In February of 2002, the Ohio State Buckeyes signed the nation’s second best group of high school football recruits, falling being only the Texas Longhorns for the mythical “recruiting national championship” that year. With such a strong class in 2002, many fans and experts alike predicted that those recruits would ultimately lead the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2005. With the 2005 season fast approaching (spring football is only about a month away), I thought that it might be interesting to review the class of 2002, both to see whether the recruits have lived up to their high expectations, and to speculate on whether those players really do have enough talent to lead the Bucks to a title next season.
Note: The recruiting class rankings come from Rivals; the current rankings are my own.
Quarterback - When the Bucks signed Elite 11 quarterbacks Justin Zwick (4*, no. 3 pro-style QB) and Troy Smith (4*, no. 12 dual-threat QB) in 2002, it seemed that the team would be set at the helm for a title run in 2005. From day one, it was evident that Zwick was the coaching staff’s choice to take the reins from Craig Krenzel in 2004, and in fact Justin did start the first six games of that season, compiling a 3 - 3 record in unimpressive fashion. After Zwick suffered an arm injury during an abyssmal 33 - 7 loss at Iowa, Smith took over and fared only slightly better until an unbelievable, career-defining performance against Michigan in which he amassed 386 yards of total offense during a 37 - 21 rout of that school up north. However, while still basking in the glow of his new-found superstardom, Troy was suspended for receiving cash from a booster. Zwick, still ailing from his earlier injury, had a gritty but workmanlike outing against an overmatched Oklahoma State team in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. With Troy still being under suspension for at least one more game, Justin will be the 2005 opening day starter by default. Currently, the quarterback position is truly up in the air, and neither player has shown enough to have secured the job. One key to the Buckeyes’ title hopes in 2005 will be the play of the quarterbacks, and whether either candidate will finally emerge as a leader of this team, both on and off the field.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Smith (3*); Zwick (2-1/2*)
Running Back - Upon signing superstar Maurice Clarett (5*, no. 1 FB), the Bucks looked to be set at running back for at least three seasons. In fact, MoC (1,237 yards rushing and 18 TD’s as a true freshman) was an integral component of Ohio State’s 2002 national championship team. While Reecie seemed destined for Buckeye greatness, he left the program in infamy after just one season. Clarett has spent the last two years fighting legal battles against the Ohio State University, the Columbus Police Department, the NCAA, and the NFL, and, together with his allies at ESPN, he has waged a personal vendetta against Jim Tressel and Andy Geiger; somewhere along the way, the tremendous talent which he once possessed seems to have deteriorated to such an extent that the professional career which he coveted is now in serious jeopardy. Although losing Clarett was bad enough, his premature departure has been exacerbated by the fact that no one emerged to fill the void in either 2003 or 2004, and tailback remains one of the thinnest positions of the team and a chief concern for 2005. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) was a top linebacker prospect, but his future now seems to be at fullback or H-back; despite promising practice reports, White has done little on the field, and he seems destined to spend the rest of his career as a back-up to sophomore Dionte' Johnson.
