Ohio Top 31 Football Prospects for 2006 (as of 3/20/05)
(note: I am not a recruiting expert. I rarely see anything more than highlights of the prospects and I am not in contact with any of them. I do however follow recruiting pretty closely. The following rankings are based on national recognition, offers, what some insiders are saying, and the prospect’s upside. As is the case with all recruiting ‘rankings’, this is pretty much a WAG but should give you an idea of the hot names in Ohio for 2006. --Brent Baver (updates on recruiting as of Aug 20 in red or Aug 22 where noted)
1) Chris Wells, RB, Akron (Garfield), 6-1, 225, 4.5, 3.0 GPA. 1,930 yards and 21 TD’s as a junior, at 9.1 yards per carry. Max Emfinger’s #2 fullback nationally. Has the total package with size, speed, toughness and vision. Although mentioned as a fullback by Emfinger, Wells is definitely a tailback at the next level and is considered to be one of the top few tailback prospects in the land. Plays LB in high school as well as TB, but projects as a TB at the next level. Does not turn 17 until August 2005.
Verbally committed to OHIO STATE (plans to enroll early)
2) Aaron Brown, OT, Cincinnati (Princeton), 6-6, 280, 5.1, 3.0 GPA, 980 SAT. Max Emfinger’s #2 Quick Offensive Tackle nationally. Load of potential, but raw. Prototype. Ohio State may be tough to beat here, with a slight lead over Va Tech. The Buckeyes could get a verbal commitment before their opener. Ohio State has of course offered.
3) Justin Boren, OG, Pickerington (North), 6-3, 275, 5.2. Advanced pass blocker and run blocker. Quick feet. Has a motor and always finishes the play. One of the top O-line prospects in the midwest. Father played linebacker at Michigan in the 80's. Plans to enroll in college early. Verbally committed to Michigan
4) Ross Homan, ILB, Coldwater (Coldwater), 6-1, 225, 4.55. 3.1 GPA, 350 bench. 200 tackles, 8 sacks as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #1 ILB nationally. Plays FB as well. 4.57 at OHIO STATE’s camp, but a 4.93 at a combine in summer ‘04. Tackling machine. Could play any of the linebacker spots at the next level, but most likely will get his first look at the WILL spot.
Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
5) Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Euclid (Euclid), 6-3, 205, 4.4, 300 bench. 68 solos, 15 sacks and 2 INT’s as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #1 WLB nationally. Incredible athlete. Will play some WR as a senior. May have some work to do in the classroom and testing. Gibson is listing many schools, but OSU likely has the best shot at this blue-chip LB. Ohio State has of course offered.
6) Connor Smith, OL, Cincinnati (Colerain), 6-5, 280, 5.2, 300 bench, 3.2 GPA. Max Emfinger’s #5 Quick Offensive Tackle nationally. Son of early 80’s Buckeye lineman Joe Smith. Dominated top defensive tackle Antwon Hight (Canton McKinley) in the 2004 state playoffs. Quick feet. Great run blocker but not developed as a pass blocker at this stage. Great 'finisher'. Nasty demeanor. Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
7) Lee Tilly, OT, Springfield (South), 6-7, 295, 5.09, 320 bench. Prototype left tackle. Attended San Antonio AA combine. Frame to fill out to 330 or 340. Great pass blocker; did not allow a sack as a soph or a junior. Good footwork. Huge wingspan. Mother is an OHIO STATE alumnus. OSU has not offered an likely won't. Tilley says that even if OSU does offer, he is not interested. Tilley has an offer list that basically consists of a who's who of college football programs.
8) Raymond Small, ATH/CB, Cleveland (Glenville), 5-11, 170, 4.4, 3.25 GPA. 33 catches, 7 TD’s as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #8 CB nationally. Blazing speed. Could play WR or DB at the next level. Returns punts and kicks. Played TB as a frosh. Has been clocked at 4.3. Has the hips you want in a CB. Runs track. As with other Glenville kids, do not expect an early decision. OSU and USC are the schools to beat. Small really seems to like USC, but it remains to be seen if he chooses to head west or head to a school that has a half dozen of his former HS teammates. Ohio State has offered. NC and Fla also in the picture.
9) Robert Rose, SDE, Cleveland (Glenville), 6-4, 240, 4.7, 3.0 GPA. Will be a four-year varsity starter. Great speed/great size. Quite the physical specimen. As with other Glenville kids, do not expect an early decision. Fla, LSU, Nor Car, Ill and OSU are Rose's top 5, with OSU expected to be tough to beat. Ohio State has offered.
10) Jeff Cumberland, TE/DE, Columbus (Brookhaven), 6-6, 215, 4.6. 19 catches and 8 TD's as a junior. Could play TE or DE at the next level but prefers TE. Great athlete. Good hoopster. Mia (FL), OSU and Minnesota figure to be Cumberland's top 3. He has several former teammates up at Minnesota, so don't count them out here. OSU still figures to have as good of a shot as anyone. Ohio State has offered.
11) Daven Jones, WR, Cleveland (Glenville), 6-0, 170, 4.4. Blazing speed and all the physical tools. Verbally committed to Wisconsin.
