Class in Review: Braxton Miller, Devin Smith Help Shape the Legacy of Ohio State's 2011 Recruiting Class

By Matt Gutridge on January 31, 2016 at 8:15 am
Jim Tressel's final recruiting class at Ohio State included Braxton Miller
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It's impossible to know if a recruiting class is a success on signing day. To truly gauge whether you signed a winning group, you have to reassess their accomplishments when they're done.

THE CLASS AT A GLANCE

Ohio State's 2011 recruiting class featured 23 players, including 15 from the Buckeye state. The class, Jim Tressel's final recruiting class in Columbus, finished seventh in the country according to the 247Sports.com rankings and first in the Big Ten.

Seven states were represented in 2011, including Florida, where three future Buckeyes would come from, the most memorable of which was Ryan Shazier, who had committed to the Florida Gators and Urban Meyer before deciding to join Jim Tressel's group.

Birm has looked at the class previously, but today we're focusing on their accomplishments and the group, in its entirety, moves on from Columbus.

THOSE WHO STAYED

Note: Players are listed in order of their 247 Composite Rankings.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
BRAXTON MILLER QB 6-2 185 .983 ★★★★★ HUBER HEIGHTS, OHIO WAYNE
Braxton Miler
CAREER STATISTICS
SEASON GAMES COMPLETIONS ATT PCT YDS TD INT RUSH ATT RUSH YDS RUSH TD REC REC YDS REC TD
CAREER 49 396 667 .594 5,295 52 17 600 3,315 33 25 340 3

Braxton Miller's career took a major turn when he injured his shoulder in the 2014 Orange Bowl. That was the last game he played quarterback for the Buckeyes. Miller sat out the 2014 season and returned for his senior season as a wide receiver.

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team MVP
  • 2014: Team Captain
  • 2013: Chicago Tribune Big Ten MVP
  • 2013: Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
  • 2013: Big Ten Quarterback of the Year
  • 2013: Team Captain
  • 2013: All-Big Ten
  • 2012: Chicago Tribune Big Ten MVP
  • 2012: Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
  • 2012: Big Ten Quarterback of the Year
  • 2012: All-Big Ten
  • 2011: Big Ten Freshman of the Year
  • 2011: National Freshman of the Year (CFB Performance Awards)

NFL DRAFT: Braxton Miller is projected to get selected between the third and fifth rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft. 

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
CHASE FARRIS SDE 6-6 265 .925 ★★★★ ELYRIA, OHIO ELYRIA
Chase Farris

Chase Farris bounced between the offensive and defensive lines during his Ohio State career. He was recruited as a defensive end for the 2011 class. Early in 2012, his red- shirt freshman season, Farris switched to the offensive line. He found himself back on defense in 2013 when the defensive line was thin due to injury. He played in seven games and recorded three tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Farris finished his junior and senior seasons on the offensive line. He played in 29 games and started at right tackle as a senior.

NFL DRAFT: Chase Farris might be drafted as an offensive guard in the later rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
NICK VANNETT TE 6-6 240 .912 ★★★★ WESTERVILLE, OHIO CENTRAL
Nick Vannett
Nick Vannett's CAREER Stats
SEASON GAMES REC YDS AVG TD
CAREER 37 55 585 10.6 6

Expectations for Nick Vannett were high entering the 2015 season. He was coming off a 19 reception 5 touchdown season and was replacing Jeff Heuerman as the No. 1 tight end. In 2016 the statistical expectations for Vannett were not met. He played 10 games, had 19 receptions, but did not record a touchdown.

Although his stats did not meet his goals, Vannett was still a vital component to the offense. Defenses had to account for him in pass schemes and his consistent blocking was a key to the offense.

NFL DRAFT: The talented Vannett is projected as a third-round NFL Draft pick.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
JOEL HALE DT 6-4 250 .876 ★★★★ GREENWOOD, IL CENTER GROVE
Joel Hale
JOEL HALE'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS
CAREER 25 11 21 32 0.5 0

Like Chase Farris, Joel Hale bounced between the offensive and defensive lines during his Ohio State career. He committed as a defensive tackle and played in 30 games between 2011 and 2013. Entering his senior season the Indiana native switched to offensive line. However, an injury caused him to red-shirt during the national championship season. 

Hale returned to the defensive line in 2015 and recorded 12 tackles. After his football career is over he plans enter the restaurant business as an owner.

NFL DRAFT: Possible Free Agent.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
BRYCE HAYNES LS 6-4 185 .769 ★★ CUMMING, GA PINECREST ACADEMY
Bryce Haynes
BRYCE HAYNES' CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL
CAREER 35 0 0.5 0.5

When Bryce Haynes signed with Ohio State in 2011 he was the No. 1 ranked long snapper in the nation. He red-shirted in 2011, but shared long-snapping duties with George Makridis during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. During the championship season Haynes made every special teams snap. The Big Ten Distinguished Scholar plans to enter medical school. 

