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.
DOING THE CARLTON
When he committed to Ohio State in early August, there was an odd silence from Buckeye fans, writers, coaches and more. No one knew who Carlton Davis was, no one believed he'd stick with the Buckeyes, and no one — not even Buckeye coaches — celebrated his arrival in the "Elite '15" with anything more than guarded optimism. Now, midway through his senior season, the attitudes are changing – a lot.
"Ohio State loves what Carlton Davis brings to the table and they're really hopeful he stands by his commitment," one source in Florida told Eleven Warriors. "His commitment caught them by surprise, but the more they've watched him and gotten to know him, they really want to make sure he sticks. He's the big, physical safety they thought they had with Ben Edwards."
David released his mid-season highlight tape yesterday and it's easy to see why the Buckeyes like him so much.
JOSHUA NORWOOD NETS BUCKEYE OFFER, PLANNING OFFICIAL VISIT
In the summer of 2009, Ohio State offered a little known cornerback from Georgia who was committed to Vanderbilt. The offer, at the time, was viewed with some skepticism. That player, Bradley Roby, would go on to become a first-round NFL draft pick and is making plays as a rookie for the Denver Broncos on Sundays. Last week, Ohio State offered a little known cornerback from Valdosta, Georgia, committed to the University of Cincinnati; Joshua Norwood.
The Buckeyes, along with Duke and a few others, are the only schools to have offered Norwood, and he admits that the interest from Ohio State is something he can't help but pay attention to.
"It's Ohio State, it's big time football," Norwood told Eleven Warriors. "I've been working hard and waiting for a chance to get a look from one of those programs. The school is great academically and on the field."
A diligent student who wants to major in engineering, Norwood is being recruited by Ohio State's Kerry Coombs. He's begun planning an official visit already.
"I'm going to Ohio State for an official visit soon," the 5-foot-10, 175 pound defensive back added. "I'll know later this week exactly when."
MEETING 2016 WR TRE NIXON
The search for talented wide receivers in 2015 and beyond isn't slowing down, even with the weekend's flip of Alex Stump. On Sunday, the Buckeyes, spearheaded by tight end's coach Tim Hinton, offered 2016 Viera (Melbourne, Florida) wideout Tre Nixon.
"I talked to (Tim) Hinton on the phone, we've been talking for a weeks," Nixon told 11W. "He said Ohio State really loves my speed, and they loved my film."
Hinton also checked on Nixon this past Friday night, so the evaluation was more than just tape-driven. The in-person look is something that Nixon hopes to return soon.
"I definitely hope to visit Ohio State soon," he added. "It won't be anytime this fall, because they just offered and I'm focusing on my football season, but it's something that is definitely in my plans. I will be at the Ohio State game against Penn State though."
The Buckeyes have joined Florida, Duke, Army, Michigan State, Miami, Ole Miss, Penn State and West Virginia among his scholarship opportunities.
CUPP RUNNETH OVER
After losing the state's top lineman to Notre Dame last weekend, the Buckeyes are preparing to host another this weekend. Leipsic, Ohio's Gavin Cupp will head to Columbus this weekend.
"I can't wait to get down there for a visit," Cupp said. "I talk to (offensive line coach Ed) Warinner quite a bit. That relationship is going well. I've got to talk to Taylor Decker about him at camp (this past summer) and he said that (Warinner) is the nicest guy in the world off the field but once you get on it, there's like a switch that goes off, and I experienced that at camp. I liked that a lot about him, when it's time to work, it's time to get serious."
With offers from West Virginia, Bowling Green and Toledo, Cupp is hopeful that more are coming.
"I think a lot of schools are just waiting to see how my season finishes up," he said, explaining why he thought he'd had more offers by now. "I know that's what Ohio State has said."
Cupp went on to say he'll return to Ohio State for their November 1st game against Illinois, and that visits to Notre Dame and West Virginia are in the works. He's already been to Michigan State and Bowling Green this season.