12) Kurt Coleman, CB/WR Clayton (Northmont), 5-11, 180, 4.44, 2.9 GPA. 91 tackles and 10 INT's as a junior. 7 TD's on offense (as a WR) and 2 on defense. Prefers corner, but could play on either side of the ball at the next level. Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
13) Mike Hartline, QB, Canton (GlenOak), 6-5, 190, 5.07. Great arm. Could fill out to proto-type size. Max Emfinger’s #10 drop-back QB nationally. Hartline's stock has dropped after he attended camps at OSU, Mich and ND and was unable to land a scholarship from any of the three. OSU may be set at QB now with the commitment from Henton. Harltine has offers from Mich St, Wisky, Ky, Marsh, Ole Miss, Ill, Cincy and others. Ky is the front-runner.
14) Nate Davis, QB, Bellair (Bellair), 6-3, 200, 4.85, 2.6 GPA. Over 2,200 passing yards each of the last two seasons. Strong arm; athletic. Basketball and baseball star. It is still unknown as to what sport Davis will play at the next level - baseball, basketball or football. Davis is not listing OSU in his top 5, although he still appears to have one eye on the Bucks. OSU has not offered.
15) Bryant Browning, OL/DL, Cleveland (Glenville), 6-3, 320, 4.9, 4.1 GPA. Max Emfinger’s #10 OG nationally and #9 DT nationally. Could play DT or O-line at the next level. Very fast for a big man. OSU will be tough to beat if they offer, but that has yet to happen.
16) Josh Chichester, WR/TE, West Chester (Lakota West), 6-8, 205. 27 catches, 603 yards and 11 TD’s as a junior. Power forward and top midwest hoops prospect as well. Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
17) Jovani Chappel, CB, Trotwood (Madison), 5-8, 169, 4.53, 3.6 GPA, 33” vertical. 65 tackles, 2 INT’s and 13 PBU as a junior. Big hitter that has good technique at CB. Max Emfinger’s #14 CB nationally. Not listing OSU on his current list and no offer from OSU.
18) Robby Parris, WR, Cleveland (St. Ignatius), 6-4, 185, 3.7 GPA. Great hands. Plays basketball as well. Working to add muscle weight. Good rout runner. Verbally committed to Notre Dame.
19) Jacob Ballard, TE/DE, Springboro (Springboro), 6-7, 245, 4.8. 3.3 GPA. Also plays DE. Could also play O-line at the next level. Great all around athlete. Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
20) Bill Nagy, OG/DT, Hudson, 6-4, 275, 4.9, 340 bench, 3.4 GPA. 79 pancake blocks as a junior and 52 tackles on defense. Could play offense or defense at the next level, but likely plays on the O-line. Good pass blocker who is quick off the ball. Nagy is not listing OSU on his current list. No offer from OSU.
21) Ryan Palmer, OL, Canton (GlenOak), 6-7, 280, 5.2, 3.3 GPA. Can play inside or out. Likely a top 5 O-lineman in the state in a year that is loaded with O-linemen. 40 pancake blocks as a junior. Lettered in track and hoops as well as football as a junior. Big upside, but needs to improve strength. OSU and ND top Palmer's list, but no offer from OSU at this point.
22) John Ryan, DE, Cleveland (St. Ignatius), 6-5, 235, 4.8. Will play DE and see time at TE as a senior. Agile for a big guy. Plays basketball as well. Verbally committed to Notre Dame. Verbally committed to Notre Dame.
23) Mark Jackson, C, Columbus (Brookhaven), 6-6, 300, 5.4, 280 bench, 2.7 GPA. Good pass blocker. Needs to get stronger and improve speed. Max Emfinger’s #5 center nationally, but could play tackle at the next level. OSU, Mich and Min top Jackson's current list. No offer from OSU.
24) Kallen Wade, DE, Cincinnati (Withrow), 6-5, 210, 3.8 GPA. 13 sacks as a junior. Great frame for a DE, long and lean. Verbally committed to Notre Dame
25) Chad Schoefield, OG/C, Strongsville, 6-4, 320, 5.4, 300 bench, 2.5 GPA. Yet another solid O-line prospect from Ohio this year. Plays tackle for Strongsville but projects as an interior player at the next level.
26) Robert L Williams, CB, Cincinnati (Withrow), 5-11, 160, 2.5 core GPA. Needs to add some muscle weight. Good quickness. May need some work to qualify. Favors OSU but does not have an offer.
27) Derrell Johnson, ATH/WR, Youngstown (Cardinal Mooney), 6-2, 185, 4.55. Passed and ran for over 1,400 yards as a junior. Likely will settle in at WR as a senior. Played WR, QB and CB as a junior. Good size and athleticism. Transferred from Campbell Memorial (OH) and will play his senior ball at Cardinal Mooney. Favors West Virginia over OSU and others. No offer from OSU.
28) Jacob Ramsey, RB, Columbus (Independence), 5-11, 210, 4.5. Missed junior season with a broken ankle. Less than 100% heading into 2005 senior season. Safety or LB a possibility. Blocked for Erik Haw when Haw topped the 3,000 yard mark in 2003. Strong showing at San Antonio JR. camp. 8/22: Favors Cincinnati over OSU and others. No offer from OSU, but does have one from Mia.
29) Troy Pascley, WR, Alliance (Marlington), 6-2, 180, 4.4, 35” vertical, 3.8 GPA. 23 catches, 500+ yards as a junior. Has played DB in the past and could get a look on defense at the next level. Broke Dustin Fox’s broad jump record at the OSU camp in the summer of ’04. Incredible all-around athlete who participates in multiple track events. Raw football player. Verbally committed to Louisville.
30) Anthony Elzy, RB, Warren (Kennedy), 5-10, 190, 4.4. 2,338 yards and 30 TD’s as a junior, 10.6 yards per carry. Plays defense as well. Incredible numbers, but playing for a small school might limit his stock. Verbally committed to North Carolina.
