Unfortunately, as the title indicates, this update is full of more apparent bad news on the Glenville recruiting front.
Last week, I mentioned that Ohio State’s interest in Akise Teague is likely due to uncertainty about Shane Wynn‘s status with the Buckeyes.
I also speculated that the recent offer to JUCO defensive line prospect Tank Carradine may have been the death knell for Andre Sturdivant‘s chances at being a Buckeye.
The initial optimism about Carradine’s interest in Ohio State may have been exaggerated, but the implications in regard to Sturdivant remain the same.
If that weren’t enough, the most recent Buckeye recruiting buzz is of an impending offer to Illinois lineman Chris Bryant (teammates with 2012 line prospect Jordan Diamond, who is receiving early interest from Ohio State).
It doesn’t take much imagination to see that Bryant’s listed measurables (6’5″ 330 lbs.) are almost identical to Glenville’s Aundrey Walker.
One could (and I will) speculate that given the limited numbers left in the 2011 class (plus the timing of the offer) Ohio State’s coaches are looking at Bryant as an alternative to Walker.
I initially brushed off a recent article in which Walker named Michigan State as his leader. Glenville players are known for deliberately posturing themselves as open to the recruiting process.
However, if Bryant does receive an offer, one has to wonder if Walker’s academic status is now in jeopardy. Is it a coincidence that his new leader has some of the lowest academic standards in the Big Ten?
Four Glenville players were on Ohio State’s recruiting radar this year: Cardale Jones, Andre Sturdivant, Aundrey Walker, and Shane Wynn. Missing on all four is now a real possibility.
Going 0-4 on Glenville kids is disappointing given the history of excellence Tarblooders have established at Ohio State. The fact that academic troubles appear to be the primary barrier for all four players only makes the disappointment worse.
Nothing is certain in recruiting, and there is still a chance that the Glenville pipeline will continue in 2011, but recent offers and rumored interest in other players seem to indicate otherwise.
On a brighter note, top Ohio cornerback prospect Doran Grant visited Ohio State over the weekend and was told by the coaching staff that he is their top priority.
I said it in last week’s update and I will say it again, keep those grades up, it is more important than you think.
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