Sitting Down With 2014 Offensive Lineman Jamarco Jones

More offers are sure to be on their way

As of right now, 2014 offensive lineman Jamarco Jones is not ranked by 247. It's no concern for us though, as Jones has the size (6'5", 290-pounds) and power for a solid blocker. Ohio State obviously realized this and reached out to Jones at the Ohio State camp on Sunday to give him an offer.

It's now only a matter of time until Jones will be ranked. On top of being an excellent athlete, Jones maintains a 4.8 GPA at his high school. Yes, you read that correctly, a 4.8.

With Jones attending more and more camps (MSU tomorrow, Notre Dame on 6/22 and Wisconsin on 6/25) he is sure to garner the attention of the coaches that will be in attendance.

Read the interview after the jump.

Sitting Down With 2014 5-Star Linebacker Raekwon McMillan

McMillan has top schools showing interest

With the 2013 class already rolling in big time commits and still about 8 months left to go until National Signing Day, Urban Meyer has been busy. Not only is Meyer dealing with the '13 class, but he already has his eyes set on the 2014 class.

This recruiting class has already received a lot of anticipation in what many hope is one of Urban Meyer's best classes, ever.

One of the top recruits in the country for 2014 is 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan. McMillan stands 6'3", weighs 233-pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds. Raekwon is the #2 linebacker in the country and #1 prospect in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports Top 247. 

In his sophomore year, McMillan recorded 84 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss. 

After earning an offer from Ohio State, we spoke with McMillan about his thoughts on Ohio State and the recruiting process thus far. Join us after the jump for the interview.

Monday's Buckeye Bits

Good morning Buckeye faithful, and Happy President's Day! Just like last week, our men's basketball team is coming off of a loss to a team from That State Up North.

This time around, it's THE team, and it might hurt a little worse, considering that our Buckeyes now have a 2-game losing streak against teams from Michigan. Hard to believe. Let's see if today's Bits can ease some of the pain away.

It Might Not Be Our Basement, But It's A Basement. While we're nowhere near super-size buckeye blog Eleven Warriors level, we all started our blogs with the same ideas: To share our thoughts and opinions on everything about our favorite scarlet and gray-clad team. That being said, to give you guys the latest and greatest news on OSU, it takes a lot of effort and time.

Sometimes that time is hard to come by when you're working or are in school. 11W is doing the best they can to try and bring Buckeye Nation a beat writer for their site so they can bring even more great coverage, and I suggest you head on over and do the right thing: Make a donation to their hard working site. If ten reasons aren't enough, here's the 11th: They're the best.

Sitting Down With 2013 4-Star TE Recruit Adam Breneman

TE's aren't just for blocking

On Tuesday, we told you about Ohio State offering 2013 tight end Adam Breneman, and all about how he was the top tight end in the class of '13. Urban has shown time and time again that the tight end is a very important part of his offense, so we know this is a recruit that Meyer really wants.

The high school standout has around 20 offers and was also recently invited and accepted an invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game down in Florida next January. Breneman is 6'5'', 220 lbs and has the size to come into Ohio State and play almost right away. Breneman also has some very good speed for a guy his size and seems to be the perfect fit for an offense that will focus a lot of attention on the tight end.

We talked with Adam on Wednesday, a day after his offer came in. Hear his thoughts on Ohio State and the recruiting process overall after the jump.

Sitting Down With 2012 Offensive Lineman Commit Jacoby Boren

The third Boren to come to OSU

Our coverage of the recruiting front continue with another interview.

This time Jacoby Boren, a 3-star offensive guard, answers our questions. Boren is the youngest of the Boren brothers, with former Ohio State offensive lineman Justin Boren and current OSU fullback Zach Boren.

Jacoby committed to Ohio State well before Jim Tressel was forced to resign (December 4th to be exact), but has stayed true to his commitment to the Buckeyes. Now with a class that is depleted in offensive line recruits, Urban Meyer has made it a priority to try and land top offensive linemen across the country. Keeping Boren is just as important, and Meyer proved it by calling Boren up recently.

We talked with Jacoby on Wednesday night to get his thoughts and feelings on Ohio State and his recruitment overall.

Sitting Down With 2012 Linebacker Recruit Camren Williams

Williams is down to two schools

The 2012 recruiting class took a huge momentum shift nationally, when Urban Meyer raced into the picture for Ohio State. Enough cannot be said about how Luke Fickell and Mike Vrabel continued to recruit, and recruit well. Before Meyer came onto the coaching staff, Fickell had wrapped up 9 recruits on his own, and had picked up some pretty decent players.

Once Urban stepped in though, the bar was set a couple of feet higher. Recruits are gaining interest fast, and now are taking a serious look at where they stand.

