Ohio State Football Recruiting: Who Could Start, Who Could Get Lost in the Mix?

It's been an Urban renewal for the Ohio State football program this offseason.

Before Urban Meyer's arrival in late November, interim coach Luke Fickell and the Buckeyes' recruiting staff had received commitments from just eight players (not including those brought in by Tressel), and OSU was un-ranked in the ESPN Class of 2012 Team Football Recruiting Rankings.

Just a little over two months later, the Buckeyes sit at No. 6 in the nation, with some other credible sources ranking them even higher.

With National Signing Day finished and 25 letters of intent sitting on Meyer's desk, we can begin to look forward to the 2012 campaign, beginning with spring ball this April.

Let's take a look at the Bucks' new additions and project who could start immediately or fall off the map.

Kyle Dodson, OT

Despite all signs of Dodson signing with Michigan State, the 4-star offensive tackle from Cleveland Heights decided on National Signing Day that his heart will stay in Ohio.

Soon-to-be senior tight end Reid Fragel is expected to make the switch to OT this offseason. However, if Dodson impresses offensive line coach Ed Warinner, Fragel might not have to make the transition.

There are big holes to fill after the departures of Mike Brewster, Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts. Dodson will contend with counterpart Taylor Decker but definitely has a great chance to start his freshman season.

Ricquan Southward, WR

3-star wide receiver Ricquan Southward de-committed from Miami (Fl) and committed to Ohio State late November. It was a big win for the Buckeyes, who had recently missed out on Dwayne Stanford to the Oregon Ducks.

Southward, who is 6'2'', 190 pounds, was committed to Miami until his official visit to Ohio State, which took place on November 20.

Although he possesses tons of raw talent and speed (4.45 40-yard dash), the incoming freshman could easily get lost in the mix of a young Buckeye WR unit.

OSU has 12 receivers on its roster for 2012, including two other incoming recruits in Southward's class. Of this number are three juniors, six sophomores and three freshmen, counting all returning starters (minus DeVier Posey) from last season.

Due to the massive amount of competition, Southward may not see a solid amount of playing time until his junior or senior year, if at all.

Brionte Dunn, RB

Dan Herron's departure to the NFL has opened the door for incoming freshman running back Brionte Dunn.

Urban Meyer brings a huge playbook to the Buckeyes' offense that will mainly feature the spread-option attack. Senior tailback Jordan Hall is the top candidate to fill this position right now, as his versatile abilities best fit the various formations.

However, Meyer assured Dunn that he will be implementing a power run game as well, which ultimately swayed the 6'1", 220-pounder to stick with Ohio State.

His power and size are the perfect fit for these situations and he'll be contending with Carlos Hyde for time on the field, but I believe he has the bigger upside.

Cardale Jones, QB

The best-case scenario for Cardale Jones in a situation like this is to be red-shirted.

The 6'5", 215-pound prototypical quarterback spent last fall at a prep school after committing with the Buckeyes in January of 2011. This actually worked in his favor because he now is a year behind starting QB Braxton Miller with eligibility.

If Jones is not red-shirted, he would likely be battling for a shot under center until 2014 or '15 when Miller leaves for the NFL or graduates, meaning he'd have to wait until his senior season.

Noah Spence, DE

There's no doubt that senior defensive end John Simon has his starting position locked up. It's junior Adam Bellamy that has to worry a little bit after the signing of monster end Noah Spence.

Bellamy, a 6'4", 300-pound DE from Aurora, Ohio, had somewhat of an underachieving sophomore season. In 13 games, he recorded just 25 tackles (19 solo) and one sack, according to CollegeFootballStats.com.

Spence tallied 108 tackles, 12.5 sacks and blocked three punts in 16 games with the Bishop McDevitt Crusaders his senior year in high school.

The highly-touted 5-star recruit was a huge highlight to Meyer's first class with Ohio State, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he starts all four years with the Buckeyes.