Ohio State Wins the Big Ten Tournament and Enters the NCAA as a Two Seed

Ohio State had no problem in the 2nd half of the Big Ten Championship game against Minnesota on Sunday after struggling with Michigan and Illinois. Yet the Buckeyes completed the tournament on top securing their second goal of the year which includes winning the Big Ten, wining the Big Ten Tournament, and winning the National Title. They begin work on their final goal this Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

By Steve Patterson

Minnesota and Tubby Smith had a chance to secure a spot in the NCAA by winning the Big Ten title but fell short. Luckily for them the selection committee felt they deserved entrance in the field of 65 and awarded them an 11 seed Sunday night. Illinois, also a Big Ten bubble team, was as fortunate and was left out of the Big Dance.

Minnesota played competitively against Ohio State Sunday remaining within 3 points throughout the first half. But David Lighty caught fire and had a great 2nd half, driving the lane, playing defense and getting rebounds. He finished the game with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Leading OSU was Evan Turner who scored 31 points, had 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jon Diebler was also instrumental scoring 19 points. The Buckeyes made the game ugly for Minnesota with a final score of 90-61.

Final Stats for the Game:

Lawrence Westbrook 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
Devoe Joseph 14 points
Damian Johnson 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

Evan Turner 31 points*, 11 rebounds, 6 assists
David Lighty 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists
Jon Diebler 19 points

* Championship Game Record

NCAA Tournament

Five Big Ten teams were selected after the tournament completion to enter the NCAA tournament. Minnesota received an at-large 11 seed, Ohio State is a 2 seed, Purdue and Wisconsin are 4 seeds, and Michigan State is a 5 seed. Ohio State will face UC Santa Barbara in the first round on Friday in Milwaukee. The Gauchos have a 20-9 record out of the Big West. They play strong defense and shoot well from behind the arc. If Ohio State can defend the long range shots and rebound most of the misses, they should prevail.

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2011 Georgia DE Ray Drew – Has A Deadly Pass Rush

Ray Drew is one of the top 250 2011 prospects in the country on the Rivals early watch list. He is a 6’5” 245 lbs defensive end from Thomas County Central in Thomasville, Georgia with almost a 7 foot wingspan. He told us about his college options and why he is able to dominate offensive lineman at the high school level.

By Steve Patterson

We asked Georgia prospect Ray Drew about his ability on the high school level to achieve so much from the defensive end position. “I am a very humble individual with a mean streak on the field.” he explained. “With a 6'10 wingspan my pass rush is very deadly. [I am] great with my hands, great speed, and jump off the ball. I don't get in trouble, and every time I hit the field I go on with a mindset that I am the best. I’m going to show the person in front of, the quarterback the and running back that I mean business.”

In his first game starting for Thomas County Central he was disruptive in the pass rush. “My Sophomore year (first game starting) at Thomasville High, I ended the game with a possible game winning sack. The quarterback dropped in the pocket with less than 10 seconds on the clock and I sacked him as time ran out.”

As a junior he continued to rack up great statistics including 16 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. ”72 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback pressures, 7 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.” he reported to us as his stats for his junior season.

As an early candidate to be in the Top 250 nationally for 2011, he has already been contacted by many of the major programs in the country. Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and USC have made scholarship offers, just to name a few. And Drew has begun visiting some of these schools. “I've been to UGA, UF, FSU, Alabama, Rutgers, and Georgia Tech. All of the visits were very enjoyable.”

He takes his recruitment very seriously and wants more than a good football program. “When I go to a college I try to look at it from a non-prospect point of view and all of the schools seem to have a lot to offer.” he told us. “The schools academic success, tradition, major availability (communications), fan support, and playing time [are important to me].” he explained when we asked him what he is looking for in a college.

The complete list of scholarship offers is nearly too long to list. “All SEC teams, the majority of the ACC, and many different schools all over the country. As of right now, I hold 23 offers.” he reports. And if one of the SEC schools thinks they have him locked up, Drew is still keeping his options open. “I don’t have any favorites at this time.” he told us.

