By Steve Patterson

    A couple variables that are playing a part in this increased number of early commitments to the Buckeye’s 2009 class include the increased competition for Ohio high school football players from the likes of Ron Zook at Illinois and Rich Rodriguez at Michigan and the large class that Ohio State wants to sign. Ron Zook came in and got a commitment from Melvin Fellows early which was like a shot across the bow for Ohio State as Fellows could be the best prospect in the state this year.

    And Ohio State is looking at a class of 24 to 25 players when the 2009 class is finished. Compared to 20 players in 2008 and 15 in 2007, this is going to be a very plentiful year for the OSU coaching staff. Look for a good mix of out-of-state players and in-state prospects like in years past.

    Areas of need include running back, after losing Devoe Torrence last recruiting class, full back, due to injuries and graduations, tight-ends, although they seem to be waiting to make offers here, cornerback, cause you can never have enough lock-down corners, and another kicker to compete with Ben Buchanan after Trapasso and Pretorius graduate.

    In-state has been the name of the game so far for this class. Of the eight committed 2009 prospects, seven are from the State of Ohio. Only linebacker Jordan Whiting is from out-of-state, but Kentucky isn’t far for Whiting and his family to travel to play for the Best Team in the Land. Ohio commits include wide receiver Chris Fields from Painesville, full back Adam Homan from Coldwater, offensive lineman Jack Mewhort (Go Titans!) from Toledo, defensive lineman John Simon from Cardinal Mooney, linebacker Storm Klein from Licking Valley, CJ Barnett from Northmont Clayton, and safety Jamie Wood from outside Columbus in Pickerington.

    Ohio prospects that could commit soon include Zach Boren in a package deal with his older brother Justin, offensive lineman Corey Linsley, who loves the Bucks and lives inside the boundary of Ohio, defensive end Pat Muldoon, another Ohio kid from St. Xavier, and safety DJ Hunter, who is also very high on the Buckeyes.

    Look for out-of-state commitments to pick up as official visits, unofficial visits, and camps draw more prospects to campus. The Woody Hayes facility is now a major draw for prospects after its recent renovation in addition to Ohio Stadium, the coaching staff, and all the current players that are NFL bound. Some out of state players that could be on the verge of committing include running back Jordan Hall, who would be following teammate Terrelle Pryor to Columbus and wide receiver Duron Carter, whose father is a famous Ohio State alumni and NFL legend.

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