The Hurry Up: Allen Heading to Houston, McDonald's All-American Nominees Include Potter, Army Updates and More

By Jeremy Birmingham on January 5, 2016 at 7:45 pm
Jonathon Cooper is having a great week in San Antonio.
Jonathon Cooper
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The Hurry Up is your nightcap of Ohio State recruiting news, catching you up on the day’s events with an ear on the ground for what’s next.

KYLE ALLEN TO HOUSTON

One of the possible answers to the questions in Ohio State's quarterback room seems to have found an answer Tuesday, seemingly to the chagrin of the Buckeyes. Scottsdale, Arizona's Kyle Allen chose Houston over Ohio State.

Allen, the former five-star prospect from Desert Mountain High School outside of Phoenix, visited a Buckeye practice last week and a number of reports had him all but certainly heading to Columbus despite no official word on the matter. With only two years of eligibility left (2017, 2018), it's likely that Allen's decision (when it becomes official) was impacted by the likelihood that J.T. Barrett's Buckeye career will overlap with one of those eligible years (2017); whereas with Houston the job should be his to lose in 2017 since Greg Ward will depart following the 2016 season. Of course, there are a number of people who believe Allen is unlikely to ever play for Tom Herman, but I am sure that's something Herman and Kyle have discussed and that the quarterback felt comfortable with.

On Ohio State's side of things, there has been a bit of a divide amongst the key parties when it came to deciding "between" Allen and Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins Jr. because while their skill-sets are similar, with Haskins you've got potentially five years worth of development but Allen's experience made him appealing. I think ultimately the decision was that Haskins made more "sense" and that may have impacted how they initially went after Allen.

Haskins' decision has not yet been made but there's still confidence from the Buckeyes on where they stand with him, although it's not quite as strong as it was three-and-a-half weeks ago. He's expected to make an official visit to Maryland Jan. 22 and I'm of the mindset that if that visit happens it's more likely he stays with the Terrapins rather than flipping anywhere else.

If the Buckeyes don't have an answer from Haskins by the end of the dead period, they'll have a difficult decision to make: chase another 2016 quarterback who may not be Ohio State-caliber or go after another 2017 quarterback to join Danny Clark?

If I was making the decision, I'd choose the latter route, but well, I'm not.

MICAH POTTER, DEREK FUNDERBURK AMONG MCDONALD'S NOMINEES

Both of Ohio State's 2016 basketball signees–and their top remaining target–have been nominated for the 2016 McDonald's All-American game.

Micah Potter, Derek Funderburk and Kobi Simmons are all on the initial list, although Funderburk, who plays at the Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, is mistakingly listed under Washington state's nominees.

Potter, who transferred to Montverde (Florida) from Mentor (Ohio) prior to the start of the season, said it's quite an honor but he realizes a lot of people have to be cut from the list before it's something to really get excited about.

"It's exciting," Potter said. "But it's a big list. Lots of cuts to make."

What Potter is more excited about is his decision to head to Montverde, one of the country's most prestigious basketball programs and prep schools.

"(Coming here) was the best decision of my life," Potter said. "But it takes its toll at the same time. And responsibility. Having to take care of myself and teammates all the time instead of barely at all (like before)."

The Buckeyes, too, are thrilled with the development of Potter–named the MVP of the Beach Ball Classic this past weekend–and how his game is getting ready for the Big Ten.

"Ohio State is extremely happy," Potter added. "(They're) always telling me they're excited for me to keep it going, and can't wait for me to get there."

These highlights, from the City of Palms tournament two weeks ago, should explain why Ohio State is eager. Potter's range and outside touch is exceptionally impressive for a kid his size.

DANIELS TAKING OHIO STATE VISIT?

Euless, Texas, (Trinity High School) 2016 defensive tackle Chris Daniels has once again set up an official visit to Ohio State, according to Rivals.com.

The four-star tackle, the country's 19th-ranked player at his position, was expected to visit the Buckeyes in October but that visit fell through and the rumors were that Daniels, who has since committed to Oklahoma, might not be in an academic situation that was conducive to Ohio State giving much more of a chase.

Since the "loss" of Antwuan Jackson and because Ohio State is still a long shot to land Rashard Lawrence, the Buckeyes' need for another defensive tackle persists and with it, Daniels is still worth considering.

The official visit is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of Jan. 29, so if the Buckeyes are going to get a real shot at landing Daniels–who will also visit Texas and probably another school in January–it'd be a last-second shot in the dark.

ARMY ALL-AMERICAN UPDATES

Once again, Ohio State commitments and targets are drawing big-time reviews in San Antonio as day two of the US Army All-American game practices took place.

Wiltfong, one of the country's most-dialed in analysts and one of few that I pay close attention to, made a 247Sports.com crystal ball prediction for Fuller, to Ohio State, Tuesday as well.

One Ohio State commit, offensive lineman Michael Jordan, sat the day out.

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