Smith1
Aug 20, 2010 Sep 13, 2011 207 94
website: TheRinger.com
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Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 5/23
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
The biggest Buckeye recruiting news of the past week was adding the commitment of Cleveland St Ignatius tight end Blake Thomas. Click on to read the commitment stories from BuckeyeGrove.com, the Buckeye Battle Cry, the Columbus Dispatch, and the Plain Dealer. My scouting report of Thomas has also been posted at TheRinger.com.
A topic that has surprisingly made few waves across the internets is an idea that came out of the recent Big Ten meetings. I know, I know. Teenagers selling and trading their trinkets for some ink is soooo much more important to the current buisness of big time college athletics. /sarcasm.
The gist of this proposal is to bridge the financial gap between what a "full scholarship" pays for and the actual monies spent by a student athlete to live their life. Most people are surprised to learn there are many costs not covered for these young people. Plus, due to NCAA rules, they often have difficulty earning the money needed to cover these expenses as well. Some opinions on the idea can be found on ESPN.com, in Alabama's Press Register, as well as in the New York Daily News. The ramifications it could have on recruiting could truly alter the landscape of college athletics from the top to the bottom.
Finally, Nike and the Elite 11 folks staged their final combines of the spring at Ohio State this weekend. These events are invaluable to the program thanks to the exposure it generates among the nations elite recruits. A list of the prominent Buckeye targets in attendance has been compiled for the 2012 class and the 2013 class. Here is a preview of the Elite 11 from Rivals and recaps of the top performers from ESPN, 24/7 Sports, and Scout.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 5/16
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Rivals debuts their initial Top 100 and Top 250 lists for the 2012 class. As usual, their lack of coverage in the Midwest is glaring and greatly reduces the credibility of their rankings, in my opinion. In one of the stronger years for in-state talent in recent memory, Ohio lands 7 in the top hundred but not one 5 star recruit. Of the many Ohioans worthy of inclusion but left out are Chris Wormley, Bam Bradley, De'Van Bogard, and Frank Epitropoulos.
The US Army All-American Bowl has announced their 400 nominations. Among the recruits under consideration for selection are some Buckeye targets in the Dayton area, Illinois, the Baltimore/D.C. area, and the land of 1000 lakes.
The NCAA attempted to provide more transparency into its enforcement process by inviting about 30 journalists for an eight-hour seminar called "The Enforcement Experience." The goal was to dispel what the NCAA says are myths about a process that's even more complicated than you might think.
Two more Buckeye targets made their commitments elsewhere last week. One of which never gave Ohio State more than a passing glance and the other won't be able to follow up on his commitment for two years before enrolling at Tennessee.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 5/09
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
The B1G Ten Michigan programs continue their blitzkrieg on Ohio prepsters that the Buckeyes are recruiting. While old friend Mark Dantonio looks to make inroads into Stark County as well as locales a bit further south, Brady Hoke continues to replenish his defense with some of Ohio's finest both at linebacker and at defensive end. One publication is impressed enough by Hoke's efforts to annoint the Wolverine class as tops in the conference at this point.
Native son and Buckeye fan favorite, Kirk Herbstreit, has announced the lineup for his 2011 National Kickoff Classic. Outside of the many Ohio teams taking part in the event, Buckeye recruitniks won't find a whole lot to take notice of. The most compelling storyline at this point is simply hoping there are no controversial endings along the lines of the Glenville/Palm Beach game from the 2010 season.
After some time away, Ohio Scouting expert John McCallister has taken to the keyboard again. A couple of his more relevant posts for the Ohio State faithful include a look at Cleveland Heights OL Kyle Dodson as well as the talented QB and TE combo at Lexington. If you look in the right hand column, you'll see he started up again in April and there are several other posts you may find interesting.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 5/02
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
The first link we want to take note of is a story of hope from the storm ravaged south. A group of high level recruits and a controversial former recruiting analyst lend a hand to the victims of last weeks storms.
The next set of links we look at show how having a small number of available scholarships but a wealth of in-state talent within Ohio for this recruiting cycle is helping the rest of the Big Ten re-load. Brady Hoke is capitalizing with commitments from Sycamore TE AJ Willaims and Colerain LB Joe Bolden as well as interest from many others. Butch Jones takes advantage by landing one of the top safeties in the state. Not to be left out, Mark Dantonio lands a pair of Ohio offensive linemen: Marlington OG Zach Higgins and Centerville OG Benny McGowan.
Several Ohio State recruits and commitments have been impressing in other sports since football season ended. Among them are Massillon WR Devin Smith, Cincinnati DE Adolphus Washington, Fremd OC Brian Bobek, and Toledo DB Derjuan Gambrell, .
