Inside Ohio State Football Recruiting: With 2012 Recruit Joshua Edward Perry

I had the privilege to interview Joshua Edward Perry who was OSU’s first commit of the 2012 class. Perry has a unique perspective on the process, he was recruited by Jim Tressel, remained Buckeye through Fickell and then under Urban Meyer, he offers a unique look at the inside story of Buckeye football.  Before he answered questions, he had this to say:

JEP: First off I would like to say thanks to Buckeye Nation. We have the greatest fan base in America, and the support that me and my teammates have received is amazing. Go Bucks!

1. You were recruited by Jim Tressel, can you describe the difference in recruiting styles between Tressel and Urban Meyer?

JEP: Coach Meyer is a go-getter. From jumps street he lined up his targets and got them. His staff is out all of the time traveling and it seems like we have recruits in every day. However, Coach Tressel and Coach Meyer both know how to talk to the recruits. Coach Meyer gets after them harder though.

2. Were you ever close to decommitting? Did other schools try to recruit you? What tactics did they use?

JEP:I was never close. The day Coach Tressel resigned, I had messages go to my high school coach, from other schools, about my status. They all wanted to see me and some were even willing to make a trip out during their recruiting periods. But through it all, I knew I wanted to be a Buckeye.

3. What do some of the current players who played a full season under Tressel think about Urban and the new staff? What are the main differences?

JEP: They all like the new staff. The main difference is that every rep of every drill is coached hard. The intensity level is amazing.

4. Why do you think Urban Meyer did such a great job recruiting?

JEP: Coach Meyer knows what to say. He speaks to all things important to a young man. You can also peek at his track record and see what he has done. He is a winner. And for him, it was easy to sell the school. He knows firsthand what it is like, and all of the banners hanging in the facility are icing on the cake.

5. How do you think Luke Fickell is adjusting from being a head coach to defensive coordinator and LB coach?

JEP: He is adjusting fine. He is doing what he has been doing for most of his career, and I'm excited to learn from him.

6. Are you actively helping recruit for the 2013 class? If yes, who? OSU has 4 great recruits so far, who do you think will be the next few players to become Buckeyes for 2013?

JEP: I'm always recruiting. I know Cam and Eli, but I recruit whomever they tell me to talk to. I want the best teammates, so we can win games. As for who's next, it is whoever gets an offer. This class will fill up fast.

7. Who has helped you the most during your adjustment period from high school to enrolling early at OSU?

JEP: I've gotten pretty close with Storm Klien. He was in the same situation as me, so he has given me some really good tips. The other early enrollees have been a good support group because we are all going through the same thing. But, the team as a whole has embraced us. It truly is a brotherhood.

Thanks for your time Joshua!  You have shown leadership and loyalty through Ohio State’s darkest moment and I believe you will be a stronger leader because of it.  We look forward to following these next 3-4 years of your life.