NFL DRAFT: Despite being one of the country's most successful and established long-snappers, it's unlikely that Haynes will hear his name called on draft weekend, although an NFL career as a free-agent is certainly likely.

2011 CLASS MEMBERS WHO LEFT BEFORE 2015 SEASON
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
RYAN SHAZIER OLB 6-1 204 .946 ★★★★ POMPANO BEACH, FL PLANTATION
Pittsburgh Steelers' first-round pick Ryan Shazier
RYAN SHAZIER'S career STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS INT FF
CAREER 39 210 107 317 45.5 15.0 1 9

Ryan Shazier came to Ohio State from Plantation High School in Pompano Beach, Florida. He personified being a Silver Bullet. Shazier led the Big Ten in tackles his sophomore and junior seasons. Against Indiana in 2013 Shazier tied an Ohio State record by recording 16 solo tackles and 5 tackle for loss in a single game.

Some highlights from Ryan Shazier's career:

  • 2011 vs Penn State: Recorded 15 tackles in his first start at Ohio State.
  • 2011 vs Wisconsin: Blocked a Badger punt that led to Buckeye touchdown from the one. Ohio State won 33-29.
  • 2012 at Penn State: Returned an interception for a touchdown in the Buckeyes' 35-23 win at Happy Valley.
  • 2012 at Wisconsin: Forced Wisconsin running back Montee Ball to fumble at the goal line. Ohio State won an overtime thriller in Madison 21-14. 

Honors and Awards

  • 2013: All-American
  • 2013: All-Big Ten

Ryan Shazier ended his Ohio State career as an All-American and first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's quickly becoming of the NFL's most dynamic linebackers.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
DEVIN SMITH WR 6-2 175 .833 ★★★★ MASSILLON, OHIO WASHINGTON
New York Jet's wide receiver Devin Smith
DEVIN SMITH'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES REC. YDS AVG TDS
CAREER 53 121 2,503 20.7 30

Smith entered his final season with the Buckeyes as the returning leading receiver with 88 catches for 1,572 yards and 18 touchdowns. Smith was again expected to be the big play receiver. He did not disappoint. He finished his Ohio State career with the highest average per touchdown reception. Smith also left as a national champion. He was the first Buckeye selected in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Smith's rookie year in the NFL was injury-plagued. He missed the start of the season with broken ribs and the end of it after suffering a torn ACL. No stranger to difficulties, the Massillon native nearly saw him entire career come to an end following a potentially life-altering car accident before his senior season.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
JEFF HEUERMAN TE 6-5 225 .870 ★★★ NAPLES, FL BARRON COLLIER
Jeff Heuerman
JEFF HEUERMAN'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES REC YDS AVG TDS
CAREER 41 52 792 15.2 7

Jeff Heuerman was a triple threat as a tight end. He could block, run crisp routes and was a reliable pass-catcher. When he first signed with the Buckeyes Heuerman was known as the guy who used to play hockey. He became know as a football player his freshman year after he earned a varsity letter and played in 10 games. Heuerman's breakout season was his junior year (2013). He had career highs in receptions (26), yards (466) and touchdowns (5).

Jeff Heuerman's senior season was hampered by injury. However, he still played in 8 games and had 17 receptions. Heuerman came in as the hockey guy. He left as a 3rd round draft pick of the Denver Broncos.

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team Captain
  • 2014: All-Big Ten (2nd Team)
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
DORAN GRANT CB 5-10 171 .969 ★★★★ AKRON, OHIO ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY
Doran Grant
DORAN GRANT'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS INT FF
CAREER 52 107 33 140 4.0 1.0 3 1

Doran Grant came to Ohio State from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. He earned a varsity letter for the Buckeyes his freshman season (2011). Grant became a full time starter his junior season and in 52 games during his Ohio State career. As a senior in 2014, Grant had career highs in solo tackles (49), total tackles (14).

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team Captain
  • 2014: All-Big Ten
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
EVAN SPENCER WR 6-1 185 .923 ★★★★ VERNON HILLS, IL VERNON HILLS
Evan Spencer
EVAN SPENCER'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES REC YDS AVG TDS
CAREER 43 52 579 11.1 7

The son of a Buckeye legend and former coach Tim Spencer, Evan created his own Buckeye legacy. Spencer's touchdown pass to Michael Thomas against Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl was a key moment in the Buckeyes' victory. He not only provided clutch catches and plays, but Spencer was also a relentless blocker who kept defenders off of Ezekiel Elliott on his long scampers.

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team MVP
  • 2014: Team Captain
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
CURTIS GRANT ILB 6-3 222 .989 ★★★★ RICHMOND, VA HERMITAGE
Curtis Grant
CURTIS GRANT'S career STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS INT FR
CAREER 36 67 65 132 8.5 3.0 1 2

The highest rated player in the 2011 signing class was a late-bloomer. Entering his final season (2014) many questioned if Curtis Grant would live up to his lofty ratings. He did and Grant became the leader on the championship team's defense. He finished 2014 with a career high 64 tackles and 5.0 tackles for loss. 

