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2014 North Carolina prospect JaQuel Richmond is a shifty 6'1 170lb lead guard. What he might lack in size he makes up with heart. Richmond's recruiting is starting heat up, hearing from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Seton Hall & Xavier to go along with offers from Tennessee, Wake Forest & Virginia Tech to name a few. When It comes to the Buckeyes "I haven't been able to talk to them since June 15, but my Dad has" "They want me to come take a visit sometime in August". When it comes to summer camps "I'll be camping at Tennessee this weekend". As you can tell from the impressive list of schools in touch with JaQuel that he will be a recruit you might want to keep an eye on.
2014 Forward Isaac Copeland is having a great summer that has led him to get a few new offers and college coaches calling his phone. "I have new offers from Charlotte and Winthrop" to go along with offers from Buffalo, ECU, Furman to name a few. "Miami has been in contact with my AAU Coach". When it comes to Ohio State "They talk to Coach West (AAU Coach) more then me, I have talked to Coach Dickerson though". Isaac plans to attend the UVA Elite Camp later this month.
Please check back for future updates & as always you can follow me on Twitter.
One prospect that has been gaining attention of several colleges is 2014 ATH Devon Rogers of Hilliard, OH. Devon is playing at Hilliard Darby now but played at Westland High School as a Freshman. He has been a starter both years of high school playing mostly WR & CB, and he will definitely be a ket contributor on Darby's team in the upcoming two seasons. I got the chance to chat with Devon Rogers, and here's what he had to say:
JM: When and why did you start playing football?
DR: I started playing flat football when I was 3. My parents said when I was a baby I would get the sports binky and throw all of them away but the football ones. I would throw it up, catch it, put it under my armpit, and run. They put me in football and I've been good at it all my life, so I just stuck with it; and now I love it.
JM: What do you love most about the sport of football?
DR: Being able to hit people is my favorite...and scoring obviously. Just everything about football is exciting for me.
JM: What goals do you have for next year?
DR: Personally, I want to be the top student athlete I can be. I've even been working really hard in both the classroom and the weight room. I've been doing extra stuff to get better on the field. I'm trying to get bigger, faster, and stronger...the three main things in football.
As a team, I want to be able to make it far in the playoffs. We missed it by a game last year, and it was a heartbreaker; but we have a lot of people coming back like Caleb Day, Chase Longwell, Cameron Kohl, and Zach Williams, so I think we will be able to do something this year. We just need to work hard and as a team, and we will be fine. I think we can go far.
JM: Do you have any pre game rituals that you use?
DR: I say our father's prayer when I'm warming up and when I'm about to take the field, and that's all I need to get myself through the football game.
JM: What is your favorite part about getting ready for games?
DR: The whole vibe. Everyone's yelling and screaming in the locker room. Then coming out and seeing the lights and hearing the band...it's exciting.
JM: How do you motive yourself?
DR: I keep a picture of the Heisman Trophy as my phone background, and every time I think I don't want to do this, I see that on my phone and that keeps me pushing toward my goal to win that trophy.
JM: If you couldn't play football what career would you pursue?
DR: I love going to my cousin's stock car races. I've grown up around them, so that's my other love. I play basketball and do track. I didn't play ball this year, but I did run track. I'm not sure what I really want to do as a job. I'm thinking about doing training and stuff...help kids around Ohio become athletes so I can just stay around the sport that I love.
JM: Last question, what's one thing you want Buckeye Nation to know about you?
DR: I guess that I'm just a very friendly person. I get along with almost everyone I meet. I love joking around and just having a good time doing whatever I'm doing.
Rogers is a prospect to keep your eye on in the 2014 class. His name will definitely be common in central Ohio in the next few years. I want to thank Devon for taking the time to talk with me, and I look forward to hearing back from him and following his recruitment.
In the midst of the distorted blur that was last season, the Ohio State defense experienced a year that was far below their average. Yes, Buckeye Nation does have quite lofty expectations of the Silver Bullets. And yes, part of this was due to the lack of offense, but the defense struggled mightily and rarely stepped up in times of need.
Hankins has dropped from 335 to under 320
The Buckeyes struggled with Toledo, got gashed by Miami, gave up huge 2nd half points to Nebraska, allowed Wisconsin to take the lead by giving up multiple easy late scoring drives, gave up big plays to Penn State, and allowed Denard Robinson and M:ch:gan to do that stupid spoon thing on the way to 40 points. The issues weren't something that could be blamed on one player or one unit because the team struggled with fundamentals. Tackling, pursuit, getting in position, and a lack of intensity all plagued this defense.
