Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING who were on campus, 20 became Buckeyes. Tressel cited the quality of the product of Ohio State and the hard work of the coaching and support staff, but Fickell seemed to think there was more to it than that. The assistant called scoring such a high rate of official visitors “pretty amazing” and added, “I talk to them about it. I say, ‘Hey, we focus on the kids.’ We might be in Georgia only recruiting four kids, but we early on figure the ones that we might have a chance with and I think that’s one of the keys to recruiting. People might say Ohio State has got a chance with everybody, but that’s not true. When you can focus in on the kids you think you’ve really got a chance at, then I think you do your best job.”

Other Characteristics Tressel was matter-of-fact in explaining the reason for his philosophy. “We concentrate on our recruits as people because that’s what we believe,” he said. “We want to know about a young man as a member of his family, as a teammate, and as a contributor to his school and commu- nity overall. We try to give them an honest impression of Ohio State and what it takes to succeed here. We want them to know that what they will experience here is much more than just football.” MARK REA Count Solomon Thomas among those MASTER TACTICIAN – On the field, Jim Tressel has enjoyed success at Ohio State with four Big Ten championships and three sold by the approach. trips to the national championship game. That success begins with recruiting high school talent, and Tressel seems to excel with The day he signed his national letter of tactics unique in college football. intent in 2007, Thomas made no secret of why he chose to be a Buckeye after starring at West Chester Lakota West in the suburbs of Cincinnati. “They have recruiting techniques that How Does He Do It? no one else has, and that’s why I will be attending the Ohio State University,” said the defensive end. Tressel’s Recruiting Philosophy Has Paid Off For OSU To what differences did Thomas refer? comes to recruiting. like Wayne – to the 2006 Division II Ohio “The pressure that they do not put on, By MARCUS HARTMAN The key, according to coaches, recruits state championship with future Buckeye tail- football-wise,” Thomas said. “When you go Buckeye Sports Bulletin Staff Writer and their parents, is personalization. back Brandon Saine in a starring role, put it up there, they rarely talk about football. They another way. talk about people and the relationships that In his time as the head coach of the Offering Selectively “There are some schools that recruit and you will build in the next five years, and the football team at Ohio State, Jim Tressel has “They just don’t throw out offers just to they still maintain their pride about them,” city. Very little will you hear about football proved there is more than one way to build a throw them out,” Jay Minton, who in nearly Nees said. “I think they maintain some very and redshirting and when would you start national power. 30 years as a high school coach both in Ohio good dignity, and they can – they’re Ohio and how many sacks are you going to get. While the other teams to win the BCS and Florida has coached multiple future State. And they’re great people. They’re not “(Football talk) was kind of there because national championship this decade have made Buckeyes, told BSB. “They do their home- phony. What you see are genuine people. I am going there to play football and get a habit of piling top-10 recruiting classes on work. They’re going to recruit not only great And I think all you’ve got to do is just show a degree, but no pressure is put on in that top of each other, Ohio State has pulled in its players but also great character.” that to the kids and it just speaks for itself.” area.” share of groups with less star power. Minton, whose noteworthy Ohio State According to Ohio State offensive coor- Seated at a table in a Chicago hotel during That has not translated to poorer produc- recruits include senior linebacker Marcus dinator and line coach Jim Bollman, that Big Ten media kickoff festivities last July, tion, however. Freeman and 2003 All-America safety Will approach did not come about by accident. Vernon Gholston had similar recollections Tressel coached the Buckeyes to the Allen from Huber Heights (Ohio) Wayne That Bollman and his fellow assistants focus of his recruitment as it had taken place four national title in 2002 and has managed to along with former Buckeyes Greg and Steve on the person more than the football player years earlier. steer his team to a finish among the nation’s Bellisari of Boca Raton, Fla., said the first on the recruiting trail is a decree that comes “I just noticed the genuineness of their top five in four of the five seasons since. question an Ohio State coach will ask him from the top. approach,” the native of Detroit, Mich., According to Scout.com, Tressel signed in regard to a prospect is generally not one “I think when you’re working for Coach said. the nation’s third-ranked recruiting class regarding the youngster’s 40-yard dash time Tressel that’s a very, very important thing Rather than engaging in what Gholston in 2002, the No. 7 class in 2005 and the or his max in the bench press but rather to him,” Bollman said, “and you’ve got to termed “recruiting talk” – such as coaches fourth-rated group of 2008. That last class something akin to, “What kind of kid is believe that with all your heart if you’re puffing themselves up with boasts about obviously has not had anything to do with he?” working for him. It doesn’t matter where you fans, stadiums, national titles, etc. – the any on-field success yet, but nonetheless “Some other schools are like that also, but work – if you’re working for Youngstown Ohio State staff brought a message that “was the total of three top-10 classes in the last (Ohio State) comes in and will ask, ‘Well, State or if you’re working here.” more about me and what I can bring to the seven years is fewer than those compiled what are his grades like? We know he’s a Luke Fickell, who played for former program, telling me specific things about the by other notable national powers such as good player. We wouldn’t be here if he’s not head coach John Cooper in the mid-1990s program.” Oklahoma, Miami (Fla.) and Texas (four a good player,’ ” Minton said. “And that’s and now serves as linebackers coach and co- Tressel’s approach works on parents, apiece), Florida, Georgia and LSU (five) and what we tell our kids. If you’ve got aspira- defensive coordinator under Tressel, agreed too. USC (six). Michigan has signed six top-10 tions to go there, you better make sure. Those with Bollman. As the father of a five-star offensive line classes in that span as well. are the first questions that a Jim Tressel staff “That comes from the top down,” Fickell recruit from the high school football hotbed In addition, Ohio State signed the small- member will ask you: What kind of charac- said. “That’s our head coach. That’s the way of Texas, Bret Shugarts dealt with high-pro- est class in Scout’s top 25 three times since ter? What kind of grades does he get? he wants to do it. We’re a lot more specific, file coaches from across the country. 2002. “They just recruit that way. It’s a unique specialized, and that’s probably why most His son, J.B., attended camps at Florida, How is it that Tressel has been able to way of doing it, and I think they can afford of the time we’re going to come up a little Michigan, Texas A&M and Ohio State and mold smaller, lesser-rated recruiting classes to do that because they are the Ohio State below the numbers.” had scholarship offers from many of the into perennial contenders for the national University. But I think it’s appreciated out This year on signing day Tressel high- nation’s best programs, but it was Tressel championship? there in a day that some people go out there lighted an impressive set of numbers when and his approach that won out in the end. Certainly, top-notch workout facilities and drop offers (like candy). (Ohio State’s he revealed his staff’s rate of success in “With Coach Tressel, you can tell that and a successful strength and conditioning coaches) do it right, they do it well. They terms of serious recruiting targets for 2008. it’s more than about football,” the elder program have played their part, but it just really research it.” Schools are allowed 56 official recruiting Shugarts said on National Signing Day this might be that Tressel and his staff have Bill Nees, who coached Piqua – a mem- visits, but Ohio State used only 26 during this past February. figured out how to beat the system when it ber of the Greater Western Ohio Conference past recruiting season. Of those 26 players “He’s just one of the most genuine coach- 12 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING es that I’ve met in the whole process, and the focus on off-the-field attributes is no mold, it isn’t going to happen. Gholston set the single-season Ohio State I’ve met some of the greatest coaches in accident. “He does things differently. They just record for quarterback sacks with 14. the country through this process,” Shugarts “I can’t speak of how other schools don’t allow early offers like a lot of schools But he was not the only starter for last sea- said. “They all have great, great points and recruit, but we base our recruiting on peo- do. I’m going to wait. Is there a fit? Is he the son’s outright Big Ten champions who came so forth, but Coach Tressel is in a league ple,” Peterson said. “The bottom line is we kind of kid we’re looking for? Then we’ll go in under the radar of the recruiting gurus. by himself. He’s the most genuine guy that believe the ‘You win with people’ philoso- from there.” Wide receiver Brian Robiskie was a two-star you’ll ever meet.” phy, and that’s the foundation of where our Peterson was not ready to go so far as to prospect as a senior at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in He cited as an example Tressel’s appear- recruiting starts and it continues as you get to say Ohio State is more cautious than other 2005, but he led Ohio State in catches (55), ance at the younger Shugarts’ high school know kids and families. schools when it comes to making offers, but receiving yards (935) and touchdown catches spring football game the previous year. “As kids come on campus for the first the consensus among high school coaches (11) last season as a junior. Fellow two-star “A lot of head coaches will come down time with their families, they get that feel- seemed to indicate that is the case. prospect Chimdi Chekwa turned in a solid to the game, watch it for a little while and ing also.” “I don’t know if we do or don’t,” Peterson season as the team’s fifth defensive back in then leave,” Shugarts said. “(Tressel) was said. “I know that’s just the way we believe 2007, while two other former three-star pros- there from before the game started until after Closing The Net Faster in doing it, whether it’s cautious