Tight End from Michigan 15th Commitment for 2009 Reid Fragel, from Grosse Point (MI) South High School, has committed to the Buckeyes. "I called coach Tressel and committed," Fragel said. "He was pumped and excited. My family and I are equally excited." The 6'7" 254lb Fragel runs the 40 in 4.8 seconds. He caught 24 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns during his junior season and also played defensive end making 65 tackles, which included five sacks. Fragel had interest and offers from more than a dozen schools including Michigan State, Michigan, Tennessee, Iowa, Maryland, Purdue, Miami-OH, Northwestern and Cincinnati. Welcome aboard, Reid!
Tight end prospect commits to 2009 class
May 28, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...picked the Buckeyes over Michigan State. Michigan had sought him, too, but as a tackle. He wants the chance to catch the ball, which is one of the reasons he said he chose OSU. 'The first time I visited there, I fell completely in love with the place,' Fragel said by phone. 'It was for the spring game, and it was awesome.'..."
The secret to finding players: Don't travel far May 25, 2008 Source: Yahoo Sports - Terry Bowden writes: "The thing to remember is that not only do you need to go where the players are but also where you have a chance to get them...The fact is, the location of an institution relative to where the athletes are is a lot more important than how good of a recruiter the coach might be...So, where are the players? Texas, Florida and California had more than twice as many recruits as any of the other states. Georgia and Ohio round out the 'Fab Five' best recruiting states in the country. More than 50 percent of all top-division signees came from these five states..."
Dropped pass lives on in Robiskie's mind May 18, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The fade pass to the left edge of the end zone was there, and so was the defender. But Brian Robiskie still got his hands on the ball. He just couldn't hang on...Asked how often he has thought about that play, Robiskie didn't hesitate: 'Every day," he said. "I've got to stop it.'..."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets May 18, 2008 Source: Bucknuts - "In today’s Bucket, Mr. B talks about the three steps to a national championship, the big ending to Matt Zahn (and Charlie Weis’s big end…), current Michigan roster trivia, ESPN funnies and recruiting stuff – according to Mr. Bucknuts. All that and more in a soon-to-be-trivial Bucket of Bullets. ..."
Coaches, others gather to discuss changes May 18, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "An early signing period and player conduct were two of the biggest topics discussed at a recent two-day Football Forum held here at the Grand Hyatt...'With the inevitability - we think - of an early signing coming, one thing that we as a Big Ten coaches took to our administrators... is we're recommending that our assistant coaches be able to have one contact in May,' Tressel said. 'They can sit down and if the parents want to come to the school or whatever, to get to know more about them. Because right now they can't have that contact with them; it's just evaluations. And to really get to know more about them, we're going to try to sponsor some legislation to have a contact in the spring.'..."
Quantity and Quality so far for the Bucks May 15, 2008 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - "The Ohio State Buckeyes have racked up 14 commitments, again, in the 2009 class already. While that number of players being committed is very impressive, what really stands out is the quality of player that the Buckeyes have brought in. Leading the way in that department is Dorian Bell..."
Wide Receiver from Michigan 14th Commitment for 2009 Wide receiver James Jackson, of Grand Ledge Michigan, who has 4.31 speed in the 40, will be a Buckeye. "I have committed to Ohio State," Jackson stated tonight. "I called coach Tressel today and made it official. Coach Tressel was ecstatic to hear from me. Ohio State is the best place to play in the country. I have a great feeling that this is the right place for me. I love the coaches and so did my parents. I just know there's no way I could do better than Ohio State." Scout.com's player evaluation states: "Has elite acceleration and speed. Can run past almost any defender and is dangerous in the open field. Is also an outstanding return man who can go the distance at any point in time. Has shown toughness and willingness to block and go into traffic. Makes some tough grabs...Creates separation with quickness..." The 6', 180lb Jackson had interest and offers from more than a dozen schools dozens including Notre Dame, Alabama, Michigan, UCLA, Florida, USC, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan State, Oregon and Purdue. Welcome aboard, James!
Michigan prospect picks Ohio State May 13, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...'This is big for Ohio State for several reasons," recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic said. "One, Jackson is one of the top receiver prospects in the country. Two, he's the No. 1 receiver in Michigan, which leads you to No. 3, it's another victory by Jim Tressel over Rich Rodriguez.'..."
James Jackson Is A Buckeye May 12, 2008 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The Ohio State Buckeyes picked up a wide receiver tonight with the commitment of Grand Ledge Michigan star James Jackson. Jackson, one of the top wideouts in the country, told head coach Jim Tressel of his decision moments ago. Bill Greene talked with Jackson and filed this report..."
Ranking the Big Ten's best players by position May 12, 2008 Source: SportingNews.com - "Last month, I gave you my top 25 players in the country. This month, we'll go five-deep at each position for the BCS conferences. First up, the Big Ten...1. Chris Wells, Ohio State...1. Alex Boone, Ohio State...1. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State...1. Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State..."
Joe Bauserman aims to tighten his grip on backup QB job May 11, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "For nearly a year, Joe Bauserman was a shadowy figure on the fringe of the Ohio State football team...But in the spring game April 19, Bauserman emerged from his cocoon a fully-grown quarterback. He wowed the crowd with a 51-yard touchdown pass, plus a 63-yard score that was called back by penalty. Fans might have asked one another, 'Who was that face-masked man?'..."
Buckeyes rise to No. 1 in updated Top 25 May 9, 2008 Source: ESPN.com - Dennis Dodd writes: "1. Ohio State Buckeyes - Raise your hand if you want to see the Buckeyes back in the BCS title game … didn't think so. But with an extraordinary number of juniors and seniors returning, Ohio State seems poised to become the first team in the 112-year history of the Big Ten to win three straight outright league titles. Even if the Buckeyes lose at USC on Sept. 13, they might end up playing in the BCS title game in Miami on Jan. 8..."
