cycle, and seem to be casting a wider net. Michigan’s Donovan Edwards has been one of their top targets for months now, while Cincinnati product Corey Kiner has garnered significant interest as well. Evan Pryor, Lovasea Carroll and Cody Brown are all names worth watching as well. Hafley had the Buckeyes well positioned for multiple cornerbacks, but a new coach means relationships will need re-developed. Jakailin Johnson is the nation’s 5th ranked corner, and a player the Buckeyes have a great relationship with. Guys like Tony Grimes, Avante Dickerson, Hunter Washington, Andre Turrentine, Duce Chestnut and Jordan Hancock are all players who have an existing relationship with the Buckeyes.
 
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I think the Miller/Stroud situation could end up being another Haskins/Burrow scenario. The loser transfers, but both parties win in the long run. It will be a fun competition
 
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Counting Sam Adams, Lawrence Toafili, Kevontre Bradford, and to a lesser extent Zach Evans, Trayanum, & Blake Corum as “misses” doesn’t tell the whole story.
Adams, Bradford, Trayanum, and Corum all took official visits to Ohio State. Toafili visited on his own dime for the Spring Game but never returned for an official. Evans was the #1 RB recruit in the country. All had offers. What's the rest of the story?
 
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Adams, Bradford, Trayanum, and Corum all took official visits to Ohio State. Toafili visited on his own dime for the Spring Game but never returned for an official. Evans was the #1 RB recruit in the country. All had offers. What's the rest of the story?

Adams & Toafili were never priorities. Passing interest at best. Bradford came on the visit and communication immediately stopped afterwards. He wasn’t what they were looking for. Trayanum was always looked at as a guy better suited for LB, which is why he chose to look elsewhere. If he was assured to stay at RB, he would be at OSU. That’s not a guess. Corum? Let me know when a Biff Poggi player commits to OSU.

There are 3 “bad” losses; Bijan, Milton, and Knighton. Although Knighton tried to find his way back into the class after Taggart was fired, but the staff decided against it.
 
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Adams & Toafili were never priorities. Passing interest at best. Bradford came on the visit and communication immediately stopped afterwards. He wasn’t what they were looking for. Trayanum was always looked at as a guy better suited for LB, which is why he chose to look elsewhere. If he was assured to stay at RB, he would be at OSU. That’s not a guess. Corum? Let me know when a Biff Poggi player commits to OSU.

There is 3 “bad” losses, Bijan, Milton, and Knighton. Although Knighton tried to find his way back into the class after Taggart was fired, but the staff decided against it.
The fact remains that Ohio State pursued all of the players I mentioned, regardless of whether they were long shots or bad fits or whatever, before pursuing Miyan Williams. To me, that suggests that the coaching staff wanted each of those players more than they wanted Miyan Williams. I could be wrong, but the timing seems to support my position.
 
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The fact remains that Ohio State pursued all of the players I mentioned, regardless of whether they were long shots or bad fits or whatever, before pursuing Miyan Williams. To me, that suggests that the coaching staff wanted each of those players more than they wanted Miyan Williams. I could be wrong, but the timing seems to support my position.

You could be right. I’m not disputing your position that Miyan was further down the board. Although, there were some people on staff fighting for Miyan to get an offer as early as spring according to Marc Givler. Them not offering is a clear indication that someone (probably the HC) liked others more.

My issue, and this isn’t specific to you, is with the popular narrative that Alford is a bad recruiter because fans think every top recruit should want to go to Ohio State as if there aren’t equally as good options out there or what a specific kid is looking for.
 
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You could be right. I’m not disputing your position that Miyan was further down the board. Although, there were some people on staff fighting for Miyan to get an offer as early as spring according to Marc Givler. Them not offering is a clear indication that someone (probably the HC) liked others more.

My issue, and this isn’t specific to you, is with the popular narrative that Alford is a bad recruiter because fans think every top recruit should want to go to Ohio State as if there aren’t equally as good options out there or what a specific kid is looking for.
It's not a narrative he's just not an elite recruiter. He's not bad but he's not elite either. When you produce Zeke and JK in a 5 year period then yes you should be able to land one of your top 3 options.
 
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It's not a narrative he's just not an elite recruiter. He's not bad but he's not elite either. When you produce Zeke and JK in a 5 year period then yes you should be able to land one of your top 3 options.

This is entitled fan talk.

There’s like 7 other top notch programs that can say something similar.

Also, during the important decision making time for most of their top choices at RB, there was no on field product. Only last year’s running game to reference. What JK did this year should pay dividends for next year, not this year when almost everybody had made their choices before a down was played.
 
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This is entitled fan talk.

There’s like 7 other top notch programs that can say something similar.

Also, during the important decision making time for most of their top choices at RB, there was no on field product. Only last year’s running game to reference. What JK did this year should pay dividends for next year, not this year when almost everybody had made their choices before a down was played.
No one had to sign until late December
 
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My issue, and this isn’t specific to you, is with the popular narrative that Alford is a bad recruiter because fans think every top recruit should want to go to Ohio State as if there aren’t equally as good options out there or what a specific kid is looking for.

How many equally good options are there tho? How many other schools have a similar depth chart at RB while surrounding it with elite QB, WR, and OL talent plus one of the best play callers in the country? Texas and Miami/Florida State are not equally good options by really any measure.

Yeah, top recruits should want to go here. We set up players for success after tOSU better than 99.9% of schools. Combine all those factors plus our rich RB RB tradition, Alford should pretty much be guaranteed a top 10 RB in every class.
 
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How many equally good options are there tho? How many other schools have a similar depth chart at RB while surrounding it with elite QB, WR, and OL talent plus one of the best play callers in the country? Texas and Miami/Florida State are not equally good options by really any measure.

Yeah, top recruits should want to go here. We set up players for success after tOSU better than 99.9% of schools. Combine all those factors plus our rich RB RB tradition, Alford should pretty much be guaranteed a top 10 RB in every class.

Texas had to switch a WR to RB because their depth chart is so thin. You’re also kidding yourself if you don’t think they have elite players at each of those positions. He thinks he might be the missing piece, who knows? Those places have their own tradition and who knows what appeals to each person.

It’s incredibly arrogant to say somebody should be guaranteed anything without looking considering other factors.

You guys sound like the girl who thinks everybody should want her just because she looks good.
 
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