31) David Lightly, WR, Cleveland (St. Joseph), 6-5, 180, 4.52. Over 1,800 receiving yards with 20 TD’s total the past two seasons (soph and jr). Max Emfinger’s #14 Flanker Receiver nationally. Lighty has verbally committed to play hoops at Ohio State and will likely not play football after his senior year of high school.
Other in-state names to keep an eye on:
Brennen Glass, QB, Springfield (South), 6-3, 205, 4.8, 3.9 GPA. 3,052 yards passing (tops in Ohio), 62% completion percentage, 30 TD’s (vs. 12 INT's) as a junior. Father was a first round draft choice of the Cleveland Indians. OSU has not offered and the Buckeyes are not appearing on Glass' top 5 list.
Ruby Kirbus, QB, Cleveland (St Ignatius) 6-3, 205, 4.7, 3.1 GPA. Threw for over 2,000 yards and 25 TD's (versus only 7 INT's) as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #8 drop-back QB nationally. Leading scorer on H.S. basketball team as a junior. May or may not be recruited by the top D1-A schools. OSU has not offered. Kirbus has OSU as one of his secondary schools he is considering right now.
Arvelle Nelson, QB, Cleveland (Glenville), 6-4, 172, 5.05. 1,600 yds and 13 TD passes as a junior, missing almost half the season with an injury. Qualifying could be an issue. Big upside. 8/22: OSU has not offered, but Nelson is an intriguing prospect. OSU will likely keep an eye on Nelson during his senior year. Nelson, like most Glenville prospects, will strongly consider and probably favor OSU should they offer. Iowa, NC, Syr, Wisky and Mich St have offered.
Miles Schlichter, QB, Washington Court House (Miami Trace), 6’0”, 193, 4.97, 31" vertical. 1,751 yards, 19 TD’s and 4 INT’s as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #19 drop-back QB nationally. Nephew of former Buckeye QB Art Schlichter. Good mobility despite his slow 40 time. Schlichter has fallen down the charts a bit. No offer from OSU. May be a MAC prospect or lower.
Rick Stanzi, QB, Mentor (Lake Catholic), 6-4, 196, 4.76. Threw for 1,800 yards and 16 TD's as a junior, while rushing for 630 yds and 6 TD's. Bigtime arm. 8/22: Offers from Akr, BG and Mia (OH). Likes OSU, but an offer from the Buckeyes would appear to be a long shot.
Royce Adams, RB, Lakewood (St. Edwards), 6-1, 175. Adams could receive an offer from OSU and definitely has his eye on the Bucks. Also giving a hard look to NC and Iowa.
Jamal Brown, RB, Cleveland (Benedictine), 5-11, 180. Ran for appr. 1,800 yards as a junior and for 120 yds in the state championship game. No offer from OSU, but Brown likely would jump on an OSU offer if it were to become available.
Nate Burny, RB, Youngstown (Mooney)
Cameron Campeau, RB, Kettering (Fairmont), 5-11, 200.
Delone Carter, RB, Copley (Copley), 5-11, 185, 4.5. 1,839 yards (8.3 ypc) as a junior. Tough to bring down. Verbally committed to Syracuse.
Alex Knipp, RB, Amherst (Steele), 6-1, 185. 1,820 yards rushing with 25 TD’s as a junior.
Bruce Friesen, RB, Cleveland (Glenville), 5-7, 175. Transferred to Glenville and will be eligible to play in the fall of '05. Has some real skills but is a bit undersized.
Tory Huddleston, RB, Cleveland (Benedictine).
Alex Knipp, RB, Amherst (Steele), 6-1, 185. 1,820 yards rushing with 25 TD’s as a junior.
Jamell Miller, RB, Tallmadge (Tallmadge), 5-11, 190. 1,721 yards rushing with an 8.7 average as a junior. Verbally committed to Miami (OH).
Lance Smith, RB, Warren (Howland), 5-11, 190, 4.5. 1,668 yards rushing with 17 TD's as a junior. 85 tackles and 7 sacks as an OLB. One of the top 3 to 5 RB's in Ohio. Verbally committed to Wisconsin.
Scott Weber, FB/LB, Canal Fulton (Northwest), 6-2, 215. 1,440 yards and 23 TD's as a junior. Tough kid.
Marc Krauss, WR, Hamler (Patrick Henry), 6-2, 205. Over 1,000 receiving yards as a sophomore and a junior. OSU is appearing on Krauss' top 5 list, but has not offered.
Allen Price, WR, Tallmadge, 5-11, 189.
Myles Trempe, WR, St. Paris (Graham), 6-5, 185, 4.59. 30 catches, 600 yards and 6 TD's as a junior. Great all around athlete with great size. Good leaping ability. Needs to add muscle weight. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Trempe's current list.
Brett Huffman, TE/LB, Massillon (Christian), 6-4, 200. 25 catches as a junior. Verbally committed to Duke.
Sean Redwine, TE, Cincinnati (Moeller), 6-5, 230. 10 catches, 145 yards and 2 TD’s as a junior. Plays hoops as well.
D.J. Burris, OG, Kenton (Kenton), 6-3, 275, 5.1. Max Emfinger’s #14 Offensive Guard nationally.
Clark Crum, OL, Dublin (Scioto), 6-7, 230. Verbally committed to Va Tech.
Levi George, OL, Youngstown (Boardman), 6-1, 250.
