Note: Pictured above is potential Buckeye recruit Stefon Diggs, a WR from Maryland. He will be committing to either Ohio State, Florida or Maryland next week. Speculation and inside sources state that he is a solid OSU lean, and chances are he will wear the scarlet and gray. He will not be mentioned in these rankings, but with a commit he would most definitely be the top player of this class, and a sure fire candidate to start at receiver and kick returner for Ohio State in the fall.The 2012 class that Urban Meyer has hauled in is the best class since the infamous 2008 group that included Terrelle Pryor, Mike Adams, DeVier Posey, Mike Brewster, Jake Stoneburner, etc. In the Tressel era, only the 2002 and 2008 classes can compare to this one, and this is arguably more stacked from top to bottom with sheer athleticism and talent. In other words, after only two months on the job, Coach Meyer has done one of the best recruiting jobs in school history.
Let's go through and check out my personal ranking of the players, which will be denoted with their position and star rating according to Scout.com.
1. Noah Spence/DE (5 stars)
- Speed, speed, and more speed. Those are the defining characteristics of the top prospect in OSU's 2012 class. At 6"3, 240, it is rare for a player to have the kind of quickness and motor that Spence possesses. With more bulk added, he could end up being a name to remember for years to come.
2. Adolphus Washington/DE (5 stars)
- If Spence is #1, then Washington should be 1A. This kid was looking elsewhere in the midst of the Tressel resignation, yet this monstrous DE ended up where he always wanted to in Columbus. 6"6 and freakishly talented, Adolphus could see the field as soon at this fall.
3. Jamal Marcus/LB (3 stars)
- One of the gems of this class, and I will say it right now: believe Coach Meyer when he says that he may not be more excited about any other player in this class other than Marcus. Under-recruited, yet sought after by the top programs in the nation, this "3-star" prospect reminds many of a bigger, stronger version of Brian Rolle. He could be a stud at middle linebacker.
4. Bri'onte Dunn/RB (5 stars)
- I look at this running back and think Beanie Wells immediately. He is HUGE at 6"2, 220 and rushed for over 2,000 yards in his final two years up in Canton. Being enrolled early will help him get into playing shape, while the extra time to work on fundamentals could mean that we see a lot of Bri'onte come September.
5. Josh Perry/LB (4 stars)
- The first player to commit to OSU back in June, yet one of the last players you hear about when talking about this class. I am psyched for his athletic ability and natural football IQ and instincts to hit the field. Do you sense a theme here on the defensive side of the ball? The defensive line and linebackers are absolutely STACKED.
6. Taylor Decker/OT (4 stars)
- In my opinion, one of the biggest recruiting hauls of the year. This is another classic, big OT that the Buckeyes love and could see the field immediately given the team's lack of depth along the offensive line. Big time prospect. Switched from Notre Dame.
7. Kyle Dodson/OT (4 stars)
- One of the better stories of any recruit in the nation, and I am proud that he chose to stay in-state and play for the Buckeyes. He, along with Decker, should provide stability to the tackle position that fans will be able to rely on for the next four years. Switched from Wisconsin.
8. Tommy Schutt/DT (5 stars)
- While this position is stacked for the time being, Schutt will be the next up at DT. A US Army All-American, Schutt is one of the most physical, relentless, talented defensive tackles in the nation. Switched from Penn State.
9. Armani Reeves/CB (4 stars)
- Corner isn't exactly a position where plenty of depth is in place, so this is one of the biggest recruits this season. Thankfully he chose the good guys over Michigan, as he will be seen on the depth chart as soon as this fall, and could start as early as 2013. Can't wait to see if he translates that type of promise into production on the field.
10. Se'Von Pittman/DE (4 stars)
- I had to have this kid in the top ten, as he is simply a can't-miss talent that can get after the ball carrier. Between Spence, Washington and Pittman, the defensive end position should not be of concern for Buckeye fans in the near future. Pittman is an absolute animal and could also play the LEO if needed. Switched from Michigan State.
11. Warren Ball/RB (4 stars)
- Along with Perry was a very early commit out of St. Francis DeSales. While Dunn is the bigger name (and body), Ball may possess more of the God-given ability to create plays with the football and make defenders miss. Mark it down: if he stays healthy - as injuries are a concern with him - he is my darkhorse candidate to be the prize of this class.
12. David Perkins/LB (4 stars)
- Really? This is the third best linebacker, in my opinion, of this class? Wow. I hope Perkins doesn't take offense, because he is the fastest of all the linebackers mentioned so far, and is disgusting to watch attack the edge and get after the quarterback. An exciting prospect, for sure.
13. Najee Murray/CB (4 stars)
- I may have him higher than some other very talented prospects, but I love the way he plays the game. He has good size for his position at 5"11, is a big hitter, sound fundamentally, and has a knack for making plays in the return game as well. I look at him and see the type of player that Malcolm Jenkins and Donte Whitner were. I'm not saying he will be a star, but he reminds me of that similar type of skill set. There's something special about this player.
14. Devan Bogard/S (4 stars)
- I was nervous that he would be attending USC, but eventually signed with OSU. Seems like a good player who can help out as a strong safety in the future. Not much to say other than he is excellent in coverage.
15. Camren Williams/LB (4 stars)
- THRILLED that he joined the class, along with his friend Armani Reeves from the same school. Again, how is this guy ranked below three other linebackers in this class? This recruiting class is sick on paper, especially at linebacker. Williams has the size, speed and awareness to play big time college football. Switched from Penn State.
16. Ricquan Southward/WR (3 stars)
- He's up awfully high, isn't he? That's because I think with his speed, combined with the coaching in Urban's offense, he could be a gem in this class. Has decent size at 6"1, plays under 200, and will be interesting to watch once he gets to Columbus.
17. Blake Thomas/TE (3 stars)
- Tight Ends under Urban Meyer have quite a good track record, and Thomas could continue that trend. I like his skill set, and while he may not be as athletic as a Aaron Hernandez or Jake Stoneburner, he will certainly be on the field in the future doing work.
18. Mike Thomas/WR (4 stars)
- The guy was an Under-Armour All-American, played a year at Fork Union, comes into the class at 6"4 with an explosive ability to make plays, and he checks in at 18? That's because I am not sold on his game from a mental standpoint. He only had one good year in high school, so he needs to prove that he can be consistent. I am rooting for him both on and off the field.
19. Cardale Jones/QB (3 stars)
- Another Fork Union guy, and yet another Glenville prospect. No one will surpass Braxton Miller until he graduates, but as a backup it doesn't get any better in terms of size. Cardale is 6"5 and has a cannon for an arm, so here's hoping he develops to the point where he can be a reliable backup - or future starter after Braxton leaves.
20. Joey O'Connor/OG (3 stars)
- Offensive line help was needed, and the Under-Armour All-American was up for the challenge of answering the call. I think this kid deserves a higher star rating, but that stuff doesn't matter anyway. I see him being a name to look out for throughout the next five years at Ohio State, as I see him redshirting in 2012. Switched from Penn State.
The rest of the class...
21. Jacoby Boren/C (3 stars) - Youngest of the Borens (Justin and Zach). Good lineage.
22. Luke Roberts/LB (3 stars)- Classic OSU LB mold. Time will tell.
23. Frank Epitropoulos/WR (3 stars)- Not the Urban type of recruit. Future could be at Punter.
24. Tyvis Powell/S (3 stars)- Big hitter and good size. I know very little about him.
25. Patrick Elflein/OG (3 stars)
