The Hurry-Up: Meyer's Utah Pursuits, Lawrence Cager Has a New Leader and More.

OH BEEHIVE

Unless you've lived under a rock for most of the 2000s (not that there's anything wrong with that), then you're aware that Urban Meyer once stood at the fore of the University of Utah's football program. Now, nearly a decade later, Meyer is working hard to re-establish his connections in the Beehive State, and the Buckeyes are hoping to be the benefactor of those endeavors. There's been much ado about the likelihood of Branden Bowen becoming the next Buckeye commitment, so if you don't mind for now we'll skip further discussion about him. Instead, we'll focus on the odds of landing another top offensive lineman from Utah, Andre James, who is currently committed to UCLA. The reason for the discussion? This information from James this past Thursday night.

2015 Utah OL Andre James (@AndreJames75) will take official visit to #OhioState in two weeks when #Buckeyes take on #Michigan

— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) November 14, 2014

 A 6-foot-5, 275 pound offensive lineman, James committed to UCLA in July at Nike's The Opening; the Buckeyes were the runner-up to the Bruins in July, and Ed Warinner, as he's known to do, has continued to stay in touch with the Herriman High School star. Now, with an official visit to Ohio State scheduled in two weeks, it's time to turn up the ol' "that's interesting-o-meter" on the possibility of a James flip. Here's the catch: does the visit actually happen? James is taking his official visit to UCLA this weekend, and you can bet your sweet bippy that Jim Mora will try and convince the four-star tackle that there's no reason to visit Ohio State, or Utah for that matter. If that visit takes place to Columbus even after his trip to California this weekend, expect the rumors of a potential flip to heat up significantly. James, for his part, says there's no reason to give much credence to those discussions now.

"There's no concern with UCLA or anything," James told 11W. "I just want to make sure of everything."

James said he and Bowen have had discussions, but there's no talk about pairing up in college, although both admit it'd be unique to have two Utah offensive lineman in one recruiting class at Ohio State. As of right now, James and Bowen — along with Matt Burrell and Drew Richmond — are the top remaining targets on Ohio State's offensive line board. Richmond and James could potentially be fighting for the same spot, and sources tell me that the Buckeyes would be equally happy with either of the lineman, and that if the chance to land three of those four comes, they'd do it happily and sign five come February. For what it's worth, Bowen should make a final decision on his recruitment within the next week, according to people close to him.

LAWRENCE CAGER HAS A NEW FAVORITE

Perhaps the top remaining wide receiver target for the Buckeyes, Maryland's Lawrence Cager visited Alabama this weekend unofficially. It appears the visit went very well for the Crimson Tide.

"It was an insane atmosphere," Cager said of the visit and the game between two of the country's top five teams. "Alabama is definitely a top school, and it's only my first visit there, but they are the team to beat as of right now."

Ohio State has been at the top of Cager's list for most of the last five months, but recent offers from Notre Dame and now this Tuscaloosa trip have given him some things to think about. One concern for Cager? Ohio State's developing depth at wide receiver moving foward, although he says he knows his role in the Buckeye offense would be different than any of the players currently on the roster or committed for 2015. 

He visits Ohio State in two weeks and the Buckeyes will hope to refresh him on why they've been his favorite for so long. He remains a priority for Ohio State and someone that they believe could be a difference maker in their offensive scheme.

"We've got no one like him," one source at Ohio State. "I hope he sees that. Yes, we've got some talented guys on the roster, but everyone he's looking at does. The difference is that he's different than anyone on our team, and that's not the case in those places. He's not afraid of competition, we know that, so it's a matter of showing him how we can use him in the offense we run now and will develop into. He's an important piece to what we're trying to do."

JONATHON COOPER JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

Ohio State's newest 2016 commitment, Gahanna Lincoln's Jonathon Cooper, has his final junior highlights available today. What you see from Cooper is a developing and aggressive talent in a frame that's got plenty of room for growth: this is a superstar in the making and he'll get the chance to hone his craft in his hometown.

Cooper is currently the 13th-ranked defensive end in the 2016 class but don't be surprised if he moves up into the top five nationally at his position if he goes out and has another strong camp season. If he puts himself out there for more evaluation, he'll blow people away like he has for the last year. Cooper will be one of the dozens recruits on hand for Ohio State's big game against Michigan in two weeks.

LONGSNAPPER GETS THE LOVE

One position that's been vital — and overlooked — in Ohio State's success in recent years is the longsnapper. So dutifully manned by Bryce Haynes for the past three years — and hopefully one more year — the Buckeyes have been able to handle one of the game's most perilous moments without anxiety thanks to his steady hands and nerves of steel. It's the success and reliability of Haynes that has Ohio State hopeful for the future of the position when it's entrusted to Worthington Kilbourne's Liam McCullough. On Wednesday at Kilbourne, McCullough will be honored as a US Army All-American.

@ArmyAllAmerican jersey presentation ceremony this Wednesday at 9:45am at Kilbourne!! All are welcome to come pic.twitter.com/l9JBF8dVTF

— Liam McCullough (@LiamMcCullough2) November 17, 2014

The 6-foot-2, 230 pound McCullough committed to Ohio State over offers from Wisconsin, Michigan State, Kentucky and others.