Finally, many Ohio State targets are raising their profiles and interest from big time programs on the camp and combine circuit. That includes some Virginia recruits for the next class at the Baltimore Nike camp, multiple recruits at Penn State Nike (photo gallery), two 2013 recruits from Delaware at Rutgers Nike, and a couple of QBs at Penn State Elite 11.
Frank Epitropoulos commits to Ohio State
Smith - 4/26/2011
The Buckeye staff received some welcome good news today with a commitment from legacy recruit Frank Epitropoulos. Frank is the son and nephew of former Ohio State players John and Ernie Epitropoulos. His mother is also an alum and they currently live about 10 miles from the Ohio State campus.
Many have felt for some time that his choice was a foregone conclusion but other schools were seriously considered. After recent visits with his family to his top four schools (Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Stanford), Frank spent some time over the weekend weighing his options. In the end, his budding relationship with Stan Drayton (WR coach) and family ties won out. Frank called the coaches this morning and gave them the good news.
cont...
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 4/25
[Note by Tyler T.: Smith is now a recruiting analyst for TheRinger, so be sure to visit him over there for his opinion on prospects and other recruiting tidbits. However, he has kindly agreed to continue posting a once-a-week collection of the most important Buckeye recruiting news, and you can look forward to reading the retooled Along the Links section every Monday from this day forward.)
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
The first link that caught our eye comes from the folks at MaxPreps and gives us the first look class ranking for the 2012 recruiting cycle. As usual, the Longhorns are out to a fast start and easily out-distance the field at this early stage of the process. They already have 15 commitments in a class that should number at least 22. One slight difference in this ealy group of Longhorns is that they actually have a non-Texan as the top prospect.
Some had questioned the offer to Mentor's Tom Strobel with the glut of in-state DL talent for 2012. With higher ranked players like Adolphus Washington, Greg McMullen, Chris Wormley, etc, being pursued, some didn't see the need to put another, lower ranked player in the mix. As if recruiting rankings mean anything to the OSU staff. Regardless, their own rankings indicate Strobel is one of the premier DL talents in the nation and his selection to play in the Army All-American game bolsters that assumption. You can hear his thoughts on the selection here.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 4/14
Welcome to ATO's weekly wrap up of some of the top Ohio State related recruiting news and headlines. This is where we give our thoughts on some of the week's events and how they may affect the Buckeye class for 2012 and beyond. Given how fluid the practice of recruiting teenagers can be, many of these thoughts will display amazing prescience while at least an equal number will miss their mark entirely. Either way, we found each piece of information interesting enough to express an opinion on it or at least pass it along to our Buckeye brethren. If you have a thought or if you think ours is mistaken, let us know in the comments section below.
The first topic this week is related to Ohio State's in-state linebacker recruiting (or lack thereof?). Could Ohio's top prep linebacker be leaving the state to play his college football for the 3rd year in a row? Last recruiting cycle it was Alabama signee Trey DePriest. The year before it was current Texas freshman Jordan Hicks. Depending on which recruiting service you look at, Northmont's Kaleb Ringer or Colerain's Joe Bolden is tops for the Ohio 2012 class. It's looking like both will be playing elsewhere come the fall of 2012. Worse yet, both look to be heading to That Team Up North.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/29
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
BuckeyeGrove.com - 2012 U.S. Army All-Americans announced
BuckeyeGrove.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/27
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Washington brings out best in Senators
COLUMBUS - Some men may look at Cincinnati Taft junior Adolphus Washington and see a guy who, at age 18, already has a better beard than they'll ever have. Columbus Africentric coach Michael Bates looks at him and sees Cameron Heyward.
Adolphus Washington named most outstanding in D3 | www.newstalkradiowhio.com
Adolphus Washington of state champion Cincinnati Taft scored 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in two games and was named the outstanding player on the 2011 Associated Press Division III all-tournament team.
Cincinnati Taft wins Division III title in rout, topping Cleveland Central Catholic 95-52 :: The Republic
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Cincinnati Taft made its debut in the state tournament memorable with a record-setting 95-52 rout over Cleveland Central Catholic on Saturday in the Division III Ohio boys state championship game at Value City Arena.
Taft pummels Cleveland Central Catholic to win Division III state title | CommunityPress.com | cincinnati.com
No athletic team from Robert A. Taft High School had ever won a state title. Not until Saturday afternoon, that is.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/22
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Prize football recruit Jonah Pirsig of Blue Earth ready to take Big Ten tour
Prize college football recruit Jonah Pirsig of Blue Earth will leave Thursday morning for a four-day unofficial trip to five Big Ten Conference schools.