Bob Gulley, OG/DT, Berea (Berea), 6-5, 275, 3.2 GPA. Impressed at Ohio State's camp in June 2004. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Gulley's current list.
Jake Miller, OL, Zoarville (Tuscarawas Valley), 6-6, 320, 5.3. Offers from Ill, Ind, BG and Akr.
Jarrod Smith, OL, Fairborn (Fairborn), 6-5, 267.
Joe Thomas, OL, Lakewood (St. Edwards), 6-4, 285.
Martin Channels, DT, Xenia (Xenia), 6-1, 305. OSU has not offered but are appearing on Gulley's current list of leaders.
Antonio Reed, DT, Warren (Harding), 6-1, 285, 5.0. Max Emfinger’s #6 NT nationally. Probably the best DT prospect in Ohio. Hard worker with an A+ attitude. OSU has not offered and are not appearing on Reed's current list.
Alex Stewart, DT/C, Columbus (DeSales), 6-2, 270, 4.85, 315 bench, 3.7 GPA.72 tackles, 12 sacks as a junior. OSU has not offered and are not appearing on Stewart's current list.
Darius Smith, DE, Euclid (Euclid), 6-3, 195, 4.65. 62 tackles as a junior. Brother of current Buckeye Brandon Smith. Still a little raw and still growing. Could play OLB or DE at the next level. Verbally committed to Bowling Green.
James Allison, LB, Lima (Senior), 6-3, 210, 4.6. OSU has not offered but is currently on Allison's long list of schools he is considering.
Jerome Jones, LB/TE, Youngstown (Ursuline), 6-7, 220. Could play TE, LB or DE at the next level.
Cobrani Mixon, LB, Cincinnati (Colerain), 6-2, 220, 4.6, 315 bench, 33" vertical. 49 solos and 9 sacks as a junior, but tore his ACL in game 5 of the season. Tough kid who returned after the injury, missing just two games. Teammate of Michigan signee Mister Simpson. Verbally committed to Michigan.
Tyler Moeller, LB, Cincinnati (Colerain), 6-1 200. OSU has offered and stands a good chance of landing a verbal from Moeller in the very near future.
Austin Power, LB, Louisville (Louisville), 5-11, 220.
C.J. Law, CB, Canal Fulton (Northwest), 5-9, 160. OSU has not offered and are not appearing on Law's current list.
Steve Allen, CB, Trotwood (Madison), 5-11, 175. Brother of former Buckeye Will Allen. Injuries ruined Allen’s sophomore and junior seasons. Said to be 100% healthy heading into 2005. OSU has not offered and are not appearing on Allen's current list.
Cody Blevins, S, Miamisburg (Miamisburg) 6-2, 195. 5 INT's as a junior. Could play LB at the next level if he adds more muscle weight. Makes big plays and has a knack for finding the ball. OSU has not offered and are not appearing on Blevin's current list.
Anthony Harris, S, Columbus (Brookhaven), 6-0, 187, 4.65, 31.5" vertical, 3.0 GPA. 75 tackles and 3 INT's as a junior. 15 catches for 325 yds at WR. Runs track as well. 8/22: Ill has offered.
Jerel Leak, S, Trotwood (Madison), 6-0, 185, 4.45. Max Emfinger’s #11 FS nationally.
Armand Robinson, S/WR, Reynoldsburg (Reynoldsburg), 6-1, 190, 3.0 GPA. 3 INT’s, 42 catches and ( TD’s as a junior. Can lay the wood. Projects as a safety. Played safety, CB and WR as a junior. Coach thinks Robinson will be a MAC or Big Ten level player. OSU has not offered but is currently on Robinson's long list of schools he is considering.
Mario Russell, S, Columbus (Mifflin), 6-0, 190, 4.45. Max Emfinger’s #12 FS nationally.
Raymond Fisher, ATH, Cleveland (Glenville), 5-10, 160. Runs track. OSU has not offered, but appear on Fisher's list behind Iowa, LSU and others.
Nathan Reed, K/P, Wadsworth (Wadsworth), 5-8, 175, 4.57, 3.0 GPA. Both the kicker and punter for his H.S. team. OSU has not offered, but appear on Reed's list along with several others.
Out-of-state Recruiting:
Harry Betsey, QB, Havana, FL (East Gadsden), 6-1, 193, 5.21. OSU has offered and may or may not be in the hunt. Betsey has a nice set of offers, including OSU, FL Sta and Louisv.
Pat Devlin, QB, PA, 6-3, 194, 4.78, 29" vertical, 3.8 GPA. 2,100 yards passing, 20 TD’s, 600 yards rushing as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #6 drop-back QB nationally. Thrown for over 5,000 yards and 48 TD's in two seasons. Verbally committed to Mia (FL)
Sean Hakes, QB, Fort Worth, TX (Nolan Catholic), 6-2, 179, 5.02, 225 bench, 29" vertical, 3.2 GPA. Strong arm. Father played at Air Force. Grew up in Columbus, OH. Shared time at QB as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #14 drop-back QB nationally. OSU has not offered but is appearing on Hake's top 5 list. 8/22: Mich leads, but has not offered.
Antonio Henton, QB, Ft. Valley, GA, 6-2, 210, 4.6. Verbally committed to OHIO STATE
A.J. McKenna, QB, Scranton, PA, 6-4, 215, 4.8, 250 bench, 35" vertical. Played only 2 1/2 games as a junior, suffering a broken leg that ended his season. No offer from OSU, but OSU is in McKenna's top 5. Unlikely OSU takes another QB in this class.
