Class of 2012: Recruiting Breakdown

Dunn leads the way in 2012

The nightmare might finally be over. Currently, the Buckeyes sit with 11 commitments, and only lost one that had been previously committed. It seems it is not the doom and gloom it's made out to be right? The Buckeyes are loading up on in-state prospects, some of the sleeper variety, but all of the "football player" variety. A smart move. This class started off with flash and through the summer, they added some toughness and intangibles. 


Perhaps the most important get in this class is Brionte Dunn, at tailback. To get one of the state's best was significant. Since then, there have been rumors aplenty that he may look elsewhere, and he did, in fact, visit rival Michigan. Through it all, the Buckeyes have solidified their position with him and he continues to reaffirm his commitment. The "get" was big, the "hold" has been even bigger. The only real loss in this class was Kyle Kalis, which in my opinion is a gigantic loss. Ohio State hasn't done the best with recruiting offensive linemen, and the recruiting staff had finally landed one with some serious skill and strength. When he de-committed and headed to Michigan, his legacy was sealed, and now he has had to take the backlash for his choice to head to Ann Arbor.


With Dunn and four-star Warren Ball, the Buckeyes have two stud tailbacks. The concern with Ball has been injuries and that he may not be a 25 carry a game back. That's just fine, because Dunn is, and I think they'll complement each other perfectly. Ball has great athleticism, balance, and good speed for a bigger guy. Dunn is a pounder with good lateral agility for a battering ram type.
Four-star linebacker Josh Perry is a guy with a very high ceiling. Great frame, long arms, and though he is touted as a good athlete, I don't think many know just how good of an athlete he is. He may, in fact, be the best athlete in the class. He's a good fit for the defense (any defense really), because he can run, cover, and rush the passer. He's a versatile kid who is just scratching the surface of his ability. While he's a long term guy, I see Lancaster's Luke Roberts are more of a "you know what you're getting" prospect, but that's not a knock, because what you're getting is one of the toughest, strongest players in the state.

Jacoby looks to be dominant

In the secondary, I think the Buckeyes have done a great job. The spots for the secondary are never very deep, but this time Ohio State is trying to change that, starting with four-star safety Devan Bogard leading the way. He is thin, but that doesn't stop him from laying the lumber. This kid will hit you. Najee Murray is an athlete. I think he's a perfect fit for Ohio State as a corner. He is a little small for safety, but as an outside guy in Ohio State's defense, I think he'll flourish. He can also also be a return man with his quick cuts and speed/versatility. Tyvis Powell is long and athletic. I think he's the least ready to step in right away of the three, but may have the most long term potential.

Offensive lineman Jacoby Boren follows his brothers to Ohio State, and those two had (and have had) great careers in Columbus and there is no reason to think Jacoby won't do the same. He's a tough kid with good technique. He does well in space, and he may not be your prototype 6'5, 300-lber, but he makes up for it in all other areas. I wouldn't bet against him being a future starter, and I don't know many who would. Patrick Elflein could go either way, but we see him as a guard right now and he's an intriguing kid. Like Boren, he's not overwhelmingly big, but he moves very well and he plays to the whistle.

Wide receiver Frank Epitropoulos is a guy I really liked on video, and the more I saw him, the more I was impressed. He has great size and ball skills and I think he'll develop into one of those guys that opposing teams just hate to play against because he'll find ways to get open and he'll catch everything. He could be a go-to guy for Braxton Miller in the future.

Tight end Blake Thomas surprised me with how he ran and his ability in space. They flex him out and use him as a receiving weapon quite a bit at St. Ignatius, and he's a good blocker to boot.