Current rankings: Group (2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (1*)
Wide Receiver - One of the few weaknesses of the class of 2002 was the wide receiver position, where the Bucks signed only two prospects, including the unheralded Santonio Holmes (3*, no. 38 WR). After a red-shirt year, Holmes displayed questionable hands early in his freshman campaign, then suddenly blossomed into a star mid-way through the 2003 season. Santonio was Ohio State’s “go to” receiver in 2004, and he looks to be the primary target again in 2005 (although Teddy Ginn will also see plenty of passes thrown his direction). Although Holmes (87 receptions for 1,318 yards and 14 TD’s in two seasons) may not quite achieve the legendary status of Buckeye greats such as Michael Jenkins, David Boston, Terry Glenn, Joey Galloway, and Cris Carter, he has been both an excellent and exciting player at Ohio State. On the hand, junior Roy Hall (4*, no. 19 WR) has been an unqualified disappointment. Billed as the next David Boston, Hall has been virtually invisible on the field (23 receptions for 299 yards and 1 TD in two seasons), even though he has been given ample opportunity to display his talents. Roy enters the 2005 season as the fifth WR (behind Holmes, Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, and Devon Lyons); at this point in his career, he is simply fighting for playing time, and it seems unlikely that he will ever reach the greatness that was initially predicted for him.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Holmes (4*); Hall (2*)
Offensive Line - With five quality signees, the offensive line appeared to be the cornerstone of the class of 2002; to date, none the recruits has emerged as a bonafide star. Derek Morris (5*, no. 2 OT) was the rare Signing Day surprise in OSU’s favor: not only was Derek a consensus high school All-American, but he also came from North Carolina, not exactly a pipeline of talent to Columbus. However, Morris was the subject of some recruiting irregularities, and Ohio State released him from his Letter of Intent before he ever became a part of the football program. Seniors Rob Sims (4*, no. 20 OG) and Nick Mangold (4* no. 3 OC) will be three-year starters in 2005, but neither has developed into a true anchor along the line. Juniors Doug Datish (4*, no. 6 OT) and T.J. Downing (3*, no. 35 OG) have seen some quality action, including a few starts; of the two, Downing seems most likely to shine in the future. Fellow juniors R.J. Coleman (4*, no. 6 TE) and Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) have been moved to the offensive line in order to provide some much-needed depth; although Schafer briefly started at RT last season, both seem destined to remain as back-ups in 2005, and Coleman might eventually be returned to tight end. Although the class of 2002 has been decent so far, the Buckeyes best o-line prospects are to be found in the classes of 2003 (Kirk Barton), 2004 (Steve Rehring, Ben Person, Kyle Mitchum, and Jon Skinner), and 2005 (Alex Boone and Jim Cordle).
Current rankings: Group: (2-1/2*); Morris (0*); Sims (3-1/2*); Mangold (3-1/2*); Datish (2*); Downing (2*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*).
Defensive Line - The Buckeyes signed five defensive linemen in 2002, led by high school All-American Quinn Pitcock (4*, no. 5 DT). After a red-shirt year, Pitcock has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons, and he seems poised to emerge as the Buckeyes’ next DL star in 2005. Despite battling illness and injury, senior Mike Kudla (4*, no. 18 SDE) has played well when he has seen the field; if he can finally stay healthy, Mike should be a force along the defensive line. Juniors Jay Richardson (3*, no. 32 SDE) and Joel Penton (3*, no. 41 SDE) have seen spot duty in the Bucks deep DL rotation, and each has made his share of plays; however, both remain unknown commodities heading into the 2005 season. As mentioned above, Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) has been moved to the offensive line.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
Linebacker - The Buckeyes signed the best linebacker class in the country in 2002, and this unit has certainly met its high expectations. Senior A.J. Hawk (3*, no. 30 OLB) was the lowest-ranked member of the group, yet (barring injury) he will be a two-time All-American at the end of the 2005 season. Senior Rob Carpenter (4*, no. 13 OLB) has been consistently solid and often spectacular over the past two seasons, and he may very well join Hawk as an All-American next year. Senior Mike D’Andrea (5*, no. 2 ILB) was one of the biggest names of the recruiting class. However, throughout his Buckeye career, D’Andrea has been injury-prone and has looked uncomfortable at middle linebacker; Mike enters the 2005 season as a back-up to incumbent starter Anthony Schlegel, but he will likely see plenty of action, possibly lining up on the edge as a pass rush specialist. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) has moved around quite a bit, and is currently listed as a fullback.
Current rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D’Andrea (3*); White (NR)
Defensive Back - Ohio State signed five defensive backs in the class of 2002. The headliner of the group was safety Nate Salley (4*, no. 7 S), and so far he has lived up to his billing. Nate will be a three-year starter at free safety in 2005, and many think that he will have a break out season in his senior campaign. Senior Tyler Everett (3*, no. 23 S) and junior Brandon Mitchell (3*, no. 35 S) have both started at safety during their tenures at Ohio State. In 2005, Everett will battle junior Donte Whitner for the starting strong safety spot, while Mitchell will understudy Salley at free safety; both players should be valuable contributors next season. While the three safeties have had productive Buckeye careers so far, the two cornerback signees have been disappointing. Senior E.J. Underwood (4*, no. 19 CB) has been an underachiever on the field, and experienced problems in the classroom; currently under suspension, Underwood’s future is in jeopardy, and it is doubtful whether he will play in 2005. Junior Michael Roberts (3*, no. 49 CB) has exhibited his considerable athletic ability on special teams, but has very little experience at corner. However, with so few CB candidates currently on the roster, even the untested Roberts will get a shot at a starting role in 2005.