D'Vontrey Richardson, QB/S, Leesburg, GA (Lee County), 6-1, 205, 4.5. Some will recruit him as a DB, but Richardson is a dangerous QB. Potentially the #1 overall prospect in GA. Max Emfinger’s #2 athletic QB nationally. Verbally committed to Florida State.
Tim Tebow, QB, Jacksonville, FL, 6-3, 225, 4.6. Threw for 4,304 yards and 46 TD's, while running for 1,272 yards as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #1 athletic QB nationally. OSU did not make Tebow's final list.
Josh Adams, RB, Cary, NC (Cary) 6-0 170. OSU has offered and are one of the several schools that Adams is considering.
James Aldridge, RB, Merriville, IN, 6-1, 215, 4.6, 300 bench, 3.0 GPA. 2,067 yards and 22 TD's as a junior. One of the top tailback prospects in the country. Plans to enroll early. Great vision and good power. Former teammate of current Buckeye Nick Patterson, before transferring out of state. Will play TB and safety as a senior. Verbally committed to Notre Dame.
Asher Allen, ATH/RB, Tucker, Georgia, 5-10 190, 4.39, 330 bench, 3.4 GPA. 800 yards total offense and 9 TD's as a junior. 81 tackles on defense. Plays defense as well as playing WR on offense. Blazing speed. Great pass defender. OSU has offered but is no longer appearing on Asher's list of schools he is considering.
Carlos Brown, RB/ATH, Franklin, GA (Heard Country), 6-0, 205, 4.55, 290 bench, 34" vertical. 1,284 and 18 TD's as a junior. Over 2,000 all purpose yards. 60 tackles, 6 forced fumbles on defense. Could play offense or defense at the next level. Four sport high school star. OSU has offered and are one of the several schools that Brown is considering.
Dorin Dickerson, RB/ATH, Imperial, PA (West Allegheny Senior), 6-2, 195, 4.6, 310 bench, 40" vertical, 2.8 GPA. Good speed/power combo. Ran for 1,065 as a junior along with 26 catches for 517 yds and 21 total TD's. 38 solo tackles and over 100 total tackles with 3 INT's on defense. Likely will play RB or WR at the next level, but could even get a look on defense. Verbally committed to Pittsburgh.
Javarris James, RB, Immokalee, Florida, 6-1 205, 4.5, 335 bench, 2.6 core GPA. 1,658 yards and 31 total TD's as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #4 TB nationally. Cousin of Edgerrin James. Verbally committed to Mia (FL).
Stafon Johnson, RB, Los Angelas, CA. 6-0, 189, 4.4. Max Emfinger’s #6 TB nationally. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Johnson's leader board.
LeSean McCoy, RB, Harrisburg, PA (Bishop McDevitt), 5-10, 193, 4.4. Max Emfinger’s #1 RB nationally. OSU has offered and are one of the several schools that McCoy is considering.
Brandon Minor, RB, Richmond, VA (Varina), 5-11.5, 214, 4.5, 35" vertical, 335 bench. 2,091 yards and 32 TD's as a junior while averaging over 10 yards per carry. Tough kid with good vision who can break tackles. Plays SS on defense. 8/22: OSU has offered and and could be slipping into Minor's top 5. Impressive offer list that includes Mich, Fla, Mia (FL), and Va Tech, the four schools at the top of Minor's list. Longer shot for OSU here. Says he will make decision on signing day (which is never a good sign for the Buckeyes.)
James Montgomery, RB, Rancho Cordova, CA, 5-10, 185, 4.49, 310 bench, 34” vertical, 2.7 GPA, 19 ACT. 1,915 yards rushing and 35 TD’s as a junior. Runs 100 and 200m. Has run a 10.76 100 meters. Verbally committed to Washington.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Lake Butler, FL (Union County), 5-11, 185, 4.3, 265 bench, 34" vertical, 3.5 GPA. Appr. 1,500 yards and 33 total TD's as a junior. One of the top overall prospects in Fla. Strong and very fast. OSU has offered but is not in consideration for Spiller.
Anthony White, Miami, FL (Booker T. Washington), 6-0, 180, 4.48. OSU has offered and are one of the several schools that White is considering.
Paul Worford, RB, KY, 5-11, 195, 4.45, 3.5 GPA. 1,255 yards and 15 TD's as a junior, while averaging a staggering 11.8 yards per carry. Blazing speed.
Chane Moline, FB, Mission Viejo, CA, 6-1, 230, 4.7, 280 bench, 30" vertical, 3.0 GPA. Max Emfinger’s #1 FB nationally. 1,872yards and 40 total TD's as a junior, while averaging 12 yards per carry. Could play TB or FB at the next level. Nicknamed "The Train". Very physical with great hands. Surprising speed. Verbally committed to UCLA.
David Ausberry, WR, Lemoore, CA (Lemoore), 6-4, 200, 4.5, 265 bench, 36” vertical, 2.75 GPA. 35 catches, 800 yards receiving, 500 yards rushing and 12 total TD's as a junior. Born in Columbus, OH. Qualifying could be an issue with a core GPA of 2.4. 8/22: OSU has offered and is in Ausberry's top four.
Andrey Baskin, WR, Camden, NJ (Woodrow Wilson), 6-4, 192, 4.6. 31 catches and 8 TD's as a junior. Physical receiver who knows how to come down with the ball. 8/22: OSU has offered and is on Baskin's leader list, but trails Tennessee and possibly Iowa.
Carl Fisher, WR, IL, 6-1, 200, 4.6, 3.75 GPA. 30 catches for 500 yards and 10 TD's as a junior. Very strong with great speed. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Fisher's current list.