That being said, the 2012 Buckeye defense could easily be one of the most improved units in the B1G this season. Part of that comes from the fact that last year was that bad, but the experience and talent they bring back could see them be one of the best OSU defenses in the last few years. The team also has new life which has been brought in by the new coaching staff, and I fully expect the defense to be very animated in regards to attitude and celebrations. Swaggernauts, as Coach Pantoni would say.
The Leader
The most recognizable returning player has got to be John Simon. Simon has always been a high-intensity guy but has now brought that intensity to a leadership role. Simon spends a lot of time in the weight room, but now he's not just leading by example. He's become more vocal and stepping up to fill the role that Coach Meyer said is necessary to maximize team potential.
The coaches have this team working hard in the offseason to get ready for next year. Simon is a leader in the weight room, and his 5:30 am workouts now are along with sophomore LB's Ryan Shazier and Curtis Grant; and Simon loves the company. He also said that he's seen far more people in the weight room than he has in years past.
Simon isn't the only DL stud returning to action this year. Johnathan "Big Hank" Hankins is expected to be a top 15 NFL Draft Pick should he decide to leave early. Big Hank has put in a solid offseason in getting in much better shape. He tips the scale at almost 320 lbs. and explodes off the ball which causes major problems in the middle of offensive lines. Hankins is working on getting in even better shape this offseason so he doesn't have to restart from where he was before the new staff came in. He's happy with his progress.
The whole DL has been praised this spring. Guys like Garrett Goebel and Adam Bellamy have been flying under the radar with the attention being absorbed by Simon and Hankins. Even Michael Bennett has received a bit of attention for his play. Bennett was said to be playing at the level of a starter, but the top 4 were too good to squeeze him into a starting spot.
Buckeye Nation is excited to see this guy
This is good news for the Buckeyes who have been known to rotate many defensive linemen throughout games. Having 5 guys playing at a high level is big, but throw in the expected return of Nathan Williams, who was supposed to be the best DL for OSU last year and would give the Buckeyes a huge boost at the Leo position, and this DL is outright nasty. You can also include freshman do-everything DE Noah Spence in the fold. If everything goes as expected, OSU will basically have two full defensive lines to play this season.
The back seven will greatly benefit from better play up front. QB pressure lacked last season which in turn put a lot pressure on the youthful back seven, and this will once again be the major question mark for this defense. Did they learn the right lessons from last year, and will they take well to the new coaches?
The good news is that these guys got experience. The only new player expected to start is sophomore MLB Curtis Grant, who was the #2 overall prospect in the 2011 class, so the talent is there. Last season Grant had an issue learning the defense, and he had packed on some weight before showing up in Columbus. Grant jumped up to 250 lbs. in hopes that it would help him be better in the middle of a B1G defensive unit. That slowed him down, and he is in a much better place this season. He has lost weight and is now excited for a chance to redeem himself to Buckeye Nation. Grant being the only new starter isn't because there's nobody else at the position because former starter Storm Klein will be his backup. The change is because Grant is better and would've happened last year had it not been for his own struggles.
Grant will be accompanied on the strong side by senior Etienne Sabino. Sabino has had an odd career at Ohio State. He played a limited role early on in his career and, like Grant, was expected to be a next big thing at LB. He then redshirted the season before last which made headlines when Coach Tressel almost removed the redshirt to play him in the final few games. He ended up redshirting and returning to action last year. Last season saw Sabino struggle at times. The image that keeps coming back to my head was on M:ch:gan's first scoring drive when Sabino filled the hole that Denard Robinson was trying to run through. Sabino saw Robinson and stopped moving as if Robinson was going to run right into his arms. Robinson cut to the outside and ran right around Sabino (Video on right. Play starts @:09). Sabino has to learn to attack a shifty ball carrier like Robinson, but his play will have to get better this season.
