Committed Class

Today is National Signing Day for high school football players declaring for college next season. Twenty two players were committed to Ohio State by July 4th. Five of the incoming freshman are defensive backs. It’s clear Jim Tressel recruited for a strong and speedy secondary defense. The Buckeyes boast the best of this year’s recruits. Here’s a look at a few of the verbal commitments heading for the Horseshoe.

Corey Brown- CB/WR, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Brown is the number one recruit in my opinion. It will be fascinating to see how Tressel will use the 6’1 smooth, sound Pennsylvania native. He will likely install him as a supportive defensive back because of Brown’s physicality and usefulness as a tackle. Corey knows how to use his body to defend against the pass, breakup throws and intercept the ball. Offensively, he is also good because he can gain separation on most routine routes and play calls. He is somewhat limited with speed but projects to be a force in college like he was for Gateway.

Dorian Bell- LB, Gateway SHS, Monroeville, PA
Bell was Brown’s teammate in high school and both will play in Ohio next season. Bell is a very athletic lineback with great tackling technique. He is an experienced blitzer with capabilities from all three line backing positions. Dorian’s lateral speed, finesse and blocking knowledge allow him to be adaptable. He knows the basics of the position and can attack the quarterback in a hurry. Because he can get to the quarterback quickly, he’s a threat but scouts worry about his durability. Bell led Gateway in tackles and sacks as a junior. Western Pennsylvania fans are familiar with his greatness as an incredible high school football player who could have chosen to play for any BCS team.

Marlon Brown- WR, Harding Academy, Memphis, TN
Marlon has good size and strength. He’s an explosive receiver with good hands. Scouts are impressed and like his concentration but feel he needs to work on blocking ability. The PARADE All-American should improve his 2008 numbers as a Buckeye. Brown has 1,785 all purpose yards and 19 touchdowns last year. Ohio State lost a few good seniors to the NFL so they should be able to use Brown on a limited basis.

Duron Carter- WR, St.Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The son of former NFL star, Cris Carer, Duron is similar in size and skills to his father. I am excited about him playing for Ohio State. He should also be of help in filling the WR void left over from 2008. Carter is not a deep threat but is competitive and clever. He is a smart player with intangible tools. The receiver played for an elite program in Florida. St. Thomas Aquinas won back-to-back state titles. In 2007, Duron led the all wideouts in Class 5A. His Raiders finished last season with a perfect 15-0 regular season. He scored 13 touchdowns totaling 726 yards.

Jaamal Berry- RB, Miami Palmetto
Berry has power, toughness and vision. Those three reasons are guaranteed to make him a true Buckeye. He is the state of Florida’s top rated rusher. Jaamal takes short strides for big gains, especially after contact. He can get down field in a hurry with his quickness and upper body strength. The soft-handed back injured his wrist during his senior year but claims he is healthy. Berry is a the total package with the ability to beat you outside and between tackles. I think he will be a stronger back than Beanie Wells, although used less often because of his built. Without Berry in the backfield, Miami Palmetto was stymied so he is clearly a game changer and playmaker.

Jamie Wood- DB/WR, Pickerington Central, OH
Wood can play on both sides of the ball. He was the team captain for Pickerington and I like that he will stay in Ohio. The 190 lb, 6’2 dual-threat caught 25 passes for 548 yards and 8 touchdowns in his junior season. He also had 65 tackles, broke up 12 passes and snatched one interception.

Adam Bellamy- DT/OG, Aurora, OH
The massive offensive star can open up holes for rushers and is projected as mostly an offensive lineman for Ohio State. Even though he has played on defense, Bellamy is best in the guard position on offense. He was ranked number 23 nationally at the position with his 6’4 frame amassing 275 lbs. Tressel intends to utilize Adam as a run stopper.

Parting points: Kobe had some night at MSG with those 61 points Monday. Can LeBron top him tonight?
Congrats to Adam Graves. The Rangers finally retired his number 9 jersey last night.