Ohio State Football: Urban Meyer Is Key to Snagging 5-Star 2014 DB Quin Blanding

Urban Meyer is Ohio State's big advantage when it comes to recruiting 2014 5-star safety Quin Blanding.

I wrote about it the other day—Urban Meyer's legendary status makes him an absolutely great recruiter. He has the track record to back up National Championship promises, and that alone should win over elite recruits.

Blanding just may be one of those elite recruits that Meyer can have a huge impact on. According to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports.com, Blanding has an interest in Ohio State:

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While Blanding has not begun to formulate a list of top choices, there is no doubt he is genuinely interested in the Buckeyes. In fact Blanding called Ohio State assistant Zach Smith soon after the Buckeyes’ first game.

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Blanding also talked with Meyer, according to Kurelic's report:

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“I talked to coach Meyer when I called coach Smith,” Blanding said. “Coach Meyer told me they are going to recruit me hard. He said they are coming after the talent down here.

“He’s a cool coach. He likes to make jokes, but he knows how to get things done.”

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If the Buckeyes were smart, they'd throw all of their recruiting resources at Blanding, and that includes some of Meyer's valuable time.

As a head coach, it's tough to allocate enough time to really get to know recruits, especially in-season. But Blanding is a big enough talent to deserve the head coach's attention. He's the No. 6 overall ranked player in the 2014 class, according to 247Sports, and the top safety.

He displays great awareness on the football field, and at 6'2'', 200 pounds, he has perfect size to be a great safety at the next level. He has good speed that allows him to turn his hips and run with the receiver, and that awareness I was talking about helps him spot the ball and make a play on it.

This kid's the real deal, and he has offers from 25 schools, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida and—oh yeah—Ohio State. Everybody wants Blanding, and that's why it's so important for Ohio State to use the advantage that Meyer gives them.

Outside of Nick Saban at Alabama, nobody can really offer what Ohio State can, and that alone could be the difference maker in snagging a top-tier prospect like Blanding.

He's interested, and his quotes indicate that he likes Meyer, so the Buckeyes need to capitalize on that and get an early commitment. It would be a great start to their 2014 class, and Blanding could be the centerpiece of OSU's defense for years to come.

Meyer holds the key to his recruitment.