Ohio State Football Recruiting: Tracking Targets for 2013 Class

Ohio State has always been a program that recruits extremely well, but when head coach Urban Meyer stepped on campus, the recruiting went through the roof instantly.

Last year, Ohio State landed 25 talented prospects, giving the program a top-five recruiting class in 2012. This season, the program has already received 11 early commitments, and that doesn't include the several other top prospects that still have the Buckeyes on their list.

There's no question that this is the right time to be an Ohio State fan, as Meyer and company are bringing in boatloads of talent to take this program back to the top. Here are some of the latest updates on some of the other recruits the Buckeyes are looking to land.

Mackensie Alexander

Latest Status: Considering LSU, Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson, among others.

Alexander is one of the top cornerbacks in this year's class, which is why he has offers from early every school in the country. He's a tough player that isn't afraid to get his hands dirty in run support and is excellent in coverage. The 5-star recruit is also a playmaker with the ball in his hands and could make an impact on special teams as well.

Alexander hasn't done much in the recruiting process early on, but says he will begin exploring his options soon.

"I just need to get out there, see what schools are like and then I might start to narrow it down. I am thinking I will commit to someone after the season, but I could commit right before the season if I feel ready." (via Scout)

Marquez North

Latest Status: Considering Ohio State, Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina, among others.

While Urban Meyer is looking for playmakers on the offensive side of the ball on this year's team, he may land one in the 2013 recruiting class. His name is Marquez North, and he is a speedy wide receiver that can get down the field in a hurry and provide quarterback Braxton Miller with a deep threat.

The 4-star wide receiver has over 20 offers, but says that a few schools are making a stronger run than others. (via Scout)

"I know coach Withers really well at Ohio State. He's a North Carolina guy and I met him a while ago. He makes me comfortable with the program up there. Urban Meyer is a big deal too. That really caught my attention but I already felt good about Ohio State anyway because of coach Withers."

Josh McNeil

Latest Status: Considering Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Florida, among others.

Another playmaker on the offensive side of the ball could be tight end Josh McNeil. He has great speed for somebody who is 6'5", 240 pounds and catches the ball very well. He still raw with his blocking ability, but would provide the Buckeyes with another offensive weapon heading into the 2013 season.

The 4-star prospect has his visits scheduled and is expected to check out Ohio State on June 16. Maybe then we will have a better idea of which school he is favoring.

Alex Anzalone

Latest Status: Considering Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State, Florida and Ohio State, among others.

Alex Anzalone is one of the top linebackers in the 2013 class and originally committed to Ohio State. That was, until a sex offender had taken a picture with the 4-star recruit and posted it all over the Internet, which caused unwanted attention and Anzalone to decommit.

The linebacker prospect has since reopened the recruiting process and is looking at several other schools once again. Although that does not mean the Buckeyes are out of the race just yet.

“Ohio State I’m still talking to coach Meyer, and coach Fickell is still recruiting me.” Anzalone said. (Via Scout)

There is no timetable for when he will once again commit to a school.

Jason Hatcher

Latest Status: Considering Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Louisville, among others.

Hatcher is one of the top defensive ends in this year's class and is seriously looking at the Buckeyes as a place to play his college ball.

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"Football in the Big Ten isn't as competitive as the SEC but Ohio State is kind of a different story in my opinion. I think that coaching staff is so good with Urban Meyer there now and all. He won National Championships and he can do it again. It would be great to be a part of that." Hatcher said. (via Scout)

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The 4-star recruit has a solid frame at 6'2", 233 pounds and has great pursuit. He isn't exactly great at one thing, but plays sound football, has a lot of upside and should become a very solid player at the next level at the defensive end position.

Su'a Cravens

Latest Status: Considering USC, UCLA, Nebraska, Ohio State and Michigan.

Cravens is considered one of the top safeties in this year's class, and the Buckeyes are one of the teams in the running for him. He is from Murrieta, Calif. and is known for getting to the quarterback and having great football instincts. There were rumors floating around that he had cut his list down to just three schools, but that is not true, says his father.

"To set the record straight, UCLA, USC, Ohio State are Michigan are still strong favorites for Su'a," said his father. "I don't know who said he is down to three schools but that was not true." (via Scout)

You should hear an announcement soon, as Cravens is expected to make a decision on June 6.

Jaylon Smith

Latest Status: Considering Ohio State, Notre Dame, Indiana and Purdue, among others.

Smith is considered by many top recruiting sites to be the best outside linebacker the 2013 class has to offer. He is extremely athletic, covers a lot of ground on the football field and has terrific cover skills for a linebacker.

The 5-star recruit is really interested in Notre Dame, but plans to check out Ohio State before making an official decision.

“I think we’re going to be going to Ohio State within the next two weeks, and then nothing really else,” Smith said. “Right now I’m looking at August. I’m not in any rush. I’m really trying to make sure I make the right decision. Whenever I feel like pulling the trigger, than I will do it." (via Scout)