With NLOID on February 1st fast approaching, the 2012 class is really starting to wind down.
The number of recruits with the Buckeyes at the top of their list has narrowed, and most players will announce their decisions in the coming days.
Here is a final rundown of potential additions to Ohio State’s 2012 class.
Kyle Dodson (OL)
Dodson is in the midst of hosting numerous coaches in his home this week and is set to announce his college decision on Saturday.
As we have been saying for awhile, we are hopeful that Ohio State has and continues to be his top choice.
Jamal Marcus (LB)
There was a lot of positive buzz surrounding Marcus’ visit to Columbus this past weekend. Despite the good visit, staying close to home in North Carolina is a strong influence in this recruitment.
Given that influence, it is not surprising that Marcus’ final two choices are Ohio State and East Carolina.
The home school is typically extremely hard to beat in these situations, especially when the mother’s wishes are involved, but this one looks to be 50/50 and will obviously come down to the wire.
Marcus will announce his decision on signing day (February 1st).
Reggie Northrup (LB)
Northrup is a very late name on the recruiting radar and is currently a ‘soft’ verbal to Miami (FL). He plans to visit Columbus and if that happens, he could be a very pleasant signing day surprise for the Buckeyes.
Armani Reeves (CB)
Reeves recently officially de-committed from Penn State, making this recruitment a classic two-way battle between Ohio State and Michigan.
Both schools seemingly have a lot going for them.
I personally think the Buckeyes have more going for them (Camren Williams connection, mainly) but we will have to wait and see.
Demetrious Cox (S)
This has been a long recruitment to follow for Ohio State fans, spanning from Jim Tressel through Luke Fickell to Urban Meyer.
Cox visited Ohio State last weekend and plans to visit Wisconsin this weekend before making a final decision on NLOID.
I had written this recruitment off due to a lack of buzz over the past few months, but after the visit the Buckeyes have as good a shot as anyone here, so once again we will wait and see.
Bam Bradley (S)
His recruitment has boiled down to Ohio State, Pittsburgh, and Stanford.
This one doesn’t seem to be trending Ohio State’s way and I don’t expect Bradley to be a part of this class when he makes his decision, likely on NLOID.
Joel Caleb (ATH)
Caleb will choose between Ohio State, Virginia Tech and West Virginia on NLOID.
I have assumed for awhile now that he wouldn’t be a Buckeye due to a combination of other players being higher priorities and limited numbers in the class.
However, with the revelation that numbers will likely not be an issue in 2012 no matter how many players are in the class, it seems that Ohio State is solidly back in play.
Davonte Neal (ATH)
Ohio State fans (along with everyone else) will have to wait until after signing day to find out where Neal decides to go to school.
Home state Arizona under Rich Rodriguez has recently jumped into the race as a major player, but this recruitment has been extremely hard to read.
If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it is not to underestimate Urban Meyer on the recruiting trail, but this is entirely up in the air.
I personally am not very confident about Ohio State’s chances, but Joe still thinks the Buckeyes have a good shot.
Stefon Diggs (ATH)
Coming in as the darkest of dark horses is Stefon Diggs.
His coach says he will visit Ohio State this weekend. If that happens, the chances of him being a Buckeye go up.
Despite this visit, if it does happen, it is best to remain skeptical here.
This recruitment will likely go past signing day. As usual, don’t count Meyer out, but also don’t get your hopes up.
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Of course, there is always room for some major surprises.
Right now, however, chances are the rest of the class will be made up of players from this list.
Here are our best guesses for filling out the remainder of the 2012 class:
Joe
OL – Kyle Dodson
LB – Jamal Marcus
CB – Armani Reeves
S – Demetrious Cox
ATH – Davonte Neal
Jim
OL – Kyle Dodson
LB – Jamal Marcus
CB – Armani Reeves
S – Demetrious Cox
Surprise – ?
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