or what pects joined Gholston as All-Americans in it ended. A bunch of OSU fans turned out It turns out that Ohio State can take a have you. We try to be as thorough as we linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback in their colors because they heard he was more personal approach to each kid because can. We want to make sure it’s a good fit on Malcolm Jenkins. coming, and he talked to every one of them, the coaches are asked to concentrate on both ends.” “If you look at us all now, you would shook every one of their hands, talked about fewer recruits at a time. Fickell said the initial net the Buckeyes never know,” Jenkins said. “You’d think people that he knew that they knew, signed Each year, schools are allowed to bring in cast for recruits is probably the same size as we’re all five-star athletes, but that’s not autographs and took pictures. He’s just a 25 scholarship freshmen, but Ohio State has the one used by the average school but that the case. You never know how somebody is great guy.” reeled in that many only once in Tressel’s Ohio State is quicker to narrow its focus after going to develop.” Most impressive to Shugarts was the seven full-term recruiting seasons (he fin- determining which prospects it covets most Jenkins and Laurinaitis likely could have Block “O” of Life the coaching staff presents ished a class largely started by predecessor and believes it has a legitimate shot to land. joined Gholston as first-round draft picks to potential Buckeyes to map out goals for Cooper in 2001). Four times, fewer than 20 “You might get to know a kid when this year but chose to return for one more every facet of life as a young man growing Buckeyes have signed. you’re only recruiting six kids down the wire year of school instead. Both are fixtures in up. Why not bring in as many players as or even through the season as opposed to the top 15 of various 2009 mock drafts, but “(Tressel) wants these guys to be suc- possible on a consistent basis? Ohio State, recruiting 20 or 25,” Fickell said. “We spend Jenkins would not go so far as to call himself cessful in the future and down the road after it seems, prefers to get only kids that fit its a lot of time early in the recruiting process or his once-unheralded teammates diamonds they’re out of Ohio State, so it is a lot more specific parameters. trying to narrow down who we really want in the rough. personal in that regard,” Shugarts said. Larry Cox, who coached Thomas at to go after and have a shot at.” “I would hope to think when I was in Asked if other schools had a similar phe- Lakota West as well as current Buckeye high school I was good enough, but I was nomenon to that Block “O” of Life, he said, senior Steve Rehring, said Ohio State’s dili- Under The Radar, Into The NFL somebody who didn’t go to camps so my “They may have it, but no one in the process gence is obvious. Perhaps the more careful approach also name wasn’t really out there,” Jenkins said. ever pulled it out and handed it to me. From “They take their time getting to know explains how Tressel and his staff seem to be “I think Coach Tressel does a good job the time that J.B. first got a copy of it, which these kids,” he said. “They do a great job so good at turning lowly regarded prospects recruiting character guys. He recruits guys I guess was his junior year in high school, with it, too. I’m really impressed.” into stars and even NFL draft picks. who work hard and who can improve. A lot he had a copy of it hanging in his room. He So impressed is Cox that he said he is not Gholston is as good an example of that of guys who are real big-time in high school, has a copy of it hanging in our weight room. above telling a prospect that he might not as any. when they get to college they don’t have the So it was something that really sank in and fit the Ohio State mold or even letting the A three-star prospect at Detroit Cass work ethic or the intangibles to make them a meant a lot.” coaches know they might be better served to Tech, Gholston arrived with little fanfare as great player so I think he does a great job of After having been a part of the program look elsewhere. part of the class of 2004. Last April he was finding who wants to work hard, who wants for more than three years and seeing how “Because of my experience with them, the sixth player selected in the NFL draft, an to be leaders and who can actually play.” it works from the inside, Gholston said in I won’t just say, ‘Hey, this kid can play for honor that followed a junior season in which Chicago, “Knowing Coach Tressel and the you,’ ” Cox said. “I know there are only things that he’s about, the man that he is, the certain kids who do that. And I’m honest type of person he is, it really trickles down enough with my kids and tell them that as to the rest of the program. He talks about well. I’m honest with my players as well, to character and just doing little things right say, ‘Hey, I know what they’re looking for Bengals Fans! and being a good person. I think those are and you might want to channel your efforts the type of things he goes out and looks for in in another direction.’ people. When you bring those types of peo- “There is a certain way that they do Follow The Bengals Year-Round In Bengals Report ple in – a person with character – you know recruiting. There is no denying it. First off, you’re going to have a good person here and are you an Ohio State person? It all has to Bengals Report, the official pub- somebody who’s going to work hard to bring do with what type of person you are first. lication of the Cincinnati Bengals, success to the program.” Don’t get me wrong: You’ve got to be a great athlete. But if you don’t fit that personality is must reading for every Bengals Recruiting coordinator John Peterson said fan. Each information-filled issue ROOFING • WINDOWS • SIDING • MASONRY includes game coverage, action photos, top columnists, previews WWW.ABLEROOF.COM and rosters, Q&A with Coach Lewis, player profiles, stats and much, much more. 614-444-7663 1 Year (15 issues) – $36.95

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OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING Verbals Keep Coming – Jackson, Fragel Commit Two seasons ago, Ohio State head perfect time to try out our free seven-day coach Jim Tressel welcomed in a recruit- trial and see what you have been missing. OSU Football Verbal Commitments ing class that numbered 15 members. Last Recruiting moves at a breakneck speed Football players in the class of 2009 who have issued verbal commitments to year, quarterback Terrelle Pryor became – don’t wait until July to find out what play college football at Ohio State. the 20th and final member of the class happened in June. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. High School of 2008, but he took until mid-March to do so. Speedy Get Speedier With C.J. Barnett CB 6-1 180 Clayton (Ohio) Northmont Dorian Bell WLB 6-0 227 Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway This year, as the calendar turned to Commit From Michigan WR Zach Boren LB/FB 6-1 255 Pickerington (Ohio) Central June – the vaunted camp month when Plenty of high school recruits are touted Chris Fields WR 6-0 180 Painesville (Ohio) Harvey as the next so-and- hundreds of kids Melvin Fellows DE 6-5 245 Garfield Heights, Ohio trek to Columbus to so as their raw abili- Reid Fragel TE/OL 6-7 255 Grosse Pointe (Mich.) South show their wares to RECRUITING OUTLOOK ties are compared to Darrell Givens CB 6-1 178 Indian Head (Md.) Lackey all kinds of coaches – those displayed by Jordan Hall RB/CB 5-9 185 Jeannette, Pa. the Buckeyes already with some earlier high- Adam Homan LB/RB 6-2 232 Coldwater, Ohio boasted 15 verbal level college players James Jackson WR/CB 5-11 175 Grand Ledge, Mich. commitments, a fact Adam Jardy who went on to have Storm Klein RB/LB 6-3 220 Newark (Ohio) Licking Valley tempered slightly standout careers. Corey Linsley OT 6-4 285 Youngstown (Ohio) Boardman by one player who The OSU coach- Jack Mewhort OL/DL 6-6 285 Toledo (Ohio) St. John’s decommitted from his verbal. ing staff had reason to be excited, then, Johnny Simon DT 6-3 250 Youngstown (Ohio) Cardinal Mooney As a result, the summer camp season, when James Jackson issued a verbal com- Jamie Wood DB/WR 6-2 190 Pickerington (Ohio) Central a time in which players typically have the mitment to the program. For starters, the Jordan Whiting LB 6-0 230 Louisville (Ky.) Trinity opportunity to land scholarship offers from wide receiver out of Grand Ledge, Mich., Ohio State should they impress is listed as a four-star pros- “I’ve heard the comparisons that he mendous young man. He’s very humble, the coaching staff, likely will pect and the No. 20 wideout reminds the staff a lot of Teddy Ginn when he’s very appreciative of everything that take on less importance this in the country by Scout.com. he first came,” Grand Ledge head coach he gets and I think that’s what the appeal time around. SCOUT.COM As a junior, Jackson Matt Bird told BSB. “I would say James to Coach Tressel and the staff was. He fits With time running out caught 31 passes for 430 is still a raw talent. He’s got great speed, that mold of everything that they stand before the camp season begins, yards and carried the ball 40 he’s a student of the game, and he’s get- for.” OSU was not standing pat and more times for 337 yards. ting better and better.” Bird said he expects Jackson to assume waiting to see how things pan Plus, he has been timed at Word surfaced in the evening of May an even bigger role in the team’s offense out on campus. Here is a look 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard 12 that the speedy wideout quietly had as a senior. The Comets utilize a pro-style at the two latest players to dash and can run the 100- given his verbal pledge to the Buckeyes. offense that can see them spread the field issue verbal commitments to meter dash in 10.56 seconds. Bird said they decided to just let the infor- with four wideouts or line up with two the Buckeyes since BSB last But when it comes down mation get out on its own rather than hold tight ends and two running backs, but a press conference because that is more in they will be borrowing a few pages from went to press as well as a look James Jackson to it, the coaching staff sees at a handful of other prospects qualities in the 5-11, 175- tune with what kind of person Jackson is. Tressel this season. Ohio State is tracking. pound Jackson that remind them of a cer- “The thing about James that is special “I’ve got a package that Coach Tressel To get all of the latest news as it tain former Buckeye with game-changing is that the athletic ability is phenomenal, ran at Ohio State, and we’re going to be happens, be sure to check us out online abilities. the speed is phenomenal, but the type of doing some of the stuff that they hope to at www.BuckeyeSports.com. Now is the And those abilities are still growing. kid that he is,” he said. “He’s just a tre- be doing to get that to mesh up,” Bird said.