Drew Gloster, WR, Damascus, MD (Good Counsel), 6-4 215. OSU has offered but is not in consideration.
D.D. Hardy, WR/CB, New Haven, MI, 5-11, 170, 4.45, 2.5 GPA. 62 catches, 916 yards, 7 TD’s as a junior. Good hoopster as well. Could pay on either side of the ball in college. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Hardy's current list.
Vidal Hazelton, WR, Staten Island, NY (Moore Catholic), 6-2, 192. OSU has offered but is not appearing on Hazelton's list.
Keith Houston, WR, Miami, FL (Dr. Krop), 6-0, 190. OSU has offered and is in consideration but trail Mia (FL) and Rut.
JuJuan Jones, WR, GA, 6-6, 200. Max Emfinger’s #12 Flanker Receiver nationally. May not play f-ball in college. From Ohio. OSU has not offered.
Crawford Kilpatrick, WR, Suwannee, GA (Gwinnett), 6-5,182, 4.66. 60 catches, 925 yds and 9 TD's as a junior. Great leaper who runs well. OSU has not offered, but Kilpatrick lists the Buckeyes in his top five.
Wesley Lyons, WR, Pittsburgh, PA (Woodland Hills), 6-6, 200, 4.65, 220 bench, 3.2 GPA. 33 catches 600 yards and 7 TD’s as a junior. Brother of OHIO STATE WR Devon Lyons. Needs to gain muscle weight and improve speed. Has grown 6 inches in a little more than a year. May grow out of being a WR. OSU has offered and is on Lyons leader list along with several other schools.
Greg Matthews, WR, Orlando, FL (Edgewater), 6-2, 189. OSU has offered.
Damon McDaniel, WR,Virginia Beach, VA (Landstown), 6-0, 192. OSU has offered and is on McDaniel's list along with several other schools.
Devin Parrish, WR/DB, Miami, FL (Hollywood Christian), 6-0, 166, 4.48, 205 bench, 32" vertical, 2.6 GPA. 13 catches, 368 yards and 5 TD's on offense as a junior. 25 tackles and a TD on the defensive side of the ball. First cousin of Roscoe Parrish. No offer yet from OSU, but the Buckeyes and Michigan top Parrish's list of schools.
Melvin Patterson, WR, Santa Fe, FL (Alachua), 6-3, 205, 4.5, 4.0 GPA. 35 catches, 710 yds and 7 TD's as a junior. Great all around athlete, who plays basketball and runs track. Plays strong safety on defense put projects as a WR at the next level. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Patterson's leader list.
Tamarcus Porter, WR, Pahokee, FL, 6-0, 171. OSU has offered and is on Porter's list, but not his top 5.
Chris Slaughter, WR, Fort Valley, GA (Peach County), 6-3, 170, 4.6. 42 catches for 1,016 yds and 14 TD's as a junior. Top 15 to top 20 WR nationally. Great hands. Bigtime playmaker. 8/22: OSU has offered and is appearing on Slaughter's top 4 list, but may trail Mich and So Car.
Aaron Smith, ATH/WR, Monroeville, PA (Gateway), 6-0, 180, 4.49, 295 bench, 35" vertical, 3.0. GPA. Accounted for 21 TD's as a junior. Great hands. Related to Justin King and Ty Law. Could get a look at CB at the next level. OSU has not offered and is not on Smith's leader board.
Stephan Welsh, WR, Newport News, VA (Woodside), 6-2, 180, 4.6, 175 bench, 33" vertical. 40 catches, 550 yards and 12 total TD's as a junior. 5 INT's as a DB during his junior year, but will play WR at the next level, if he chooses football. Outstanding basketball prospect. Explosive WR. Verbally committed to Arkansas
Konrad Reuland, TE, Mission Viejo, CA. 6-6, 235, 4.75, 275 bench, 3.8 GPA. 47 catches, 744 yards and 7 TD’s as a junior. Possibly #1 TE prospect in nation. Great hands and runs well. Family is from Ohio (Konrad was born in Springfield, OH) and Konrad has followed OHIO STATE for years. Max Emfinger’s #3 pass catching TE nationally. OSU has offered and is on Reuland's list with several other scores.
Matt Carufel, OL/DT, St. Paul, MN (Cretin Derham Hall), 6-5, 285, 5.3. Very aggressive. One of the top O-line prospects in the midwest. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Carufel's latest leader list.
Nate Dade, OT, Harrisburg, PA (McDevitt), 6-5, 335, 5.3. Max Emfinger's #5 OG nationally.
Cody Faulkner, OL, Cicero, IN (Hamilton Heights), 6-4, 315, 5.3, 275 bench, 23" vertical, 2.9 GPA. Father played TE at Florida and played in the NFL. Surrender no sacks as a junior. Good quickness. No offer from OSU, but Faulkner would consider OSU should they offer.
William Graue, OT, Ft. Stockton, TX (Ft. Stockton), 6-4, 300, 5.2, 325 bench, 3.9 GPA. Missed almost all of his junior year with a torn ACL, but is said to be healthy headed into his senior year.
Chris Stewart, OT, Klein, TX (Klein), 6-5, 340, 5.4. 375 bench, 26" vertical, 4.9 GPA. Plays hoops as well. Comes from a family of elite athletes. Good frame with room to grow. Max Emfinger’s #3 strong offensive tackle nationally. OSU has not offered and is not on Stewart's leader board.