Visitors for March 24-26th
This is the first big visitor weekend for Michigan and I've already confirmed a few names. This was in the Weekly Update, but this will be the permanent home of the list as it gets updated with new names.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/06
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Scout.com: Epitropoulos Receives Buckeye Offer
The Epitropoulos name is certainly held in high esteem in Ohio State circles, as brothers John and Ernie both played for the Buckeyes over 30 years ago. Is there going to be another Epitropoulos suiting up for the Buckeyes in the near future? John's son, Frank, was offered a scholarship by Ohio State Sunday afternoon. Scout has the story on the offer.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/04
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
IrishIllustrated.com - Decker makes quick commitment
IrishIllustrated.com: Complete Notre Dame football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the Fighting Irish.
$$$ - BuckeyeGrove.com - Decker makes quick commitment
BuckeyeGrove.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the Ohio State University Buckeyes.
$$$ - Scout.com: Decker Makes The Call
It did not take long for Taylor Decker to think about his scholarship offer from Notre Dame. On Friday, the Ohio offensive lineman made the call ending his recruitment.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/03
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
BuckeyeGrove.com - Rice lends support to Stanford recruiting
BuckeyeGrove.com: Complete football, basketball, baseball and recruiting coverage and breaking news of the Ohio State University Buckeyes.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/02
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Orlando athlete weighing offers – The Scout Leader - Gator Sports - Gainesville, FL - Archive
On film, Orlando Edgewater athlete Alton Howard is one of the fastest prospects around. He can play wide receiver, running back or defensive back. Offensively, he seems to fit the spread offense a bit more than a pro-style, but he’s confident he could play in any sort of offense and could play defense if asked.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 3/01
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
SEC Coaches Defend 'Oversigning' - WSJ.com
Coaches at some of the nation's top college-football programs continue to sign more incoming players than they can accommodate on their rosters. And three coaches from the hotly competitive Southeastern Conference are defending the practice, which is known as 'oversigning.'
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/28
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
High school football: Mentor's Strobel receives offer from Ohio State - news-herald.com
Northern Ohio daily newspaper covering local, regional, and national news including local sports, video and multimedia coverage, and classified advertising.
OSU Offers Mentor DE Tom Strobel | Eleven Warriors
The largest Ohio State football blog on the planet and your first stop for news, analysis, video, recruiting and more.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/27
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Super Friends
Terry Richardson, James Ross, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Laron Taylor have been thinking about college football since they were children.
Scout.com: Nittany Lions Offer
Orchard Lake St. Mary's (MI) linebacker James Ross picks up a significant offer.
Michigan Football Recruiting: Matt Godin Update
$$$ - Scout.com: Richardson Lands Buckeye Offer
Detroit Cass Tech (Mich.) cornerback Terry Richardson landed a big offer today, which just adds to the other big offers he already has.
$$$ - Ohio State offers touted cornerback
The Buckeyes will try and pull this future Under Armour All-American out of Michigan. more
$$$ - Linebacker U offers Ross
Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's LB James Ross is excited about his latest offer. more
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/25
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Ohio State football: Cleveland recruit finally signs | BuckeyeXtra
Scout.com: Carter Signs With Ohio State
Offensive Lineman Carter signs with Buckeyes.
Offensive lineman Chris Carter signs letter of intent with Ohio State - ESPN
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/24
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Decker Gets The One He's Been Waiting For
On Thursday, Ohio offensive lineman Taylor Decker got an offer from his top school, Notre Dame.
$$$ - Scout.com: OH OT Decker Talks Michigan Offer, Visit
Massive Ohio offensive tackle Taylor Decker caught up with GoBlueWolverine to discuss his junior season, his recruitment and his soon-to-be visit to Ann Arbor.
$$$ - Scout.com: Decker Has Major Offer
Vandalia-Butler (Ohio) OT Taylor Decker gets another big offer.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/23
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Scouting: 2012 WR Dwayne Stanford II | TheRinger.com
Cincinnatti Taft WR Dwayne Stanford has the size (6'4, 200), athleticism, and offers (Alabama, FSU, OSU, etc.) to make him one of the elite 2012 WR's.
Top wide receivers in the Class of 2012 | National Football Post
As with the quarterbacks and running backs, this list is a very preliminary one, as prospects will rise and fall based off of their performances in summer camps and, of course, their play during their senior seasons. But, for now, let’s take a look at the most intriguing players at the wide receiver position.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/22
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
The different sides of James Ross
With offers from the likes of Michigan & Ohio St, the Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's LB is one of the Midwest's best. Hockey helped develop him. Ross talks that & recruiting.
