Ohio State Buckeye Recruit Hoot: Urban Meyer's Staff Check Up on 2013 Prospects

Although Ohio State’s 2012 recruiting class is not complete yet, Urban Meyer and his staff have gotten a head start on the 2013 prospects. Arguably the top priority for Meyer’s first complete haul is Jalin Marshall, quarterback/athlete out of Middletown, Ohio.

It has been well documented that Marshall would prefer to play quarterback at the next level, but his complete skill set suggests a Percy Harvin-esque roll may be better. 

That was one of the topics Marshall discussed with Ohio State’s next offensive coordinator, Tom Herman. The two had a good discussion, and for any Buckeye fans wanting to see how a Herman offense is run, he coached his final game as Iowa State’s OC Dec. 30 in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. His Cyclones fell 27-13 to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

A couple other 2013 prospects the Buckeye have been in contact with recently are Indiana linebackers Jaylon Smith and Tim Kimbrough. 

Smith is the younger brother of redshirt freshman running back Rod Smith (more on him in a bit). Meyer wanted to let the younger Smith know his offer is still on the table, and he is a top priority of theirs as they want to bring in a couple backers in that class.

Kimbrough has offers from North Carolina, Cincinnati, Purdue and Indiana. While he has yet to receive one from Ohio State, Meyer wanted to check in on the rising star. It is rumored that Kimbrough is a Buckeye lean, and all it would take to gain his commitment would be a simple scholarship offer.

We mentioned Rod Smith earlier when discussing his brother’s recruitment. Unfortunately, the news on the elder Smith is not as good as Jaylon’s. Smith supposedly missed the team’s charter flight to Florida, and the onus is now on him to make it to the Buckeye’s Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl against the Florida Gators on Monday. Even if Smith does make it on time, the fact he has missed practice time down south does not bode well for him.

More discouraging news concerning Buckeye running backs: Redshirt sophomore Jaamal Berry has allegedly told some teammates he will be transferring closer to home. Berry is from Palmetto, Fla., and while he would be well suited in Meyer’s spread offense, he has apparently burned some bridges with the Buckeyes' returning staff members. 

While Berry’s loss would affect the Buckeyes, that is countered by the strengthened commitment of tailback Bri’onte Dunn. What’s even better news is that Dunn plans to enroll early and will be starting classes in January. Joining Dunn in January will be quarterback Cardale Jones, wide receiver Michael Thomas, offensive lineman Jacoby Boren, linebacker Joshua Perry, and defensive back Tyvis Powell. Linebacker Luke Roberts will also enroll early, but he plans to start in March.

News from outside Buckeye Boulevard

Syracuse Orange star defensive lineman Chandler Jones has announced he will forego his senior season and will enter the NFL draft. The NFL Draft Advisory gave Jones a third-round grade, although some websites have him rated as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Jones had 4.5 sacks this year for the Orange, who will not play in a bowl game this year. His loss is a huge blow for head coach Doug Marrone, as his defensive line struggled when Jones was not on the field.

Finally, some non-college football news: Terrell Owens has been in discussion with Drew Pearson, the general manager of the Indoor Football League’s Allen Wranglers. The team is located in Allen, Texas, and the deal would make T.O. co-owner, CEO and, of course, wide receiver. Who knows if Owens’ ego will actually go through with the move, as this could be his way of retaliating against the San Francisco 49ers. Owens exchanged tweets with 49er Donte Whitner—who played with Owens in Buffalo—concerning a potential reunion. The 49ers have since released a statement Owens will not be signed.