Current rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (3*); Mitchell (2-1/2*); Underwood (2*); Roberts (1*)
Specialists - Ohio State did not sign either a punter or a place kicker in the class of 2002.
Summary - The class of 2002 has produced some valuable players, and a few great ones, especially on defense. Hawk, Carpenter, Salley, and Pitcock are all bonafide stars, and they will spearhead a stingy “D” in 2005; D’Andrea, Kudla, Everett, and several others will provide valuable support. On the offensive side of the ball, however, the prospects look much bleaker. Clarett, once a legitimate superstar, is now long gone, and neither of the highly-touted quarterbacks has taken control of the team. The promising group of offensive linemen has been mediocre to date, although there is still some hope that one or more of that group will have a break out year in 2005. Holmes has been the only real bright spot on the offense, and he should again be a force at his wide receiver position. IF the defense can play up to expectations; and IF either Zwick or Smith can establish himself the team leader; and IF someone can finally produce at tailback; and IF the special teams can overcome the losses of All-American kicker Mike Nugent, punter Kyle Turano, and long snapper Kyle Andrews, then the Bucks will have a definite shot at a national championship next season. However, that’s an awful lot of big IF’s....
Overall current class ranking: (3*). Although a handful of the recruits have become excellent players, and some of the rest may yet develop, it is now apparent that the class of 2002 will not the star-studded group which we anticipated three years ago. That class is now the core of the Ohio State football team. Will they be good enough to lead the Bucks to the promised land in 2005? We’ll find out this fall.
Note: The recruiting class rankings come from Rivals; the current rankings are my own.
Quarterback - When the Bucks signed Elite 11 quarterbacks Justin Zwick (4*, no. 3 pro-style QB) and Troy Smith (4*, no. 12 dual-threat QB) in 2002, it seemed that the team would be set at the helm for a title run in 2005. From day one, it was evident that Zwick was the coaching staff’s choice to take the reins from Craig Krenzel in 2004, and in fact Justin did start the first six games of that season, compiling a 3 - 3 record in unimpressive fashion. After Zwick suffered an arm injury during an abyssmal 33 - 7 loss at Iowa, Smith took over and fared only slightly better until an unbelievable, career-defining performance against Michigan in which he amassed 386 yards of total offense during a 37 - 21 rout of that school up north. However, while still basking in the glow of his new-found superstardom, Troy was suspended for receiving cash from a booster. Zwick, still ailing from his earlier injury, had a gritty but workmanlike outing against an overmatched Oklahoma State team in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. With Troy still being under suspension for at least one more game, Justin will be the 2005 opening day starter by default. Currently, the quarterback position is truly up in the air, and neither player has shown enough to have secured the job. One key to the Buckeyes’ title hopes in 2005 will be the play of the quarterbacks, and whether either candidate will finally emerge as a leader of this team, both on and off the field.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Smith (3*); Zwick (2-1/2*)
Running Back - Upon signing superstar Maurice Clarett (5*, no. 1 FB), the Bucks looked to be set at running back for at least three seasons. In fact, MoC (1,237 yards rushing and 18 TD’s as a true freshman) was an integral component of Ohio State’s 2002 national championship team. While Reecie seemed destined for Buckeye greatness, he left the program in infamy after just one season. Clarett has spent the last two years fighting legal battles against the Ohio State University, the Columbus Police Department, the NCAA, and the NFL, and, together with his allies at ESPN, he has waged a personal vendetta against Jim Tressel and Andy Geiger; somewhere along the way, the tremendous talent which he once possessed seems to have deteriorated to such an extent that the professional career which he coveted is now in serious jeopardy. Although losing Clarett was bad enough, his premature departure has been exacerbated by the fact that no one emerged to fill the void in either 2003 or 2004, and tailback remains one of the thinnest positions of the team and a chief concern for 2005. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) was a top linebacker prospect, but his future now seems to be at fullback or H-back; despite promising practice reports, White has done little on the field, and he seems destined to spend the rest of his career as a back-up to sophomore Dionte' Johnson.
