2013 4-Star Defensive End Joey Bosa Commits To Ohio State

Bosa is #12 for the Class of '13

It doesn’t get much better than the defensive end trio Urban Meyer signed for his 2012 recruiting class, which included Noah Spence, Adolphus Washington and Se’Von Pittman that Urban Meyer landed last recruiting season.

Now, though, Meyer may just be outdoing himself as the Buckeyes added a fantastic defensive end earlier this afternoon.

Joey Bosa, the country’s No. 2 strong-side defensive end in the 247Sports rankings, has tweeted that he has committed to Ohio State. This makes Bosa the 12th commitment to Meyer and OSU's Class of 2013.

Bosa made his decision while visiting Ohio State over the weekend and attending the Ohio State spring game on Saturday. However, he waited - for good reason - to make his announcement this morning.

Bosa is more familiar with Ohio State football than most high school football players in the state of Florida. Bosa’s mother is from Chicago and his uncle Eric Kumerow was a high school star there before heading to Ohio State where he became a star defensive end for the Buckeyes.

The 6'5", 260-pound Bosa played in every game during his sophomore season and started two for one of the country’s top prep teams. He missed four games during his junior season with a concussion, but still made 50 tackles including eight sacks. Bosa had 16 tackles for loss as St. Thomas Acquinas finished with a 10-3 record.

Bosa picked Ohio State over an impressive list of scholarship offers that includes Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, Wisconsin, Michigan, Boston College, Notre Dame and Iowa.

In addition to being the country’s No. 2 strong-side defensive end prospect, Bosa is the country’s No. 24 overall prospect and the No. 7 prospect in the state of Florida.

This defensive line recruiting is just getting out of hand - in the best way possible. This a fantastic pick up for Ohio State and one that they really wanted to add to their class. Now that they have him, they can focus more on the other key recruits. 

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates and opinions on Ohio State athletics. 

Top OLB Alex Anzalone To Attend Ohio State's Spring Game

Anzalone has met Meyer before

4-star linebacker Alex Anzalone attended an Ohio State junior day in February and came out of Urban Meyer’s office with a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes. Anzalone made that visit with his mother and father.

Anzalone was back in Columbus near the end of March for another Ohio State visit, this time with just his mom as his father had to work.

Three of the top schools Anzalone is considering are Ohio State, Penn State and Notre Dame, and all three will hold their spring game on April 21.

After visiting Penn State yesterday, Anzalone has told the media he will definitely be in Columbus next weekend. Anzalone has over 30 scholarship offers. His list includes Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Michigan, Florida State and Arkansas. Anzalone will probably start to narrow his list down in the near future.

The 6'3", 220-pound Anzalone could play inside or on the perimeter at the next level. Fickell has told him he could play any of the three linebacker positions at Ohio State.

He is the No. 4 prospect in Pennsylvania, the country’s No. 97 overall prospect and the No. 6 outside linebacker.

This could be a huge factor on where Anzalone ends up playing college football, as he wasn't expected to attend the OSU spring game. Now that he is, Urban is sure to be ready to pull out all of the stops for Alex. 

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest updates, news and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

Ohio State Offers Top TE Adam Breneman In 2013 Class

Breneman has some speed

Ohio State and Urban Meyer are continuing their quest on the recruiting trail by dipping into the 2013 class. 

This time in the form of top rated tight end Adam Breneman.

Meyer and the Buckeyes join the likes of Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, South Carolina, Stanford and Virginia in offering the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Breneman. The Camp Hill (Pa.) Cedar Cliff standout checks in as the country’s No. 32 prospect overall according to 247Sports 2013 recruiting rankings.

Breneman has been been an absolute dynamic player these past two seasons. The future Under Armour All-American caught 72 passes for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, following up a sophomore campaign of 59 receptions for 863 yards and eight scores.

Early in the process, Breneman doesn't seem to have any favorites. In the past he’s taken visits to the campuses at Alabama, Boston College, Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers and Virginia. Coach Meyer and the rest of the coaching staff have been in "constant" contact with Breneman, and it so far it sounds like Breneman is taking it all in right now. 

Urban has shown in the past that he likes tight ends that can move, and change a game quickly. Meyer loves the tight ends that aren’t big and slow, and word is that he is going full force on getting Breneman to end up being a Buckeye. 

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest news, updates, and opinions on Ohio State athletics.