Now another recruit has joined the mix, and we didn't have to wait long to hear from another star prospect.

That prospect is Camren Williams of West Roxbury (MA) Catholic Memorial. Williams, a 6-2/200 linebacker, is a four star recruit that is currently committed to Penn State. He the brother of current UNC offensive lineman Brennan Williams.

We talked with Camren on Tuesday night, and he gave us the latest info on his recruitment and thoughts on Ohio State.

Enemy Blogger Interview: Wisconsin

It's Wisconsin Week

As the Buckeyes prepare to host the Badgers this Saturday at 8 PM EST, Buckeye Nation knows this is a must-win game if Ohio State even wants a shot at staying in the race for the Big Ten Conference Championship game. Wisconsin is coming off it's first loss, and now travel to the 'Shoe. John Veldhuis of Bucky's 5th Quarter was nice enough to join us in answering our questions that we had about Wisconsin, and the game the 'Shoe.

1. Wisconsin has just suffered their first loss of the season after traveling to Michigan State. They still have good odds heading into this game to win the Leader's Division, since MSU falls under the Legends. What did that loss mean to the Badgers, and what does this upcoming game mean to them?

Well, the loss means that Russell Wilson is human after all. He didn't have a bad day, but the bad parts came at exactly the wrong times. In addition, it means that some of the season's high expectations came crashing down along with that tipped ball, into the hands of Keith Nichol. Preseason, I expected the Badgers to be right where they are now - 6-1 with a loss to Michigan State. After the first few games I believed (and I think a lot of other people did too) that this team was able to do something more than a Big Ten Championship. That's why it hurts now. This game is important because they still have 4 of their 5 next games against division opponents, and they'll have to beat a still talented Ohio State team on the road.

2. Ohio State traveled to Camp Randall last year ranked #1 in the country, and took their only fall the whole year. Are Wisconsin fans feeling some confidence heading into the rowdy 'Shoe?

I think they are, but it's more because of Ohio State's no-good very-bad offseason. Before the Time of Troubles started, this looked like a very tough game for the Badgers, and it still is, to an extent. Ohio State's offense doesn't strike fear into anyone right now, and I think the Wisconsin defense is coming in a little underrated after the loss to MSU, so I think they have a right to be confident for now. Ohio State will get back to their normal state sooner rather than later, so the Badgers need to take advantage while they have time. 

3. Who are the #1 play makers on offense, not counting Russell Wilson and Montee Ball?

Well, in addition to Ball, there's Nick Toon - he's the Badgers' No.1 receiver. He's had a good year so far, mostly because of his strong connection with Wilson. Toon's success has helped Jared Abbrederis, a sure-handed walk on who defenders can't forget about. If Toon is put on an island, Abbrederis usually finds ways to get open against the #2 corner. Finally, there's Jacob Pedersen. He's the Badgers' next "Big Thing" at tight end, and with all of the Badgers' other weapons drawing attention, defenses tend to forget about him. He's second in receiving touchdowns this year, so when defenses forget about him, they usually pay for it. 

Enemy Blogger Interview: Akron

Middle of the pack since 1946

Matt Sussman from Hustle Belt has been a very busy man among the Internets, what with several Ohio State blogs asking for their questions to be answered, and after all of that, he was still kind enough to answer ours. So, with that, let's jump right in!

1. It appears that Akron has lost some of their key starters on the offensive side of the ball, and although they went 1-11 last season, that's still veteran leadership they are missing. How will the Zips replace them?

Well, head coach Rob Ianello made his reputation as a master recruiter at Notre Dame, so he's going to do it the old fashioned MAC way: Locate people who fell through the cracks, both as high school seniors and JUCO transfers. He knew in his first year what he was going to lose in terms of seniors and I'd like to say he prepared exceptionally well to fill out a competitive two-deep. So, he may have lost seniors he didn't recruit, but in Year Two, he gets to plug in some of his new guys and redshirts to see what they can do in his new pro-style system and 4-3 defense.

Braxton Miller Speaks To The Media

Yesterday, Braxton Miller (and a handful of other freshman) had a chance to speak with the media, and most of the media took advantage. With Braxton most likely being the signal caller this year, here's what he had to say:


"Miller said it was tough at first when he learned Terrelle Pryor had left because Terrelle taught him a lot in the spring. He said he then became more focused knowing his chance was at hand.

Miller said he has gained 15 pounds since the Under Armour game back in January. He is up to 215 now.

Miller said he felt a lot more comfortable during 7-on-7s in the summer than he did during spring practice.

Miller said he wants to concentrate on the passing plays because he as the running plays down. He said he still gets confused on some routes.

Miller said he wants to stay humble during his 4 years at Ohio State.

