National Signing Day 2011: Afternoon Ohio State Notes on NSD Eve

National Signing Day is just around to corner, and there still is some drama left for the Buckeyes. While the 2011 class is already very solid with 22 commitments, filling many positions of need, there are a few names left on the board that would put this class over the top. So, let's take a look who's left in this edition of Afternoon Notes, giving some predictions of where they wind up in the end.

Aundrey Walker

The big man (6'6", 355 pounds) has been very tough to read during the recruiting process. At this point his list is narrowed to OSU, Michigan State and USC, as he claims all three visits were great.

There are lots of rumors circulating around that he will pick USC tonight, while others insist that he will follow the "Glenville pipeline" to Columbus. I tend to feel he pulls a Cordale Scott, and pick the Trojans in the end. Not only has he gone on record as saying USC is his "dream school," but has never seemed to be as in love with the Buckeyes as most the Tarblooder players are.

I hope I am wrong, as the Buckeyes could really use another offensive lineman of his caliber, but I just don't have a good feeling about this one at all. In the end, he's going to play for Kiffin.

Curtis Grant

If Grant chooses the Buckeyes, he very well may be the headliner of this class. No offense to Braxton Miller, I just really think he is that good. Anyway, he's down to OSU, Florida, Virginia and UNC, with everyone saying it's an OSU-Florida battle.

There are plenty of rumors out there that Grant's heart is in Columbus, but Buckeye fans know that Tressel doesn't have a great history of landing these type of players late in the process. The Urban Meyer departure definitely helps, so I reluctantly think he picks the Buckeyes. 

His commitment could be very important for the staff as well. With Jordan Hicks and Trey DePriest leaving the state the last few years, it would be nice to land a player of the quality to make you forget about those two guys. 

 

Cardale Jones

Most completely ruled Jones out of this class, including me. With the depth chart at quarterback very deep and Braxton Miller already in this class, I didn't see the need to bring Jones on board.

He held out for an offer throughout the process, though, and finally got that offer this last weekend during his visit to Columbus. After the visit he played things down a bit, claiming the Buckeyes were neck and neck with Toledo, but I think we all know he really wants to play in scarlet and gray. The big question remains whether the staff will try to talk him into a possible gray shirt, giving him a two-year gap with Miller. 

Darius Jennings

Jennings has flown under the radar most of the year, mostly because I think Buckeye fans question his interest in coming to Columbus. OSU has remained in his top three, though, along with Wake Forest and Virginia, so who knows what could happen.

The deciding factor appears to be where he wants to play at the next level. The staff wants him as a defensive back, while Wake and Virginia are looking at him on the offensive side of the ball. In the end, he stays close to home and chooses Virginia, where I think his heart has been all along.

Ja'Juan Story

Everyone got excited when Story reopened his recruitment and started showing the Buckeyes some serious love, even visiting Columbus. While it's not crazy to think that the staff could woo another player away from Florida after Urban's departure, I have been skeptical about whether Story would really go away from his first choice. I think he likes the Buckeyes, but loves being close to home with the Gators. I wouldn't be shocked if he chooses the Buckeyes...actually yes I would. He's going to stay with his commitment to Florida.

Those are the five big guys to keep an eye on over the next 24 plus hours. There are also a few other things you should be in the loop about:

• As Bucknuts has reported multiple times this week, the staff is showing interest in offensive tackle Graham Glasgow. The 6'7" 305-pounder from Aurora, Illinois is being talked to as a preferred walk-on, probably in case Walker heads to L.A.

• Current Buckeye commitment Brian Bobek has been named a Parade All-American. Bobek hasn't been a very talked about player in this class, but is by far the best offensive lineman the Buckeyes are bringing in and is also very well respected nationally.

• Keep an eye on Ejuan Price, who took a visit to Pitt this last weekend. There is speculation that his commitment to the Buckeyes isn't as firm as most of us would prefer, so watch to see if there really is any validity to the rumors.

• The Glenville boys are announcing at 8 p.m. tonight, so stay close to the computer.