It is still early in the recruiting season so there is not much going on outside of verbal offers, but Ohio State has been throwing them out at a relatively fast clip. The early offers in general and the newest ones in particular confirm two things we already knew about the 2012 class.
First, the Buckeyes are going after offensive tackles hard. Second, the Buckeyes are looking across the country (particularly for defensive backs) before they turn their attention to Ohio players. It looks like Tressel and company will take their time (possibly waiting until camp) to sort out who they will target in-state… beyond the ones already offered of course.
This strategy may seem odd considering the amount of talent in Ohio, but with the built-in advantage the Buckeyes have (not the least of which is Tressel’s relationship with high school coaches across the state), I am sure the staff knows exactly what they are doing.
The other thing worth noting is that even though there are only 15 seniors scheduled to graduate following the 2011 season, it seems highly likely that the 2012 class will approach 20 players (give or take). The off-season is a long one, and transfers or other forms of attrition will likely open up some addition spots in the class.
Whether you are tracking early verbal offers, Ohio prospects waiting for offers, or the number of spots available in the class, 2012 recruiting will keep us entertained for months and months.
Read on for updates to the 2012 big board.
New Offers
Vadal Alexander (OL)
6’5″ 329 lbs.
Buford (GA) HS
Highlights
Another big tackle prospect from out-of-state. Have we mentioned that the Buckeyes really want a tackle (or three) in this class?
Evan Goodman (OL)
6’4″ 270 lbs.
Lakeland (FL) HS
Highlights
Another offensive lineman, Goodman isn’t a typical tackle prospect, but he impressed at camp last season and has serious interests in the Buckeyes.
Deon Bush (DB)
6’1″ 165 lbs.
Miami (FL) Columbus HS
Highlights
A DB from the sunshine state, his brother plays for Purdue so the family doesn’t seem to have a problem heading north.
Jordan Diggs (DB)
6’0″ 191 lbs.
Fort Meyers (FL) Bishop Verot
The fourth DB from Florida with an early offer, it looks like Ohio State is trying to hit the national prospects hard before they look in-state. It will be interesting to see who emerges from Florida with legitimate interest in the Buckeyes.
Ricardo Louis (ATH)
6’2″ 200 lbs.
Miami Beach (FL) Senior HS
Highlights
Yet another early offer to a Florida prospect (is anyone else noticing a pattern here?). Like the rest of the early offers to “athletes”, he is a tremendous prospect and could contribute at any number of positions at the next level (he plays QB for his HS).
Buzz
Devan Bogard (DB)
5’11” 172 lbs.
Cleveland (OH) Glenville AC
The buzz($) is that Bogard could be in line for an Ohio State offer within the next week. The Buckeyes will be joining USC on his early offer list. He plans on attending Ohio State’s junior day on February 27th. It will be interesting to see how successful Kiffin can be with the tarblooders after his late push for Aundrey Walker.
Kyle Dodson (OL)
6’6″ 310 lbs.
Cleveland (OH) Heights
Dodson looks like the top offensive line prospect in Ohio. The Buckeyes are reportedly($) waiting on his ACT score which he took this past weekend and may offer shortly after they come in.
Ross Martin (K)
5’10” 185 lbs.
Cuyahoga Falls (OH) Walsh Jesuit
Highlights
One of the top kickers in the midwest, Martin is one to keep an eye on. We all know how much Tressel loves him some special teams.
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