Miller said he is working with freshmen wideouts Evan Spencer and Devin Smith every day to get the timing down."

Sitting Down With Tyler Moeller

Interview is after the jump


You may have heard of Tyler Moeller, the 6'0" 210 lb senior from the Queen City. One of the fan favorites on defense, Moeller started to get some recognition in the 2008 season when he earned his first start against Illinois, recording seven tackles, two TFL, and forcing an Illini fumble. In 2009, Moeller was prepared for a break out year after a very impressive spring game. About a month before the season began, though, Moeller was attacked, suffering a severe injury to his head, and taking him out of the college football world. Some thought he wouldn't be able to play again, but he recovered well enough to garner attention for the 2010 year. 


Finally, fans got to see Tyler Moeller step into a sort of lead role on the defense, with his flying to the ball on every play, never taking a break. Moeller was able to account for 19 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and a sack on the year. Then came Illinois. During the game, Tyler felt something "rip in his chest" and once again, Moeller would sit the rest of the year out. Now, being granted a 6th year of eligibility, Moeller will come in to lead a new look Silver Bullets for the Buckeye squad. We got a hold of Tyler to talk to him about the upcoming season, and a little bit about himself.

Representing: Purdue

The blogger Travis, from Hammer and Rails, was nice enough to give us his thoughts on the Boilermaker's season thus far, and the game today.


1. Right now, how do you feel about where the Boilermakers are as a team?

I feel pretty good. This team took a terrible situation into the bye week (no offense, loss to a MAC school) and has turned things around. The Northwestern win is a good one. It was our first win over a ranked team on the road in seven years. Beating Minnesota wasn't much, but we at least made sure there was no doubt and overcame a very subdued crowd since the Robbie Hummel news was spreading at the time. We're at least moving in a positive direction. 

2. Guys like Kerrigan gave Ohio State problems last year, but who is the one person the whole team always builds around?

Offensively Rob Henry has done a good job of shifting our  focus on the fly to a read option team. He has a lot of poise as a redshirt freshman with only two starts under his belt. Should Robert Marve return next year Henry may give him a run for the starting job again. 

Defensively Kawann Short is a very underrated defensive tackle. A former basketball player and teammate in high school of E'Twaun Moore, he has mad hops for a defensive linesmen. this plays intot he pass defense as he leads the team in passes batted down and even has a blocked field goal. he's excellent against the run too. 

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Purdue, and vice versa?

Ohio State is the better team, so they must simply exert their will and keep the defensive line away from Pryor. Purdue needs to get after Pryor and force him into bad decisions like last year. Kerrigan owns him. Pryor knows it too. If Kerrigan dominates as he has the past two seasons we have a chance. 

4. On a scale of 1-10, how mad are you that Kent State dropped Purdue from their schedule next year, to replace you with Alabama?

It's frustrating because I really don't want to fill that spot with another 1-AA team, but we may not have a choice. We have a much tougher conference slate next year, so we need to make sure there are three wins out of the non-conference schedule to assure a bowl bid. Now we might have to accept a second non-conference road game in addition to a trip to Rice. 

5. How will Purdue finish the season? (W/L, Bowl game?)

I am looking at 6-6 and a bowl game. I would take that given the injury situation because it would be an improvement over last year. I just want to beat Illinois and Indiana that rest of the way. Anything else is gravy. Of course, we are in first place in the Big Ten. A win this week will start some dreams of Pasadena. 

Representing: Wisconsin

The blogger from Bucky's 5th Quarter was nice enough to answer some questions on the upcoming game, and the rest of the Badger's season.


1. Right now, how do you feel about where the Badgers are as a team?

I feel like they are definitely a Top 25 team but they have a long ways to go if they want to make a BCS bowl. Early injuries prevented this team from making large improvements in the preseason so they are going to have to do that on the fly in the Big Ten season. I think that had a lot to do with why they lost at Michigan State. Every great team gets better each week and the Badgers' improvement hasn't been as great as many would like.

2. Wisconsin has so many weapons, with Scott Tolzien and John Clay. Who do they build around in key situations?

In key passing situations tight end Lance Kendricks is the go-to-guy. When the Badgers need a yard or two on the ground, John Clay has always proven to be capable. But the newest guy on the scene is true freshman running back James White who has been able to bust out some big touchdown runs when the Badgers needed them.

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Wisconsin and vice versa?

The Buckeyes need to force some turnovers. Last year the Badgers proved they could sustain drives against the Buckeyes -- and it's virtually the same offense this year -- but they couldn't get in the end zone because Scott Tolzien was turning the ball over. But Wisconsin hasn't turned the ball over in four straight games and if the Badgers make it five, they will be tough to beat.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin has to limit big plays on defense. That was the Achilles heel of this team last year and it continues to be a sore spot this season. If Wisconsin wins, it's going to be a low scoring game. The defense can't allow Terrelle Pryor to bust off a big run or complete a long touchdown pass.