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Ohio State Men’s Basketball Win a Share of the Big Ten Title

Ohio State defeated Illinois last night to win a share of the Big Ten title this year in addition to getting the number one seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Evan Turner and Jon Diebler led the way for the Buckeyes as foul trouble limited Demetri McCamey and Mike Tisdale for the Fighting Illini.

By Steve Patterson

Ohio State entered Tuesday nights Columbus game ranked 6th in the country in the AP poll and looking to secure a share of the Big Ten Title. It was senior night for the Buckeyes who will lose PJ Hill, Kyle Madsen, Danny Peters, Jeremie Simmons, and Mark Titus when the season ends. They defeated the Illini 73-57 in a tight match and will begin the 2010 Big Ten Tournament March 11th as the #1 seed.

Illinois guard Demetri McCamey grew up playing against Ohio State’s Evan Turner and they greeted each other pre-game as they often do. This could be the last game the 2 play against each other on the college level as Turner is likely to enter the NBA this spring. Illinois went up by 6 points early, half way through the first period. But a 15-2 run by Ohio State sparked by McCamey’s foul trouble, resulted in a Buckeye 4 point lead at half-time.

Jon Diebler was hot from behind the ark all game long with 7 triples total on 50% shooting from distance. Turner had good night as usual leading OSU in rebounds and putting up 16 points. The game continued to be tight half way through the 2nd half with OSU leading by 3 to 5. Illinois center Mike Tisdale fouled out with 7 minutes to go which gave the Buckeyes breathing room. And Ohio State pulled away to win 73-57.

Turner 16 points, 12 rebs and 5 assists
Diebler 21 points, 50% from 3 Point land
Buford 17 points, 7 rebs, 6 assists, and 4 steals

McCamey 18 points, 4 rebs, 7 assists
Paul 11 points, 2 rebs, 2 assists
Tisdale 10 points, 3 rebs, 3 assists

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2011 Strong Safety Prospect Wayne Lyons

Wayne Lyons from Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale current has 32 offers from some of the best programs in the country. An early 250 Rivals to Watch for 2011 member, the 6’0” 190lbs defensive back makes plays all over the field and finishes tackles well. He doesn’t have a favorite college program at this time but has almost a year to make his selection.

Dillard Strong Safety Wayne Lyons Junior Highlights

Wayne Lyons 2011 Strong Safety Hits Hard

By Steve Patterson

We asked Lyons recently about his play on the field from Dillard High School. “My best attributes are my ability to fly to the ball and make big hits on the field.” he told us. A little surprising, he enjoyed his first night at Dillard the most. “I have to say the highlight of my career was my first high school game when we played Booker T. Washington and I started that game and played pretty good under the bright lights.”

His statistics the last two seasons have been phenomenal. “Last year I had 75 tackles, 21 for loss, 6 forced fumbles,  and a defensive touchdown.” he reported when we asked. And his highlight films from Diamond in the Rough are quite outstanding. Although Lyons will not qualify as a diamond in the rough when fans turn their attention to 2011 recruiting.

He has made a number of visits already. “I have visited Stanford, Notre dame, Florida, Michigan and FSU. And i will visit more in the future.” He seemed to like all five programs that he visited. “All of those places were great.” he explained.

“I look for a program that has a good winning record and also has a good academic background in engineering.” He told us about what he values in a college and a college football program. But one factor might set some schools apart, “I am also looking into early playing time.” he said. “There are many schools that have shown interest because I now have 32 offers from big named BCS schools.”

An early favorite for one of the sure to be most recruited players of 2010? “I don’t have any favorites yet."

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Ohio State Buckeyes at The NFL Combine

The NFL Combine runs from February 24, 2010 to March 2nd in Indianapolis and four OSU Buckeyes have been invited to attend. Senior Safety Kurt Coleman, Junior Defensive End Thaddeus Gibson, Senior Kicker Aaron Pettrey, and Senior Defensive Tackle Doug Worthington. 18 graduating Buckeyes have been preparing for the OSU Pro Day in addition to the NFL Combine since their season ended with a Rose Bowl victory on January 1st.

