Buckeye Recruit Hoot: Ten Commitments and Counting

When it comes to life, it is usually not the quantity, but the quality of something that matters.

That can definitely be said for football recruiting classes—especially Ohio State's.

With the space available after the 2009 football season, head coach Jim Tressel looks to sign around 18-20 prospects.

With ten recruits already under his belt, Tressel is in a good position to fill all the needs and holes in the depth chart. Of the ten, four are on offense, five on the defensive side, and one kicker.

As of now, the Buckeyes trail the Penn State Nittany Lions in Big Ten recruiting classes. While Michigan may have 16 commitments, the top tier of recruits are mostly going to Penn State or Ohio State.

Still months away from signing day, the Buckeyes are in good shape recruiting-wise. But by no means does that mean they should not stop pursuing top-end talent.

Who has committed:

Roderick Smith-Running Back

James Louis-Wide Receiver

Andrew Norwell-Offensive Tackle

Taylor Graham-Quarterback

Darryl Baldwin-Defensive End

David Durham-Defensive End

Jamal Turner-Outside Linebacker

J.T. Moore-Defensive End

Scott McVey-Inside Linebacker

Drew Basil-Kicker

Comment: The Buckeyes have already filled some needs and given depth to certain positions. Ohio State desperately needed a quarterback, and after several attempts, Graham feel in their laps and was more than eager to commit. Louis gives them an immediate impact and playmaker, and Smith may be the next great "big" back at Ohio State. Norwell is a huge lineman who could push for early playing time.

On the defensive side, Baldwin is a hybrid who could end up having time at linebacker. Moore and Durham will both eventually try and fill the spots of Lawrence Wilson, Thaddeus Gibson, etc. Turner and McVey brings typical Buckeye intensity that is characteristic of the school's linebackers.

Kicker Drew Basil replaces Ryan Pretorious, who graduated. Basil has a strong leg, and once Aaron Pettrey leaves, he will vie for the starting spot.

What other top prospects are looking at Ohio State:

Seantrel Henderson-Offensive Tackle

Jordan Hicks-Outside Linebacker

LaMarcus Joyner-Cornerback

Joshua Shaw-Cornerback

Christian Green-Athlete

Chaz Green-Offensive Tackle

Terrence Mitchell-Cornerback

Corey Brown-Wide Receiver/Running Back

Matt James-Offensive Tackle

Tony Grimes-Cornerback

Brandon Linder-Center

Tyrone Williams-Wide Receiver

Comment: Hicks is an Ohio boy, and has them in his top two. It will be tough to beat out Texas, but the location and distance from home could sway him to go to Columbus.

Henderson, Joyner, Williams, James, Shaw, and Linder all have Ohio State on short lists. I could definitely understand them all committing to Ohio State, but this is not a dream world.

Brown has offers from most schools, and it is anyone's guess at this point on who he will choose.

Grimes, Mitchell, and both Greens are most likely to go elsewhere, and most likely a Florida school will be a likely destination.

Who might be the next to commit:

Chad Hagan-Outside Linebacker/Safety

Will Hagerup-Punter

Christian Bryant-Safety

Comment: Of the three, Hagan is my guess to be number 11. He has had Ohio State at the top of his list for quite sometime, and was planning on visiting the campus soon.

Hagerup has Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin as his top three favorites, and is expecting to visit Ohio State and Michigan soon. Hagerup also mentioned he would like to commit by the end of August.

Bryant may not commit soon, but he is almost a Buckeye lock and it would not be surprising to see him commit.