Sprinkle decided to buck the trend and campThe summer football camp circuit was originally established in the traditional sense of a camp, but quickly evolved into a recruiting tool for schools, as well as a way for prospects to impress coaches at various universities around the country and earn scholarship offers.
Last weekend at Ohio State's camp there were many prospects trying to fight for the coveted offer from the Buckeyes, but one player there didn't have to worry about that during his trip to Columbus. That's because he not only had an offer in hand, but already has given a verbal commitment to Urban Meyer.
Tracy Sprinkle became the ninth player to verbally commit to Ohio State's class of 2013 back in the middle of April, but that didn't stop the 6-4/250 defensive lineman from wanting to show the coaches why they gave him a chance to be a Buckeye. He made the trip from Elyria in the Cleveland area down to Columbus last Sunday to compete with some top prospects and came away satisfied that he had proven he was worthy of wearing the Scarlet and Gray.
We caught up with Tracy to hear how his camp experience went, who he was impressed with, what it was like to work with his future coaches, and more. Join us after the jump to hear the latest update on future Buckeye defensive lineman, Tracy Sprinkle.
How did the Ohio State camp go last weekend?
It was a good time and a great camp. There was a lot of good competition there. We did all sorts of agility drills, individual drills, worked on our hands, improved our get-off, and also pursuit drills. I feel like I did well up there.
What was it like working with Coach Vrabel all day, considering he will be your position coach at Ohio State?
I got a good feeling of what it will be like when I get up there. I really like how he coached. He treated me like I was already a player there and was making sure I was doing the best I can and leading everybody else at the camp.
Who was the most impressive player in the defensive line group that you saw at camp?
I'd have to say Tyquan Lewis from North Carolina by far. I was talking to him all day and trying to get him to come to Ohio State. He said he really liked the school a lot. He was asking me questions throughout the day and I just tried to give him the best input I could.
Who was the most impressive offensive lineman you went against?
Kyle Meadows from Lakota West. He performed pretty well there and was the best I saw in that group.
What coaches did you get to speak to while on campus and what did they say?
I spoke to literally all of the coaches, including Coach Meyer. They all told me they were happy to see me and happy that I came down. Before camp Coach Meyer told me he expected me to work hard and show out.
Why did you go down to camp if you didn't need to earn a scholarship offer?
There is always room for improvement in my game. I never want to settle so I decided to get down there and work with Coach Vrabel. I wanted to learn some things to help me individually, and also take away some things to bring back and show my team. I feel like I accomplished that.
