Ohio State Football Recruiting: Moving on Up

“Well we moving on up, to the top, to a deluxe apartment in the sky.” - Excerpt from theme song of '70s and '80s sitcom, The Jeffersons

It was November 20, 2011. Ohio State had been marred in a recruiting "crisis of confidence." The once-prominent B1G team, who had a fence around Ohio, was lacking in star power from their home state, let alone nationally. 

Bill Kurelic believed Ohio State was not in the top 20 nationally. 

But things have changed and have changed in a hurry. The number one player in the state of Ohio, Adolphus Washington, committed to play for Ohio State and mentioned he would like to play for Urban Meyer, which happened a week later. 

What has happened in less than two months?  Ohio State has been “moving on up, to the top.”  Scout.com currently lists Ohio State as the No. 4 recruiting class behind Alabama, Texas and Michigan. Look for Ohio State to move up to at least No. 3 in Scout within the next two weeks and maybe No. 2. 

247Sports also has Ohio State at No. 4 behind the same three teams. Again, look for Ohio State to move into the top 3 within the next two weeks. 

ESPN has Ohio State the lowest of any list I have survey.  Currently, Ohio State is at No. 11 and many of their recruiting experts felt it would be difficult for OSU to crack their top 10, so there was an existing bias in their reporting. 

They also only list 19 commits as of January 17, 2012 so they have not factored in Taylor Decker or Joey O’Connor’s commitment.

Rivals.com, which many regard as the best and most accurate recruiting service, lists Ohio State at No. 3 behind Alabama and Texas and ahead of Florida at No. 4 and Michigan at No. 5. It is possible that Ohio State can move ahead of Texas on this list. Florida, however, could move ahead of OSU if they finish strong.

No. 3 on the rivals list would be incredible given the fact that two months ago, Ohio State was on the outside of the top 20 looking in. 

It looks like there will be four to six spots left—four definitely, with maybe a few more given attrition.  Ohio State is still actively pursuing at least one more OL, one or two LBs, one of two DBs and one speedster/playmaker.

Ohio State is still in on Kyle Dodson and Jordan Diamond at OL. Look for one or both to commit. At LB, David Perkins said he had a great visit but has been rumored to be desirous of being a RB. Camren Williams remains highly interested in making an unofficial visit while Dalton Santos and Jamal Marcus are scheduled for visits. 

At DB, Demetrious Cox recently cancelled a visit; part of that could have been Taver Johnson’s move to Arkansas. Armani Reeves visits with Williams and will definitely receive an offer if he has not already.

From the ATH/speedster  position, look for Davonte Neal or Brian Kimbrow of Memphis, Tenn. to possibly fill this. 

Regardless, Ohio State has experienced an amazing turnaround under Meyer and already has signed a top-five recruiting class for 2012. 

Ohio State is definitely moving on up to the top.