Ed Warriner Follows Tim Hinton From Notre Dame To Ohio State

Warriner leaves Notre Dame for OSU

According to the Chicago Tribune and Bill Greene, Ohio State and Urban Meyer have made another hire that followed almost immediately after Tim Hinton's hire. Ed Warriner who is also from Notre Dame and was coaching the offensive line as well as being the running game coordinator. At Ohio State, Warriner will be the offensive line coach once more, taking over for Jim Bollman.

"Assistants Tim Hinton and Ed Warinner officially gone "to pursue other opportunities." Hinton is likely Ohio State-bound, per reports that surfaced late Sunday, and a source said Warinner is destined for Urban Meyer's new staff as well."

As importantly, Warinner turned an offensive line at Notre Dame that was problematic for years into a solid, reliable unit that helped produce 4.82 yards per rush and allowed just 17 sacks in an offense that attempted 473 passes in the 2011 season.

Warriner, a 28-year coaching veteran, has extensive experience coaching within the spread offense, having spent three seasons coordinating the Kansas offense under Mark Mangino. Those three seasons were some of the most successful in Kansas football history, and the Jayhawk offense broke point and yardage records in that time. Following the 2009 season, Warriner was a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association's National Assistant Coach of the Year award. He has also coached offensive lines at Army, Air Force, and Illinois. 

Most recently, Warriner was with Notre Dame. In his first season at Notre Dame, Warinner helped develop three first-time starters on the offensive line and improved the average yards per rush and decreased sacks allowed when compared to 2009. The Irish averaged 4.0 rushing yards per carry, the best rushing average by a Notre Dame team since 2003. Notre Dame's offensive line allowed a sack on only 4.0 percent of the overall pass attempts in 2010 and the 1.54 sacks allowed per game was the fewest by an Irish offensive line since 1998 (0.8 per game).

Over the final six games of the 2010 season, Warinner's offensive line faced defenses that were cumulatively averaging 2.3 sacks per game but the Irish offensive line allowed only five sacks in 202 pass attempts in those six contests

As for Ohio ties, Warriner is a native of Strasburg, Ohio, and also played football and baseball at Mount Union College from 1979-83. He led the team in rushing yards, receptions and scoring while earning his fourth letter in 1983. Warinner also received two letters in baseball at Mount Union.

2013 Linebacker Recruit Tim Kimbrough To Visit OSU For Wisconsin Game

Tim would be a nice addition

Tim Kimbrough, a 2013 recruit that plays outside linebacker is rumored to be visiting Ohio State this weekend, when the Buckeyes host Wisconsin at 8 p.m. Normally, recruits don't visit unless they have an offer, and while Kimbrough may not hold an offer just yet, Ohio State might jump into this recruit at the right time. If he leaves OSU with an offer, or soon after receives one, he might lean heavily towards the Buckeyes.

Kimbrough himself is 6'1'', 218 lbs. He's another recruit that is added to the already large list of recruits attending this game. Adolphus Washington, among others, and many more recruits. This game is turning out to be pretty big for Fickell and the recruiting staff, as they continue to pile on offers to big recruits.

The Indiana Warren Central junior linebacker racked up 11 solos, seven assists, and 1 tackle for loss and four big hits in the team's season opener, which they won 64-13. Kimbrough is arguably the top prospect on a defense that includes senior top 100 defensive tackle and Notre Dame commit Sheldon Day, Indiana linebacker pledge Jordan Wallace, Purdue safety commit Jordan Shine, and Cincinnati defensive end verbals Jonathan Burt and Joshua Posley.

He currently holds offers from North Carolina and Purdue, and the Warren Central coaching staff says Iowa could be next. Other programs showing strong interest (besides Ohio State) is Notre Dame, Florida, and Cincinnati. Kimbrough is very high on the Buckeyes and Irish, and visited each campus this summer, along with Tennessee's.

Video Highlights after the jump

LS Bryce Haynes Picks Ohio State

Bryce Haynes, the come from nowhere long snapper out of Georgia, has surprisingly committed to Ohio State. This announcement coming a couple days before National Signing Day, makes it even more surprising, adding to what may end up being one of the better recruited classes of Tressel's era. 

This is actually a pretty big pick up for the Buckeyes, as Haynes was rumored to be leaning towards Notre Dame, going even as far as saying it was his dream to play there someday. While the recruiting days are numbered, we'll keep you up to date on the recruiting trail.