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14 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING “Not only is it a benefit to us, but also it’s A three-star prospect, Fragel is listed as found Tressel and gave him his verbal. to (linebackers coach Luke) Fickell and going to be a benefit to him.” the No. 23 tight end prospect in the coun- Lamb said he did not sense any inde- he said that Coach Tressel is going to call Bird said he expects Jackson to be uti- try by Scout. Listed at 6-7, 255 pounds, cision on Givens’ part when he returned me this week or next week and talk to my lized as a wide receiver, a running back Fragel figures to give the Buckeyes a big home about his intentions to become a mother and see when we can get up there and a quarterback at different times during target who can stretch the field and create Buckeye. again.” his senior year in an effort to get the ball mismatches with his size. He has been “I don’t know about indecision,” he When asked what he likes best about into his hands more frequently. timed at 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash said. “A lot of times you’ve got to remem- OSU, Brown pointed to the school’s his- The coach was quick to point out and has played some offensive line while ber these are just 17-year-old kids, and tory. that Jackson is far from a finished prod- in high school. in Darrell’s situation he had more than “They are known for getting corners to uct. With his natural speed and Fragel’s final decision 20 schools that had offered him full ath- the NFL,” he said. “Their coaching staff is abilities, he is able to beat most came down to OSU and letic scholarships from Miami, Fla., to great, and you’ve got to love their prestige players his age without having Michigan State, the school Oklahoma.” and stuff like that.” to do everything fundamentally SCOUT.COM his father attended. He also The 6-1, 178-pound Givens plays slot correct. held offers from Purdue, receiver and tailback and also returns Buckeyes Now Lead “When I say he’s raw, I Cincinnati and Miami kicks and punts at Lackey but is projected For Florida Defensive Back mean that he’s still got to learn (Ohio). as a cornerback in college. As a junior, Although he now claims to hold more how to utilize his body and do He was offered a scholar- he recorded 82 tackles, intercepted three than 30 total scholarship offers, one school some things such as route-run- ship by the Buckeye coach- passes and earned first-team all-county is rising above the rest when it comes to ning because he can get by at ing staff after he took in the and all-state honors. He has been timed at Vlad Emilien. our level with his speed,” Bird team’s spring game in late 4.50 seconds in the 40-yard dash. In an interview with BuckeyeSports. said. “There is a lot he’s going April. After Givens’ commitment to OSU, com, the three-star safety prospect from Plantation, Fla., said Ohio State can be to have to get from (receivers Reid Fragel “I fell in love with the Lamb said they took the prospect off the coach Darrell) Hazell. I know place,” he said. “I was blown table and did not have him meet with any considered his top school. he’s got a good fit there.” away by it. It came down to where I would more college coaches. The decision to get “I’m ready to say Ohio State is my Jackson fell in love with the OSU pro- fit in best and where I was comfortable. I in touch with the Nittany Lion coaching leader,” he said. “They are recruiting me gram when he came to Columbus during fit in better there and will help the team staff was Givens’ own, and the Buckeye as a safety, but they also said I could slide the winter for a junior day experience. there, too, as a tight end.” coaching staff has not been in contact over and play some corner. Coach Tressel The plan was to take more time to make a The Buckeyes also have extended since Givens switched his verbal commit- will be making his one call to me pretty final decision, but the unofficial visit left scholarship offers to Orchard Lake (Mich.) ment. soon. I was on a high at the Ohio State a strong impression on both player and St. Mary’s standout Dion Sims, a four-star Although Givens appears to be set on spring game, but now I can say it’s even coach. That trip, coupled with some advice prospect and the No. 5 tight end in the his new decision, Lamb said nothing is higher. They are the most honest of all the Bird sought out, helped sell Jackson on country, and Ra’shede Hageman, a three- certain until National Signing Day. coaches that are recruiting me. I feel very leaving his home state and becoming a star prospect and the No. 25 tight end in “I don’t know,” he said when asked if comfortable talking with all of them. Buckeye. the nation from Minneapolis Washburn. Givens would consider switching again. “Ohio State is my leader and that’s “What it came down to, and it was the Fragel is the 14th verbal member of “I would hope not, because he was 110 from my mouth. I don’t have a top five, best advice that we could get, was that OSU’s class of 2009 who is at least a percent firm when he verbaled to Ohio but they are at the top right now. I just you’ve got to knock down all the facili- three-star prospect. The overall talent that State. I would hope he wouldn’t, but with want to see other schools and be totally ties and deal with the people,” Bird said. will be headed to Columbus next year 17-year-old kids …” sure of my decision.” “You have to look past the color situation, helped to catch Fragel’s eye. Less than one week after Givens Moving forward, Emilien said he plans so to speak. Yeah, it’s Michigan and Ohio “I am excited to know I’m playing with switched his verbal commitment, a rarity to take a few unofficial visits during the State – and that’s huge and he’s very much guys as committed to winning as I am,” he under Tressel, the Buckeyes extended a summer to schools such as Florida, LSU, aware of the significance of that – but said. “When you have a team of guys on scholarship offer to four-star cornerback Michigan and possibly Wisconsin. He also when he stepped foot on the campus he the same page as you, you can compete for prospect Corey Brown from Monroeville plans to come back to OSU in late June or was very comfortable. a national championship.” (Pa.) Gateway. early July and bring Miami Palmetto run- “The facilities are obviously amazing, Although he likely still will receive A 6-1, 185-pound prospect who preps ning back Jaamal Berry along with him. but there is a different feel in Columbus. interest from other schools trying to sway at the same school as Dorian Bell, a Aside from OSU, South Florida and It’s pretty special. We went down for a him from his commitment, Fragel said verbal member of OSU’s class of 2009, Wisconsin appear to be high on Emilien’s practice and really got some one-on-one those schools would be wasting their col- Brown lists the Buckeyes as one of his list as well. Asked to talk about which time with the coaches, and James kept lective breath. top seven schools along with Michigan, coaches he has bonded with, he mentioned calling and kept a good relationship with “I’m done,” he said. “I’m committed to North Carolina, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, OSU safeties coach Paul Haynes, USF them. Every time, it was the same, consis- Ohio State.” Maryland and Alabama. assistant coach Larry Scott and Wisconsin tent message. We called around to some Brown says he has been to Ohio State defensive line coach Charles Partridge. guys that I know in the college game and Penn State Plucks Maryland a couple of times and will likely take an “I’m very close to Coach Haynes,” he they said, ‘Hey, this is what you’re going Cornerback From Buckeyes unofficial visit to Columbus during the said. “We bonded during the spring game to get from these guys. There’s a reason With so many early verbal commit- summer. and we talk at least once a week. I can see why they’ve been to the national title ments in the fold, the OSU coaching staff “I love it up there,” he said May 28. game twice.’ ” now has to shift some attention toward “Everything’s like new. Last week I talked Continued On Page 16 With his commitment, Jackson joined maintaining those commitments in addi- Painesville (Ohio) Harvey’s Chris Fields tion to securing some new ones. as the wideouts in the class of 2009. The Buckeyes learned that doing so Jackson also held offers from Iowa, is not always an easy task when Darrell UCLA, Michigan and Michigan State, Givens opted to switch his verbal com- among others. mitment to the Nittany Lions less than a month after giving his verbal pledge to OSU Nets Verbal From Ohio State. Tight End Out Of Michigan The four-star cornerback prospect from Tressel’s recruiting philosophy includes Indian Head (Md.) Lackey was in State ON HIGH building a fence around the state of Ohio College for a Nike camp when he made ON BROADWAY to keep the top in-state talent from leaving the decision. According to Lackey head the state. coach Douglas Lamb, it came down to one GREAT Perhaps new Michigan head coach Rich primary reason – playing time. Rodriguez should take notes. “He did some research on the Internet Two weeks and one day after Jackson and he came to a decision that he felt he 888 S. High St. TIMES... 4022 Broadway offered up his verbal commitment to could play a lot earlier at Penn State than Tressel, Grosse Point (Mich.) South tight he could at Ohio State,” he told BSB. “The (German Village) (Grove City) end Reid Fragel followed suit, defecting only thing he told me was that everything SAME from his home state to become member he was looking for in a school, both Ohio No. 15 of OSU’s class of 2009. State and Penn State have. It was the play- “I committed,” Fragel told ing time that separated (the two).” 443-4570 GREAT 875-7800 BuckeyeSports.com, a member of the With that, the switch was on. Following Scout Network, on May 27. “I called his appearance at the May 10 combine, them up. I talked to (tight ends coach Givens “found the first reporter he could FOOD! John) Peterson and figured out what time find,” Lamb said, and switched his com- it would be best to call Coach Tressel. mitment. I called him around 7:30 and we’re all Givens first verbally committed to the SERIOUS SPORTS FANS ONLY!!! excited, Coach is excited and it is nice to Buckeyes while in attendance for the be done with all this stuff.” spring game April 19. At halftime, he www.BuckeyeSports.com BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 • 15 Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING Yet Another Glenville Standout Eyes Ohio State

Continued From Page 15 A Look Back At Recruiting From The Pages Of BSB myself playing for Coach Haynes. He’s 15 Years Ago – 1993 he said that was not his best skill. Shaun Lane, Xenia offensive lineman Ben very honest and he is someone I trust very When the Buckeyes signed Griffin, Ga., “People tell me all the time I have good Person, Akron Buchtel running back Tony much. He doesn’t pressure me at all, but at quarterback Tommy Willis, they did so with feet and balance,” he said. “I’m probably Pittman and Austintown Fitch wide receiver the same time he lets me know how much the hopes he could turn into a productive col- better at pass blocking. We’ve mainly been Miles Williams. lege wide receiver. a passing team. I know you’ve got to be they want me at Ohio State.” Listed at 6-2, 195 pounds, with 4.35 good at both, but my best is probably pass One Year Ago – 2007 As for Berry, his mother, Eartha, said speed in the 40-yard dash, Willis told BSB blocking. The Buckeyes finished May with nine her son is favoring OSU. A five-star run- he would have liked to be a receiver in “I feel it’s good to have the size, but I’m verbal commitments when on the final day of ning back prospect, the 5-10½, 184-pound high school but Griffin head coach Lloyd sure there are other things about my game the month Washington (Pa.) Trinity linebacker that they like. I’m sure they wouldn’t just athlete has a certain Buckeye nemesis also Bohannon used him at quarterback because Andrew Sweat announced he would join the of his overall skills. recruit someone because they’re big.” fold. near the top of his list. “We were forced to play him a little bit “I made the decision because I felt Ohio “Right now he’s kind of favoring Ohio everywhere,” Bohannon said. “But I think Five Years Ago – 2003 State has the best people all around,” he State,” Berry’s mother said. “He had a he will become accustomed to playing only Ohio State picked up two more in-state told BSB. “Everyone had great facilities, but great visit there earlier this spring. Florida receiver at Ohio State and he’ll be a great verbals in the month of May, bringing the total I thought Ohio State had the best facilities. one.” to date to six. It was close to home, the tradition of Ohio is another school ranked with Ohio State. “Any way I can help the team is fine with First, Carrollton tight end/linebacker Chad State, the players and the coaches are great Those are the top two schools.” me,” Willis said. Hoobler pulled the trigger, picking Ohio State people.” over Penn State, West Virginia and Boston He also wasted no time in making known Five-Star Glenville Prospect 10 Years Ago – 1998 College. Next came the good news from he wanted to help with the effort of building High On Ohio State With the verbal commitment of St. Henry, Columbus Beechcroft defensive back Sirjo the recruiting class further, saying he would Ohio, offensive lineman Matt Zahn, Ohio Welch, who chose his hometown school over soon get on the phone with fellow OSU verbal The recruiting process might be hec- State’s class of 1999 reached 10 members. the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Michael Brewster of Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater tic for most highly ranked prospects, At 6-7, 350 pounds, Zahn appeared to be Wisconsin and Boston College. to see whom he could help get to agree to but Cleveland Glenville offensive tackle the prototypical road-grading run-blocker, but They joined Hubbard defensive back join the group. Marcus Hall is not viewing it that way. Instead, the five-star player and the of Happy Valley since BSB last went to Stephon Morris, wide receiver Brandon of my options, whether that is in the ACC nation’s No. 2 prospect at his position told print. Felder from Oxon Hill, Md., and defensive or SEC. I like all of them.” BSB he views his situation as a blessing. After entering the month of May with end Sean Stanley from Gaithersburg, Md. Hunter also holds offers from Illinois, Of course, it is easy to do so when holding just three verbal commitments, head coach Morris and Felder are unranked, while Wisconsin, Maryland and Indiana, among offers from the likes of OSU, Michigan Joe Paterno and his staff landed eight more Stanley is a four-star prospect. others. and Illinois while also receiving interest during an 18-day stretch. • Kraig Appleton, a four-star wide from USC and Penn State, among others. One day before Givens issued his ver- Michigan Lands Talented receiver prospect from East St. Louis, Ill., As a Tarblooder, Hall is almost assumed bal commitment, he was preceded by Two-Way Prospect is now listing the Buckeyes among his to be a lean to the Buckeyes. Eight players three-star safety prospect Stephen Obeng- Rodriguez’s month might not have top schools. A 6-2½, 190-pound prospect hailing from Glenville will be on the OSU Agyapong from Cheektowaga (N.Y.) John been as busy as Paterno’s, but the U-M with 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash, roster this fall, but it does not mean Hall is F. Kennedy. head coach still welcomed in one new Appleton has LSU, OSU and Illinois in his ready to end things right now and give his Next up were three-star cornerback verbal commitment from a highly regarded top three, with Wisconsin and Michigan pledge to Tressel. Derrick Thomas from Greenbelt (Md.) prospect. rounding out his top five. “It’s good to have guys that you know Eleanor Roosevelt on May 12 and unrat- Four-star wide receiver Bryce McNeal “They are a very competitive team that go to the same college, but I kind of ed offensive guard Frank Figueroa from of Minneapolis Breck High School issued a overall,” he said of OSU. “I want to want to go out and see what’s out there,” Alexandria (Va.) Edison, but the big- verbal commitment to join the Wolverines go somewhere I can win. I love to win. he told BSB. “I don’t want to limit myself gest commitment to date came on May 17, giving Rodriguez What motivates me to go there is Terrelle to just one school so early. I want to go May 15, the same date Figueroa eight members in his class Pryor.” on my official visits and see what other issued his verbal commitment. of 2009. • Four-star linebacker prospect Petey schools have to offer.” Eric Shrive, a five-star SCOUT.COM A 6-2, 180-pound athlete Smith from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood has For the summer, Hall plans to take offensive tackle prospect from who has been timed at 4.45 narrowed his list to five schools, and the part in the annual Ted Ginn Sr. bus tour Scranton (Pa.) West Scranton, seconds in the 40-yard dash, Buckeyes did not make the cut. The 6-0½, that will stop at