4. Have you heard of @BeingBielema? If so, do you follow him?

Not until you just mentioned it.

5. How will Wisconsin finish the season? (W/L, Bowl game)

10-3 seems like a likely finish again. Even if they lose their next two games against Ohio State and Iowa, they should go 4-0 to finish the season and possibly make the Outback Bowl.

Representing: Miami

The Miami blogger from The 7th Floor was kind enough to share their knowledge about the Hurricanes, and they're chances in the game.

1. Right now, do you feel pretty good about where the Hurricanes are as a team?

Absolutely. I think this is the year things really come together for Miami: the team consists solely now of guys who have bought into Randy Shannon's version of the program, they learned a lot from folding down the stretch last year, there's finally depth -- gorgeous depth! -- and there's stability on the coaching staff. I think this is the year they win the ACC, and next there's no reason they shouldn't contend for a title. 

It's been a slow road back; I think few people realized exactly how bad things have gotten, and how much of a steaming turd Shannon inherited. 

And exactly how deadly is the Voltron he's assembling. 

2. Besides Jacory Harris, Who's the key guy, the player that they have to build around to win games?

Honestly, Jacory's the only one. Take away Leonard Hankerson, you can "make do" with Laron Byrd. Damien Berry goes down, there's Mike James and a streak where Lamar Miller used to be. Behind Travis Benjamin is Davon Johnson. You can still call it a young-ish team, but offensively, it feels like we're back to the days in which Willis McGahee was a third-stringer. There's so much depth on the offense -- everywhere, that is, but quarterback. 

For some reason, though, I'm not going to feel good about the game until Lamar Miller notches a touchdown return. 

3. What has to happen for Ohio State to beat Miami or vice versa? 

I think Miami has to be disciplined up front. Terrelle Pryor is not going to be able to scurry around behind the line of scrimmage, or he'll be eaten alive by Olivier Vernon or Allen Bailey. But if he gets chances up the middle -- if the defensive tackles don't do their thing -- it could make for an uncomfortable night. 

Miami's linebacker situation is...unsettling. Sean Spence is a beast, but every now and then, Colin McCarthy does something inexplicably terrifying. And they're the only dependable two. 

I'm not at all worried about TP throwing his way to a win.  Everything, either way, will depend on Miami's defense, because Jacory can score all night. 

I think Ohio State will need to shut down Leonard Hankerson. And he's got mouths to feed. 

4. Was it pass interference, and what are you're feelings on that game?

OBVIOUSLY. But that game is history, and even if Miami wins it doesn't erase it. To my mind, this isn't about revenge -- it's about this year, and this team, who have a chance not to leave anything in the hands of dickhead refs. Or anyone named Craig Krenzel. That's an elf's name. 

5. How will Miami do this season? (W/L, Bowl Game?)

9-2, BCS bowl. 

You know that Villain guy?

Evan Turner will be on UStream today at 5:30 EST!! Here's where to go.

He will be taking questions, and I've been given the opportunity to ask some. So, I want you, the readers to comment below asking a question for Evan Turner himself. I will need them before 5 today! I'll make sure to get them to the interviewer. Please nothing vulgar.

Come remember the good old days.

No, we didn't get it.

After many many days of waiting, it's finally over. The outcome was different than I expected, but the result that is, will most likely stand. As you all know, one of the main goals of this blog when I started it was to get on that poll. After doing some research on the current blogs, I knew I had a legitimate shot to become one of the pollers for the Buckeyes. Brian at MGoBlog was kind enough to patiently take in my barrage of emails in stride, and give me a fighting chance. I won't go into details, but today he announced on his blog the ones getting taken out, and the ones staying in. Fortunately, a Buckeye blog was taken out (I mean that in the most respectful way). It just wasn't one of the ones I expected. The incoming blogs on the poll included 3 from the Big Ten. Our blog wasn't on the list. I kept waiting for Part 2, but got an email that I still had a shot, it just depended on another blog and they're decision. They're decision ended our hopes.

Alright, that last line was a bit harsh, but when you can't hit one of your goals, it hurts. I won't point fingers, or stats, or bad mouth anyone. I will say this: We aren't going anywhere. My writers might someday leave, they might not. I'll be here. Next year I will try again at the BlogPoll, and hopefully succeed. I don't feel as if we have failed anything, just that we didn't quite hit the meter I wanted to. On a bit of a happier note, tommorow be sure to check out the SB Nation Purdue Blog Hammer and Rails because we were interviewed by them about the upcoming season, etc;. We hope you guys stick around, because this is just getting better and better.