Kiante Tripp, OL, Atlanta, GA (Westlake), 6-6, 244. OSU has offered but is not appearing on Tripp's list.
J.B. Walton, OG, Indian Head, MD (Lackey), 6-3, 270, 5.1, 300 bench, 26" vertical. 61 tackles, 9 TFL's as a junior. Great mobility with a non-stop motor. Could be looked at on the D-line, but is a big-time O-line prospect. OSU has offered and is in Walton's top 6.
Garrett Whaley, OG, Pinconning, MI, 6-4, 290, 5.4, 320 bench. Max Emfinger’s #9 Offensive Guard nationally. Max Emfinger’s #13 OG nationally. OSU one of the many schools Whaley is considering. OSU has not offered to this point.
Sam Young, OL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas), 6-8 280. One of the top couple O-line prospects in America. OSU has offered but is not in consideration for Young.
Michael Arduini, DT, Princeton (The Hun), NJ, 6-1, 280, 4.9, 250 bench. 52 tackles, 10 for loss as a junior. No offer from OSU, but OSU is on Arduni's long list of schools he is considering.
Trevin Cowman, DT/OG, Plymouth, PA (Wyoming Valley West), 6-3, 260, 5.1, 400 bench, 17" vertical, 3.9 GPA. 45 pancake blocks on offense as a junior. Prefers defense. May graduate early. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on Stewart's latest list.
Sean McWhirter, DT, Maple Plain, MN (Orono), 6-4, 245. Good all around athlete. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on McWhirter's list.
Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Stone Mountain, GA, (Stephenson), 6-4, 196. OSU has offered but is not in consideration for Cunningham.
Alex Dekle, DL, Statesboro, GA, 6-1, 262. OSU has offered and lead the way for Dekle.
Jason Adjepong, DE , Carteret, NJ, 6-3, 248. OSU has offered and is one of the many schools Adjepong's considering.
Walter Dublin, DE, Sarasota, Florida, 6-3 235. OSU has offered and are tied for the lead with Neb for Dublin's services.
Rush Hughes, DE, Richardson, TX (Pierce), 6-3, 240, 4.8, 270 bench, 2.5 GPA. 65 tackles as a junior. Runs 100 and 200m along with throwing shot put in track. Hughes has not been offered and is not currently considering OSU.
Micah Johnson, DE/LB/RB, Fort Campbell, KY, 6-2, 277, 4.7, 25" vertical. 173 tackles, 3 sacks and an INT as a junior. 1,249 yards, 10.3 ypc and 17 TD's on offense (in only 6 games). Could get a look at RB at the next level. Max Emfinger's #1 Strong Defensive end nationally. OSU has offered but are not in consideration here.
McKenzie Mathews, DE, Syracuse, NY (Christian Brothers), 6-3 235. OSU has offered and is in Mathew's top 5.
Patrick Regan, DE/TE, Traverse City, MI (St. Francis), 6-6, 235. Plays hoops as well.
Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Bamberg, SC (Bamberg-Ehrhardt), 6-4, 225, 4.45, 300 bench. As a junior, recorded 70 tackles, 27 for loss, and 11 sacks. One of the top two or three prospects in SC. Great pure pass rusher. Verbally committed to Clemson.
Phillip Taylor, DL, Clinton, MD (Gwynn Park), 6-3, 346. OSU has offered and are one of the many schools Taylor is considering.
Steven Wesley, DE, Bartow, FL, 6-2 235. OSU has offered and are in Wesley's top 3 with Ala and Fla.
Brian Whitmore, DE, Chesapeake, VA (Oscar F. Smith), 6-3, 240. OSU has offered and are on Whitmore's leader list along with several other schools.
Tommy Becker, ILB, Plymouth, MN (Wayzata), 6-2, 230, 4.77, 315 bench, 2.9 GPA. 139 tackles and 3 INT's as a junior. Teammate of incoming Buckeye frosh James Laurinaitis. Very physical. Plays some TE and FB on offense, but will play LB at the next level. OSU one of the many schools Becker is considering. No offer at this point from OSU.
Navorro Bowman, ILB, Suitland, MD, 6-0, 218. OSU has offered and are in Bowman's top 5..
Mark Johnson, ILB, Los Angeles, CA (Susan Miller Dorsey), 6-4, 230, 4.55, 300 bench, 37" vertical. 138 tackles and 5 sacks as a junior. Considered a top 10 to 20 LB prospect nationally. Bigtime athlete. Could play ILB or OLB at the next level. 8/22: OSU has offered and are one of several schools Johnson is considering, but LSU and Ohio State may have the best shot here. Mich, Tenn, OSU, Mia, LSU and others have offered.
Marcus Ball, OLB, Stone Mountain, GA (Stephenson), 6-0, 204. OSU has offered and is appearing on Ball's long leader list.
Marcus Bell, OLB/RB, Stone Mountain, GA (Stephenson), 6-0, 200, 4.49, 33" vertical. Younger brother of Ga Tech starting QB Reggie Ball. Another brother plays D1-A in the MAC as well. One of the top all around prospects in the nation for 2006.
Allen Bradford, OLB, Colton, CA, 5-11, 219. OSU has offered and is on Bradford's long list of schools he is considering.
Akeem Hebron, OLB/S, Gaithersburg, MD (Good Councel), 6-2, 190, 4.45, 33" vertical. 110 tackles, 11 sacks and 2 INT's as a junior. One of the fastest LB's in the nation, but undersized. Could be a strong safety at the next level. Verbally committed to Georgia.
