The Pursuit of the Next Ohio State Quarterback

With just two scholarship quarterbacks returning next season, the staff is in hot pursuit of a quarterback in the '09 class. The potential candidates looked pretty slim as of a month ago, but the list has grown in recent weeks. The biggest question left for the Buckeyes is whether or not they will nab a future starter or perennial back up.

Future Starter Candidates

Tajh Boyd (Phoebus - Hampton, VA)—Boyd exited his Tennessee commitment after Coach Lane Kiffin made it clear that his style of play did not fit for the future of the Volunteers.

So now Boyd has opened up his recruitment to find a program that better suits his skills as a mobile quarterback. Boyd is probably the most talented quarterback left on the market for the Buckeyes, though he still lacks an offer.

I think the offer will come soon, but after the Buckeyes find out how interested he truly is. There are other teams working hard for Boyd's services as well, including Oregon, but the Buckeyes have a real shot.

Boyd has a ton of athletic talent, and would fit well into the Buckeyes offense. Some (obviously including Kiffin) doubt how much of a pocket passer Boyd can become, but many had those same doubts about Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor. 

So, if Tressel can reel in Boyd, the Buckeyes have a serious talent on their hands to replace Pryor in the future.
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Kevin Newsome (Hargrave Military Academy - Chatham, VA)—Newsome was once a Michigan commitment, and, like Boyd, is now taking offers and visits. Some of the schools that are fighting for Newsome's services are Penn State, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. Newsome is coming December 13th for a visit to Columbus, and it will be important that things go well.

Newsome is very interesting to watch on film. I hate making comparisons, but his throwing motion and delivery remind me of Troy Smith. He is an all-around solid prospect, and, unlike Boyd, actually has an offer. I think the Buckeyes have a better shot at Boyd as of now, but the staff obviously is looking at Newsome as their first candidate.  
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Future Back-up Candidates

Austin Boucher (Kettering Alter)—Boucher has been late to the Ohio State mix. He led his team to a state championship and impressed Tressel and the staff in the process. He is a committed to Toledo, but that may not matter at all if the Buckeyes offer.

He is a lefty that has ran the option effectively for Alter, though he doesn't blow you away with his speed on film. He does throw the long ball very well, and, above all else, he is a winner. 

Terrance Owens (Glenville HS)—Owens has had a little contact with the Buckeye staff, but some of that may have been the fact that he has teammates the Buckeyes are going after. He does boast offers from several MAC schools, but looks to be one of the last options the Buckeyes have at quarterback.

This isn't saying that he does not have a lot of talent, because he does, but if the Buckeyes offer him it because they need to put another quarterback on the roster.

Devontae Payne (Cleveland South)—Payne is a big quarterback at 6'6", 220 pounds and has the looks of Division-I player. He has very few offers though and, like Owens, will be a candidate the Buckeyes will go after if they lose out on guys like Boyd and Newsome.