That helped explain why Newsome, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker from Cleveland Glenville, yesterday became the 23rd commitment to Ohio State's fast-filling 2009 recruiting class. He got back a few days earlier from his high school coach Ted Ginn Sr.'s annual bus tour, in which Ginn takes prospects to college summer football camps across the Midwest.

"On that tour I saw a lot of schools, and I didn't think I could really see myself at some of those places," said Newsome, recalling stops that included Toledo, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Indiana, Purdue and Illinois. "I've liked Ohio State the most. My mother liked Ohio State the most.

"I knew that's where I wanted to go, and it didn't really make sense to keep waiting."

Plus, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's bus was filling fast. The Buckeyes have gained six commitments in the past five days. The limit for one recruiting year is 25, though there can be more if some of those players enroll in winter or spring quarter next year.

"More than anything, Newsome's commitment shows coach Tressel and his staff have put up a wall around this state," recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts.com said. "Newsome is a great example -- he's a player with great potential who could end up playing that linebacker-rush defensive end they've been using there for a while. He's one the coaches didn't want to see get away."

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