Ohio State Football: Curtis Grant and 5 Recruits Luke Fickell Needs to Keep
Luke Fickell, a former player for the Ohio State Buckeyes, was already named to coach OSU's first five games next season while head coach Jim Tressel served his suspension.
He's been handed a smidgen of more responsibility since then.
Tressel resigned last week, leaving defensive coordinator Fickell as the team's interim head coach for the upcoming season.
Fickell will assume all duties that any head coach would have for the 2011-2012 season.
This includes recruiting.
And with the NCAA investigating Ohio State's every move from the past decade (and maybe beyond), this could be a problem.
As if that weren't enough, add in the suspensions of elite athletes like Daniel Herron and DeVier Posey, the departure of star quarterback Terrelle Pryor and coach Jim Tressel, and the lingering questions of what could become of Ohio State's football program (see USC Trojans).
The Buckeyes are used to reloading with 4-star and 5-star recruits. But Fickell may have a rough time doing so with the current circumstances and future pending infractions.
Here are a few high school athletes that have verbally committed to Ohio State, and that Fickell needs to keep.
OT Kyle Kalis: Class of 2012
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Kyle Kalis is a 6'5'', 305-pound offensive tackle from St. Edward's high school in Lakewood, Ohio.
And he has verbally committed to playing for the Buckeyes.
Kalis is the No. 5 tackle in the nation and according to Yahoo! Sports, is the No. 18 overall athlete. His monstrous strength allows him to dominate his opponent. He plays the game with passion and really puts emphasis on his run blocking—a perfect fit for the Big Ten.
Not only does he show excellence on the line, but his athleticism thrives in the open field as well. Kalis' foot positioning and size put him in the top 10 for his class alone.
The Wisconsin Badgers, who are known for their prestigious O-line, offered Kalis a scholarship last year. He declined and chose the Bucks.
Fickell cannot let this one slip away.
RB Bri'onte Dunn: Class of 2012
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Bri'onte Dunn is known for his bruising abilities at the running back position.
An asset every team would love to have—including the Buckeyes.
At 6'1', 215-pounds, Dunn is a large, powerful back that runs a dazzling 4.6 second 40-yard dash.
But it's his elite field-vision, composure and the capability to break tackles at any given moment that rises him above many others at his position. Not only can he pound the ball, but Dunn's strength comes in handy when setting up for a block.
According to BuckeyesSports.com, Jim Tressel's resignation is not enough to make Dunn decommit.
But other implications might, so Fickell needs to get the No. 5 overall running back for the class of '12 to sign with OSU ASAP.
DE Steve Miller: Class of 2011
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Steve Miller is a 5-star defensive end from Canton, Ohio, and is verbally committed for Ohio State.
Miller is a commanding DE that mauled his way to 260 tackles (28 tackles for loss), 19 sacks and seven forced fumbles in his high school career for the McKinley Bulldogs. He's a three-time all-Stark County, all-Federal League, all-Inland District defender and was all-Ohio every year.
He was invited to play in the Under Armour All-American game, Ohio North-South Classic and Big 33 Game.
The 6'4'', 245-pounder controls his opponent and has excellent disengaging skills. He is a distinguished tackler and is known for wrapping up the ball carrier, rarely failing to make the play. Miller's speed makes him attractive to scouts—a big part of why the Buckeyes recruited him.
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WR Evan Spencer: Class of 2011
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In the snap of finger, he's down the field.
Corners better defend with caution when Evan Spencer comes to Columbus. He has impeccable acceleration and can reach top speed almost immediately. This makes him valuable at not only wide receiver, but special teams as well. Spencer has great hands and isn't afraid of making plays up the middle.
The 6'3'' downfield threat scored 19 touchdowns his senior season in high school.
Luke Fickell and the Buckeyes are hoping he can convert those stats in college.
CB Doran Grant: Class of 2011
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The No. 5 corner in the nation has decided to take his talents to Columbus.
For now.
Doran Grant played both ways (wide receiver) for St. Vincent-St. Mary's in high school. He recorded 203 tackles and six interceptions, along with 88 catches for 1,115 yards and 25 touchdown receptions. His great versatility will be a nice resource to the Buckeye's tenacious defense.
“I think I know the game," said Grant, according to Scout.com. "I can anticipate well and know where the receiver is going to go. I’m also good at tricking the quarterback too. I’ve been playing since I was seven and I study the game a lot."
Grant ran a 4.37 second 40-yard dash at the Scout.com combine. This gives him extraordinary ability to change direction and to obtain great closing speed. His versatility at both positions makes him a big menace to opponents and a threat with the ball in his hands.
ILB Curtis Grant: Class of 2012
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Curtis Grant is the No. 1 overall outside linebacker for the class of 2011. According to Scout.com, he had offers from Alabama, LSU, Miami (FL), Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and presumably many, many more.
Oh, and from Ohio State.
Grant picked the Buckeyes as his school of choice and could be an immediate factor on a defense that lost eight starters from a year ago.
Grant has incredible size and toughness and looks to continue filling out his frame. He has good intuition and is football savvy; he sees the field with great vision. Not only can he stop the run, but his speed and agility allows him to make coverage plays as well.
The 5-star athlete took care of business his senior season, thrashing his way to 134 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Fitting for an Ohio State linebacker.
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