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Scarlet and Gray - '99 Committments

This page is about the players that have signed and committed to attend Ohio State. This group is all high schoolers, Ohio St. did not sign any JuCo's this year. Cooper and staff really cleaned up in state this year. On one list I saw they got the top 6 players in Ohio, and something like the top 8 out of 10. They only had a few out of staters, but the ones they got definitely have star quality. Here is the run-down on the class of '99.

Tim Anderson, DT...He's definitely a top 10 DT, and he has appeared on a few top 100 lists at some point in time during this last season. He went 46-0 as a heavy wheight wrestler in HS, against some tough Ohio cometition. The wrestling skills really do help on the line. Will probably have to wait a season or two because of the depth on the DL that is returning. Should be good though once given a chance.

Bryce Bishop, OL...Definite Blue Chipper, on most top 100 lists, top 10 OL. Prepstar's #1 OL, considered by some as the top guard in the country though he could play tackle at OSU. Subject of some recruiting controversy, but that's been cleared up and Bryce will be a Buckeye next year. Listed at 6-5, 300. Second-rated OL in Florida (behind Vernon Carey, generally considered #1 OL in the country). A big pickup for the Bucks!

Ricky Bryant, WR...rated as the top WR in Michigan, #3 prospect overall in the state...His brother plays for UM but he chose to come to OSU because he felt that UM wasn't honest with his brother about playing time. Could see some playing time this year, could be a good one in a few years.

Drew Carter, WR...Might be the biggest surprise of this years class. Didn't play football his Sophmore or Junior years becaue he wanted to play Basketball. Decided to come out his senior year and became the star on his team. He averaged over 20 yards/catch last year. Height listed at 6-4. I hear nothing but good things about him. I think he could be a real sleeper.

Adrian Clarke, OL...Top rated OL in Ohio this year. Did not allow a sack in the last two years. Rivalnet rates him as the #13 OL in the nation. Weight was a concern for a while, though its apparently under control now. Likely will be a few years before he cracks the rotation, but once he gets there he should be there for a while.

Curtis Crosby, CB...Definite Blue Chipper. Rivalnet's #2 CB, Prepstar's #3 DB. Also played RB in HS, but will be a cover corner in college- and will be a good one. Had an injury senior year that limited him some, should be fine though. Generally see him as a top 25 overall player. Could see some action in nickel packages this year.

Mike Doss, S...Comparisons to Damon Moore abound, only Doss is said to be faster. Prepstar's #4 DB, Rivalnet's #12 S. Has appeared on some top 100 lists. Big hitter, backbone of state champion Canton McKinley this past year. Also played RB in HS, but will definitely play S at Ohio St. Could definitely see some playing time this year.

Richard Hall, RB...Not highly rated because grades were considered a problem, though it now appears that he will qualify. Before grades became an issue was considered by some as the top RB in Ohio, one of top RB's in the nation. Rushed for over 8,000 yards and 120 TD's in his career. Understands that it may be a couple years before he gets any playing time. One of the best RB's in the Cincinnati area's history. Considered a very polished runner.

Maurice Harris, WR...Top 5 WR in talent-rich Florida. Could see some playing time as a freshman. I've seen him rated as high as #89 overall, but as low as #52 WR, so opinions are mixed on him. Personally I think he has big time written all over him, he definitely has the size (6-3, around 200 I believe). Sounds like the Bucks got a player in this kid.

Ben Hartsock, TE?...Listed as a TE but could move to OL or DL. Went to OSU's camp and they apparently like what they saw so they offered him. Could be an interesting prospect. The O-Zone has compared him to D.J. Jones.

Jesse Kline, RB...Could become either a FB or a power RB. Was on some top 100 lists in the beginning of the year. Hampered by an injury this past year, but still managed to gain over 1,000 yards. Believe he had over 2,000 his JR. year. Could be an Eddie George-type big RB. With the RB depth OSU has, may have to wait a while if he wants to play tailback. Would be a little higher up on the depth chart at FB.

Craig Krenzel, QB...Real early committ to the Bucks. Went to the OSU camp and reportedly played as well there as Chris Simms. #6 overall prospect in Michigan. A pocket passer though he has some mobility. Reportedly scored a 30 on the ACT. Will likely vie for #3 on the depth chart this year w/Scott McMullen, possibly #2 if Moherman is the QB and Bellisari moves to safety (though popular opinion is that Bellisari will be the starter).

Maurice Lee, WR/DB...Very exciting player with good speed. Lots of Joey Galloway comparisons (kind of small, very fast and very exciting). Was an option QB in HS, but will play WR (likely) or DB in college. Could also be a return man on special teams next year. Could be a very interesting player.

Kelton Lindsay, RB...Could also be moved to DB, he's willing to play anywhere (WR could also be a possibility). Commited to OSU as a JR. Easily a top 15 RB, and can be found on most top 100 lists. Extremely fast, a great pickup.

Scott McMullen, QB...Ohio St. did not go after him until Chris Simms turned elsewhere. Relatively unheard of until FSU offered him a scholarship. Has some similarities to Krenzel. One of the fastest rising prospects in Ohio this year.

Richard McNutt, CB...A top 100 player even though he did not play his senior year because a foot infection. That has to say something about his ability. Rated by Rivalnet as the #2 S, though he is more likely a CB. Big get out of Illinois..it came down to us and UCLA...should be a great one before he is done.

Pat O'Neil, LB...Division III defensive player of the year. Rated as the #12 inside linebacker by Rivalnet. Could be moved to the outside though. Has had a few brothers that were HS stars, but Pat could be the best of the bunch.

Fred Pagac, LB...Division II defensive player of the year. Rated as the #6 inside linebacker by Rivalnet. Son of OSU defensive coordinator Fred Pagac. One of the best defensive players in Ohio, may be the best non-corner. In a couple top 100 lists at points during the season.

B.J. Sander, K/P...Will take over punting duties from the departed Brent Bartholomew, could eventually do some of the kicking duties. A top-5 kicker. Believe he averaged 44 yards/punt last year and was 9/10 on FG's.

Nate Stead, FB...Not a highly known player. Big blocking back. Knows he will not get many carries, but says he just wants to block people. Sounds like an excellent role player.

Fred Sturrup, DT...Came down to us and FSU. Had some academic difficulties, but I believe last I heard he should be able to qualify (hopefully). Very quick. One of the top DL in Florida last year.

Ziyier Walker, S...Coming over from Fork Union, originally committed last year but didn't qualify. Was pretty highly regarded his senior year. Should add some depth to the secondary, though probably will not get much playing time this year.

Other players of note:

Ivan Douglas, OL...Also coming over from Fork Union after not qualifying last year. Has enrolled in school already and will participate in spring drills. Sounds like a very big kid, believe he's 6-7. Counts against last years class.

Shawn Price, LB...EXTREMELY good player, however grades are a BIG concern. Verballed to the Buckeyes but did not sign with them because he has not qualified, and is not expected too. Will likely go to Fork Union for a year and hopefully be a Buckeye next year, though he can go through the recruiting process again and is not necesarilly a Buckeye-yet.