Jeremiha Hunter, OLB, Manheim, Pennsylvania (Central), 6-2, 210, 4.55. Plays tailback as well, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 19 TD's as a junior. Max Emfinger’s #3 WLB nationally. OSU has offered and is on Hunter's long list of schools he is considering.
A.J. Jones, OLB, Tampa, FL (Middleton) 6-1, 182. OSU has offered is one of the six schools Jones is considering.
Colin McCarthy, OLB, Clearwater, FL (Catholic), 6-1, 210. 4.6. 163 tackles, four sacks, and five interceptions at LB and S during his junior year. 32 catches for 525 yards and 8 TD's as a TE and WR. Great work ethic. Has a motor that won't quit. Plays hoops as well. OSU has offered and is one of the several schools McCarthy is considering. 8/22: Likes Fla, but does not have an offer from the Gators. Mia (FL) and Penn State, like OSU, have recently extended an offer to McCarthy.
Morrice Richardson, OLB Atlanta, GA (Westlake), 6-2 228. OSU has offered but is not one of the schools Richardson is considering.
Marcus Sims, ILB/RB, Tallahassee, FL (North Florida Christian), 6-1, 215, 4.5, 3.0 GPA. 910 yards and 18 TD's as a junior. On defense, 94 tackles and 10 forced fumbles. Brother Ernie, was a blue chip recruit and now plays at Florida State. Max Emfinger’s #3 SLB nationally. OSU has not offered and does not appear on Sims latest list.
Brandon Warren, OLB/DE/TE, Alcoa, TN, 6-3, 230, 4.6. 50 catches, 895 yards and 10 TD’s; 15 sacks with 22 total TFL’s as junior. Great hands. Coach thinks he fills out to 240-250 in college. Verbally committed to Florida State.
Kimuel Royston, CB/WR, Minneapolis, MN (Cretin-Derham), 5-11, 175, 4.5, 35" vertical. 548 total yards and 8 TD's on offense as a junior. 53 tackles at CB. One of the top overall prospects in Minnesota. Being recruited mostly as a CB, but could play WR as well at the next level. Verbally committed to Wisconsin.
Ameer Salahudin, CB, Anderson, SC (T.L. Hanna), 5-11, 180, 4.4, 2.7 GPA, 980 SAT, 275 bench. 44 tackles and 6 INT's as a junior. Physical corner with speed. OSU has not offered but is one of the several schools Salahudin is considering.
Bryan Thomas, CB/WR, Zephyrhills, Florida, 6-0, 186, 4.39. 1,300 yards receiving and 10 TD's on offense. 93 tackles with 3 INT's on defense. 3 blocked kicks and 3 special teams TD's as a junior. State qualifier in the long jump. 8/22: OSU has offered but trails Fla.
A.J. Wallace, CB, Pomfret, MD (McDonough), 6-1, 195. OSU has offered and is on Wallace's long leader list.
Darrin Walls Jr., CB/S, Pittsburgh, PA (Woodland Hills), 6-1, 175, 4.4, 3.4 GPA. One of the top overall prospects in PA. Very fast. Max Emfinger’s #1 CB nationally. OSU has offered but is no longer in the hunt for Walls.
Mister Alexander, DB, Aldine, TX (Eisenhower), 6-2, 183. OSU has offered and is in Alexander's top 3, but trails Fla St.
Jamar Hornsby, S/WR, Jacksonville, FL (Sandalwood), 6-3, 195, 4.45, 235 bench, 2.7 GPA. 616 yards combined rush/rec as a junior with 9 total TD's. 125 tackles and 5 INT's on defense. Teammate of incoming Buckeye frosh Maurice Wells. Max Emfinger’s #1 FS nationally. Big hitter. Considered by multiple sources to be the #1 overall prospect in the talent rich state of Florida. 8/22: OSU has offered but is not at the top of Hornsby's leader list. Fla is the school to beat here.
Reshad Jones, S, Atlanta, GA (Booker T. Washington), 6-1 173. OSU has offered, but is not appearing on Jones' latest leader list.
Stafon Johnson, S, Los Angeles, CA (Dorsey), 6-1 210. OSU has offered, but is not appearing on Johnson's latest leader list.
John Maddux, S/WR, Philadelphia, PA (West Catholic), 6-3, 170. 24 catches, 504 yards, and 8 TD's as a junior. 9 INT's on defense. Could play WR or free safety at the next level. One of the top safety prospects in the nation.
D'Andre McDaniel, S/WR, Talahassee, FL (Godby), 6-2, 180, 4.5, 2.75 GPA. 53 tackles, 8 INT's, 3 TD's on defense as a junior. 27 catches, 656 yds, 6 TD's at WR. One of the very best safety prospects in the country. Cousin of 2005 blue chip WR Fred Rouse. Max Emfinger’s #3 free safety nationally. OSU has not offered and is not appearing on McDaniel's latest list.
Antwine Perez, S/QB, Camden, NJ (Woodrow Wilson), 6-2, 200, 4.53. Complete 52% of his passes as a junior for 1,763 and 15 TD's. Rushed for 373 yards and 11 TD's. 56 tackles and 4 INT's on defense. Cousin of Tennessee DE Turk McBride. Max Emfinger’s #1 SS nationally. OSU has offered but is no longer in consideration for Perez.
Myron Rolle, S/RB, Princeton, NJ (The Hun School), 6-2, 204, 4.53, 34" vertical, 4.0 GPA. Max Emfinger’s #2 SS nationally. OSU has offered but can forget about this one.