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team Captain
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
MICHAEL BENNETT DT 6-3 275 .972 ★★★★ CENTERVILLE, OHIO CENTERVILLE
Michael Bennett
MICHAEL BENNETT'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS FR FF
CAREER 41 61 49 110 31.5 18.0 2 7

Michael Bennett was the anchor of the 2014 national champion Buckeyes. During his final two season he had 14.0 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss. Both of Michael Bennett's parents graduated from West Point and their leadership skills were passed on to their son. Bennett finished his Ohio State career with 110 tackles, 31.5 TFL and 18.0 sacks.

Honors and Awards

  • 2014: Team Captain
  • 2014: All-American
  • 2014: All-Big Ten (2nd Team)
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
STEVE MILLER WDE 6-5 28 .968 ★★★★ CANTON, OHIO MCKINLEY
Steve Miller
STEVE MILLER'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS INT FF
2014 14 17 14 31 5.5 2.0 1 1
CAREER 22 28 17 45 11.5 5.0 1 1

Steve Miller was on the path to becoming an anonymous former Ohio State football player. Entering his senior season (2014) Miller only had 16 career tackles. His anonymity status instantly changed when he dropped back in zone coverage against Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl. 

Miller had his eyes locked on Blake Sims as he dropped into coverage. The pick-six was a game changer. The play also thrust Steve Miller out of the shadows and into the spotlight. 

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
RON TANNER S 6-1 190 .891 ★★★ COLUMBUS, OHIO EASTMOOR ACADEMY
Ron Tanner
RON TANNER'S DEFENSIVE STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL INT
CAREER 14 16 7 23 1

Ron Tanner took a red-shirt in 2011. Between 2012 and 2014 he earned three varsity letters playing on special teams and occasionally filled in at safety. A foot injury four games into the 2014 season sidelined Tanner's Ohio State career. The Eastmoor alum earned Academic All-Big Ten honors twice. 

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
CHRIS CARTER OG 6-4 340 .864 ★★★ CLEVELAND, OHIO JOHN F KENNEDY
Chris Carter
CHRIS CARTER'S CAREER STATS
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS FR
CAREER 37 5 12 1.0 1.0 1.0 1

Chris Carter red-shirted as a true freshman in 2011. In 2012 he moved to the defensive line in spring practice. Carter played in 12 games a special teams player in 2013. Before The Game in 2014 it was announced that the 2014 season was Carter's last as a Buckeye. He was honored on Senior Day.

I'm not sure if he pursued a career that allowed him to inspect things.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
ANTONIO UNDERWOOD OG 6-3 292 .862 ★★★ SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO SHAKER HEIGHTS
Antonio Underwood

Underwood lettered as a true freshman in 2011. He took a red-shirt in 2013 due to knee surgery. Underwood decided to forgo his red-shirt senior season. He was honored on Senior Day against Michigan in 2014.

TRANSFERS AND MORE
NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
KENNY HAYES SDE 6-4 245 .945 ★★★★ TOLEDO, OHIO WHITMER
Kenny Hayes

Kenny Hayes played in six games, but left Ohio State in the spring of 2012 and transferred to the University of Findlay.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
BRIAN BOBEK OC 6-3 278 .911 ★★★★ PALASTINE, IL FREMD
Brian Bobek

Brian Bobek played in five games. He transferred to Minnesota in June of 2012.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
EJUAN PRICE OLB 6-0 235 .900 ★★★★ PITTSBURGH, PA WOODLAND HILLS
Ejuan Price

Ejuan Price Asked to be released from his letter of intent in June of 2011.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
DERJUAN GAMBRELL S 6-2 180 .887 ★★★★ TOLEDO, OHIO ROGERS
Derjuan Gambrell

Derjuan Gambrell played in one game in 2011. He was dismissed from the team in January 2012 for misdemeanor assault.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
CONNER CROWELL ILB 6-1 220 .867 ★★★ WALDORF, MD NORTH POINT
Conner Crowell

Conner Crowell played in three games and recorded one solo tackle. In January 2013 he was not cleared by the medical staff due to a lingering leg injury.

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN high school
JEREMY CASH S 6-0 185 .867 ★★★ FORT LAUDERDALE, FL PLANTATION
Jeremy Cash
CASH'S CAREER STATS AT DUKE
SEASON GAMES SOLO AST TOTAL TFL SACKS INT FF
2015 12 57 43 100 18.0 2.5 0 3
CAREER 39 189 143 332 38.0 8.0 5 9

Jeremy Cash played in five games and recorded three tackles in 2011. In January, 2012 Cash transferred to Duke. In 2015 he was the first Blue Devil to be named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Cash was also named to the All-ACC Team, an All-American and team MVP. 

NAME POS. HT WT 247 COMP. STARS HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
TOMMY BROWN OG 6-5 300 .856 ★★★ AKRON, OHIO FIRESTONE
Tommy Brown

Tommy Brown played in 10 games in his short Ohio State career. In August of 2014 he transferred to Akron to be closer to home.

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