numerous schools across surprised many when he McNeal also could project 248-pound Smith is now favoring Auburn, the region, including OSU. Those will be abruptly ended his recruitment to a cornerback in college. Alabama, North Carolina, Louisville and the only unofficial visits he plans to take and pledged his services to the Scout ranks him the No. 16 Illinois. Smith does hold an offer from aside from a planned camp experience at Nittany Lions. wide receiver prospect in the OSU. Bowling Green. “I have talked to head coach country. • The Buckeyes will land an offi- Once the fall rolls around, Hall has a Joe Paterno a few times over “I narrowed it down to cial visit from five-star wide receiver few official visits already on his mind. the past couple of weeks, and Marcus Hall two schools, Michigan and Shaquelle Evans this fall, but the prospect He likely will check out Ohio State, LSU, he answered all of the questions Clemson, and went through from Inglewood, Calif., might be viewed Miami (Fla.), Florida State and Michigan. and concerns I had about the program,” the statistics,” he told Scout. “Michigan as a long shot to wind up donning scarlet Hall is being recruited by safeties coach Shrive told Scout. “I was worried about turned out to be the best place for me.” and gray in college. Taver Johnson and offensive line coach the stability of the coaching staff and he McNeal caught 31 passes for 720 yards The 6-2, 192-pound prospect listed four Jim Bollman, both of whom have been made me feel comfortable about it. I also and nine touchdowns as a junior. schools in USC, UCLA, Notre Dame and recruiting him for more than a year. wanted to know that I’d have an oppor- He has also joined forces with the last Michigan that fit the criteria he is looking “I’ve developed a real good relation- tunity to play early and I was told I’d be player to commit before him – Wichita for in a college. However, he does not ship with Coach Johnson,” Hall said. given that opportunity. In the end, I was Falls (Texas) Rider quarterback/wide plan to take official visits to check out “Coach Bollman being my position coach, just most comfortable with Penn State.” receiver Shavodrick Beaver – to help the Trojans or the Bruins because of their when I’ve been down to the school I’ve A 6-7, 300-pound athlete, Shrive was recruit other highly ranked players to proximity to his hometown, so Evans will been in on their O-line meetings and I viewed as a heavy lean to either Notre come to Ann Arbor. visit Michigan, Notre Dame, OSU, LSU really like the way he coaches. I’ve gotten Dame or Illinois. and Tennessee in the fall. a chance to watch film with him and he’s “I’ve always loved Notre Dame and News & Notes • Although OSU remains high on the list a real good coach.” enjoyed my visit there, but I just didn’t • Shortly before Givens withdrew for four-star cornerback prospect Brandon Whether that proves to be enough to feel like it was a good fit for me,” Shrive his verbal commitment from OSU, the McGee, the 6-0, 180-pound prospect from secure an eventual commitment from Hall said. “I loved the staff and players at Buckeye coaching staff extended a schol- Plantation, Fla., does not plan to make a remains to be seen, but things appear to be Illinois, but again, I didn’t feel like that arship offer to Middletown, Ohio, safety final decision anytime soon. looking pretty good for Ohio State so far. was a good fit either.” D.J. Hunter. McGee recently has earned offers from “Ohio State is a real good school,” he Shrive said he is not entertaining inter- A three-star prospect, Hunter stands USC, Wake Forest and North Carolina, said. “I’ve visited them and it was great. est from any other schools and that he is 6-0, 186 pounds, and is being viewed as adding to a list that includes Florida, Notre The coaching staff is great from what I see looking forward to helping the Nittany a cornerback by the Buckeyes. The only Dame, OSU and Michigan, among others. and what I hear. I think it’s only fair to Lions finish with a recruiting class that school to offer him as a safety is Michigan He plans to take a full slate of official vis- say that they’re No. 1 on my list right now ranks in the top 20 nationally. State. A lifelong Miami Hurricanes fan, its this fall, and Ohio State is on that list. because they’re the only school I’ve gotten Scout ranks him the No. 3 offensive Hunter said he was humbled by the OSU “I had a great visit to Ohio State,” he out and visited.” tackle in the country. He was being recruit- offer but not ready to make a quick deci- told BuckeyeSports.com. “I need to see ed by OSU and visited the Columbus cam- sion. some other schools to compare to them. Nittany Lions Making pus over the April 12 weekend. “Everybody around here is always say- I’ve kind of calmed down after a few Some Big Gains The final three commitments to round ing, ‘You should be a Buckeye,’ ” he told weeks have gone by, but I still consider Stealing Givens from the Buckeyes out the month of May for PSU were BuckeyeSports.com. “It is a very good Ohio State one of my top schools I’m was not the only big news to come out Thomas’ prep teammate in cornerback school there, but I am going to look at all interested in.” 16 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL Buckeyes Survive APR Scholarship Hit – For Now Despite falling below the acceptable not allowed to identify the player in question In all, 120 schools submitted waiver eligible and who leave to go to the NBA do Academic Progress Rate score for the second by name, it has been learned that it was Greg requests in regard to facing sanctions in all not create an 0-for-2 situation,” said Walter consecutive year, the Ohio State men’s basket- Oden who left classes after the withdrawal sports, and 66 were approved. Harrison, the chair of the NCAA Committee ball team is not facing sanctions after the May date. OSU’s struggles to meet the benchmark on Academic Performance. “Fifty of the 90 release of the most recent APR numbers. To counter the potential loss of scholar- in men’s basketball are not exclusive ones. players in men’s basketball who tried out for Next year, though, all bets are off. ship, the university submitted an academic NCAA president Miles Brand told reporters the pros … did earn the retention point (for Two weeks after BSB learned that the plan that was conditionally approved by the that the problem is widespread within the remaining academically eligible).” men’s basketball team’s APR score was NCAA. sport and that a committee is looking into the OSU operates on a quarter academic sys- expected to fall short of the goal of 925 (out “Yes, we have some challenges in basket- situation. He expects serious recommenda- tem that makes it difficult for players con- of 1,000), scores for each team were released ball, but we have a great plan in place,” Bruno tions to be made when the report is finalized sidering heading to the professional levels to May 6 and the cagers finished with a four-year said. “We think we’re moving in the right this fall. attend tryout camps and continue their course- composite score of 909. A score of 925 rough- direction with respect to that sport.” The scores for the OSU men’s basket- work. That factor is not considered in the APR ly translates to a 60-percent graduation rate. The plan submitted to the NCAA calls ball team have been hurt for a number of and likely will not be, according to Brand. Teams falling short of 925 are subject to for more support to be made available to reasons. Players such as Brayden Bell and “I’m not sure that it’s correct to say that the NCAA penalties, but the men’s basketball the men’s basketball Sylvester Mayes have quarter schools are at a disadvantage in this program escaped facing sanctions from the players. The university transferred out of the regard,” he said. NCAA that could have included the loss has hired another learn- COURT REPORT program, while oth- However, Bruno said the current system of a scholarship because of an academic ing specialist to work ers such as Greg Oden makes it nearly impossible for schools on the improvement plan the university submitted, with the team, and the with have dropped out of quarter system to allow their players the abil- said Ohio State athletics faculty representative athletes also will have classes to enter the ity to test the professional waters while main- John Bruno. one that travels with Adam Jardy NBA. taining their eligibility. Many of the pre-draft There are signs of improvement. After hav- the team and organizes Players leaving tryout camps take place after most semester ing a score of 909 during the 2005-06 school study tables and such. early like Oden and athletes have finished their terms in May but year alone, the men’s basketball APR score There will be an enhanced focus on tutoring Kosta Koufos do not necessarily hurt Ohio before Ohio State lets out in early June. was a passing 932 for the 2006-07 academic and mentoring via individualized learning State’s score. Once spring quarter begins in “There is no doubt that the quarter system year. When last year’s numbers were released, plans for each student-athlete as well. late March, student-athletes have three weeks discriminates against athletes,” Bruno said. the Buckeyes had compiled a four-year score In addition, the basketball team requires in which to withdraw. After that deadline, The university is considering switching to of 902, which was raised seven points by the all of its players to live in the residence halls doing so will make them ineligible. Once that the semester system, according to Bruno. 