As promised here is a combined recap of the 3 High school all-star games that we previewed.  Lots and lots to talk about.

Offense / Defense All-American Bowl

In the game that showcased a high number of Buckeye commits our guys really showed out.  Chase Farris was named the defensive MVP for his play on the defensive line.  Kenny Hayes was probably one of the top 3 most recognizable recruits in the game and was talked about all week by the experts. He showed why by performing well in the game. These two were not the only D-line commits to perform well in all-star games, as we will get to further down.

Chase Farris

Derjuan Gambrell scored from the defensive side of the ball as he was able to pick up a fumble and take it back 28 yds to the house.  Ron Tanner and Jeremy Cash also made appearances in this game, but I have not heard reports on their play.

On offense, Nick Vannett, who is a guy that many haven’t talked much about, was very impressive in the game. After seeing him this season and hearing how impressive he looked in the game, I for one am really excited about the skill set he brings to Columbus.  He follows in the footsteps of other Ohio State TE’s that will pride themselves on blocking and have the ability with their huge frame to make plays down the field.

Tommy Brown; not much news during the week or the game.  He will most likely be a red-shirt and fall into the two deep on the inside in a couple years.

The one guy from Ohio that really showed out was Cardale Jones.  He threw for 125 yds, 2 scores, and ran for another.  While he has been hot and cold all year, it really comes down to a test score;  If he can qualify, we will find room for him I think.  I don’t see Braxton red-shirting so there could be at least a year of seperation, and if Braxton turns out to be the star that many believe he will be, there is an opportunity that he leaves early and gives Jones 2 year.  If nothing else, Jones looks like he has the ability to move out to WR for certain plays, especially in the red-zone.

His teammate Shane Wynn also performed well.  He scored a TD and had a block that left many talking as he led the QB to the endzone.  He is tiny, but we might regret this one in a couple years in terms of a weapon we really could have used.  I’m not sure why we are taking a pass on this one, although there have been rumors of grades, but I hate to speculate.  Eilar Hardy and Jarrett Grace are two other guys that played in this game that we might regret passing on in a couple years as well.

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Tags: 2011 Army All American Bowl, 2011 UA Game, Aundrey Walker, Braxton Miller, Chase Farris, Kenny Hayes, Michael Bennett, Ronald Tanner, Ryan Shazier, Steve Miller
Categories: Ohio State Football, Recruiting

This week you will all have the ability to see a number of our incoming frosh in different all-star games.  When everyone gets excited about hats, you know it’s a good time…

Under Armour Game

The first game of the week will be the Under Armour Game.  This game is really starting to take over as being the premier all-star game, obviously the ESPN television spot helps. The game takes place Wednesday @ 7 PM Eastern.

The Buckeyes have 3 current commits in this game and 4 guys on the watch list. On the commit list are Florida OLB/DE Ryan Shazier, Dayton Huber Heights Wayne star QB Braxton Miller, and Canton McKinley DE Steve Miller.

Others to watch are AVSM CB Doran Grant, Florida WR Jujuan Story, Florida CB Jabari Gorman, and Maryland ATH Darius Jennings

• Braxton Miller – He is going to get to show off what he can do against other top competition, and what he might have to bring early in the season next year, if he can land the starting spot.  We will get to hear soon enough where he stands in the pecking order as he will be enrolling in the spring.  Early word from practice is that Braxton has really showed well as a game manager, and understands when to tuck it and run, and when to stay in the pocket and deliver a strike.
• Doran Grant – This highly rated CB Is expected to make a declaration choosing between his two favorites Ohio State and Michigan State.  (Many are calling for Ohio State, including me)
• Darius Jennings – Expected to be held out of the game due to a concussion, We are in his top 3, not expected to make a commitment.
• Steve Miller and Ryan Shazier - Hopefully we get the opportunity to see these two guys rush the passer and disrupting the opponents backfield.
• Jabari Gorman – Along with Grant he is also making a declaration.  Most expect him to stay home somewhere in Florida, either Miami or Florida.  Coaching changes could have that up in the air, and Shazier has really been in his ear, but a commitment for Ohio State would be a minor upset on this one.
• Jujuan Story – He is said to be making a late visit to OSU, currently a Florida commit.

Tags: 2011 Army All American Bowl, 2011 UA Game, Aundrey Walker, Braxton Miller, Brian Bobek, Curtis Grant, Darius Jennings, Doran Grant, Jabori Gorman, Jujuan Story, Michael Bennett, Ryan Shazier, Steve Miller
Categories: Recruiting