Inside Ohio State Football with Tommy Schutt

Tommy Schutt was a much heralded recruit out of Glen Elyn, Illinos. Shortly after Urban Meyer took over the head coaching job at Ohio State University, Tommy Schutt de-committed from Penn State and became a Buckeye. He joins other heralded defensive linemen in the 2012 recruit class.

Schutt took some time to answer a few questions for Bleacher Report.

Did you ever meet Jerry Sandusky?

TS: No! Never did.

What was Joe Paterno like?

TS: I was over at his house for breakfast. He had lots of energy. Paterno preached university and did not talk football as much.

Compare JoePa to Urban Meyer.

TS: Coach Meyer is really intense. Coach Meyer talks football, but he also emphasizes family and wants our team to be a big family.

Did the current head coach at Penn State try to flip you?

TS: No, I never met coach O’Brien.

Did Michigan come at you?

TS: UM at one point had all of their positions full. After I de-committed from Penn State, they did jump in, but I was never really interested.

How did Urban Meyer recruit you?

TS: A few days after he was hired, I received a call from him. I also talked to Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel. I went on an official visit two weeks later and the rest is history.

Tell us about Mike Vrabel?

TS: Can’t ask for much more. He is a great coach and a great guy. He will make me play fast. He was a former Buckeye and had so much NFL experience. I have a lot to learn from him.

Who in your recruiting class impresses you the most?

TS: I think Kyle Dodson will be a great player. Camren Williams, Armani Reeves and Joey O’Connor are going to be great players.  Noah Spence is unbelievable. He and Adolphus on the corners and me inside is something I am really looking forward to.

Was it true that Kyle Kalis had his way with you as some of the Michigan sites have stated?

TS: I do not believe so. Kyle is a great player, but I do not believe that I was dominated.

What did you think of the recent de-commitment of Alex Anzalone?

TS: I do not know the story because I have not met him, but I know he is a great player. I want what is best for him and I hope he makes the best decision he can.

Any prospects you are working on to come join you at OSU?

TS: I talk to Ethan Pocic and I know he is interested, but again, I want what is best for him and hope he goes to the school that will best suit his needs. I think we will win a lot, so I hope people can join us.

Do you know current d-linemen John Simon, Jonathan Hankins and Nate Williams?

TS: Met them on my official visit. I think they will be a great help, as they are all so experienced.

Major?

Business.

Hobbies?

Family, friends and football.

Who have you bonded with in the current class?

TS: The former PSU guys I already knew. Kyle Dodson and I spent a lot of time together at the Army All-American Game. Adolphus and I are tight. I am also getting to know Frank Epitropoulos, Jacoby Boren and Blake Thomas.

Anything else you want to say?

TS: GO BUCKEYES!!!

Thanks for taking time Tommy to talk to us. Buckeye Nation is eager to see how your recruiting class, specifically the d-line, will perform during the coming years. Football is won in the trenches and especially the d-line. We look forward to following your career.