TVH Weekly: Andrus Peat, James Ross, and More
Ross is probably the top prospect in the state of Michigan for the 2012 class. He has been racking up the offers lately, and recently received a verbal one from Ohio State.
$$$ - James Ross Highlights 2 - Rivals.com Video
All the latest college sports videos, highlights, press conferences, breaking news - James Ross Highlights 2 - #6 - LB - Junior Highlights
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/21
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Buckeyes Look to Bring Sunshine to Ohio in 2012 | Eleven Warriors
The largest Ohio State football blog on the planet and your first stop for news, analysis, video, recruiting and more.
Stanford adds another offer | High School Sports Blog '12 OH WR Dwayne Stanford
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/20
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Ross reels in two more big fish
Ohio State and Missouri are the latest programs to offer Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's junior linebacker James Ross.
$$$ - Scout.com: James Ross Discusses Recruiting
One of the top linebackers in the Midwest is Orchard Lake (Michigan) St. Mary's James Ross, and his recruiting interest continues to grow. Ross picked up offers from Ohio State and Missouri recently, to go along with previous offers from Michigan and Michigan State. Ross discussed recruiting in this video interview.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/18
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Scout.com: Midwest Showcase: Top Expected Attendees
The "Best of the Midwest" High School Showcase in Ann Arbor on Sunday will feature many top talents. Here are some of the names to watch.
$$$ - Scout.com: Two Big Offers for "Biggs"
Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's four-star linebacker James Ross picked up two big offers today. He also is visiting a school who had already offered.
$$$ - Scout.com: Two Major Offers for Burbridge
Farmington Hills Harrison (MI) junior wide receiver Aaron Burbridge now has four offers with the addition of a pair today.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/17
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Graham Glasgow is a Buckeye!! « The Buckeye Battle Cry
$$$ - Bucks add another OL to 2011 '11 IL OT Graham Glasgow
$$$ - Buckeyes Land Offensive Lineman
The Ohio State staff is a bit concerned with their offensive line depth, but has to feel a little better with the addition of a 6-foot-7 and 300-pounder to the roster.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/16
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
OSU extends offer to Centerville DE Ifeadi Odenigbo
It’s not a stretch to label Ifeadi Odenigbo of Centerville High School’s football program a quick study. Landing an offer from Ohio State University after just two seasons of playing football is as quick as it gets.
$$$ - Scout.com: Let's Meet Ifeadi Odenigbo
One of the hottest recruits in America is Centerville defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo, and he is drawing recruiting attention from the top programs in America. Odenigbo's recruitment has taken off at record speed since his film began circulating the internet, and among college recruiters. Scout has a closer look at this rising star.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/15
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Chris Muller shines at Philadelphia Nike combine. - ESPN
Chris Muller and Jevon White highlight Philadelphia Nike combine.
Ohio, Philly Nike combines notebook - ESPN
Chris Muller and Ben McGowan highlight the recruiting notebook after their historical performances.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/14
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
McKinley's Pittman attracting college offers — including one from Ohio State | FridayNightOhio.com
All along, Ron Johnson knew there would be a who’s who list of college football programs recruiting McKinley defensive end Se’Von Pittman. The who’s are starting to get names.
$$$ - Scout.com: Pittman On Recruiting Roll
Se'Von Pittman might be the most talented player of a great crop of Ohio defensive ends for 2012, and the Canton McKinley star has the offer list to back that up. Pittman was outstanding as a junior, and is ranked as an early four-star recruit by Scout. He discusses his talents and recruiting in this exclusive video interview.
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/13
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
South Florida Express relying on DBs - ESPN
South Florida Express relying on DB trio of Amos Leggett, Tracy Howard and Deon Bush, writes Corey Long.
Next Level Nation Showcase recap
LANDOVER, Md.- The Next Level Nation Showcase featured plenty of top talent, like Future247 athlete Deontay McManus.
Bri'onte Dunn highlights the Ohio Nike combine. - ESPN
Bri'onte Dunn's and Mark Cargle highlight the Ohio Nike combine.
ESPN RISE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL | NIKE SPARQ COMBINE - ESPN RISE | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RANKINGS, RESULTS, TRAINING, PERFORMANCE, COLLEGE RECRUITING | HOW TO WIN Massillon, OH combine
ESPN RISE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL - ESPN RISE | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RANKINGS, RESULTS, TRAINING, PERFORMANCE, COLLEGE RECRUITING | HOW TO WIN Philadelphia, PA combine
Along the Links: Ohio State Football Recruiting 2/12
Spanning the 'net to give you a constant variety of recruiting news. The thrill of commitments and the agony of reject. The human drama of high school competition. This is ATO's, Along the Links!
Carter still a possible signee (Blogging the Buckeyes)
Late last night, Cleveland (JFK) offensive lineman Chris Carter, who could become the final member of the 2011 Ohio State football recruiting class, said he had not signed his national letter of intent but that he has that intention.
“I don’t know when I’m going to sign it, but I know I am due,” Carter said.
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