June 18, 2007 Update

Ohio State has gotten off to a great start this year with a total of 9 verbal commitments so far.Right now Ohio State only has 14 scholarships to give but the attrition factor should come into play. 3 things in particular, for better or worse, could free up some 'ships.

• Academically, OSU looks to be in great shape but there is always the chance someone could slip up.

• Expect 2-3 transfers. This is Ohio State and most of the guys expect to play, not all of them will. There are also 25 guys who will be Juniors. This is decision time for those guys.If some don't expect playing time this year, it may be deemed a good time to go by certain individuals.

• There are a few guys who could go pro.

At this point of this season I don't care what players say, it almost has to be assumed that if a guy can go he will. There are exceptions, such as AJ Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, but the norm lately is to leave if you are projected in the top 3 rounds and consider leaving if in the top 5 rounds. Under this assumption, there are easily a few early entry candidates, including:

• OL Alex Boone- This big guy was a headline recruit in his day and has shown flashes of brilliance in his two seasons thus far. In between those flashes has been inconsistency. Now, as a Buckeye fan, do you root for a mediocre year or do you want his potential to be realized now? Bottom line: you don't have a choice. If he's projected in the top 3 rounds he'll be gone. He's gone. Prediction: Buh Bye
• LB Marcus Freeman- Got better as the year went on last year. He has had a knee injury, so look for him to leave if he can. Prediction: Nice knowing ya
• DE Vernon Gholston- He is fast, strong and intimidating. Needs more time to see if he can be as good as it seems he could be. He reminds me of Alonzo Spellman a little bit and Spellman left early. Despite similarities he is not as good as Zo'. I'm borderline on this one. Prediction: Decides to leave before veins start popping out
• DE Lawrence Wilson- Versatile lineman who was a good basketball player in high school. Between Wilson and Gholston I think one of them will stay. Wilson may have the better season but simply becasue he is younger (never redshirted) I think he stays. Plus, he really has not come close to living up to his potential as of yet. Prediction: Stays
• CB Malcom Jenkins- Jenkins was the only underclassmen in the defensive backfield who played well throughout the season last year. He plays hard and fast. He looks like a first round pick. He plays like one too. Prediction: Going, going, gone
• LB James Laurinaitis- Returning All-American. Nagurski Award recipient. He has a ton to prove this year despite his success in 2006. Given that, he should prove to be consistent and a solid NFL prospect. Prediction:Remember me when you're rich
• WR Brian Robiskie- His father, Terry Robiskie was an assistant for the Browns, so Brian Robiskie must know if he would be good enough. I think Brian Robiskie will be a guy who could have left and decided to stay. Money is not an issue and Robiskie seems to be trying to master his skills and knowledge at the WR position. If he is not a perfectionist, he sure as hell likes to act like one on Saturdays. He'll know he could improve his standing with another year considering every RB and QB on the roster should be returning. Prediction: Stays
  

Conclusion: Grades will free up one spot. Transfers will claim 2 spots. Early entries will claim 5. This equals 8 additional spots. In addition to the 14 open spots to begin with, OSU will probably sign between 20-24 guys and call it a day. Tressel may opt to leave a few spots open if certain recruits commit elsewhere. He seems to be a quality over quantity kind of guy.

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