This video shows how Coach Tressel borrowed a quote from a presidential candidate to motivate the Buckeyes for next season. (Source: ESPN)
Sanzenbacher's stock rises in OSU spring drills May 6, 2008 Source: Toldeo Blade - "As Ohio State went through its winter conditioning and workouts, and then held the group practices and scrimmage sessions that make up spring football, certain players for the Buckeyes bulled their way up the depth chart...For Toledo Central Catholic grad Dane Sanzenbacher, his first season of spring ball with the Buckeyes gave him significant exposure, and indications are that the former City League player of the year responded...'He has taken his game to another level,' Ohio State assistant head coach and receivers coach Darrell Hazel said. 'He is where he is supposed to be all the time in the passing game. He never makes any mistakes and he is extremely consistent catching the football.'..."
Stop us if you've heard this before: Buckeyes top Dawgs May 5, 2008 Source: CBSSportsline.com - Dennis Dodd writes: "Ohio State looks like the best thing on 44 legs right now. That is a reference to the starting 22, of which 18 are returning starters. We're talking some of the nation's best, most-decorated players -- tailback Beanie Wells, linebacker James Laurinaitis, defensive back Malcolm Jenkins...This being Ohio State, though, there's always a chance -- make that a probability -- for a third consecutive national championship for the SEC. The Bucks are 0-9 against the SEC in bowl games and Georgia is sitting there at No. 2 ready to rip out its chunk of scarlet-and-gray flesh..."
Site of first OSU game gets proper recognition May 4, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - " If you could pick one spot on earth for the birthplace of Ohio State football, this might be it. It is the perfect place for a pilgrimage. A lush, green meadow snuggled against the rushing waters of Delaware Run on the northern edge of the Ohio Wesleyan campus..."
Bollman bullish on Bucks May 4, 2008 Source: Astabula Star Beacon - "...To think the Buckeyes’ offensive system is going to be altered significantly to accommodate Pryor’s skills is a mistake. First of all, there are plans for any of the other Buckeye quarterback incumbents, whether it’s returning starter Todd Boeckman or reserves Joe Bauserman and Antonio Henton, to employ more of the package OSU utilized for three seasons when 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith was on the scene. Second, the things emphasized with Smith fit perfectly into Pryor’s skills..."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets May 4, 2008 Source: Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts returns with a bunch of words about elite recruiting camps, college football tunes (?), the 2009 recruiting class, shrinking running backs, stupid Penn State lists and more 'Boren' stuff in another one of those Buckets of Bullets..."
Zach Boren Joins the 2009 Class Pickering Central linebacker Zach Boren decided to pull the trigger and become a Buckeye. Only a week earlier, Boren’s older brother Justin decided that he would transfer from Michigan to Ohio State. Zach and Justin's Dad, Mike Boren, was a star LB at Michigan under Bo Schembechler. Zach, who is 6'1" and 255lbs, had interest and offers from more than a dozen schools dozens including Michigan, Penn State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Akron, Kent State, Miami-OH and Toledo. Welcome aboard, Zach!
One Boren isn't enough for OSU May 1, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Zach Boren, a linebacker from Pickerington Central, said yesterday that he committed to the Buckeyes' 2009 recruiting class. A little more than a week ago, his older brother, Justin, announced he was transferring from Michigan to Ohio State, where he will be eligible in 2009 after sitting out this coming season..."
Zach Boren Is A Buckeye April 30, 2008 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Although he did not appear to be close to making a final decision, Zach Boren got in touch with an Ohio State coach this morning and decided to end the suspense and become a Buckeye. A family of 'Michigan Men' is being converted one by one..."
2008 season to be one big adventure May 1, 2008 Source: SportingNews.com.com - "Ohio State at USC, Sept. 13 - Ohio State, you have accidentally stumbled into the Abominable Snowman's cave. He is staring at you with an unhappy look on his face. Do you hug him, or grab a rock and attack him with all your might? Recommendation: Grab two rocks, Ohio State, and have Chris Wells pound all game long into USC's monstrous defense. After two national title game flameouts in a row, Ohio State must win this game for national title consideration. Hug the beast and risk getting devoured and going back to page 1 in the BCS race..."
Five teams moving ahead and five in reverse April 28, 2008 Source: SportingNews.com.com - "Five in drive Ohio State. We heard the same thing last year: The team has never been in better shape, never been more focused -- despite a championship game meltdown. It helps that super quarterback recruit Terrelle Pryor will give the offense a Tebow-like jolt in the fall -- and loosen up what could be a tight atmosphere..."
John Cooper Inducted into NFF College Football Hall of Fame May 1, 2008 Source: OSU Official Site - "From the national ballot of 75 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Archie Manning, chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, announced the 2008 College Football Hall of Fame Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) Class, which includes...former Buckeye football coach John Cooper. Cooper was the first coach in history to lead both a Big Ten and a Pac-10 team to victories in the Rose Bowl. He ranks second only to the legendary Woody Hayes in all-time wins at Ohio State..."
Stewart Mandel's Power Rankings May 1, 2008 Source: SI.com - "It's no coincidence, by the way, that my colleague Andrew Perloff's recent 2009 NFL mock draft included a whole bunch of players from Ohio State and USC and a No. 1 overall pick from Georgia. It's becoming increasingly clear to me that those three teams are absolutely loaded heading into this season and therefore sit atop this poll..."
