National Signing Day - Looking Good In Columbus

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Even though the Ohio State Buckeyes and new coach, Urban Meyer, are facing serious sanctions over the next several years, this year's signing day is looming as one of the best years for the Buckeyes.  Three days prior to National Signing Day and the Buckeyes have 23 committed recruits coming to Columbus.  Of the 23 committed high school seniors, 6 are on most recruiting services top 100 lists. 

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Currently, the Buckeyes 2012 class is rated anywhere from 3rd to 8th depending upon what rankings you follow.  ESPN's ranking has the Buckeyes at 8th where Rivals and Scout.com have the Buckeyes at third in the nation.  Out of the Top 200 players coming out of high school, 11 student athletes still have the Buckeyes listed as one of the schools they are considering.  Most will announce their decisions on Wednesday, February 1, National Signing Day. 

Meyer, good to his word, is making strong efforts to fence in the State of Ohio signing all of the big names so far.  Adolphus Washington out of Cincinnati, the big defensive end.  Two others already committed from Ohio are Sevon Pittman, defensive line, and Bri'onte Dunn, running back,  out of Canton, Ohio.  These three are in the Top 200 players.  Two of the biggest names for the Buckeyes are Noah Spence out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Tommy Schutt out of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, both defensive players. 

So far, out of the 23 players committing to Ohio State, the split between offense and defense is fairly equal.  It will be interesting to see what happens over the course of the next three days as the remaining high school athletes make their selection. 

Ohio State and Michigan are leading the way in the Big Ten and the better class among the two is still up for grabs.  Most analysts feel that Ohio State and Urban Meyer will come out on top but like always, the real proof of who has the best class will be played out on the field in another year or two at The Horseshoe and The Big House. 

Losing scholarships and not being able to compete for a Big Ten Championship and Bowl Game in 2012 will impede Meyer and the Buckeyes to some degree.  However, it appears that most Buckeye candidates are looking beyond that knowing that in 2013, the Buckeyes will be competing for both, a Big Ten Championship and National Championship. 

Like all Buckeye faithful, I will be watching closely to see if Meyer is able to rope in one, possibly two more Top 200 recruits pushing the 2012 Buckeye class to the top of the list.