By Steve Patterson

When NFL scouts attend the NFL Combine or travel to Columbus for Ohio State’s Pro Day, they are looking to measure many things in the athletes available, including speed, strength, agility, reasoning and character. The tests aren’t necessarily testing abilities needed to play well on the football field. For many it’s like returning to high school track practice where speed and reaction time are most important. But it’s a good chance to prove what they have learned and trained for while at the university overall.

The intense workouts the football players endure to prepare for the pro events become a full-time job leading up to the days. The staff continues to work with the players and fine tune their abilities to test well in all necessary aspects. Eric Litcher, Ohio State’s training and conditioning coach, puts in the most effort working individually with each football player who is leaving.

Thaddeus Gibson is one of the standouts that is expected to be drafted in the first round. He is leaving the program a year early but should be rewarded if the 6’3” 240 lbs defensive end is selected as high as anticipated. Unlike some in the past that left Columbus for workout facilities, Gibson stayed in town and has been training at the Woody Hayes facility. He has looked at the Wunderlich test and is considered of good character by everyone in the system in addition to being a great athlete. He feels that he will remain a part of the Buckeye family even after he has left for his next occupation.

Expanding Big 10 Reaching Out to Texas and Other Big 12 Teams

The Big Ten is in talks with a number of schools with Texas being the biggest program being rumored. The poor television deal the Big 12 has currently compared to the better Big Ten television deal makes all Big 12 teams in play. Texas might be a reach but the Longhorns switching conferences would be significant.

By Steve Patterson

Fans of the Big 12 are hoping the conferences stay the way they are, more regional than anything else. Other Big 12 and non-Big 12 teams rumored for a move include Nebraska, Missouri, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Syracuse and Pittsburg. The number of new Big Ten teams could range from one up to five. A 16 team conference would make divisions easy and a championship game ideal.

Current rivalries in the Big 12 is an issue that might stop Texas from making the switch. Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M are important games in the Longhorn’s history. Switching them to non-conference would make the Longhorn’s schedule one of the most difficult in the country. To not have these games would be a major change for a traditional team. The Big Ten likes the athletic programs in addition to the academic standards at Texas. Plus expanding the Big Ten network and Big Ten recruiting into Texas is something all programs in the conference would love to see.

Missouri is a popular Big 12 target in rumors for the Big Ten and might happen before a powerhouse like Texas moves. Rutgers is a Big-East program that would allow the Big Ten to expand into New York which is almost as financially attractive as expanding into Texas.

Jamel Turner, Tressel Impressed

Jamel Turner was an early commitment for Ohio State’s 2010 class but enjoyed the process anyway. Considered a four star recruit and 22nd best defensive end in the country by Rivals.com, Turner spent his senior high school year at Fork Union Military Academy to make sure he would be academically eligible for college.

By Steve Patterson

Jamel Turner made his official visit to Ohio State a year after he committed to be a Buckeye. “I only made my Ohio state visit.” he told us about his official visit schedule. He had offers from a number of top programs in the area and enjoyed getting to learn more about these other schools. “The college recruiting process was exciting and a new experience although mine was short lived because of a early commit. I still enjoyed it.” he told us when we contacted him this week.

Turner was a Buckeye fan growing up which made committing to them in December of 2008 easy. He also had offers from Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Stanford and Wisconsin. He was looking for a winning football team among other things when he was still considering other programs. “I was looking for a winning program, one that had  a great history and good traditions, and somewhere that I could be comfortable and be able to put trust in the coaching staff.” he explained.

He also likes the game day atmosphere at Ohio State, while Jim Tressel was impressive during their time together. “I love the atmosphere that the Ohio state fans put in the stadium...I think it's amazing but other than that Tressel is one of the more decent men that I've met and he was the main reason I committed.”

Turner won’t be in for spring ball but will get to campus in early summer and begin preparing for the fall season. “I'll be there for summer school in May and so as much as I am allowed with the team.” He has been compared to departing defensive end Thaddeus Gibson and should see playing time as a freshman.