Ryan Shazier is ready to bring it in 2012
Weakside LB will be filled by the exciting sophomore Ryan Shazier. Shazier started 3 games last season and got a B1G POTW honor when he had 15 tackles against Penn State. Shazier brought life to the Silver Bullet unit because he plays with speed and passion. His motor is what got him in trouble a few times by over-pursuing plays, but experience and coaching should see him take care of that issue. He flies around the field, delivers violent hits, and has an attitude that is contageous. His addition of weight in this offseason hasn't slowed him down as he was clocked at 4.39 in the 40 yard dash. That weight is coming from those early morning workouts with John Simon. Shazier has Buckeyes excited, and rightfully so.
Last year the secondary was young, and hopefully, there were a lot of lessons learned. Bradley Roby had a solid Freshman campaign while Junior Travis Howard struggled more than expected. These two gained a year of experience, and Howard is listed as a co-starter with Doran Grant. It's good to know the Buckeyes have three CB's that can play, and I expect big things from Roby.
Bradley Roby is the next great DB for OSU
Roby has top-end speed and good ball play, so I'd expect him to excel in this defense. To Buckeye Nation's surprise, he won't be wearing the #25 jersey that he he wore last year. He will instead switch to...you'll have to wait to find out.
Howard is the CB with the pressure on him. Many thought he'd have a good enough season last year to take off for the NFL, but that didn't happen. Now, he's in his final season in Columbus; and to top it off, he's being pressured for playing time by the young Grant. We'll see how both Howard and Grant deal with this situation as the season approaches.
The Buckeyes also return three safeties with starting experience. CJ Barnett, Christian Bryant, and Orhian Johnson all have started and played major minutes in the secondary. It appears as though Barnett and Bryant will be the primary defenders, but Johnson will play.
Johnson, a senior, has struggled with tackling which is why he's now limited mostly to the nickel defense. The DB's shift to have Johnson come in at FS to mainly help with passing situations. I'm not sure if this will still be the same situation as the new staff has reevaluated players and may play the third CB or even one of the class of 2012 DB's.
Many of the 2012 DB's didn't enroll at OSU in time to play spring ball, so in order for them to get playing time, they're going to have to take it. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it appears as though the nickel back (not the band), or whoever the extra DB is, will be the best way for a young DB to get playing time.
Christian Bryant
Bryant and Barnett are the best the Buckeyes have at safety. Both of these guys are entering their junior years and have two seasons of eligibility remaining which is good news for Ohio State. Barnett and Bryant love to hit guys which is always a good presence for the defense to have. Bryant is the better athlete and harder hitter, but Barnett is no slouch by any means. These two guys are where much of this defense's improvements lie. They struggled with coverage last year. Jared Abbrederis, of Wisconsin, got open easily when covered by these two. If these guys can fix these issues, which are very coachable, this defense will be that much better.
The new Buckeye staff has brought along a new coverage scheme. This off-man coverage will be talked about in my 2012 Buckeye Defense - (Part II) The Passing Questions breakdown of the OSU pass defense. This coverage scheme will be very different from what we've seen in the past, but it will allow the CB's to be better in run support and make more plays on the ball. The issues with this coverage are getting corners to trust in their reads and technique, but more can be learned about this defense from Tony Gerdeman's Corners Going Off article on The Ozone.
Overall, I think this defense is set for a stellar year. They need to focus on getting to the QB, but they have all of the pieces to make it happen. Williams' recovery and Spence's ability to play right away could both be key, but the new coverage could be very beneficial to the pass rush. The LB and DB units are expected to be much better, and I do not think they will disappoint. The Silver Bullets are back.
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The Buckeyes are after quite a group of 2014 LB's. Clifton Garrett is a big-time ILB prospect out of Plainfield, IL and is very high on that list of 2014 LB's. Garrett recently listed Ohio State as the leader for his services, but that's not why we're here to talk.
Other Buckeye pages focus on recruiting and asking questions simply about recruiting. I want us to get to know the prospects for who they are and not just where they stand in the recruiting process. We've all heard the famous, "You win with people" quote from Woody. Well, I want Buckeye Nation to know the people; and that's what I'm hoping this will do.
Garrett agreed to chat with me about himself, and this is the conversation that took place:
JM: To start off, when and why did you start playing football?
CG: I started in 7th grade, and I wanted to give it a try because I was always bigger than everyone else. I started playing, and ever since then I fell in love with the game.
JM: I noticed in film that you seem to enjoy punishing defenders. What's your favorite part about playing football?
CG: Yes, I love hitting hard, but my favorite part is playing with my friends and winning!
JM: Do you have any kind of pre game rituals that you believe in?
