For Ohio State sports enthusiasts, this weekend was a bit of a roller coaster.
The hype leading up to the final four, the start of spring practice, and a big recruiting weekend in Columbus created a lot of excitement.
Obviously, the loss to Kansas was a huge low- but the positive notes out of spring practice and the recruiting news helped soften that blow a little bit.
Missouri running back Ezekiel Elliott got the recruiting ball rolling early Sunday morning when he committed to Urban Meyer. Elliott is a top hurdler in the country and the #1 player in Mizzou.
He is a speedster who combines his elite track speed with great size. He is an exciting addition to the class.
I’m not sure where this leaves running back recruiting for the rest of the class, but I think at this point we may be done. Meyer was able to pull the type of back that he felt was missing from the roster, and given the limited class size and limited need at the position, that may be it.
Toledo defensive back Jayme Thompson made it two weekend commitments for the Buckeyes late Sunday night when he officially switched his early verbal from West Virginia to Ohio State.
Even with Thompson rated as a four-star player by Rivals, his offer list is a bit limited- although Nebraska, Notre Dame, Missouri, West Virginia and Illinois had all extended offers.
Grades could have been an issue that caused some schools to hold back from offering, which is reportedly what held up Ohio State from offering initially.
Once the academic green light went on for the Buckeyes, Meyer pursued Thompson hard (as evidenced by the quick flip following the offer)- so that is a clear sign of his ability.
That only leaves one more Ohio DB to flip for the class…
In other commitment news, Cincinnati linebacker Joe Burger announced that he would be joining the Buckeyes as a preferred walk-on.
Burger chose to walk on at Ohio State over offers from Buffalo and Miami (OH). Joe is the type of kid that will be a great program guy. I think he provides at least special teams help during his career in Columbus.
Moving on to the other players visiting this weekend:
Illinois offensive tackle Ethan Pocic was in town- and while he left without verbally committing, I think the Buckeyes cemented themselves at the top of his list.
Tackle will always be a position of focus under Meyer, and Pocic is one of the best available right now. If you are filling out your guess list he needs to be on it.
Indiana linebacker Jaylon Smith was another player in Columbus. Many are still saying that Notre Dame is the team to beat- but visits to Columbus don’t hurt Ohio State’s chances.
Smith was able to see his brother on the practice field and feel the recruiting momentum that Ohio State is gaining heading into the spring game- good signs.
It has been reported that he will be in South Bend for their spring game on the 21st- which is a good sign for them.
Pennsylvania linebacker Alex Anzalone is another player Ohio State helped their chances with on his visit this weekend. Much like the situation with Smith, the Buckeyes may be battling Notre Dame for his services (Florida is also a major player).
Anzalone is unsure where he will be on the 21st to watch a spring game- but his destination could be telling.
Illinois quarterback/athlete Aaron Bailey had a good visit this weekend and he will be back at camp so that the staff can watch him throw.
It will be interesting watching how this one develops. Will the staff take him at quarterback after evaluating him during camp? If not, would Bailey be willing to come to Columbus as a RB/WR?
One thing is clear, the interest between Bailey and Ohio State is mutual, but there are a lot of factors that could determine his college decision that are yet-to-be decided.
2013 players PA QB Chavas Rawlins, NJ OL Marcell Lazard, and OH DB Darian Hicks were all visitors to Columbus over the weekend as well.
Finally, 2014 Missouri offensive lineman Andy Bauer visited and received an offer this weekend. Blocking for fellow St. Louis native Ezekiel Elliott in Columbus was no doubt mentioned.
2014 Georgia linebacker Raekwon McMillan was also in town (but as of yet no offer has been reported).
Recruiting never sleeps.
All in all the recruiting picture got a little bit clearer this weekend.
Meyer continues to land 4 and 5 star, top 100 talents on his way to landing a top 5 class in 2013.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks heading in to the spring game weekend when things should heat up even more!
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