Ohio State: Bri'onte Dunn and 5 Recruits That Might Decommit Post-Tresselgate
The fallout and repercussions from Ohio State's "Tattoo Five" scandal and Jim Tressel's subsequent resigning remain to be seen. One can only assume though that the top prospects in the 2012 high school recruiting class are thinking twice about signing up to be part of Buckeye nation.
One of the most storied franchises in college football history, and possibly the most dominant over the past 10 years, is in limbo. It remains to be seen if star quarterback Terrelle Pryor will return, and it will certainly take some time before anyone can fill the shoes of Jim Tressel.
Here are six recruits that may be looking in other directions following Tresselgate.
(OLB) Ifeadi Odenigbo
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A 6'3", 217-pound outside linebacker, Ifeadi Odenigbo has a lot of traits that make any ball club want to have him.
He has tremendous speed for his position, running a 4.5 second forty-yard dash.
The four-star recruit out of Centerville, Ohio would clearly favor Ohio State by location and proximity to home, but given the recent incidents, could look in other directions.
Where He Might Look Otherwise:
Michigan, Michigan State or Penn State
(S) Tyvis Powell
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Tyvis Powell, the three-star safety recruit out of Bedford, Ohio, has at this point verbally committed to Ohio State.
It will remain to be seen whether Ohio State can hold on to him, but it is certainly in their best interest to do so. The 6'3", 180-pound Powell has tremendous speed and the ability to play the cornerback position as well.
Where He Might Look Otherwise:
Nowhere. Powell will most likely play in Columbus in 2012.
"It has always been my dream to play for Ohio State, and today my dream came true," he said in an interview.
Powell de-committing would be a surprise.
(DT, OT) Ondre Pipkins
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Ondre Pipkins, who is a big boy at 6'3", 320 pounds, can effectively play both the offensive and defensive tackle position.
A player with this versatility is valuable for any college, as they can mold him to be the player they want and need the most.
The four-star recruit Pipkins comes from Kansas City, Mo., so as expecting, the Missouri Tigers would love to land the native Missourian.
He's shown interest in Ohio State, but has made no verbal commitment anywhere yet.
Where He Might Go Otherwise:
As is aforementioned and indicated by the above photo, Missouri.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
(QB) Jameis Winston
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Jameis Winston is an all-star athlete. The tall, mobile quarterback is exactly what the Ohio State Buckeyes feed off of (Terrelle Pryor, Troy Smith).
Getting Winston would be a huge score for the Buckeyes since he is from Hueytown, Ala., and they would be stealing him away from the several SEC schools recruiting the 6'4", 190-pound quarterback.
It is reported that Winston wants to be a two-sport athlete in college, playing both football and baseball. He has also stated, as reported by al.com, that he is willing to enter the MLB baseball draft if he is not recruited by the right school.
***It was reported on June 7, 2011 that Winston has stopped considering Ohio State.
Where He Might Go Otherwise:
Alabama, Florida State, LSU or the MLB. Him playing for the Buckeyes is now a long shot.
(DE) Se'Von Pittman
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Se'Von Pittman may be the most desired defensive end recruit in his class, and certainly the best in the Northeast/Midwest area.
Pittman is the type of defensive end who can transform a defense with his pass-rushing ability and could easily post double-digit sacks in a single season.
He is very tall, strong and lean, weighing 225 pounds in his 6'4" frame.
He hails from Canton, Ohio, where he plays for McKinley HS, and has expressed interest in being a Buckeye.
Where He Might Look Otherwise:
Alabama, Auburn or Notre Dame.
His high school head coach, Ron Johnson, has stated "Se'von definitely has an interest in Auburn and Alabama and those are great programs. There's definitely a love for Ohio State and Notre Dame [as well]."
(RB) Bri'onte Dunn
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Perhaps the most anticipated recruit in Buckeye nation is Bri'onte Dunn, the 6'1", 225-pound running back from Canton, Ohio.
Dunn plays for GlenOak HS, the crosstown rival of Se'Von Pittman's McKinley HS.
Dunn is a big running back who is a dual threat since he has both size and agility. Add those traits to his speed, and he is a Heisman Trophy running back in the making.
Ohio State has long been thought of as his preference, yet it has been reported on scout.com that Dunn visited Michigan following Tresselgate.
Where He Might Go Otherwise:
Michigan or Penn State
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
