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.

Blake Thomas Becomes #7 In 2012

He can catch, but especially block

After Ohio State signed two tight ends for the 2011 class, most thought that would be more than good enough for the next 2 years or so. The recruiting staff must think otherwise, as they grabbed a kid that was rumored to be ready to receive an explosion of offers from big name schools after he attended different football camps over the summer.


As of now, Blake Thomas comes in at 6-4/240, and seems to be the perfect fit as a tight end at OSU, thinking block first, catch second. I wouldn't be surprised to see him used much like Fragel was/is once he develops some more. Even for his size, he has deceptive speed that could help out on some toss plays or play action throws. He had offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Louisville, Indiana, Virginia, and others before deciding to don the Scarlet and Gray.


Thomas joins Frank Epitropoulos, Josh Perry, Warren Ball, Brionte Dunn, Jacoby Boren, and Kyle Kalis as members of the 2012 recruiting class. It's a good thing we are still getting recruits, showing that there is no confidence lost in our staff of recruiters. They are still able to go and get who they need to fill roles. While there is still plenty of time for the 2012 class to get in, we have some more spots to fill, and we should have about 12-13 more recruits to pick up in the future. Keep checking ITS out for more updates and news on recruits and everything else.