Ohio State Football Recruiting: 5 Things Missing from the Buckeyes' 2012 Class

Since Urban Meyer's announcement that he'd be the next football coach at Ohio State, the Buckeyes' recruiting success has dramatically improved.

In less than two months, OSU has gone from unranked in the ESPN Class of 2012 Team Football Recruiting Rankings to No. 8 overall, above schools such as Oklahoma, Miami (Fla.) and LSU.

A lot has to do with the signings of top prospects Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington, Se'Von Pittman and Joey O'Connor, who all are listed in ESPNU's Top 150.

"I want to do it right. I want a hurricane to hit when we hit," said Meyer, according to Cleveland.com.

So far, that statement is quite fitting for the Buckeyes' outstanding recruiting class. Still, there is much more work to be done, as there are numerous top athletes yet to be signed.

Here are the five players missing from Ohio State's 2012 Class.

Alex Kozan, OG

Alex Kozan is a 6'4", 300-pound offensive guard from Highlands Ranch, Colo. The All-State lineman is as big a recruit as his position, and has offers from schools such as Arkansas, Auburn, Michigan, Oklahoma State and LSU, among others.

His strength is a perfect fit for Urban Meyer's power-run formations, but he will need to work on his pass-blocking abilities.

Different sources say that Michigan may be his school of choice, but a decision has not yet been made.

Demetrious Cox, S

Demetrious Cox comes from former Buckeyes star Terrelle Pryor's old high school, Jeannette, in Pennsylvania.

He's known for his outstanding coverage skills and is always a sure tackler, something Ohio State's secondary lacked in 2011.

The 6'1", 185-pound safety has Penn State at the top of his list, but Urban Meyer will not loosen the grip on him until National Signing Day is all said and done.

Joel Caleb, WR

Joel Caleb is a multi-talented player that will most likely be used as a wide receiver in college.

The 4-star athlete played as quarterback for Clover Hill High School in Virginia, where he dictated the spread-option offense.

With the same offense being implemented into Ohio State's football program, the idea of Caleb becoming a collegiate quarterback is still possible. However, his talents would suit him best as a WR, with his ability to make plays down the field and his size (6'2", 200 lbs) allowing him to break tackles.

Virginia Tech is high on his list for the moment, but he's made it clear that he will not announce his decision until National Signing Day, giving Meyer plenty of time to improvise.

Jordan Diamond, OT

A four-year letterman, Jordan Diamond would be a huge asset to the team that's lucky enough to sign him.

The right tackle towers at 6'6" and weighs in at 290 pounds. He's an aggressive player that always finishes his block until the whistle. Although he needs to improve footwork and speed, Diamond does a nice job in both pass and run situations.

Diamond is a 4-star recruit, and it seems as if he's leaning towards signing with Michigan. It'd be great to see him change his mind before February 1.

Stefon Diggs, WR

Stefon Diggs—a 5-star wide receiver from Maryland—is ranked No. 2 at his position, according to multiple sources.

There are far too many strengths to be listed, but his running ability is the most obvious. His DeSean Jackson-like speed makes him a threat anywhere and anytime on the field. The scary thing is that he's even more dangerous with the ball in his hands, as his remarkable foot speed can make any defender look silly.

A receiver, cornerback and return specialist, Diggs racked up 1,443 all-purpose yards, 13 touchdowns, 32  tackles and four interceptions as a senior. He had 811 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns as a junior.

The highly-touted high school star is considering Auburn, California, Virginia and Florida, among others. It's a stretch for Ohio State, but if anyone can reel him in, it'd be Urban Meyer.


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