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.
TOM HERMAN'S EXPECTED - YET STILL UNFORTUNATE - DEPARTURE
Although it's not yet officially official, the reports and rumors and rumblings of Tom Herman's decision to leave Columbus for Houston are out there, loud as ever. It didn't take long for recruits to voice their opinion about the matter on social media.
Really sad but happy for Coach Herman you are going to do big things! #Buckeyes for LIFE!
— Torrance Gibson (@quick_tg6) December 15, 2014
Naturally, the question of "How will this affect recruiting?" emerges, and in short: it won't. At least not in 2015 recruiting cycle, as Torrance Gibson and Joe Burrow are solidly entrenched in the "Elite 15" and are not, at least not publicly or privately looking elsewhere.
In 2016, however, the Buckeyes might take a hit as Herman has been instrumental in the recruitment of New Jersey's Jarrett Guarantano. The country's 6th-ranked pro-style quarterback in the 2016 class, Guarantano had been planning a January decision. Now, with the likelihood that Ohio State won't have a quarterback coach lined up until after the College Football Playoff's conclusion, do they fall behind others for his services? Ohio State has been the leader for the Bergen Catholic star, so we'll see what happens.
Crazy but congrats to coach Herman .. #BuckeyeNation
— Jarrett Guarantano (@Guarantano18) December 15, 2014
Urban Meyer is going to find another star-in-the-making to replace Herman, that's the only certainty moving forward. Despite the loss of Herman, which is inevitable at some point, let Buckeye commitment Matt Burrell provide some levity.
Which one was coach Herman again??! What's he look like?
— Matthew Burrll Jr! (@HeaftyLefty) December 15, 2014
WILKINS VISIT BREAKDOWN
As I've said here a number of times, Connecticut's Christian Wilkins is one of the least media-involved recruits around. The 6-foot-4, 290 pound Wilkins was one of a dozen official visitors to Columbus this past weekend and one of just two uncommitted prospects in attendance. From all accounts, the visit for Wilkins went very well. Ohio State commitment Grant Schmidt summed up the tone of each conversation I had about Wilkins.
"We had (Wilkins) with us the whole time," Schmidt said. "He had a great time, seemed like he had a lot of fun with us. I think we've got a great shot."
Schmidt's sentiment was echoed by one of our most reliable in-house sources at Ohio State.
"Wilkins' visit went about as well as it could have," the source said. "We have a good shot."
I still believe that Wilkins ends up in Happy Valley, but the Buckeyes — at the very least — closed the gap quite a bit it seems.
BOSA, COOPER HEADLINE POTENTIALLY SPECIAL GROUP IN 2016
As the 2015 recruiting class comes to a close, the attention for coaches and fans alike will slowly start to turn to the 2016 class. As the page starts to turn, it's impossible to not look ahead and get a wee bit giddy when you consider the potential — and more importantly realistic — options at defensive end next year.
Gahanna Lincoln's heat-seeking missile Jonathon Cooper is already in the mix for the Buckeyes. He committed to the Buckeyes in November. As the country's 11th-ranked defensive end in 2016, Cooper's pledge is worth being excited for. Beyond him, there's an impressive list of players heavily considering Ohio State.
Everyone knows the name Nick Bosa, the five-star brother of current Buckeye Joey. Nick is the country's 17th-ranked overall player in 2016 and is expected to land at Ohio State.
Josh King, from Hinsdale South high school outside of Chicago, the fourth-ranked strongside defensive end, is also very high on the Buckeyes. We talked with him a bit last night, and he's a player Ohio State likes very much, his versatility and skills reminiscent of Adolphus Washington.
Beyond Bosa and King, look for the Buckeyes to be closely linked to a number of other defensive lineman, notably Terrell Hall from Washington D.C., Auston Robertson from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Amani Bledsoe from Lawrence, Kansas. Within Ohio's borders of course, remains a number of exceptionally talented players: Ethan Tucky, Prince Sammons (potentially an offensive lineman) and Luke Farrell (potentially a tight end) could all line up at defensive end.
SO LONG, SON
There's a busy week of big-time commitments happening ahead and they started today. California 2015 lineman Kieffer Longson, who had the Buckeyes in his final four schools, made his selection.
I would like to thank my family, friends and coaches who have made a difference in my life. I am committing to BYU! pic.twitter.com/XmVHhDMspD
— Mt.stormingmormon74 (@kieffer74) December 15, 2014
Later in the day, it was top-ranked 2016 TE Isaac Nauta, who verbally committed to Florida State.
Want to thank everyone and all the coaches that have recruited me, but I am proud to say that I am committing to Florida state University!
— Isaac Nauta (@inauta24) December 15, 2014
Later this week, Christian Kirk, Malik Jefferson and his teammate DeAndre McNeal will also make their selections. All three have Buckeye offers, but none are expected to choose Ohio State.
