Inside Ohio State Football with JT Barrett

J.T. Barrett is rated by some publications as the No. 1 dual threat quarterback in the nation. Heralding from the football talent-rich state of Texas, Barrett committed to Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes back in April with hopes that he will be the successor to current Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller.

Barrett took some time to answer questions for us.

Being from Texas, did the Longhorns try to recruit you?

JT: They did. They were the first camp I went to. I worked out for them, and they were the school I was talking to first. But they ended up not offering, and I was fine. If it were the best place for me to go then I would have been offered.

Being so close to the Oklahoma border, did the Sooners show any interest?

JT: They did, but they came into the game too late. They started talking to me around spring ball and it was too late.

Any other schools you were thinking about?

JT: Texas Tech, Baylor and Nebraska.

What factors made you chose OSU?

JT: They are a big family. I was raised in a big family all my life, and both my mom and dad came from big families, so I am use to being around a lot of people.  My high school team is a big family, so I wanted to go to a team that felt like a family. OSU also has lots of alumni everywhere, so the OSU family is all over the world. Coach Meyer has also assembled one of the best coaching staffs in the country.

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Tell me your thoughts about Urban Meyer?

JT: He is a great coach. When I first got the offer from OSU I was thinking, "You want me to be your QB?” Ohio State is a great program, so you take the offer seriously. You associate Urban Meyer with greatness and look at the players who have played for him. Tim Tebow. Percy Harvin. He has the best wherever he is at. I want to be part of the best. When you talk about big-time coaches, Urban Meyer is at the top of the list.

Anyone in Texas or elsewhere that you are trying to recruit to come to play with you? 

JT: Ra’Shaad Samples a wide receiver out of Dallas is someone I talk to. I also talk to Dontre Wilson.

Do you plan on graduating early?

JT: I plan on graduating on December, then heading up to Ohio State.

On your Facebook, you posted a picture of the “Block O” of life, which was instituted by (former Ohio State coach) Jim Tressel. Is Urban Meyer continuing it?

JT: I believe so. When you walk into the Athletic building, it is right there. I thought it was really interesting. It is not just about being a great football player, but being a great person too.

Thanks, J.T., for your time, and we look forward to following your career at Ohio State.