Ohio State Football: 2013 Recruits with Biggest Star Potential

The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently ranked as the No. 2 overall class in the 2013 recruiting year, according to 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. 

The Buckeyes have loaded up on top talent in this class, and they have five recruits who are poised to be huge stars in Columbus over the next four years.

This class will fill a number of needs for the Buckeyes and will provide instant stars at a number of key positions. Here are the top recruits to watch as they begin their Buckeye career this fall. 

Evan Lisle: Offensive Tackle, 6’5”, 260 lbs., Centerville High (Dayton, Oh.)

Evan Lisle is a star offensive lineman in the Buckeyes' class who has the body and athleticism to be a leader for the next four years. 

At 6’5”, 260 pounds, he has some room for growth and may take a redshirt to add bulk to his frame. Once he hits the field, he will be a dominating lineman for the Buckeyes. 

Lisle is as talented as they come at the line position from high school. He has great footwork and initial burst, and makes defensive linemen work for inches on passing downs. He will be a star before his career finishes in Columbus. 

Lisle is the No. 6 offensive tackle and the No. 76 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. 

Joey Bosa: D. End, 6’5”, 270 Lbs., St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.)

Joey Bosa is a huge body at the defensive end position and should be able to step in as a freshman and make some plays for the Buckeyes. Ohio State has some experience returning along the line, but there will be a chance for Bosa to make waves early. 

He is a sizable end and is very strong in run support. Because of his size, the bull rush is his favorite pass-rushing technique, but he has the athleticism to expand his game once he lands in Columbus. 

Bosa is a naturally gifted talent who will have a great career for the Buckeyes. Ohio State is known for pumping out defensive stars, and Bosa is set to be the next in line. 

According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Bosa is the No. 4 defensive end and the No. 37 overall recruit in the country. 

Marcus Baugh: Tight End, 6’4”, 225 lbs., John. W. North High (Riverside, Ca.)

Marcus Baugh is a tight end with a lot of potential in the Urban Meyer offense. Baugh is athletic enough to play in the slot, and strong enough to lead block from the H-back position when called upon. 

The Buckeyes have a lot of young talent already at the tight end position, but adding a third skill player is always a positive. Baugh may begin his career as a redshirt, but he has the frame to add a lot of bulk and become a force for the Buckeyes offense. 

The tight end position will be a crucial piece of the Ohio State offense in the coming years, and Baugh will be a part of the explosion. 

According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Baugh is the No. 4 tight end and the No. 85 overall player in the country. 

Eli Apple: Cornerback, 6’1”, 185 lbs., Eastern High (Voorhees, N.J.)

Eli Apple is an early enrollee for the Buckeyes at a position of need. The Buckeyes are losing senior Travis Howard at corner and are looking for an explosive player to take over. 

Ohio State has talent already on roster at the position, but none compare to the size and athleticism that Apple brings to the field. He is one of the best corners in the class, and should be able to earn early playing time—especially as an early enrollee. 

Apple will be a playmaker in zone or man schemes, and he will be able to provide run support from day one on campus. He is physically ready for the college game, and has the instincts to make a lot of plays as a freshman. 

According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, Apple is the No. 5 cornerback and the No. 48 overall player in the country. 

Ezekiel Elliot: Running Back, 6’0”, 212 Lbs., John Burroughs (St. Louis, Mo.)

The Buckeyes return stud running back Carlos Hyde for the 2013 season, but they will only have one more year with him in the backfield. As Ohio State looks for its replacement, Ezekiel Elliot will be walking onto campus. 

This summer will be huge for Elliot, as the Ohio State offense looks to solidify the new depth chart behind Hyde. Elliot will be on the field early as the Buckeyes search for an edge over the competition.

Elliot has great field vision and one-cut ability, making him a solid inside running threat. By the end of his career, he will be an every-down runner for the Buckeyes offense. 

Elliot is the No. 5 running back and the No. 68 overall player in the country according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. 

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