Drew Basil, Jumping into the Rotation this Spring

Drew Basil made many visits to colleges on his way to committing to the Ohio State Buckeyes this past Wednesday. He plans to enroll in the spring and began practicing with the team during spring camp. The Buckeyes are in need of depth at both the place kicker and punting position, so he has a good chance of seeing playing time early.

By Steve Patterson

Drew Basil is a 6’2” 188 lbs kicker out of Chillicothe Ohio who was ranked in the top 15 at his position nationally by a number of rating agencies. With offers from Air Force, Ohio State, Cincinnati, Kentucky, and Purdue, Basil was busy visiting campuses before committing to Ohio State. “I enjoyed the recruiting process very much.” he told us this week. “I enjoyed every single part of it, including the traveling and all of the mail I received. I visited Northwestern, NC State, Purdue, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Air Force, Alabama, Iowa State, and Ohio State. There might be a few that I am forgetting.”

He likes Ohio State for its winning tradition in addition to the academics. “I was looking for where I could get a good education and feel comfortable living there for the next 4-5 years. I was looking for a football program that will be successful every year.”

Basil also liked the fan support and what he saw around the OSU campus when he was visiting. “I liked how everyone supports the athletics and how involved everyone on campus actually is.” he explained.

A bit of a surprise, he plans to enroll quickly and get started training with the team. “I plan to enroll for Spring Quarter and start practicing as soon as I get there.” he told us. The Buckeyes return Devin Barclay and Ben Buchanan this year to handle the roles of kick offs, place kicking and punting. Possibly Basil can secure on of these positions as a true freshman.

Verlon Reed, Ohio State was Everything that I Hoped it Would Be

Verlon Reed is a local product for the Ohio State Buckeye’s 2010 class but provides versatility and tremendous upside. Playing quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for Marian Franklin, Reed led the Red Devils to four city league titles. He will get a shot at quarterback when he arrives on campus but could also play safety during his career.

Verlon Reed 2010 Quarterback/Safety Prospect

By Steve Patterson

Verlon Reed is a standout not only in football but basketball and track also at Marian Franklin. He didn’t have a long recruiting season as other sports and school activities kept him occupied, but he did visit two programs. ”I was only able to visit Toledo and Ohio State. And I really enjoyed my recruiting process.” he told us about the process of being recruited.

He was looking for academics and football he explained when we contacted him this week. ”In a college I was looking for a strong academic department also with my major which is sports management. As far as a football program I was looking for a school with a great chance of winning and not just in their conference but also huge bowl games. Also a school with great tradition.”

“I liked the fact that Ohio State was everything that I hoped it would be.” He told us about his selection of Ohio State. “I felt Ohio State had everything that I would need to be more successful in life as a student player and most of all a better person.”

He plans to come in over the summer which has become very common with recruits in the last couple of years. “I will probably be enrolling in June and hopefully start practicing by June or July.”

Jordan Hicks Selects Texas over Ohio State and Florida

Westchester Ohio linebacking prospect Jordan Hicks selected the Texas Longhorns over scholarship offers from Ohio State, Florida and many others. The best outsider linebacker in the country, according to most recruiting services, flashed the hock’em horns and said that his heart was with Texas at a press conference at his high school this afternoon.

Jordan Hicks 2010 Linebacker Highlights

By Steve Patterson

The Lakota West football program has sent a number of top prospects to Ohio State in the past but Jordan Hicks grew up a fan of Texas and wanted to play for the Longhorns next year. Narrowing his list down to Texas, Ohio State and Florida a little over a month ago, rumors circulated for each school since. Tuesday night, reportedly, Hicks made up his mind that his heart was in Texas and scheduled the press conference for today at 12:30pm.

At 6’2” and 220 lbs, Hicks has all of the skills to be an elite linebacker at the next level. He excelled in high school coming off the edge and should put on some weight over the next year to be a completely dominant pass rusher. He finished his junior season with 88 tackles, 16 for a loss, and 4 sacks.

Ohio State will now focus on Seantrel Henderson, Matt James, and Dominique Brown with possible scholarships still available for offensive lineman Morgan Moses and West Virginia soft verbal Latwan Anderson. Henderson, James, and Brown are going to make their college selections next Wednesday when they sign their letters of intent.