2006-07 performance. and no longer allows them to play in summer deadline passes, the player must finish the He said that having students graduate early However, the four-year mark of 909 is leagues in order to help them better focus quarter. from high school and enroll in spring classes still below the NCAA minimum, and Ohio on their coursework. Each player is tracked There is also the option of taking part-time prior to their freshman seasons would not help State found itself eligible to be sanctioned on a day-by-day basis, and the coaches have classes, though a petition must be filed in the situation either. However, there is dialogue because of two factors – the team’s APR score weekly meetings with the support staff. order to do so and stay within the good graces between the Big Ten and its member schools was below 925 and it also failed to retain a However, the plan does not have a specific of the APR measures. Bruno stated that was discussing an amendment to that rule. player who was ineligible when he left the timeline for completion, and specific bench- the track followed the year previous by at least What the future will hold for the OSU university. mark goals have not been made available to one of the other Buckeyes who left after their men’s basketball program – and programs The latter situation, known in APR jargon the public. Bruno said OSU head coach Thad freshmen year, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan within the sport around the country as well – as an “0 for 2,” automatically triggers a review Matta is fully on board with the added respon- Cook. remains to be seen. Next season, the Buckeyes of the school’s situation. Although Bruno was sibilities that will be taken on by his staff. “In general, students who are academically will be dealing with the loss of freshman "GEEK" WAS NEVER SO CHIC! Wi r d MAKING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTIVE DISPATCH CENTER bu i e s f l pro itabe! Speak With Live Dispatchers AN D sn s Professional Consultation CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS Efficient Service Expert Training and Service CUSTOMIZATION Stored Database of Client Information Single Point-of-Contact Your own Client Relationship Manager SUPPORT Remote Support Automated Monitoring VALUE Competitive Rates Value-Added Service Agreements

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18 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2008

OHIO STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL their sons could go through the process with- his physical strength,” he wrote. “A guy his out hurting the program. size is expected to have a low-post presence. Mullens, Dunning Win Awards “We met with the families last year and The league is also not a game for gentlemen. asked them to please honor this,” Matta said. There are a lot of sinister, tough people who the voting one season ago and will play for One year after being edged out for the Mr. “And everybody was in agreement.” will plant rookies in the paint while referees Basketball of Franklin County award, B.J. the University of Dayton next season. Others figure the contact is part of paying their dues. Mullens has received his due. The 7-0 senior in consideration included Devon Moore, Where Will Koufos Go? It takes a strong will, a strong sense of self, to center from Canal Winchester is a unani- a senior shooting guard from Columbus The future for Koufos remains handle it. mous selection for the honor co-sponsored Northland who will attend James Madison, cloudy at best. After opting out of “Koufos is not a power play- annually by Buckeye Sports Bulletin and and his younger teammate, sophomore power playing his sophomore season and er in the paint. He was called American Awards of Grove City, Ohio. forward Jared Sullinger. deciding to head for the profes- the most skilled big man among “He’s going to be a top-five pick in the After issuing a verbal commitment to sional level, the 7-0 Koufos con- freshman players, which is a nice (NBA) draft next year,” Chris Johnson, Ohio Ohio State as a freshman, Mullens enjoyed tinues to face an uncertain future. thing to be but would not at this editor of the publication Hoop Scoop and a stellar prep career that has taken him With more and more mock point keep him from being bul- one of the panelists for the award, said of the all the way to being selected for the 2008 drafts popping up, Koufos finds lied in the paint by most big men future Buckeye. “He’s got a rare mix of size, McDonald’s All-American Game. himself on the outside looking in in the NBA and even some of the athleticism and skills and has all the ingredi- Last season, Eastmoor point guard Ronnie when it comes to being a lottery more robust wings.” ents to be a potential superstar.” Steward edged Mullens for the award. pick. Since his decision to leave “He is an outstanding big man, outstand- Dunning, a 6-4 center, was a first-team NBA.com compiled a com- college, Koufos has been work- ing around the basket, soft touch, good shoot- All-Ohio selection last season and led the prehensive mock draft based on Kosta Koufos ing out along with other draft er,” chimed in Larry Larson, another panelist Warriors to the regional semifinals while all other mock drafts conducted prospects in Las Vegas in Joe and the longtime high school sports expert averaging 18.2 points per game. She shared by other websites, and Koufos did not fac- Abunassar’s Impact Basketball training camp. at WTVN-AM 610 in Columbus. “He has statewide AP Division II player of the year tor very highly into it. Of the 10 mock drafts The six-week program is part of Koufos’ made himself into an outstanding player.” honors with Cierra Bravard of Sandusky consulted, Koufos was listed on just one. efforts to move up the draft charts. Meanwhile, Miss Basketball of Franklin Perkins. ProBasketballNews.com pegs him as going According to multiple reports, Koufos has County for 2008 is Ayana Dunning of Scout rates Dunning a five-star prospect, 11th overall, which would see him suiting up hired an agent, fully ending any chances of Columbus Eastmoor Academy. Dunning will the No. 3 overall player in the nation and for the Indiana Pacers. However, that mock him returning to school. Koufos has signed be an LSU Tiger next season. the top center. Like Mullens, she took part draft was conducted April 28 – a full 22 days with Mark Termini’s Cleveland-based sports “Ayana was the dominant big girl in cen- in the McDonald’s All-American Game in before the NBA draft lottery took place. management agency, MTA Inc. The agen- tral Ohio for each of her four years in high Milwaukee in April. That does not mean Koufos appears to be cy’s director of worldwide basketball, Andy school,” Steve Blackledge of The Columbus Other contenders for the Miss Basketball in danger of not being drafted, though. ESPN’s Bountogianis, will help Koufos with his over- Dispatch said. “Provided she stays injury- award were seniors Tyeasha Moss of Chad Ford lists Koufos as being a candidate to seas options. free and fit, she should excel in college, even Columbus Africentric and Amber Stokes of go to the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. Bypassing the NBA altogether and head- for an upper-tier program such as LSU.” Gahanna Lincoln. 