:osu: The Ohio State Buckeyes' Recruiting Class of 2009 :osu:
C.J. Barnett, Clayton Northmont (6' 1", 171 lbs, 4.4 forty); committed to Ohio State on February 10, 2008. The current Buckeye coaching staff favors big, physical cornerbacks who can cover and provide run support, and C.J. Barnett fits that prototype to a tee. Barnett was named first team All Ohio after compiling 63 tackles, 13 pass break-ups, and 1 interception as a senior. C.J. will graduate early from high school with a 4.0 average, and he plans to study pre-law at Ohio State. Barnett is a 4* prospect according to both Rivals (#13 CB, #5 in Ohio, #145 nationally) and Scout (#14 CB, #136 nationally).
Dorian Bell, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 2", 230 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 23, 2008. Of all the 2009 recruits, Bell may be the most ready to see immediate action for the Buckeyes. Dorian possesses all of the physical tools necessary to excel as an outside linebacker (116 tackles, 12 sacks, 7 FF), but he also has that "search and destroy" mentality that is absolutely essential for a defender. Barring injury, Bell should see significant minutes as a true freshman, and might even compete for a starting position - he's that good. Dorian was a 5* prospect according to both Rivals (#3 OLB, #2 in Pennsylvania, #33 nationally) and Scout (#2 WLB, #19 nationally).
Adam Bellamy, Aurora High School (6' 4", 280 lbs, 4.8 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 10, 2008. As a two-way lineman, Bellamy helped lead Aurora High School to the Division III state championship last season. Although Adam was recruited primarily as a defensive tackle, he could also see some action along the offensive line at Ohio State. Adam carries a 3.6 GPA in honors classes, and also plays hockey for the Greenmen. Bellamy is rated as a 3* prospect by both Rivals (#40 DT, #24 in Ohio) and Scout (#42 DT).
Jaamal Berry, Miami Palmetto (5' 11", 184 lbs, 4.31 forty, 38" vertical); committed to Ohio State on August 30, 2008. Because the Buckeyes were so thin at running back, Berry was one of the key recruits for the class of 2009. Although Berry is built more like Maurice Wells than Beanie Wells, he is not a "small" back and he has proven that he is a tough, powerful runner who can make yards between the tackles; and once he gets into the open field, he definitely has the breakaway speed necessary to make big plays. Jaamal is rated as a 4* recruit by both Rivals (#5 RB, #9 in Florida, #56 overall) and by Scout (#8 RB, #69 nationally). Berry could be "the man" from day one, but he still needs to obtain a passing test score to qualify.
Justin Boren, University of Michigan (6' 4", 305 lbs); announced transfer to Ohio State on April 23, 2008. As a transfer, Justin Boren isn't really considered a member of the class of 2009, technically speaking. But like the other players profiled in this article, Justin will see his first action for Ohio State during the 2009 football season. In his former life, Boren was an offensive lineman for the University of Michigan, where he made 14 starts in 18 games, and earned All Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. Now reborn as a Buckeye, Justin will most likely enter spring ball as one of Ohio State's starting guards, a position that he should lock down for the remaining two years of his eligibility.
Zach Boren, Pickerington Central (6' 0", 250 lbs, 4.65 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 30, 2008. According to both major recruiting services, Zach Boren is a "three-star" recruit who is "filler" for Ohio State's class of 2009. According to cynics, Zach was offered by the Buckeyes just to help lure his older brother to Columbus. However, people who have actually seen Zach play know that he is driven, tenacious, relentless, and very athletic for his size, and they have no doubts that he will have a successful career in the scarlet and grey. The question remains: At what position? Initial indications are middle linebacker, but defensive line and even fullback are also possibilities. Zach graduated early from high school and has already enrolled at Ohio State.
Corey Brown, Monroeville (Pennsylvania) Gateway (6' 2", 179 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 23, 2008. Brown is the rare prospect who could be a star on either offense (43 receptions, 708 yards, 15 TD's) or defense (54 tackles and 3 interceptions). With his fluid athleticism and his natural sense of awareness on the football field, Brown is already being compared to former Buckeye great Chris Gamble, and like Gamble he may end up playing both ways in college. Corey is a 5* prospect according to Rivals (#6 CB, #1 in Pennsylvania, #31 nationally), and a 4* prospect according to Scout (#9 CB, #74 nationally).
