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.
The community interview has always been one of the more popular recruiting features on this site. With so much double talk in recruiting, it's refreshing to have a forum to ask Ohio State commits questions and get straight answers. This time, the interview branches out to a Buckeye target, who in the midst of the recruiting process, took time to answer your questions.
Four-star pro-style quarterback prospect Dwayne Haskins is one of the best at his position in the class of 2016 and holds offers from Ohio State, Maryland, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M—you name it. The Potomac, Md., native – who currently lists Ohio State as his leader – is here to answer questions about his recruitment. Let's get to it.
What are you looking for in a school? Which schools stand out and what do you like most about each? - Killer Nuts
DH: I'm looking for a school similar to my high school: high standards when it comes to academics, teachers that support you and have your best interest [at heart]. Coaches that push you and utilize you for the best of the team. For right now I don't have a list or favorites. I'm still doing my research and I'm very much interested in a lot of schools. I can't wait to get know these people together and make the best decision for me.
How often do you find that coaches spend their time with you negatively recruiting their competitors, as opposed to selling their own program? - Hodge
DH: I don't find myself in that situation at all. If I do, it shows the character of the coach or recruiter. You're supposed to sell your school, not bash others in the process.
Which is more important to you when looking at a potential position coach: your relationship with the coach, or the results he gets in preparing you for the next level? Would you rather have a mean-as-a-rattlesnake coach who you knew would prepare you for the pros, or trade that certainty for a position coach you have a more amicable relationship with? - Grande Gustavo
DH: As a quarterback, I want a coach that has a good track history with QBs. A track history shows the coach's development and his ability to get me better for the 4 years I help the school win national championships. A coach that pushes you, teaches you and prepared you for the next level to help me reach my potential.
How does the interest of other high-caliber quarterbacks affect your view of teams and also your decision timeline? Specifically, do you feel ever feel pressure to commit to a certain school earlier than you'd like? Is that something you even pay attention too? - Bucks15
DH: It doesn't matter to me much about what other quarterbacks feel about other schools. I'll commit when I'm ready. That school will get a winner and a team player that wants to distribute the ball to others.
With the advent of social media, it's easy for athletes like yourself to reach out and connect with other highly touted recruits. Do you embrace it and if so, who specifically do you keep tabs on? - KBonay
DH: It helps a lot knowing that kids have the same offers as yourself. Even before this process started my USA teammates like Robert Washington, Moe Neal, Jared Mayden, Eli Johnson, Shane Simmons and Jonathan Pollock had a dream to play with each other when we all develop. Hence the Dream Team 16 name.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you need to work on the most to get to that next level? - OSUBucks57
DH: I don't really analyze my game as a strength or weakness. I can get better at all aspects of my game. I have a lot more work to do to reach my goals.
