Ohio State Football Recruiting 2012: A Look at the Buckeyes' Recruiting Efforts

Ohio State is under new management, as the state's son has come home. Urban Meyer is now the leader of the program, and we all know he is one of the best recruiting head coaches of all time.

The Buckeyes need a lift, and they need one fast.

Their 2012 recruiting class efforts have not gone as well as they could be, with the looming sanctions hovering over their heads. Recruits just haven't seemed as interested in playing in Columbus this cycle.

But Meyer will undoubtedly try to haul in some elite talent immediately. Let's take a quick look at some Buckeye recruiting notes.

Key Commitment: Warren Ball, RB

With Meyer bringing his spread option to Columbus, speed and versatility is needed from skill players. 

A player I feel could excel is Warren Ball, a 6'2", 200-pounder. I love Ball's skill set and feel he could develop into a complete back. Ball has hands like a WR and displays natural receiving and ball skills. He also flashes solid burst to and through holes, and runs lean.

Ball has never wavered in his commitment, and is a Buckeye through and through.

Washington Knew He'd Be Playing for Meyer

Days before the Meyer deal became official, Ohio State received a long-awaited commitment from 5-star DE Adolphus Washington.

Washington told Scout.com he expected to be playing for Urban Meyer.

Washington is the top prospect in Ohio, and he knew Meyer would be his head coach, along with Luke Fickell staying on board. The tradition of the Buckeye program sealed the deal.

Washington and Stanford Weren't a Package Deal After All

All along the recruiting process, people expected Washington and teammate WR Dwayne Stanford to be a package deal to the same school. Many of the schools of interest were the same, and they even both spoke at length on the package deal.

It's not going to happen.

Washington announced for Columbus, and Stanford was prepared to do the same. But a late trip to Eugene and some soul searching convinced him that Oregon was the school for him. 

Meyer Has Spoken with Dunn, Does Michigan Lead?

Urban Meyer wasted little time.

If you've followed Ohio State recruiting this year, then you know Brionte Dunn could fly the coup at any time.

Dunn tells Scout.com that Meyer has already called him and the two spoke at length. Meyer expressed to Dunn that he wants a big back to add another dimension to his offense he's installing in Columbus.

Dunn even said he was "nervous" speaking with Meyer, who will pay Dunn a school visit in the near future. Dunn also says he'll either trip to Michigan or Ohio State this week. Meyer must hurry, as the feeling suggests Michigan is where Dunn is leading at the moment.

Buckeyes Surge Up for Spence

According to Noah Spence's father, Greg, Ohio State has landed in his son's top five, along with LSU, Florida, Maryland and Penn State. Penn State's position depends on if Larry Johnson is still there when the new coach comes in.

Ohio State getting involved resulted from a tag team call from Urban Meyer and Luke Fickell last week. The Buckeyes want Spence to play the LEO spot as a rush end/OLB type, and Spence is interested.

Next step has to be getting him to take an official visit to Columbus.