Urban Meyer Ohio State Speculation: Could He Salvage the 2012 Recruiting Class?

According to multiple sources within the Ohio State football program, former Florida head coach Urban Meyer will become the school’s next coach and has agreed to a seven-year, $35 million contract.

This has a huge impact, not only for the school, but for the Big Ten conference as well.

However, the most pressing need for Ohio State is in recruiting. Following “Tattoo-gate,” some of the school's most touted recruits had reservations about joining a program on probation with an unproven head coach. For example, defensive end Tom Strobel—who was considered a lock for the Buckeyes—committed to Michigan instead.

If the rumor that Meyer is coming to Columbus is true, don’t expect recruiting to be a big deal anymore.

Meyer is a nationally recognized figure in the college football world and became an analyst for ESPN after stepping down from his position at Florida for personal reasons. During his time in Gainesville, he won two national championships.

He could not be more qualified for the position. What's more, he is an Ohio native, which also really helps in recruiting the talented kids from within the state. With the 2012 class currently ranked 23rd by Rivals, a bunch of help is needed in a hurry with the season ending and the signing deadline rapidly approaching.

That said, Ohio State is still in the running for many of the nation’s elite players, including defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo. The Buckeyes currently do not have a single defensive lineman on board for next season.

They have also offered more of the nation’s best, but most don’t seem to be too interested at the moment. However, that could all change with a new, high-profile coach.

Meyer also worked wonders with quarterback Tim Tebow. Current quarterback Braxton Miller certainly has the skill set to follow in his footsteps in Columbus. You can expect more players like him to commit to Ohio State under the new leadership.

All in all, hiring Urban would be a fantastic move by the school that would benefit the football in the short and long term. However, the biggest effect would certainly be in recruiting. Without him, Ohio State could bring in one of the least talented classes the program has seen in years.