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| Can Walker become elite? |
These next 3 recruits are pretty important to grab. Ejuan Price committed to Ohio State, but could be having second thoughts after his visit with Pitt. It's possible to change his mind.
Aundrey Walker is down to his final three: USC, Ohio State, and Michigan State. This will come down to the last day, without a doubt in my mind.
Cardale Jones is like a lesser version of Braxton Miller. He would be a nice addition to the class, but this man is not a need as it stands.
On to the recruits, broken down:
Aundrey Walker, Offensive Lineman, Status: Uncommitted
The Info
Walker is a big fella, as you may have noticed in the picture. His size is really what allows him to be good at what he does. Walker is likely best suited for the interior line. Fires off the ball surprisingly well, considering how big he is. Doesn't play with a lot of strength and leverage, but with his quickness off the ball and momentum, he's able to steer smaller defensive linemen.
Sheer mass allows him to be a decent pass blocker on the interior line, because he takes up so much space. He can really try to improve his strength and balance, and that will make him a top pick up for OSU.
The real competition for Ohio State is Michigan State, as they've been recruiting him for as long as the Bucks have and their program contains the same structure and value system of Ohio State's. I really have to worry about USC, but I can't see him ending up their with their violations in place. I think he's between MSU and OSU.
Who does he choose?
The big man from Glenville will stay at home with Ohio State. It will come close, but I can't see him ending up anywhere else.
Ejuan Price, Linebacker, Status: Committed To Ohio State
The Info
You may be wondering why I have Price on here. Earlier last month (yes, it's really February now.) we reported the Ejuan had committed to Ohio State over Iowa. Now it seems Pitt is in the mix. After an official visit, new head coach Todd Graham, have made Price a top priority as signing day looms, and it appears that the hometown team is on the verge of flipping Price away from Ohio State only a few weeks after he made his original commitment.
"Complicating matters, Price's best friend, cornerback Lafayette Pitts, has been reoffered by the new Pittsburgh staff. Pitts was originally a commitment to Pittsburgh under previous head coach Dave Wanstedt, but switched over to Rutgers on the 21st after receiving minimal attention from Todd Graham's regime. On the surface, at least, it appears that Graham is willing to accept a commitment from Pitts as long as he brings Ejuan Price with him." - ATO
This may just turn out badly for Ohio State, especially since he assured Buckeye nation that he wouldn't visit again with Pitt before signing day. Well, he did.
Who does he choose?
I think he sticks out with Ohio State. It's too hard not to at this point, and Price has said that he loves Ohio State.
Cardale Jones, Quarterback, Status: Uncommitted
The Info
Cardale Jones will struggle in a camp setting because his mechanics are sub-par, but once the game starts, he has excellent field vision and throws with better accuracy when he's able to move around in the pocket and pick his spots. Arm strength to throw the ball 60 yards down field, Jones needs to shorten his release and be more consistent, but he has a lot of tools and a good feel for game
He is considering a greyshirt option to Ohio State, which means he would delay enrollment for the Fall Quarter but arrive in time for 2012 Spring Practice. He would not be a member of the 2011 Buckeyes and would essentially be a member of the 2012 recruiting class. This would put an extra year between him and Braxton Miller and would remove pressure on Ohio State to find a star quarterback in the 2012 recruiting cycle.
He is being recruited by other schools, but he is considering prep school. It would waste a year of eligibility at a the school, but he would retain the option of redshirting to put distance between himself and Braxton Miller. If Jones does end up choosing this option, Ohio State would probably need to still recruit another quarterback in the 2012 class, as they cannot be held to the mercy of one player's grades.
Who does he choose?
He's going to Prep School. Eventually he will come back to Ohio State, but for right now, this is the best option he can have in my opinion, and Coach Tressel and company have talked to him about it, without a doubt.