The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

Hype for this weekend's showdown at the 'Shoe is increasing by the minute, and with good reason. But by

You lost, get over it

now everyone knows the match ups, and I am tired of re-hashing how Hurricane fans (both of them) are still sour about how their team was manhandled so badly in 2002 that they banked on the refs missing a pass interference call to win (a strategy that ultimately failed). And for those that are so hard headed they still think it was a blown call, I present you with this, perhaps the single greatest web page in the history of the internet: the truth hurts, doesn't it Miami?

So anyway, the point of this post was the go over some other games that affect the Buckeyes this weekend; namely No. 18 Penn State @ No. 1 Alabama and Unranked michigan @ Unranked Notre Dame. Full Disclosure before I begin. I am a "Big Ten fan" in the loosest meaning of the phrase. I understand that when teams in the Big Ten appear better, it makes Ohio State appear better. However, I hate Penn State and I hate michigan, and root against them in every game. When they play Axis of Evil teams like Alabama and Notre Dame though, it complicates things.

Is Notre Dame Next ???

Interesting news regarding Notre Dame "football". Apparently the 2013 game at Yankee Stadium against Army(who was relevant way back in the day when Notre Dame was actually relevant) has been CANCELLED. Why's that, you ask? I don't know yet, but I figured I'd pour some gasoline on this expansion fire and monger some more rumors. Speaking of Notre Dame THIS never happened.

The double-edged sword finally hit.

It was only a matter of time. All the seasons I've been watching Lebron James, I always wondered just like any other Cavs fan I'm sure, how he did such an amazing job of driving and scoring and being physical, without getting injured. Sure, he's had his injuries, but only for a day or two. Now we have this elbow from last night that apparently has been bothering him since Game 2 of the Bulls series. Of course, the elbow says it's fine, so I guess we should believe it. So the double-edged sword here is obviously the series being won, but bad side: LBJ's elbow. He said after the game it worries him, but we will see what happens.

Ben Koyack commits to Notre Dame. Obviously didn't want the competition here.

If you haven't seen what Michigan has done/said lately, go here. I hope they don't seriously think that will work. Obviously if your making your own new defense, and no one else will be using it, then it's not very good. I swear, they get dumber and dumber every year. Oh, and worse at all sports.
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Inside The Shoe is still looking for two writers. One basketball, and one football writer. If your interested, please leave a comment, or email us at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com. The requirements can be found here. We hope to be talking to you soon!

Big Ten Expansion heating up.

A story has broken out about the Big Ten speeding up the process of looking for a 12th (or more) member(s). This is very intriguing in the fact that just a couple of months ago, we heard Jim Delany say that the process would most likely take up to 12-18 months. Some other known facts are that if this was to happen before the meetings of the BCS, Delany would contact the Big East commish, letting him know they would be looking at Rutgers, Pitt, and Syracuse. That would allow the Big Ten more than a month to negotiate with schools before conference presidents and chancellors meet in Chicago during the first weekend in June. Then there was this little nugget of glory.

"I don't think 16 is scaring anyone off, as long as you can find (five) that are a good enough fit," said one source who has been consulted during the exploratory phase. "They're looking long-term, across the horizon. What gives them the best shot at keeping value at a high level?"

This may surprise you, but I am actually against having so many teams in the conference. Yes, it would probably be more exciting as a whole, but it seems a bit too much to me. I think adding 1 or 3 schools at most would be alright, but 16 is a couple too many. Here is my wish list for the Big Ten for teams to be added

1. Texas
2. Notre Dame
3. Nebraska
4. Cincinnati (just so we can shut the fans up every year)

More on the Notre Dame, comes in the Chicago Tribune:

By joining the Big Ten, Notre Dame could increase its annual television revenue from roughly $15 million to $22 million, get a national TV platform (the Big Ten Network) for its top-notch Olympic sports and decrease travel costs for its teams.

Sounds like a good deal to me. I know they have the contract with NBC, but they would also get more respect as a whole, and the whole shebang! I really don't understand why they have held out so long. It's just sad to think we could have had Notre Dame added a long time ago..and they just didn't want to. Oh well.
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Inside The Shoe is still looking for two writers. One basketball, and one football writer. If your interested, please leave a comment, or email us at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com. The requirements can be found here. We hope to be talking to you soon!

Big Ten starting to make some moves.

