U Weekly. Serving The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio

Recruiting 2010

Saplings to nuts

By Andrew Joseph

Football recruiting, like life, is never filled with much certainty. Is that really a big surprise to anyone? I know that I wouldn't bet the farm to rely on a freshman in college to do much of anything spectacularly (except walk in large packs) during their first quarter at Ohio State. Regardless, all day Wednesday the Worldwide Leader will be in high school gymnasiums all across the country, waiting for a 17-year-old blue chip to try on an especially significant hat.

I remember my own national signing day. I sat down at the breakfast table on the last possible day to tell university housing that I planned on spending a few years in Columbus, and that I needed a small room on south campus to get my start in. I signed the dotted line and put on an OSU hat - there weren't any TV cameras, but it was high drama, trust me. Message boards discussing the prospects of the incoming freshman classes at Louisville and Eastern Kentucky cried "traitor," while OSU bloggers welcomed me with open arms.

If that all sounds ridiculous, it's because it is. Grown men spend money for inside information regarding where a kid is going to wind up going to college. In many other contexts, that's considered creepy or even a possible felony. In sports it's just recruiting hype, a proud American institution.

Look back on when you decided to come to OSU. There was pressure coming at you from every single direction on what the "right" choice for you was. Last week the newest named enemy of the (Ohio) state is soon-to-be Longhorn Jordan Hicks. Hicks, who was born in South Carolina, was accused on turning his back on OSU because he went to an Ohio high school.

Anyone who believes that Hicks had an obligation to stay in Ohio has clearly forgotten most of the important decisions they made for themselves when they were young. The same people who think Hicks is a traitor probably had no issue when a certain hot quarterback from Jeannette, Penn. decided to cross the border into Ohio.

This isn't the year for OSU to have top prospects chomping at the bit to come to Columbus. OSU has plenty of skill players returning, and immature high schoolers are often tempted by the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

The best class during Tressel's time has probably been the 2002 class that helped bring OSU a national championship. That 2002 class also brought us the circus that was, and still is - even if just in Internet form - Maurice Clarett. I'll make the bold statement that a less-gifted athlete, who was a little more grounded might still have resulted in a championship, and given the Bucks more momentum for the following years.

Last year's class brought in a lot of players who aren't household names, but did a great job of adding depth to an always-improving team. Duron Carter made some great plays. Jonathan Newsome has a pretty funny Twitter account. Jake Stoneburner is still learning how to use his size to become a tight end, as opposed to the wide out position he played in high school. Dorian Bell and Jamaal Berry will show their talents for the first time this fall.

Tressel knows how to handle kids and he knows that his bread and butter isn't with hotshot freshman, who could be nothing more than a 17-year-old flash in the pan. The 2010 class doesn't have too many names that will light up the ESPN tote board Wednesday, but there will be plenty of great young athletes who will grow and be successful over their entire careers at OSU, not just the first year.

Originally Published: February 3, 2010

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