CG: Yeah, I take a nap then I wake an hour before I leave, eat subway, watch Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis, and then I listin to music untill gametime.
JM: Do you notice that you're any more vocal on the field than you are when you're not playing football?
CG: Oh yeah, I definitely try to be a leader on and off the field.
JM: What motivates you in the offseason?
CG: My teammates, family, the drive to win, and the fans.
JM: What are your team and individual goals in high school, and what are your team and individual goals in college?
CG: Well my team goals now are to win our confrence and go to state. My goals are to be an All-American, All-Confrence, and lead the team in tackles.
JM: What area of your game are you trying improve most, and why that area?
CG: Speed and foot work because college coaches love both, and I feel like that would make me a complete backer.
JM: Last question, what's one thing you want Buckeye Nation to know about you?
CG: I'm a player that wants to win, so IF I go to OSU I will be a player that will fight to the end and give my all for my teammates and coaches.
I want to thank Clifton for spending time to share some insight with The Buckeye Board.
Garrett's film (below) shows why he has earned an offer from The Ohio State University after just his sophomore year of high school. He has good speed, gets squared up, and drives through ball carriers. He has two full years of high school left to improve on his talents, but he already shows the ability to be an elite LB.
Ohio State's transition to a spread offense has been controversial among B1G and Buckeye fans. While my offensive breakdowns have stuck to Coach Meyer's word in that the power running element of the game won't be abondoned, there will be changes that need to occur. Even if we continued to run the multiple offense that Coach Tressel and Bollman used the offensive line needed some serious work.
The Buckeyes have recruited solid offensive line prospects (see The Brew Crew), and much of the blame for poor development falls on the shoulders of Coach Bollman. The Buckeyes have upgraded their coaching staff and strength and conditioning coach, but they are struggling to get commitments from offensive linemen.
Last year, we saw Taylor Decker, Joey O'Connor, and Kyle Dodson flip to Ohio State before National Signing Day. They were much needed prospects for the Buckeyes, but now the Buckeyes are in need of more linemen. Buckeye fans are wondering why linemen aren't filing into Columbus, and I think it has to do with expectations of the line.
The new offense is going to call on linemen to be very versatile. The offense needs them to be able to be aggressive run blockers while also being able to hold their own in space. Part of running the read option is the offensive linemen being athletic. Quickness on the interior allows the offense to operate much faster.
One prospect that fits the bill of what Ohio State's looking for in the 2013 class is Khaliel Rodgers. Ohio State is very interested in Rodgers, and Rodgers has shown interest in the Buckeyes. I recently had a chance to chat with Khaliel to find out a little more about him and his relationship with the game of football. Here's the conversation:
JM: To start off, when and why did you start playing football?
KR: I started playing football when I was 6 years old because my older brother was playing.
JM: Were you successful right when you started playing?
KR: I actually started playing tight end. I was ok.
JM: You've been best known in the recruiting world for not backing down from competition and even calling guys out. Have you always had this attitude, and how does it help you on the field?
KR: Yeah, I've always had a competitive attitude when I play the game, and I always wannna prove that I'm the best because I work really hard. It helps a lot on the field.
JM: Do you play other sports, and if so, how do they help your game?
KR: I wrestled for 2 years (Freshman & Sophomore), and it definitely helped me out by keeping me balanced.
JM: What's your favorite thing about playing football?
KR: I love to impose my will on the opposing players.
JM: I bet those guys have long nights when they line up across from you. What's your best memory of playing football at any age?
KR: When I was 14, I played winter league. I grabbed a fumble and ran for a touchdown.
JM: You have a great combination of quickness, strength, and good footwork. I know you've trained with Flash Training (Delaware), but what area of your game do you focus on most?
KR: I focus on the mental part of my game because that is the strongest part of the game.
JM: Do you have any pre game rituals? What gets you fired up for games?
KR: Chief Keef, Meek Mill, and Wocka Flocka songs get me fired up.
JM: Last question, what's one thing you want Buckeye Nation to know about you?
KR: I'm a hard worker, and I play this game with a passion.
Khaliel Rodgers (6'3 310 lbs.)