Duron Carter, Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (6' 3", 180 lbs, 4.66 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 20, 2008. Duron is the son of Buckeye legend Cris Carter, and like his father, Duron will play wide receiver at Ohio State. Entering his senior season, Carter was not as highly ranked as some other wide receiver prospects, primarily due to his perceived lack of speed. However, Duron demonstrated at Under Armour All American practices that he is a very polished receiver who possesses excellent hands, runs precise routes, and knows how to block. Carter is rated a 4* prospect by Rivals (#11 WR, #17 in Florida, #90 nationally) and also by Scout (#10 WR, #93 nationally).
Dominic Clarke, Frederick (Maryland) Tuscarora (5' 10", 178 lbs, 4.41 forty, 4.04 shuttle, 36" vertical); committed to Ohio State on June 8, 2008. If Corey Brown isn't the best overall athlete in this class, then Dominic Clarke might be. Clarke possesses excellent speed, quickness, agility, and leaping ability, which are exactly what you'd look for in a cornerback (and he's also a big hitter). Dominic was very much an "under the radar" prospect when the Buckeye coaching staff "discovered" him last spring, but since then he has been impressing just about everyone who has watched him play. Clarke is a 4* prospect according to both Rivals (#19 CB, #3 in Maryland, #177 nationally) and Scout (#26 CB, #262 nationally). In addition to excelling on the gridiron, Dominic carries a 4.0 core GPA.
Melvin Fellows, Garfield Heights High School (6' 5", 265 lbs); committed to Ohio State on April 24, 2008. Fellows received a very early offer from Illinois, and committed to the Illini before his recruitment really even got started. By last spring, Melvin received an offer from Ohio State, and quickly switched his pledge to the Buckeyes, his long-time favorite team. As a senior, Fellows was slowed by a nagging knee injury that limited his effectiveness, but he still managed to collect 79 tackles and 10 sacks. Melvin is a 5* prospect according to Scout (#3 DE, #22 nationally), and a 4* prospect according to Rivals (#10 WDE, #11 in Ohio, #216 nationally).
Chris Fields, Painesville Harvey (6' 1", 181 lbs, 4.39 forty, 38" vertical); committed to Ohio State on February 21, 2008. Depending on who you listen to, Fields is either a top wide receiver prospect (Rivals 4*, #19 WR, #4 in Ohio, #129 nationally), or a project with lots of speed and little else going for him (Scout 3*, #46 WR). In any event, Chris had a fine senior season, as he hauled in 61 receptions, produced over 1,200 all-purpose yards, and scored 15 touchdowns on route to being named first team All Ohio and Division III offensive player of the year.
Reid Fragel, Grosse Pointe (Michigan) South (6' 8", 262 lbs, 4.88 forty); committed to Ohio State on May 27, 2008. Fragel played tight end (16 receptions) and defensive end (61 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 2 blocked kicks) in high school, but he might end up as an offensive tackle at Ohio State, as he enters college with an excellent frame and well-honed blocking skills. Reid is already a Buckeye legend after he chased down and pummeled a would-be mugger during his Junior Day visit last April. Fragel is a 3* talent according to Rivals (#11 TE, #13 in Michigan), and Scout gives him four stars (#12 TE, #294 nationally), but with his freakish combination of size and athleticism, we feel that Reid could be the most under-rated prospect in this class.
Kenneth Guiton, Houston Eisenhower (6' 2", 178 lbs); committed to Ohio State on January 30, 2009. Two weeks ago, no one would have predicted that Kenny Guiton would sign a letter of intent with Ohio State. But when the Buckeyes' lost Tajh Boyd's little game of "three hat monte", Tressel & Co. were forced to discover another quarterback, and fast. At the end of January, Guiton was one of the top uncommitted prospects from the state of Texas, but by then most of his big time offers had dried up, so he was planning to sign with local I-AA school Prairie View A+M. When Ohio State called in the eleventh hour, it was an easy choice, and Kenny opted for the Buckeyes over the Panthers. As a senior, Guiton completed 117 of 232 passes (50.4%) for 1,670 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, and rushed for 247 yards and 9 touchdowns. Guiton is a 3* prospect according to both Rivals (#35 dual-threat QB) and Scout (#53 QB).