Current rankings: Group (2*); Clarett (2-1/2*); White (1*)
Wide Receiver - One of the few weaknesses of the class of 2002 was the wide receiver position, where the Bucks signed only two prospects, including the unheralded Santonio Holmes (3*, no. 38 WR). After a red-shirt year, Holmes displayed questionable hands early in his freshman campaign, then suddenly blossomed into a star mid-way through the 2003 season. Santonio was Ohio State’s “go to” receiver in 2004, and he looks to be the primary target again in 2005 (although Teddy Ginn will also see plenty of passes thrown his direction). Although Holmes (87 receptions for 1,318 yards and 14 TD’s in two seasons) may not quite achieve the legendary status of Buckeye greats such as Michael Jenkins, David Boston, Terry Glenn, Joey Galloway, and Cris Carter, he has been both an excellent and exciting player at Ohio State. On the hand, junior Roy Hall (4*, no. 19 WR) has been an unqualified disappointment. Billed as the next David Boston, Hall has been virtually invisible on the field (23 receptions for 299 yards and 1 TD in two seasons), even though he has been given ample opportunity to display his talents. Roy enters the 2005 season as the fifth WR (behind Holmes, Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, and Devon Lyons); at this point in his career, he is simply fighting for playing time, and it seems unlikely that he will ever reach the greatness that was initially predicted for him.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Holmes (4*); Hall (2*)
Offensive Line - With five quality signees, the offensive line appeared to be the cornerstone of the class of 2002; to date, none the recruits has emerged as a bonafide star. Derek Morris (5*, no. 2 OT) was the rare Signing Day surprise in OSU’s favor: not only was Derek a consensus high school All-American, but he also came from North Carolina, not exactly a pipeline of talent to Columbus. However, Morris was the subject of some recruiting irregularities, and Ohio State released him from his Letter of Intent before he ever became a part of the football program. Seniors Rob Sims (4*, no. 20 OG) and Nick Mangold (4* no. 3 OC) will be three-year starters in 2005, but neither has developed into a true anchor along the line. Juniors Doug Datish (4*, no. 6 OT) and T.J. Downing (3*, no. 35 OG) have seen some quality action, including a few starts; of the two, Downing seems most likely to shine in the future. Fellow juniors R.J. Coleman (4*, no. 6 TE) and Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) have been moved to the offensive line in order to provide some much-needed depth; although Schafer briefly started at RT last season, both seem destined to remain as back-ups in 2005, and Coleman might eventually be returned to tight end. Although the class of 2002 has been decent so far, the Buckeyes best o-line prospects are to be found in the classes of 2003 (Kirk Barton), 2004 (Steve Rehring, Ben Person, Kyle Mitchum, and Jon Skinner), and 2005 (Alex Boone and Jim Cordle).
Current rankings: Group: (2-1/2*); Morris (0*); Sims (3-1/2*); Mangold (3-1/2*); Datish (2*); Downing (2*); Schafer (2*); Coleman (1*).
Defensive Line - The Buckeyes signed five defensive linemen in 2002, led by high school All-American Quinn Pitcock (4*, no. 5 DT). After a red-shirt year, Pitcock has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons, and he seems poised to emerge as the Buckeyes’ next DL star in 2005. Despite battling illness and injury, senior Mike Kudla (4*, no. 18 SDE) has played well when he has seen the field; if he can finally stay healthy, Mike should be a force along the defensive line. Juniors Jay Richardson (3*, no. 32 SDE) and Joel Penton (3*, no. 41 SDE) have seen spot duty in the Bucks deep DL rotation, and each has made his share of plays; however, both remain unknown commodities heading into the 2005 season. As mentioned above, Tim Schafer (4*, no. 12 SDE) has been moved to the offensive line.