Elkton, MD
Class of 13 - C/OG Scout Profile Rivals Profile
Khaliel Rodgers, to me, needs to be at the top of Ohio State's list for offensive linemen. He plays with amazing intensity and attitude, but he is also very athletic. He's extremely quick for his size and very powerful. There's a reason he doesn't back down from competition, and it's because he is always trying to prove that he's the best. This is one offensive lineman that I've been big on for awhile because I believe he would flourish in the new Ohio State offense. The Buckeyes would benefit from having his attitude and athleticism on their line. Rodgers has constantly brought home camp MVP and strongest OL awards.
I look forward to hearing more from Khaliel in the future and want to thank him, again, for taking the time to chat with me. Buckeye Nation, this is one guy that you want playing on your line.
Remember to follow me on Twitter @BuckeyeBoard & @BuckeyeBoardJM and on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheBuckeyeBoard
The Buckeyes brought in a solid group of LB's in the 2012 class, but they haven't signed any LB's in the 2013 class. There's still a possibility at signing 2013 LB's, but the 2014 class of LB's is very strong. The Buckeye coaches have been hot on the recruiting trail recently and already have made connections with a few solid prospects. One of those prospects is Raekwon McMillan.
Photo courtesy of 247Sports
I had a chance to chat with the 2014 5* LB out of Hinesville, GA. At 6-3 235 lb., he has the size to be an elite LB. He is high on the Buckeye's target list, but I wanted to take this time to find out a little more about him rather than just his recruitment. McMillan will be entering his Junior year of high school this year, so there's plenty of time for him to talk about that stuff. Here's what he had to say:
JM: Before we start, is there anything you'd like to say or ask?
RM: Over these past few months the Ohio State fan base has shown me the most love from any school...just a tad bit more than Georgia.
JM: When and why did you start playing football?
RM: I started playing football in the 5th grade. My family members are huge football fans, so I was destined to play; but my mom always tells me I used to cry when I got hit...haha.
JM: Now you're out there making guys cry...haha. What's your best memory of football at any age level?
RM: Breaking a 90 yard run in middle school for a touchdown, and then on kickoff, I forced a fumble. I knocked the guy's helmet off and recovered the fumble for another touchdown...still got the film to that game.
JM: Wow. I know you're a hitter, but what's your favorite part of playing football?
RM: It brings all your feelings out of you. Fear, intensity, passion, heart, mental game, anger...it's football, man. Nothing can compare.
JM: What gets you pumped before games, and what gets you motivated in the offseason?
RM: I don't get pumped before the game. I'm a laid back type and like to laugh. Not being ranked the best linebacker in the nation is my motivation in the offseason.
JM: I'm loving these answers. Have you thought about what you might want to study in college?
RM: Family consumer science/culinary arts...or engineering.
JM: Nice to have options. I know it's a big question, but what are your academic and athletic goals through high school and college?
RM: I want to be named at the top of my class for GPA, and I want to finish my senior year with a playoff run. I also want to be ranked in the top 5 players nationally.
JM: What positions have you played, and what positions do you want to play in the future?
RM: I've played running back and the wildcat quarterback on offense. I play linebacker and end on defense. I want to play linebacker from here on out.
JM: Last question, what's one thing you want Buckeye Nation to know about you?
Raekwon McMillan is a powerful ILB. You can see in his video why Buckeye staff and Buckeye Nation are high on him, but it doesn't stop there. He's already pulling in great ratings from recruiting sites. On top of being an excellent athlete, I've seen multiple people (and now experienced it too) talk about how well spoken he is. McMillan is a great student athlete and will go as far as he wishes. I think I speak for all of Buckeye Nation when I say that I hope the relationship between Ohio State and Raekwon McMillan continues to grow.
The Buckeye Board would like to thank Raekwon McMillan for taking part in this interview. We look forward to hearing more from him in the future, and I'm sure he would love to hear from Buckeye Nation.
Follow me on Twitter @BuckeyeBoard and @BuckeyeBoardJM
2014 North Carolina prospect JaQuel Richmond is a shifty 6'1 170lb lead guard. What he might lack in size he makes up with heart. Richmond's recruiting is starting heat up, hearing from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Seton Hall & Xavier to go along with offers from Tennessee, Wake Forest & Virginia Tech to name a few. When It comes to the Buckeyes "I haven't been able to talk to them since June 15, but my Dad has" "They want me to come take a visit sometime in August". When it comes to summer camps "I'll be camping at Tennessee this weekend". As you can tell from the impressive list of schools in touch with JaQuel that he will be a recruit you might want to keep an eye on.
