Ohio State Football: Players to Watch in High School All-American Games

Ohio State's 17-member 2016 recruiting class currently ranks No. 1 nationally, and many of Urban Meyer's top commitments—and one key target—will be showcased in the premier high school All-American games.

The Buckeyes are expected to lose a bevy of talent from their two-deep roster to the NFL draft this year, so there will be plenty of opportunities for first-year players to grab an early spot in the rotation next fall. 

A number of those players will be suiting up in the Under Armour All-America Game and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Here's who Ohio State fans should be watching for when these games kick off.

Rashan Gary

Credit: 247Sports

Rashan Gary is the nation's No. 1 overall recruit and the most heavily recruited prospect in the nation, and Ohio State has pursued the uncommitted Paramus, New Jersey, product for years. Despite their efforts, the Buckeyes will likely come up empty in his recruitment, as 247Sports' Crystal Ball Predictions gives them a 2 percent chance of landing his verbal pledge.

But Ohio State fans will still want to get a good look at him when he suits up for the Under Armour All-America Game, because they'll likely watch him every November when the Buckeyes take on rival Michigan. Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines have surged to the forefront in Gary's recruitment, and 247Sports gives them a 70 percent chance of landing the coveted prospect.

Gary is the kind of special talent that an elite defense can be built around, and if Michigan can close Gary out, it will help close the significant gap that's currently separating the Wolverines from Ohio State.

Jonathon Cooper

Credit: 247Sports

Missing out on Gary is a blow to Ohio State, but there's still a ton of defensive talent making its way to Columbus next year. That group is headlined by Nick Bosa—the 5-star defensive end and younger brother of superstar Joey Bosa—but he'll be watching the all-star games like the rest of us as he recovers from a torn ACL.

But the Buckeyes have another 5-star defensive end who's committed to play his career out in Columbus in Jonathan Cooper, and he'll be suiting up for the East Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Cooper skyrocketed up the recruiting ranks this past summer as he dominated the camp circuit, showcasing his rare blend of power and speed as a pass-rusher. The 6'3.5", 238-pound lineman boasts 4.6 speed, according to his Hudl profile, and he'll be a welcome addition to an Ohio State defensive line that will be replacing Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington and Tommy Schutt in 2016. 

Demario McCall

Credit: 247Sports

Ohio State had a logjam at H-back this season when converted quarterback Braxton Miller transitioned to the perimeter. The Buckeyes were already deep at the position with Curtis Samuel and Dontre Wilson in the fold, and the three combined to put up decent—but largely inconsistent—numbers in 2015.

That logjam will clear up next year when Miller graduates and Samuel moves back to running back with the departure of Ezekiel Elliott. With only Wilson in the slot, 4-star all-purpose back Demario McCall will have a great opportunity to crack the two deep.

McCall is one of the most explosive athletes in the 2016 class. He served as the primary running back for North Ridgeville High School, but he'll transition to the perimeter in Ohio State's offense to play the position made famous by Percy Harvin.

And while no player since Harvin has been able to match his statistical output, McCall possesses the dangerous speed and strength to excel at the position. He'll be lining up for the East Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 9.

Dwayne Haskins

Credit: 247Sports

With the deflection of 4-star Tristan Wallace, Meyer and Ohio State were sent scrambling in search of a quarterback for this year's class.

They might be zeroing in on Dwayne Haskins.

The Buckeyes were in the thick of his recruitment this spring, but the 4-star signal-caller chose to stay home when he committed to Maryland in May. But when the Terrapins parted ways with head coach Randy Edsall after another dismal football season, the door opened for the Buckeyes in Haskins' recruitment.

The pro-style quarterback was on campus for an unofficial visit in early December, and the trip was a home run for the Buckeyes, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Eleven Warriors. Meyer will keep his focus on Haskins with national signing day looming.

Haskins will take part in the Under Armour All-America Game on January 2.

Austin Mack

Credit: 247Sports

Outside of Michael Thomas, Ohio State struggled at receiver this year. The Buckeyes failed to adequately replace Devin Smith as the offense's deep threat, and the perimeter blocking suffered greatly without Evan Spencer in the fold.

With Thomas' expected departure at the end of the year, along with the loss of Miller, Ohio State will need an influx of talent on the perimeter. That influx will come in the form of Austin Mack, the 4-star wide receiver who committed to the Buckeyes in June.

Mack did everything for Fort Wayne Bishop Luers High School, hauling in 41 receptions for 805 yards and six touchdowns to complement 76 carries for 718 yards and 13 touchdowns, according to Max Preps. He was also a dangerous returner, scoring touchdowns on three kick returns and one punt return.

The Buckeyes offense will need that kind of versatility next year, and Mack will put his playmaking ability on display when he suits up for the East Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information via 247Sports.com.