Closing Out the 2010 Class: Part Two

In part one of our look inside of the 2010 recruiting class, the focus was the players who the staff were targeting on offense. Obviously, by a very tough process of elimination, that means the focus in part two is the defense. There are a ton of players still on the board defensively, and how the staff closes things out with them will greatly decide the overall impression of this class.

So let's take a look at who the Buckeyes are still in the hunt with.

Defensive Line:

DT Sharrif Floyd (6'2'', 311 lbs.) -  He is considered one of the top defensive tackles by all the recruiting services (No. 1 on Rivals).

Not only does Floyd have the size to be a big time talent at the next level, but he is as fast off the ball as you will ever see a defensive tackle be. After watching lots of film on Floyd, I really believe he would be the best defensive line recruit in Tressel's tenure. 

That is high praise, but explosiveness like Floyd has doesn't come around very often. The Buckeyes haven't locked anything up though, and Florida and USC are both major players.

Floyd claims he has already made his decision, and there are lots of rumors circulating that the Buckeyes might be the destination. That would be huge news, and would really add balance to a class filled with defensive ends for the Buckeyes (Baldwin, Turner, and Moore).

Here is some film, try not to drool...

DT Jonathan Hankins (6'3'', 326 lbs.) - Hankins obviously doesn't lack size at all, and in fact that is the strongest aspect of his game. It takes about two plays of watching him on film, and you see that he is running, stuffing specialists.

If there is one weakness with the defensive line, it is that they have lacked superior size on the interior in recent years, and I could see Hankins taking on a similar role to Terrence Cody at Alabama.

Trying to get him in Scarlet and Gray is kind of a mess though. Not only are schools like Michigan and Florida making a late push for his services, but he is having trouble with the academic side of things.

At one point he was all Buckeye, but things seem to be slowly shifting. Hopefully, his visit next weekend locks things up. (Check out his film here). 

Linebackers:

LB Jordan Hicks (6'2'', 200 lbs.) - It's not been a huge linebacker class for the Buckeyes, partly because they are already so deep there. Outside of Scott McVey and the possibility of one of the defensive end recruits converting, Hicks is the only other option at this point.

All Buckeye fans know Hicks' name, and many recruiting experts are calling him the best pure linebacker to ever come out of Ohio. He has been very hard to read though, and the Buckeyes have never seemed to have an upper hand on schools like Florida, USC, and Texas.

I have said multiple times that the Buckeyes are not the favorite, and I still believe it (thanks to a source). The Buckeyes always seem to struggle in Cincinnati with recruiting, and I see those struggles continuing with Hicks (and OL Matt James too).

Defensive backs:

CB Lamarcus Joyner (5'9'', 165 lbs.) - Joyner isn't big, but wow, can he flat play football. I am not sure the Buckeyes have recruited a player as fast as Joyner since Teddy Ginn (no offense to Small or Flash).

No doubt, he is one of the top guys left for the Buckeyes. He just eliminated Notre Dame from his list, and now things are down the Ohio State, Florida State, and Florida.

It is going to be a major challenge to pull him away from the in-state schools, but if the staff can, imagine this speed in Scarlet and Gray...

CB Christian Bryant (5'10'', 175 lbs.) - Another Glenville product, and another player the Buckeyes seem to have a great shot with. He isn't as flashy or as outspoken as Joyner, but he definitely has game.

Bryant is also a winner, and he and the Tarblooders will be playing for the state title this weekend.

He comes to Columbus Dec. 12, and I think that the staff will solidify things with him that weekend. (Check out his film here)

S Latwan Anderson (5'11'', 187 lbs.) - The recruitment of Anderson has been a very interesting saga. The Buckeyes waited to get into the game with him, mainly because of his attitude and grades, and he took it personally. The grade issue still poses a problem and will play a major factor in whether the Buckeyes can grab him.

He is a major playmaker and has serious speed. No offense to Bryant, who is a big time talent as well, but on film, Anderson (his teammate) is a step faster. He is electric with the ball in his hands, and reminds me of Ed Reed on interception returns.

It would sure be sad to watch a school like Michigan State or West Virginia steal Anderson because of grades!

He comes with Bryant Dec. 12 for a visit. (Check out his film here)