The 11W Community Interview is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people. You submit the questions, vote on them, and then we pass the top ones on to the biggest names in the world of Ohio State athletics.
Fort Lauderdale's Damon Arnette made his first trip to Columbus last July for Ohio State's Friday Night Lights camp, despite being committed to Steve Spurrier and South Carolina for less than three weeks. The Buckeyes and Urban Meyer had extended the 6-foot-2, 185-pound cornerback/safety a month prior, but there was a need for both parties to get a better look at the other.
That visit laid the groundwork for what would eventually be a winding road of a recruitment, even though Arnette never officially re-opened his recruitment before flipping his pledge to Ohio State on Feb. 2, two days prior to signing day.
Today, the sixth defensive back in Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class takes some time to discuss his recruitment and what it means to be a Buckeye in South Florida.
I'm sure you are aware of the pipeline that has formed over the years with St. Thomas. Does Ohio State beat out Miami, FSU and UF as the most prominent name at your school? – MacG91
DA: Well to be honest, a lot of people at my school are really liking Ohio State. I've been talking to a few of the younger players and i know for a fact that OSU will be getting some more really good players from St Thomas if the opportunity is given to them. But the fact that big Bosa is doing really well and a lot of people expect me to do really well, I think that the pipeline will continue to grow. As far as beating out those other schools, if players continue to go to Ohio State and reach their potential, then yeah, I think Ohio State will have an advantage.
Are you more comfortable with zone or press? – D-Day0043
DA: I'm more comfortable in press. I'd rather be close enough to put my hands on the receiver. That's where I can get in his head. I think playing press can show how much of a dog you are. But I can play zone just as well as I can press.
Do you think a lot of the younger guys on St. Thomas Aquinas will start considering Ohio State more with Joey Bosa and then you coming here? – OSU069
DA: Yeah, for sure. I think when they see guys that they know getting a certain level of team and individual success, they want to be a part of that. So, I think nine out 10 times if someone gets the chance to go to Ohio State from St. Thomas, they will take advantage of that opportunity and come.
What was it like to be recruited by both OSU and Michigan? Anything interesting happen during the in-home visits? – TeddyBallgame
DA: Nothing too interesting, but it felt good getting recruited by the national champions and That Team Up North. I can't wait to play against them this year though; I know they are rebuilding, but they should be pretty decent.
So what was it about Ohio State that stood out to you during your recruitment? – MN Buckeye
DA: Well, their tradition and alumni base is great, and on top of that them being the best college team in America meant a lot to me. Just everything about the school from the campus, the facilities, their "Real Life Wednesday" program to help players get started on their life after football while still playing. Their need for players in my position was just a bonus.
Ohio State had one of the best secondaries in the country in 2014, a great improvement from the previous two years. How important was it to play in an elite secondary versus an average one? Did the performance of a school's secondary affect your decision? – Silver Bullet 10
DA: No, not really, because each year is a new year, a fresh start. However, having players like Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, and Tyvis Powell is definitely a plus. Having elite players like that in your secondary makes a difference.
With Ohio State you get the opportunity to play in cold and bad weather. Do recruits consider this as a positive or negative? – TimHBomb
My head was all over the place during my recruiting process and sometimes I lost track of what was really important in a school. But ultimately I feel like the right decision was made.
DA: Honestly, I don't think the weather should matter because you're playing ball. But I'm sure there are some people who pick certain schools over another because of the weather, but reality is if your goal is to play in the NFL you will be playing in all types of weather. Why not start getting used to it?
Are you currently recruiting some Aquinas guys to Ohio State such as Nick Bosa and Trevon Grimes? – UndisputedBuckeye
DA: Yes everyday. I'm pretty sure I know where Nick's head is, so I mainly focus on Tre because all of these other schools are throwing themselves at him. All of this is new to him and I can tell it happened so fast and I know his head is spinning. But having Hall of Famer Cris Carter in his ear as well doesn't hurt. I'm sure we'll land him, but he has a lot of time.
In your "area of the woods", so to speak, how is an Ohio State offer viewed compared to most of the SEC school offers? Has the Big Ten perception changed since last season? – NuttyBuckeye
DA: I've always looked at the SEC as being the most dominant conference. I loved the swag of the SEC and always wanted to be an SEC-type player. I feel that OSU is an SEC team, but playing in the Big Ten. So how I look at it now is I wanna be a SEC-type of player in the Big Ten and just do damage.
What was you favorite part about the recruiting process and conversely what did you not like about it as well? – Buckeye4Life050233
DA: I just loved the feeling of being wanted. That's a great feeling to have but at the same time it messes with your head a bit. My head was all over the place during my recruiting process and sometimes I lost track of what was really important in a school. But ultimately I feel like the right decision was made.
Go Bucks.