Glenville’s Christian Bryant Selects Ohio State

Christian Bryant got the opportunity to make his college selection at his high school today, Cleveland Glenville. Like many Tarblooders before him, he waited till close to signing day to continue the pipeline to Columbus for the athletic Cleveland High School coached by Ted Ginn Sr. Bryant was a multi-talented player for Glenville and help take the team to the state championship game as a senior. He was recruited as a cornerback at the next level by Ohio State in additional to North Carolina, Michigan State and many others.

By Steve Patterson

Christian Bryant was highly sought after by schools like Minnesota, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Michigan State, Ohio State, North Carolina, West Virginia and Notre Dame. He was recognized as one of the top 125 football prospects in the country and a top 10 cover corner for the class of 2010. For the Tarblooders he put up stats all over the field including corner, quarterback, tailback, receiver, and returns. He became the 18th member of Ohio State’s current recruiting class that will finish ranked slightly below were the team is used to finishing on National Letter of Intent Signing Day.

Bryant at 5’10” and 175lbs is one of the top players in the 2010 OSU Class which also includes receiver Corey Brown, offensive tackle Andrew Norwell, tailback Roderick Smith and quarterback Taylor Graham. Ohio State is still hoping to land a number of other top talent nationally in offensive tackles Seantrel Henderson, Morgan Moses, and Matt James, linebacker Jordan Hicks, and defensive back prospect Dominique Brown from Winton Woods Cincinnati.

OL Morgan Moses Gets a Jim Tressel Visit

Ohio State is hoping to take 3 offensive lineman in their 2010 class and have recently visited one additional prospect to make sure that happens. They currently have Andrew Norwell, an offensive tackle from Cincinnati, in the class. And the coaching staff for OSU has been very active recruiting Seantrel Henderson, Chaz Green, and Matt James. But with the commitment of Sharrif Floyd to Florida at the Army All American game, the Buckeyes now have a scholarship for Morgan Moses.

By Steve Patterson

Morgan Moses committed to Virginia last year for 2009 class but was not able to qualify academically. He spent the past year at Fork Union Military Academy were he was a teammate of current Ohio State commitment Carlos Hyde. Moses was able to get his grades in order at the Prep School and is now ready to begin his college career. The only problem with his prior commitment to Virginia is that their coaching staff has now changed. With Al Groh leaving the program, Moses felt the need to open up his recruitment and look around.

Moses was a standout during the 2009 Army All American bowl and could play offensive tackle or defensive tackle at the next level. At 6’7” and 340lbs, his is a huge player with great athleticism. He has offers from Virginia, Rutgers, North Carolina and South Carolina, with Ohio State and Florida being considered but yet to offer a scholarship. The Buckeyes are trying to get an official visit scheduled with Moses prior to National Letter of Intent Signing Day, early in February.

College All Star Games Draw Buckeyes

For seniors at Ohio State it has been an exciting January so far with a Rose Bowl win over the Oregon Ducks and the spring is going to remain busy and full of opportunity. Four Buckeyes have been selected to play in College All Star games in the month of January and early February. Then they will need to complete their classes, get ready for the OSU Pro Day, the NFL Combine, and the NFL Draft.

By Steve Patterson

The university has announced that Jim Cordle, Doug Worthington, Kurt Coleman, and Aaron Pettrey have been invited to post-season all-star games. The East-West Shrine Game is set for January 23rd to be played in the Florida Citrus Bowl. Offensive tackle Jim Cordle and Defensive tackle Doug Worthington will showcase their skills to NFL scouts at 3 pm that day. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN2.

The Under Armour Senior Bowl will feature safety Kurt Coleman. It will be played on January 30rd at 4 pm. The NFL Network will carry the game and it is set to be played at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile Alabama. Coleman was an All-American for Ohio State and considered leaving for the NFL after his junior season.

Aaron Pettrey, who made a remarkable recovery to play in the Rose Bowl, will play in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. The game will be aired on CBS College Sports on February 6th from El Paso Texas.

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