Welcome to The Hurry-Up, which runs Sunday through Thursday, serving as your last stop for recruiting news and notes nightly. We'll recap the day as it happened and preview the days ahead while keeping our ear to the ground on the Ohio State recruiting scene.
TEXAS TOM MAKING THE ROUNDS
Since 1974, there have been 14 Texas high school football players to sign their National Letter of Intent with Ohio State. 29-percent (4) of those players have made their way to Columbus in the last two Buckeye recruiting classes, thanks to the recruiting chops and football acumen of Tom Herman. Ohio State's offensive coordinator and quarterback coach has roots in Texas and his reputation there continues to open doors for the Buckeyes.
"Herman is great," one Texas high school coach shared with Eleven Warriors. "He is incredibly down-to-earth and he really connects with the younger guys because he's smart, but not in a way that is hard to understand. He's a guy Ohio State is lucky to have."
On Monday, Herman was in Cedar Hill, Mesquite, DeSoto and a few other hotbeds hoping to continue his Lone Star success. The names to remember from this trip? 2015 duo Darrell Miller (committed to Tennessee), a cornerback from Cedar Hill, and Poteet linebacker Malik Jefferson, who will visit Ohio State in three weeks.
Sources tell 11W that Miller is a player the Buckeyes are very interested in and someone they hope to get back on campus this fall. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound defensive back committed to Tennessee in July, a few weeks after camping in Columbus and earning a scholarship offer from Ohio State.
JEROME BAKER DISCUSSION
Last weekend, Cleveland Benedictine linebacker, Florida Gator commitment and Buckeye offer Jerome Baker had planned to take a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee for a Volunteer visit. The trip to Knoxvegas, didn't happen, but the travel plans for Baker are just beginning.
This weekend, Baker, Ohio's first or second-ranked player depending on you ask, is heading to Gaineville, Florida for his official visit with the Gators. How many official visits Baker takes is still up in the air, but he has repeatedly stated a desire to take a full five. If that happens, and even if it doesn't, it's likely Baker will schedule at least one more: to Ohio State. One source close to Baker's recruiting believes that no matter what happens from this point moving forward, the writing is on the wall about what will happen.
"I know (Baker) is wanting to take his time, to make his visits, and he should," one source shared. "But eventually, everyone believes this will end up with him in Columbus and signing with the Buckeyes. Florida was a real, legitimate option but the struggles down there don't appear to be getting any better. I used to think that (Florida head coach Will) Muschamp's job being saved would keep Baker in their class, but I don't anymore."
So, Baker to the Buckeyes sounds good. What, if anything, could be a deterrent?
"Honestly, I don't think much will happen between now and when a change is made for Baker," our source continued. "One possible issue? Let's say Florida fires Muschamp and decides to promote (Linebacker coach) D.J. Durkin to head coach? That could be interesting."
WHERE'S THE BEEF?
Michael Bennett is a senior. Joey Bosa is about as "sure thing" as there could be for NFL early entry following next season. Noah Spence's collegiate career is up in the air. Jamal Marcus transferred to Akron. Steve Miller and is backup Rashad Frazier are both seniors. The point? The strength of Ohio State's defense in 2014 is going to be an area of major concern in 2015 and beyond as talent leaves the program and the remaining depth has little-to-no valuable playing time.
Why, with wide-ranging success and a legend like Larry Johnson, Sr. leading the unit, is there such a struggle currently? One source close to the Buckeyes says don't count on it lasting much longer.
"It is kind of crazy, because the guys we have are all so good and have become better players — all of them — in their time at Ohio State," the source said. "Right now, for whatever reason, a lot of the guys they like just aren't ready to commit. Does that mean they'll get them? Not necessarily, but Urban Meyer always finishes strong. That combination of Urban, Larry Johnson and high NFL draft picks will pay off. Soon."
AUDIBLES
On Sunday night, I took a short look at what could be an interesting change of quarterbacking events. Today, the first domino fell as Notre Dame pulled off a major flip: Brandon Wimbush decommitted from Penn State and immediately pledged Irish.
Life decision, lot of prayer, a lot of soul searching made me re-think my goals. Thank you Penn State, but I'm commiting the Fighting Irish!
— brandon wimbush (@BrandonW_7) October 7, 2014
I've always been fond of Wimbush, as a player and a person, and Notre Dame's recruiting momentum, already formidable, gets another big boost.
Do you like Ohio State legacies? Do you want to help one Ohio State legacy win Player of the Week in his area? Good news! This is your chance.
You can vote for Connor Heyward as Gwinnett Prep Sports Player of the Week and reward him for his seven reception, two touchdown performance last weekend.