Current rankings: Group (3*); Pitcock (3-1/2*); Kudla (3*); Richardson (2*); Penton (2*); Schafer (NR)
Linebacker - The Buckeyes signed the best linebacker class in the country in 2002, and this unit has certainly met its high expectations. Senior A.J. Hawk (3*, no. 30 OLB) was the lowest-ranked member of the group, yet (barring injury) he will be a two-time All-American at the end of the 2005 season. Senior Rob Carpenter (4*, no. 13 OLB) has been consistently solid and often spectacular over the past two seasons, and he may very well join Hawk as an All-American next year. Senior Mike D’Andrea (5*, no. 2 ILB) was one of the biggest names of the recruiting class. However, throughout his Buckeye career, D’Andrea has been injury-prone and has looked uncomfortable at middle linebacker; Mike enters the 2005 season as a back-up to incumbent starter Anthony Schlegel, but he will likely see plenty of action, possibly lining up on the edge as a pass rush specialist. Junior Stan White, Jr. (4*, no. 18 OLB) has moved around quite a bit, and is currently listed as a fullback.
Current rankings: Group (4*); Hawk (5*); Carpenter (4-1/2*); D’Andrea (3*); White (NR)
Defensive Back - Ohio State signed five defensive backs in the class of 2002. The headliner of the group was safety Nate Salley (4*, no. 7 S), and so far he has lived up to his billing. Nate will be a three-year starter at free safety in 2005, and many think that he will have a break out season in his senior campaign. Senior Tyler Everett (3*, no. 23 S) and junior Brandon Mitchell (3*, no. 35 S) have both started at safety during their tenures at Ohio State. In 2005, Everett will battle junior Donte Whitner for the starting strong safety spot, while Mitchell will understudy Salley at free safety; both players should be valuable contributors next season. While the three safeties have had productive Buckeye careers so far, the two cornerback signees have been disappointing. Senior E.J. Underwood (4*, no. 19 CB) has been an underachiever on the field, and experienced problems in the classroom; currently under suspension, Underwood’s future is in jeopardy, and it is doubtful whether he will play in 2005. Junior Michael Roberts (3*, no. 49 CB) has exhibited his considerable athletic ability on special teams, but has very little experience at corner. However, with so few CB candidates currently on the roster, even the untested Roberts will get a shot at a starting role in 2005.
Current rankings: Group (2-1/2*); Salley (3-1/2*); Everett (3*); Mitchell (2-1/2*); Underwood (2*); Roberts (1*)
Specialists - Ohio State did not sign either a punter or a place kicker in the class of 2002.
Summary - The class of 2002 has produced some valuable players, and a few great ones, especially on defense. Hawk, Carpenter, Salley, and Pitcock are all bonafide stars, and they will spearhead a stingy “D” in 2005; D’Andrea, Kudla, Everett, and several others will provide valuable support. On the offensive side of the ball, however, the prospects look much bleaker. Clarett, once a legitimate superstar, is now long gone, and neither of the highly-touted quarterbacks has taken control of the team. The promising group of offensive linemen has been mediocre to date, although there is still some hope that one or more of that group will have a break out year in 2005. Holmes has been the only real bright spot on the offense, and he should again be a force at his wide receiver position. IF the defense can play up to expectations; and IF either Zwick or Smith can establish himself the team leader; and IF someone can finally produce at tailback; and IF the special teams can overcome the losses of All-American kicker Mike Nugent, punter Kyle Turano, and long snapper Kyle Andrews, then the Bucks will have a definite shot at a national championship next season. However, that’s an awful lot of big IF’s....
Overall current class ranking: (3*). Although a handful of the recruits have become excellent players, and some of the rest may yet develop, it is now apparent that the class of 2002 will not the star-studded group which we anticipated three years ago. That class is now the core of the Ohio State football team. Will they be good enough to lead the Bucks to the promised land in 2005? We’ll find out this fall.