19 pick in the draft, calling him “a young ing to Europe remains a possibility, Koufos USA Today selected Mullens for its All- Moss and Dunning were runners-up last Zydrunas Ilgauskas.” Draft Express slots told the Plain Dealer paper. USA first team and The Associated Press year to Crystal Murdaugh of Dublin Scioto. Koufos as going to the Phoenix Suns with the “It’s an outside possibility,” he said of picked him the Division II co-player of the Stokes is an Ohio State signee and the No. 15 pick, while ProBasketballNews.com playing in Greece or for the Greek Olympic year in Ohio after he averaged 26.2 points, daughter of former Buckeye basketball cap- has him going No. 16 overall to Philadelphia. team. “I’m not trying to think too far ahead. 14.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots per tain Ron Stokes. “The man who essentially replaced Greg My main focus and main goals are to work game while shooting 70 percent from the Past winners of the Mr. Basketball award Oden as the focal point at Ohio State didn’t hard and play in the NBA.” field. He shared the AP honor with future include Lawrence Funderburke (Wehrle), Gary get the attention his predecessor enjoyed The player tasked with replacing Koufos Ohio State teammate William Buford of Trent (Hamilton Township), Samaki Walker but did put up solid numbers that would’ve next season on the hardwood of Value City Toledo Libbey. (Whitehall), Andrew Lavender (Brookhaven) been even better if he had someone the Arena is projected to be making a similar leap Scout.com ranks Mullens the No. 2 center and Jamelle Cornley (Brookhaven). Among caliber of Mike Conley getting him the ball,” following his freshman season. ESPN.com in the country and the No. 6 prospect overall notable past Miss Basketball recipients are ProBasketballNews.com said. “Despite the writer Joel Francisco lists incoming freshman for his class. Tomeka Brown (Marion-Franklin), Jessica Buckeyes’ lack of success, the enormous B.J. Mullens from Canal Winchester, Ohio, Mullens earned the honor ahead of Davenport (Independence) and Brittany Koufos impressed enough scouts to make this as another player likely to be a one-and-done Chris Johnson, a senior small forward from Hunter (Brookhaven). leap with the knowledge that he could poten- athlete. Columbus Brookhaven who finished third in – Marcus Hartman and Adam Jardy tially emerge as a lottery pick.” “A versatile 7-footer out of Canal Koufos, who withdrew from classes in mid- “Believe me, we looked at every possible Plain Dealer columnist Bill Livingston Winchester, Ohio, Mullens is the most prom- spring quarter and will count against the option to address this because we do have an penned a column dated May 23 that casts ising big man to come out of high school since team’s score, and the loss of classmate Eric allegiance to Ohio State and we didn’t want to doubt on Koufos’ ability to withstand the Greg Oden,” Francisco wrote. “He has a mas- Wallace, who will finish out the quarter before jeopardize them,” she said. “But at the same physical beating that comes with playing in the paint in the NBA. transferring elsewhere. time, we needed to do what was the best in Continued On Page 20 Wallace must finish his OSU courses with Kosta’s interests.” “For the NBA, Koufos needs to improve a grade-point average of 2.6 or above to avoid Matta did not share that viewpoint. hurting Ohio State’s APR score. “He said, ‘No, I’m going to finish out (the NORTH STAR VISION CENTER “We could reach the score of 925,” Bruno quarter),’” Matta told The (Cleveland) Plain NORTHWEST NORTHEAST SOUTH EAST said. “It’s a long shot, but it’s doable.” Dealer. “And then we got the call, and bam, it North Star Vision Center North Star Vision Center Southern Vision Center Visual Care Koufos’ mother, Kathy, told BSB in May blindsided us.” at Olentangy at Schrock Great Southern Shopping Cntr. Associates that the family made every effort to keep the After Oden’s departure hurt the program, 4885 Olentangy River Rd. 1680 Schrock Rd. 105 Great Southern Boulevard 6020 E. Main St. best interests of the program in mind before Matta said the parents of the most recent Columbus, OH 43214 Columbus, OH 43229 Columbus, OH 43207 Columbus, OH 43213 Kosta made his final decision. year’s freshman class were counseled on how (614) 326-1830 (614) 882-2223 (614) 491-3435 (614) 575-8020 Comprehensive Eye Exams • Contact Lenses & Fashion Eyewear Special Attention to Children • Laser Surgery Consultation Treatment of Eye Diseases • Emergencies Welcome 10% OFF Personalized Care Is Our Focus Any Printing Order Personalized Care Is Our Focus

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OHIO STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL Iowa State Forward Is On Ohio State’s Radar nowhere near the level of prospect that Greg OSU class of 2008 among the upper echelon to try to talk him out of the decision, but the Continued From Page 19 Oden was, but Koufos stood out because of in the country, a report in the Cedar Rapids forward’s mind was already made up. his extraordinary ball-handling and shooting (Iowa) Gazette indicates the Buckeyes might As a freshman in 2006-07, Johnson was sive frame and soft hands and runs well. Still, skills for a 7-footer,” he wrote. “As a fresh- not be done recruiting for that class. named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team after he doesn’t dominate as much as he should on man, he operated with a sense of entitlement, According to the paper, OSU is one of averaging 12.3 points per game. He upped his a consistent basis.” his demeanor suggesting he naturally would about a dozen schools that have asked about scoring average to 12.4 points per game as Mike DeCourcy from the Sporting News follow the same path as Oden. When Koufos’ the services of Wesley Johnson, a forward a sophomore, leading the Cyclones in shots addressed the topic of schools that have a lot of distaste for contact led to a substandard fresh- who has suited up for Iowa State for the past attempted from the floor while battling an one-and-done players and the ensuing impact man season, he nonetheless took off for the two seasons but has asked to be released from injury to his left foot that caused him to miss those early departures have on their respective draft and signed with an agent. Ohio State his scholarship. five games and eventually resulted in Johnson programs, and not surprisingly OSU factored won the NIT, but that result was not what A member of Johnson’s family called undergoing surgery for a stress fracture April into the discussion. Specifically, DeCourcy anyone planned.” ISU head coach Greg McDermott on May 15 30. wrote of Koufos’ attempt at replacing Oden in to inform him that Johnson was seeking to “He certainly was a great fit for our pro- the paint for the Buckeyes. OSU Pursuing Another Forward transfer out of the program. McDermott flew gram during his healthy freshman season, and “Ohio State center Kosta Koufos was Although two recent additions have put the to Johnson’s hometown of Corsicana, Texas, there’s no doubt the injury this year affected him a great deal physically,” McDermott said in a release. “During our visit in Texas, I outlined all of Wesley’s options and the challenges of a mid-career transfer. A transfer is a lot more complicated than just switching schools. I want Wesley to fully understand how a transfer can impact his development for a professional career.” The university had not yet released Johnson and is unsure how the situation will proceed. He was no longer listed on the team’s roster on its website. In addition to OSU, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Wyoming, Montana, Sam Houston State and SMU all have contacted the school about Johnson’s services. With or without an inclusion of Johnson, Matta’s class of 2008 has received some pretty high marks from ESPN.com. In a revised list of the top incoming classes for next season, the Buckeyes check in at No. 3, just behind top-ranked UCLA and Florida. Although OSU already had held down a high spot in most national rankings thanks to the likes of incoming freshmen Walter Offutt, William Buford, Anthony “Noopy” Crater and Mullens, the recent additions of JUCO players Jeremie Simmons and Nicola Kecman have helped push that ranking even higher. “The Buckeyes have one of the most versatile classes in the country,” ESPN’s Antonio Williams wrote. “When he plays with intensity, B.J. Mullens gives Ohio State a superior inside presence, which will come in handy given Kosta Koufos’ early depar- ture for the NBA. The Buckeyes added two JUCO players since the early signing period, bringing power forward Nicola Kecman and point guard Jeremie Simmons on board. Both players will bring maturity to a very young team and mesh perfectly with ESPN 100 pros- pects Will Buford, Walter Offutt and Anthony Crater.” Only two other Big Ten teams featured in the top 25. They were Michigan State and Minnesota, which checked in at Nos. 16 and 25, respectively.

