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ESPN Analyst- Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN.com
- Coached in four professional football leagues
- Graduated from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall
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ESPN Staff Writer- National recruiting analyst and analyst for ESPNU
- More than a decade of college and pro coaching experience.
- Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha
National signing day is more than nine months away, but don't tell coaches that. While their 2013 team might be ranked in Mark Schlabach's Early Top 25, they are working hard on making sure their 2014 recruiting classes are just as successful.
So is it working? We look at how the top 25 teams are faring on the recruiting trail:
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
Top commit: CB Damon Webb. The secondary was addressed in a big way with the Buckeyes' 2013 class, as they signed three top-10 cornerbacks and a top-five safety, and despite that impressive haul they continue to add more talent with the addition of Webb. A cover corner from Michigan, Webb has a nice combination of size, speed and aggressiveness and displays that he is well-versed in schemes and technique, which could allow him to quickly contribute. Webb along with the 2013 haul gives the Buckeyes a group of good-sized, athletic and savvy CBs that can allow them to be stingy and deep on the perimeter.
Top target: ATH Marshon Lattimore. QB Braxton Miller accounted for roughly 65 percent of the Buckeyes' total offense a year ago, signifying a need to surround him with more playmaking assistance. That was addressed some with signings of players like Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson in this past class, but the addition of a player like Lattimore could offer another potential offensive weapon. Out of a Glenville (Ohio) program that has sent many prospects to Ohio State over the years, the ESPN 150 athlete can be a needed versatile playmaker on offense. Adding to his value as a target is that he could also potentially give Ohio State another talented option at CB if utilized on that side of the ball.
Spring storyline: Defensive linemen highlighted the 2012 class, defensive backs the 2013 class and now look for offensive linemen to take center stage with the current offensive line consisting of four senior starters. The class already contains verbals from two O-linemen, but look for that number to at least double.
Bold prediction: After signing a class that consisted of a dozen ESPN 150 prospects the Buckeyes currently sit with a commitment from just one. While the overall numbers will likely be smaller than last year, look for that number of 150 prospects to push back up more toward double digits.