Ohio State Football: Latest Summer News and Recruiting Updates

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Although the Ohio State Buckeyes are not eligible for a bowl game this season, they have many reasons to be excited about the new season. Not only do they return nearly the entire roster from a year ago, but they also have a new head coach in Urban Meyer, who has created a ton of excitement over the past couple of months.

While many Buckeye fans can't wait for the regular season to begin and put a 6-7 record behind them, there is still news going on that Ohio State fans can't overlook.

Here are some of the latest updates for your 2012 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Urban Meyer Speaks on Jake Stoneburner Suspension

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Earlier this month, tight end Jake Stoneburner and offensive lineman Jack Mewhort were arrested for obstruction of official business, and public urination for Stoneburner. Both players were suspended from the team indefinitely.

Head coach Urban Meyer recently came out and said why he did what he did. “But I thought whenever you embarrass the team in public like they did, then I’m going to let the public know what we did,” the Ohio State coach said (via The Columbus Dispatch).

Both players have already plead guilty to disorderly conduct and had to pay a small fine, although they are not out of hot water yet with the head coach.

Meyer also told the The Columbus Dispatch:

"It’s between us, but it’s a series of about a dozen things that need to be done, and I have all the confidence in the world they will get them done," Meyer said. "They are on strict probation, and there are curfews and a variety of other things they must adhere to, and if they slip up, they are going to miss playing time."

 

Brian Bobek Is Transferring

photo via: http://escoutroom.com

Brian Bobek was considered the top center of the 2011 class. He played very little in his freshman season last year, but was expected to fill the shoes of Michael Brewster once he graduated. Instead, Bobek continued to fall on the depth chart to players such as Corey Linsley and Jacoby Boren.

Now it appears that the Buckeyes will play against Bobek in the near future, as he has decided to transfer to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Since he is staying in the Big Ten, the former 5-star recruit will not be eligible to play this season. Bobek will be the starter on Minnesota's offensive line in 2013, and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Darron Lee a Buckeye?

Darron Lee is a player that isn't exactly highly recruited from some of the top schools in the country, but he did make an impact on the Ohio State Buckeyes when he attended camp a couple of weeks ago. So much so that the safety could end up receiving an offer sometime this week.

"After talking to Coach (Luke) Fickell after camp, he said he likes me at safety, but he thinks I could be the nickel guy (at defensive back), and also play outside linebacker," Lee added. "They want to determine what I will grow into frame-wise. Skill and talent aren't the issue. It's just what I'm going to grow into" (via Scout.com).

Lee is an athletic player, who has great ball skills and could become a playmaker wherever the coaching staff would like to put him.

Now the question is, will Ohio State extend an offer his way? When asked if he would accept the potential offer, Lee replied with, "There's a chance, there's a pretty good chance."

Adrian Baker a Buckeye?

Cornerback Adrian Baker is another player that has impressed at camp and is also waiting for a possible offer from Ohio State. If he in fact receives one, it is something he will seriously consider.

"I loved everything about Ohio State," Baker stated. "I really want that offer, and if I get it, I'm going to think about taking it very strongly." (via Scout.com)

Baker is long athlete at 6'1", 170 pounds, and has the ability to play either side of the ball. He covers a lot of ground with his long strides, has terrific ball skills and has great football instincts.

He would provide this team with a long corner and has the potential to be one of the more underrated pickups of the 2013 class.

Johnny Townsend Commits

One of the top punters in the 2013 class in Johnny Townsend has picked Ohio State as his school of choice.

While a punter will never be a sexy position in football, it was a nice under-the-radar pickup by the Ohio State Buckeyes.

"I went to the camp up there last Thursday and they told me to stay in touch," Townsend said. "I called Coach Meyer this morning and he offered me the scholarship" (via the Orlando Sentinel).

Townsend is a 6'2", 200-pound punter, who averaged 42 yards a kick last season in his junior year. He also had an offer from Cincinnati, while Alabama and Florida offered him to attend their program as a walk-on.