Scheduling Update In the last issue, BSB cited the Memphis Commercial Appeal as stating that the Buckeyes would begin a home-and-home series with Memphis beginning next season, but the validity of that report appears to be in doubt. The Columbus Dispatch cited two sources close to the OSU coaching staff who denied that such a game was in the works, while the Plain Dealer said Matta declined to comment on the potential series. The Plain Dealer reported that the Buckeyes will host Butler, Jacksonville and Samford next season. In addition, OSU is looking to host a four-team, round-robin tournament to begin the 2008-09 season similar to the Black Coaches Association Classic in which the Buckeyes participated two seasons ago. 20 • BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 www.BuckeyeSports.com Originally Published: June 2008

MEET THE BUCKEYES NIGHT Buckeye Greats Highlight Annual Toledo Event It was a different format, but the results Indianapolis. He was also an assistant when were pretty much the same as nearly 1,000 the Buckeyes played Miami for the college Ohio State fans from northwest Ohio gathered football national championship in 2002. for the 11th Meet the Buckeyes Night, held “People ask me all the time about the May 9 at the Stranahan Masonic Complex difference between the Super Bowl and the in Toledo. national championship game,” Spencer said. In the past, former Buckeye greats have “The difference is we won the national cham- been honored at the event, held every other pionship game.” year since 1988, with most of the top Ohio Finally, it was Bruce’s turn. He talked State coaches and athletic administrators about coming to Ohio State as a player, making the trip from Columbus to speak and having fallen in love with the school and mingle with Buckeye fans from Toledo and eventually having the chance to coach under surrounding areas. Hayes. He would ultimately succeed Hayes, This year’s head table, however, was and Bruce praised the many great assistant instead made up of a number of Buckeye coaches he had while he was head man personalities, with scant athletic department in Columbus, including Glen Mason, Nick representation. Saban and Pete Carroll, who have gone on It seemed to make little difference to the to great success of their own. Surprisingly, scarlet and gray faithful on hand, though, he did not mention Jim Tressel, who served as they enjoyed the company of fellow under Bruce from 1983-85. Buckeyes, got fired up with the speakers, But later, Bruce would address that omis- the OSU band and cheerleaders as always, sion. “You may have noticed that I didn’t and raised $40,000 for the Ohio State ath- SUSAN ZEIER letic department. That brought the total raised mention Jim Tressel when I mentioned my EVENT HEADLINER – Former Ohio State head coach Earle Bruce was the featured other assistants,” Bruce said. “That was on since 1988 to nearly $500,000. speaker during Meet The Buckeyes Night, a charitable event held every other year in The featured speaker was former head purpose. Coach Tressel has been very good to coach Earle Bruce, now a popular radio ana- Toledo. Bruce joined such other luminaries as assistant football coach Dick Tressel, me and John Cooper. He’s a smart guy. This lyst for WTVN-Radio in Columbus. former recruiting coordinator Bill Conley and women’s basketball star Katie Smith way, we don’t criticize him. Meet the Buckeyes night organizer Phil at the event, which raised $40,000 for the university’s athletic department. “Jim wanted to coach at a smaller school Harrison noted that with Bruce’s presence, radio personality in Columbus for WTVN playing experience, including playing on two like his father and be there for a long time. the event had come full circle. and an analyst for ESPN.com. Olympic gold medal teams. But then he got to Ohio State and once you It seems Bruce and several boosters from While Conley gained his most fame at “I have played all over the country and all are bitten by the Ohio State bug, you see all the Toledo area wanted to organize a golf out- Ohio State as an assistant to Bruce, John over the world,” Smith told the crowd. “I’ve the possibilities. ing in the area to raise money for Ohio State Cooper and Tressel, he also played for Woody represented a lot of teams but I have always “By the time he is done, Jim Tressel will football. The golf outing failed, but the idea Hayes while in school. Conley noted that he felt I represented you. I have always repre- be the greatest coach in Ohio State history.” of having a spaghetti dinner to raise money arrived in Columbus as a linebacker but was sented the Ohio State Buckeyes.” At the close of the program, which was and bring Buckeye fans together was hatched. moved to the offensive line, where his posi- Former running back great and OSU assis- emceed by noted Ohio State football historian Unfortunately, Bruce was fired as head coach tion coach was none other than Bruce. tant coach Tim Spencer was next up. Spencer Jack Park, Harrison presented a check for the before the idea – which would become Meet “That just proves that even the greatest played his college ball for Bruce, racking event’s proceeds to OSU associate athletic the Buckeyes Night – became reality in the coach in the world can’t do the impossible,” up 3,553 yards rushing from 1979-82, third director Denny Hoobler. spring of 1988. a particularly animated Conley said, referring in Ohio State history behind only Heisman “Everybody loved the new format,” Now Bruce was back in Toledo as the to his modest playing career. Trophy winners Archie Griffin (5,589) and Harrison said. “We had a nice mix of the event headliner. “Oh, yes, I did,” Bruce interrupted loudly. Eddie George (3,768). senior guys, a hall-of-famer (in Bruce), The first speaker of the night, assistant “He played, by golly.” “My mental toughness comes from Coach younger athletes including people still play- football coach Dick Tressel, seemed to Krenzel, the quarterback of Ohio State’s Bruce,” Spencer said. “He really instilled ing like Katie Smith, and assistant coaches. acknowledge the change in format. He told 2002 national championship team, was the toughness in me. People just loved it.” the crowd how honored he was to be one of next speaker. “I’ve never said that before,” he admit- Honorees at previous Meet the Buckeyes the speakers. He recalled looking out from his campus ted. Nights have included Griffin, Clark Kellogg, “But when push comes to shove, I’m hotel room on the morning of the Ohio State- Spencer is now an assistant coach with the Jim Lachey, Mike Tomczak, Tom Skladany, smart enough to realize the reason I am here Michigan game in 2002, the game that would NFL’s Chicago Bears, serving under former Keith Byars, Chris Spielman, Jim Karsatos, is because Jim Tressel wasn’t available,” said propel the Buckeyes into the championship Buckeye assistant Lovie Smith. He helped the Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, John Hicks, Tressel with a smile, alluding to his younger game against Miami (Fla.), along with his Bears to the Super Bowl following the 2006 Tom Cousineau, Mike Vrabel and Bill brother. roommate, tight end Ben Hartsock. Buckeye season, a game that resulted in a 29-17 loss to Hosket. Dick Tressel gave some background into fans were already gathering below them in how football was a way of life for his family. anticipation of the annual showdown with the Most Buckeye fans know that Jim and Dick’s archrival Wolverines. ATTENTION BUCKEYE FANS father, Lee, was a highly successful coach for “I wonder what all those people are think- many years at Baldwin-Wallace, the school ing,” Hartsock asked. both Tressel brothers attended. Dick Tressel “They’re probably confident we’re going OHIO STATE VS. U.S.C Sept. 13 noted that their mother, Eloise, was also a to win,” Krenzel replied. knowledgeable football fan. “Do you think they’d be so confident if ALL LAND PACKAGES WILL INCLUDE: While Tressel was coaching at Hamline they knew what a bunch of idiots we were?” University in Minnesota, two of his own the tight end wondered. sons played for him. When one of the sons At first Krenzel said nothing. s4WONIGHTSATEITHER4HE(UNTLEY(OTELIN3ANTA-ONICAOR dropped a pass in a game, Tressel told the “Then I got to thinking, maybe he was 4HE-ARRIOTT-ANHATTAN"EACH EXTRANIGHTSAREAVAILABLE Toledo crowd that he called his son over to right,” the quarterback recalled. “We were s4ICKETTOTHETHEGAME ENDZONESEATING UPGRADEDGAME the sideline. just a bunch of idiots. A bunch of young TICKETSAREAVAILABLE guys lucky enough to play football for Ohio “Quit that,” he said of the dropped pass. s!DMISSIONTOTHE"5#+%9%"!3(02)/24/4(%'!-% “You’re embarrassing your mother.” State.” “You’re just lucky your mother isn’t Those “idiots” would go on to beat s4RANSFERSTOANDFROMTHESTADIUM here,” the son snapped back. Michigan and defeat the Hurricanes in double s4OUR(OST '2%!43%26)#% Tressel also praised the academic prog- overtime to win the school’s first national ress the OSU football team has been mak- championship since 1968. ing, noting the presence at the head table of Katie Smith, one of the most success- -ARRIOTT  (UNTLEY(OTEL  former quarterback Craig Krenzel, who was ful athletes in Ohio State history, followed well-known for his outstanding work in the Krenzel. Smith helped lead the OSU wom- classroom. en’s basketball team to a national runner-up !LLPRICESAREPERPERSONBASEDONDOUBLEOCCUPANCY “With Craig at a 3.98, the team was at finish as a freshman in 1993 and finished 3INGLE TRIPLEANDQUADRATESAREAVAILABLE%XTRANIGHTSAREAVAILABLE around 2.3.” Tressel said of the squad’s GPA her college career as the Big Ten’s all-time 0LEASECALLORCHECKOUTOURWEBSITEFORDETAILEDINFORMATION in the early years of the Tressel era. “We’re leading scorer. She currently plays for the   ORWWWDIAMONDTRAVELCOM near 3.0 now.” WNBA’s Detroit Shock and is the leading Next up was former assistant coach and career scorer in women’s professional his- YEARINBUSINESSs'2%!43%26)#%15!,)49 recruiting coordinator Bill Conley, now a tory. Smith also has extensive international www.BuckeyeSports.com BUCKEYE SPORTS BULLETIN June 2008 • 23