Jordan Hall, Jeannette (Pennsylvania) High School (5' 9", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on April 23, 2008. As a junior at Jeannette High School, Jordan Hall was the Carl Nicks to Terrelle Pryor's Larry Bird. However, as a senior, Hall showed that he was going to be a legitimate star in his own right, as he chalked up over 1,000 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving, and 24 total touchdowns. Jordan will enter Ohio State as a versatile offensive player who could see some time in the backfield, or split out in the slot. Rivals has ranked Hall as a 4* recruit (#27 ATH, #9 in Pennsylvania), while Scout sees him as a 3* prospect (#38 RB).
Marcus Hall, Cleveland Glenville (6' 5", 285 lbs); committed to Ohio State on February 2, 2009. Hall is yet another Glenville Tarblooder to make the short trek down I-71 to Ohio State. Marcus played offensive tackle in high school, but in college he might get his first look at guard (especially with highly-rated "Block O" members Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts being pencilled in as LT and RT, respectively). Hall was rated as a 4* prospect by both Rivals (#6 OT, #2 in Ohio, #56 nationally) and Scout (#5 OT, #65 nationally). Marcus was the last prospect to issue a formal commitment to Ohio State, but he had been informally recruiting for the Buckeyes since last summer.
Adam Homan, Coldwater, Ohio (6' 2", 230 lbs); committed to Ohio State on December 29, 2007. Adam is the younger brother of Buckeye linebacker Ross Homan. Adam will likely play fullback at Ohio State (40 rushes, 260 yards, 6 touchdowns; also 10 receptions), but he might eventually see some action on the defensive side of the football (113 tackles) as either a linebacker or lineman. Homan is an excellent student who sports a 3.9 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society; he also graduated early and is currently enrolled at Ohio State. Adam is a 3* recruit according to both Rivals (#10 FB, #34 in Ohio) and Scout (#10 FB).
Carlos Hyde, Naples (Florida) Naples (6' 1", 230 lbs, 4.55 forty); committed to Ohio State on June 22, 2008. Carlos Hyde is the "X-factor" for the class of 2009. Hyde is a big back who excelled against suspect competition (Class 3A), and it remains to be seen if he can develop into a big, bruising, between-the-tackles tailback like Beanie Wells, or whether he ends up as a lead blocker for more versatile backs like Boom Herron and Jaamal Berry. As a senior, Carlos rushed for 1,647 yards (10.6 average) and 10 touchdowns, but both Rivals (#2 FB, #50 in Florida) and Scout (#1 FB, #145 nationally) have him listed as a 4* fullback prospect. Hyde is originally from Cincinnati, and he was a Buckeye fan growing up.
James Jackson, Grand Ledge, Michigan (6' 0", 175 lbs, 4.31 forty); committed to Ohio State on May 12, 2008. Jackson is a legitimate burner who has run the 100-meters in 10.39 seconds. On the football field, James is a wide receiver (45 receptions, 598 yards, 7 TD's) who can also return kicks (26.1 average, 1 touchdown) and punts (21.7 average, 1 touchdown). Jackson is a 4* prospect according to both Rivals (#32 WR, #5 in Michigan, #225 nationally) and Scout (#32 WR, #259 nationally). James plans to graduate early and enroll at Ohio State in time for spring football.
Storm Klein, Newark Licking Valley (6' 3", 225 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on October 14, 2007. Storm Klein was such a die-hard Buckeye, and he committed to Ohio State so early, that many fans took him for granted as the recruiting season progressed and a parade of five-star talents made official visits to Columbus. But make no mistake - Klein might be the best prospect in the class of 2009, and he should see early action for the Buckeyes. As a senior, Storm was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Ohio after he rushed for 1,797 yards (7.1 average) and 24 touchdowns, made 48 tackles and 2 sacks, and averaged 40.7 yards on 20 punts. As a four-year starter, Klein rushed for 6,368 yards and scored 99 touchdowns, but his future appears to be at linebacker, where he is a 4* prospect according to both Rivals (#11 OLB, #10 in Ohio, #214 nationally) and Scout (#11 SLB, #230 nationally). Storm has already graduated from high school and is currently enrolled at Ohio State.
