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.
CLARK'S DECISION NOT AN EASY ONE
On Friday, it was announced that 2017 Ohio State commitment Danny Clark was transferring from Massillon Washington High School, where he's been a two-year starter at quarterback, to Archbishop Hoban in Akron. When the transfer was publicized, I made a quick post on the matter and incorrectly tried to simplify the matter into a "football decision," which – after talking to a number of people – isn't accurate.
First, the toll it takes on a family to uproot themselves and adjust to a new school, new expectations, new standards, etc. shouldn't be overlooked. The Clarks are a very close unit and the decision to remove Danny from Massillon was difficult; they were proud to represent the Tigers and did it well wherever they went. The uncertainty surrounding the football program at Massillon regarding coaching styles and coaching changes may have played into the decision, but it's far more than just that. The reality is every parent needs to do what is best for their children's future; which is why the Clark family decided it was time for a change. Hoban's academic and athletic programs are second to none and will better prepare Danny for a future at Ohio State on the football field and off of it. It's also likely to benefit Clark's younger brothers, each of whom are now benefited by moving to a better school district, academically-speaking.
On the football field, Hoban is a stable program that's led by Tim Tyrrell, a hard-nosed Youngstown native who was a three-time national champion for the Penguins, where he was coached by Jim Tressel. Clark will join 2017 star running back Todd Sibley, Jr. and very talented 2016 wide receiver/tight end Jonah Morris, providing a formidable three-man punch for the Knights.
The bottom line: Clark's decision should be excellent for his development as a student-athlete and as a football player.
PRINCE SAMMONS TAKING HIS TIME
One of Ohio's most intriguing 2016 prospects is Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy's Prince Sammons. At 6-foot-8, 280 pounds, Sammons is a two-sport star for the Eagles – basketball was Prince's first love – who lines up at defensive end, the position he prefers, but could end up playing offensive line in college.
Ohio State offered Sammons last June and they've remained in consistent contact since then, led by Kerry Coombs. In recent months, Sammons has been focusing on basketball – the Eagles won their first playoff game on Friday night – but when that's finished he'll likely turn his attention back to football and recruiting. He's not your average prospect by any means; he's hopeful to avoid the attention and the hype rather than seeking it out.
"He's figuring out what he wants to do, who he wants to check out," Brandon Sammons, Prince's adopted father told Eleven Warriors. "Prince isn't really big on the calling and what not. That's what we're trying to work on; to make a good decision you feel good about and fits what you want, the hardest part is narrowing down."
For Sammons, the list from which to narrow down is full of the country's top football programs. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Clemson and others have offered the country's 71st-ranked prospect.
"It's all about him, what I like may not be what he likes," Brandon, who coaches wide receivers at CHCA, added. "I'll help him to be educated on what is what, but at the end of the day he has to feel good about it for himself. I may like another school better, but it's his choice, and (the right) 'feel' will definitely come into play."
GREENE, GRIMES, VICTOR STANDOUT IN MIAMI
Without a doubt, the most sought after recruiting camp invitation every year is Nike's The Opening, which takes place in July in Beaverton, Oregon. This year's event began handing out invitations this weekend in Miami and Orlando, and 12 of the country's best prospects earned their way to Oregon. In Miami, only four invitations were extended, although it's likely more will be handed out from what is sure to be one of the circuit's most talented groups.
S/O to the first four invitees to #TheOpening finals- DL Brian Burns, WR Sam Bruce, LB Devin Bush & DB Trayvon Mullen pic.twitter.com/NhKK4HJPCI
— The Opening (@TheOpening) February 28, 2015
In Orlando earlier today, eight invites were given.
S/O & congrats to the eight #TheOpening finals invites in Orlando #GOTOPEN pic.twitter.com/s5h40UPAHa
— The Opening (@TheOpening) March 1, 2015
A number of names familiar to Ohio State fans are on those lists, but no one currently committed or seriously considering the Buckeyes earned an invitation yet. Buckeye verbal Tyler Gerald participated today in Orlando.
"It was great," Gerald said. "Really great."
RT @CraigHaubert: #ESPNJr300 OL & Ohio State commit Tyler Gerald in 1-on-1's - Orlando Opening #Buckeyes https://t.co/Azyld9K4iJ
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) March 1, 2015
Other Buckeye targets, primarily at wide receiver, stood out. 2017 St. Thomas Aquinas star Trevon Grimes, the country's top-ranked wide out in 2017, was named MVP among all wide receivers in Miami. From Luke Stampini of 247Sports.com.
Wide receiver MVP Trevon Grimes of Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas is only a 2017 prospect, but flashed the five-star potential. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder was able to get open deep consistently during one-on-one and seven-on-seven drills.
Grimes continues to name the Buckeyes his leader and the Indiana native is talking about a potential early decision. Notre Dame is one school that could make things interesting. Overall, Grimes was happy with his performance on Saturday.
"I did very well in one-on-ones," Grimes told 11W. "There's simple things I need to work on, like my footwork and releases."
Ohio State 2016 wide receiver target Binjimen Victor from Coconut Creek, Florida (teammate of Opening invitee Trayvon Mullen, another Buckeye target) had another excellent showing. Victor did not receive an invitation to The Opening but he's optimistic it will still come.
"They said they may send late invites," Victor, who's being recruited by Zach Smith, said. "I performed great yesterday, I thought they were going to invite more than four people. Hopefully they'll still invite me."
Although he didn't earn the nod, the 6-foot-4, 175-pound Victor did earn the Vine of the Day, were there such a thing.
WR Binjimen Victor with an incredible one-handed catch. https://t.co/mQvDwZqLZv
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) February 28, 2015
Ohio State 2017 commitment Bruce Judson worked out today in Orlando and although he's a quarterback for Cocoa High School, he lined up at wide receiver during today's event. His teammate – 2016 defensive back Chauncey Gardner – has the Buckeyes in his top group of schools and earned an invitation to Oregon.
JACKSON TELLS MEYER HE'S PLANNING SUMMER VISIT
Antwuan Jackson was offered by Ohio State in the last few weeks and he's already talking to the man in charge of the Buckeye football program.
Wow.. I just got off the phone with Coach Meyers!!! He's legendary!!! #OhioState #Buckeyes
— Antwuan Jackson (@Hercules__52) February 25, 2015
This weekend Jackson visited Alabama, but he said he and Meyer talked about a potential visit to Columbus.
"Coach Meyer was happy to get on phone with me," Jackson told 11W. "I told him I'd be up there in the summer."
Jackson, from Ellenwood, Georgia, is the country's 55th-ranked overall player and eighth-ranked defensive tackle.