It has been reported throughout the day that the current Big 12 school, Texas, is currently having "preliminary exchanges" with the Big Ten and it's need for expansion. Most Buckeye fans, including other Big Ten schools, like this idea, or so we think. Personally, I would love the idea, because it seems every so often, Texas and Ohio State duke it out for the top spot. So this automatically makes the conference THAT much tougher on us, and we can continue to do better in bowl games. In this case, it would not only help the Big Ten, but also help Texas. The past year has led to a nice little downfall for Big 12 fans, and this would seem like a good time to get out. Unlike last time, this story HAS a source, and may in fact, become true.

A look back in Buckeye History.

This will start a new thing here at INS (Inside The Shoe). Every now and then, we will look back to great moments in Ohio State history and recap what happend. Today we will be looking back at 1995 when we played Notre Dame here in the Shoe. The reason for doing this game is because it goes along with our POW. Let us know if you like this!

Ohio State - 45 Notre Dame - 26

The last time these two teams met before that day was 1935, which then, was 60 years ago. Last time the team's met, Notre Dame erased a 13-0 4th quarter deficit to win 18-13. Then, it was the the game of the century, and it seemed like it was.

 This time around, when Notre Dame was ahead 20-14 in the 3rd Quarter, Ohio State was punting, and then Notre Dame squandered three straight chances to score, because of the next three possessions resulting in 2 fumbles and an interception. After some confusion on a punt return, Ohio State quarterback Bobby Hoying took advantage of the turnover and 3 plays later, scored on a 15 yard touchdown throw to Rickey Dudley which put OSU up 21-20. After an interception, on the heels of a 56 yard throw, Ron Powlus threw an interception. Then the Buckeyes proceeded with a 4 play drive resulting in an 82 yard touchdown throw from Hoying to Terry Glenn. The play was fairly short, but in the middle of the field, Glenn's speed was to much for the Irish.

 That drive itself was enough of a statement to put fear into the Irish. Powlus's next drive resulted in him fumbling a snap, which lead to a third three play drive for the Buckeyes in which Heisman canididate Eddie George stormed into the end zone giving the Buckeyes the lead, 35-20. The Fighting Irish were inspired to keep playing, coming as close as 35-26, but the back breaker was certainly on the next drive where Eddie George broke free on a sweep to the left for 61 yards, and a Buckeye touchdown. Irish coach Lou Holtz gave credit to the Buckeyes saying that their big play ability gave them the win. Eddie George finished with 35 carries for 207 yards on the day. This was Eddie's 4th 200 yard game in his career and his second on the year. The win over Notre Dame gave John Cooper his first out of two wins that would come the following year aganist the Irish, and it would give way to a 11-0 start to the season. Michigan then proceeded to upset the Buckeyes 31-23 as Cooper's Michigan woes became more solid into his career. The Buckeyes followed up with another loss, this time to Tennesee in their bowl game that year losing to the SEC by a touchdown, 20-14. Eddie George did manage to win the Heisman despite those losses, giving the Buckeyes their 5th Heisman.

Your POW.

I feel like I should post again today, so I will start a new thing here at Inside The Shoe. Every week towards the end of it, we will have a famous, funny, or picture sure to be famous, from now on. If you would like to suggjest some photos, just email us at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com or tweet @us, or even fire off a message at Facebook. Either way, there will always be a picture up for awhile, unless you all just totally shun the idea, in which case, it will most likely cease to exist. Anyway, here is your picture of the week (POW)

It comes from an era of dominace. Eddie George, doing his thing.

Pitt is doubtful

It has been almost confirmed that the University of Pitt will, in fact, NOT be joining the Big Ten. At least, not yet. The Big Ten commitee shot down the rumors of Pitt joining by announcing that they are standing by their 12-18 month plan to sit around and relax, while college football fans are running around screaming names such as "Missouri! Notre Dame!! Cincy! Pitt!". I am really not to surprised, but have to say, dissapointed. I would have loved to see a quick, painless move for a team to join us. After all, what college football, or in this case, Big Ten fan wouldn't? Can it even be that simple? No, to put it simply. It can't. So, we will have to wait and see what will happen next. Expect to see some more rumors floating around, like the Big Ten is slow, or something. Meanwhile, 2 days away from the announcement of Ohio State recruits Seantrel Henderson, Matt James, and many more. Keep it here for more news.

Story link: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/bogus-report-has-pittsburgh-set-to-join-big-ten.html

Here's some video of Matt James and Seantrel Henderson for you.

James

Henderson

Idiocy.

Sigh. I don't know who to feel bad for, Kelly, or Cincy.

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2009/12/after-meeting-last-week-brian-kelly-on-brink-of-becoming-notre-dame-coach.html