Corey Linsley, Boardman High School (6' 4", 285 lbs); committed to Ohio State on April 28, 2008. Corey Linsley, Sam Longo, Jack Mewhort, and Marcus Hall immediately give the Buckeyes something that they have not had in a very long time - quality depth along the offensive line. Although Hall was the "star" of this OL class, Linsley is also a very highly regarded prospect in his own right, earning 4* from both Rivals (#6 OG, #7 in Ohio, #174 nationally) and Scout (#8 OG, #181 nationally).
Sam Longo, Bellbrook, Ohio (6' 5", 250 lbs, 4.94 forty); committed to Ohio State on July 7, 2008. Longo is a bit of an undersized offensive tackle prospect who possesses good athleticism as well as a great motor and attitude. Sam is definitely a "sleeper" type prospect, but he registered an excellent performance at Ohio State's summer camp and quickly earned himself a Buckeye offer. Both Rivals (#26 OT, #19 in Ohio) and Scout (#23 OT) have Longo listed as a 3* recruit.
Jack Mewhort, Toledo St. John's (6' 6", 283 lbs); committed to Ohio State on December 28, 2007. Jack Mewhort is an interesting prospect, as he projects as either a center or tackle at the college level. Although Ohio State's starting offensive line looks to be pretty strong in 2009, Jack may be able to crack the two-deep fairly early, as there is not much depth returning. Jack has already graduated from high school, and he is currently enrolled at Ohio State. Mewhort is rated as a 4* prospect by both Rivals (#2 OC, #9 in Ohio, #212 nationally) and Scout (#11 OT, #146 nationally).
Jonathan Newsome, Cleveland Glenville (6' 3", 215 lbs); committed to Ohio State on June 24, 2008. Surprise, surprise! A Glenville Tarblooder received an offer from Ohio State and signed with the Buckeyes! While there are no sure things in recruiting, the Glenville pipeline is about as close at it gets. Of course, all of the former Tarblooders have earned their Buckeye offers, and Newsome is no exception to that rule, as he racked up 17 sacks during his senior season. Jonathan will play the "Leo" defensive end position in Columbus. According to Rivals, Newsome is a 3* prospect (#25 WDE, #20 in Ohio), while Scout gives him an extra star (#27 DE).
John Simon, Youngstown Cardinal Mooney (6' 3", 280 lbs, 4.7 forty, 48 bench reps); committed to Ohio State on December 26, 2007. Scout rates John Simon as one of the top players in the entire country (5*, #5 DT, #27 nationally), yet Rivals thinks that he is worth only three stars (#36 DT, #17 in Ohio). Why such a large gap between the two rankings? Well, here's the rub: Although Simon already has NFL size and strength, sometimes his motor seems to be stuck in idle. If he can maximize his talent at Ohio State, then the 5* rating will certainly be appropriate. As a senior, John registered 148 tackles, 13 TFL's, 11 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, and he was named the Division IV defensive player of the year.
Jordan Whiting, Louisville (Kentucky) Trinity (6' 1", 226 lbs, 4.61 forty); committed to Ohio State on September 1, 2007. Jordan was the first player to commit to Ohio State for the class of 2009. As a senior, Whiting compiled 121 tackles, 18 TFL's, and 6 sacks in leading Louisville Trinity to its fourth consecutive state title. Jordan is also an excellent student who carries a 3.87 GPA. According to Rivals, Whiting is a 4* prospect (#15 ILB, #2 in Kentucky), while Scout has him pegged as a 3* player (#16 MLB).
Jamie Wood, Pickerington Central (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); committed to Ohio State on February 24, 2008. After logging 83 tackles and a pair of interceptions during his senior campaign, Jamie Wood solidified his position as one of the top safety prospects in the country (Rivals 4*, #4 safety, #3 in Ohio, #74 nationally; Scout 4*, #9 safety, #131 nationally). Jamie is also a top student (3.4 GPA), and he plans to graduate early from high school and enrol at Ohio State in time for spring practices.
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