Better Know a Buckeye: Eric Glover-Williams

With signing day in the rear-view mirror, the Better Know a Buckeye series returns to profile the incoming freshmen from this year's recruiting class. That this feature also happens to follow Ohio State's eighth national championship season should add some excitement to these features as Ohio State fans look forward to next season.

We start the first installment of this 27-part series with Eric Glover-Williams. Glover-Williams is an athlete (probable pivot receiver) from the McKinley program in Canton. Ohio State's coaches were active in their pursuit of Glover-Williams in his freshman year (in 2012, the first season of the Meyer era). Glover-Williams did not take long to become a member of this class. He accepted the Ohio State offer on August 25, 2013.

I retell his recruitment below, focusing on his camp performances. From there, I provide insight on why Glover-Williams chose Ohio State and why he committed to Ohio State when he did. I follow this with a discussion of strengths and areas for improvement for Glover-Williams, who will enroll at Ohio State without a firm position in mind. I project whether Glover-Williams will redshirt in 2015 and close with a highlight film for the reader to watch.

His Recruitment

Eric Glover-Williams (shorthand: EGW) may not have been the first 2015 recruit evaluated by Ohio State's coaches, but he may have been the first to get their attention. Ohio State's coaches got serious about recruiting EGW in August 2012. This was before Meyer coached his first game for the Buckeyes. EGW was a freshman sensation for the McKinley Bulldogs, a storied program known for sending its alumni to major college football programs across the country, including Ohio State. Down the stretch, EGW became a more important cog for McKinley. With his contributions down the stretch, McKinley was able to close on a four-game win streak in the regular season and advance to the second round of the state playoffs.

EGW's freshman highlight tape was fascinating to those who watched it, including Ohio State's coaches. The first scholarship offer came from Nebraska in early December 2012, and Ohio State followed shortly thereafter. When discussing the offer, EGW's father described him as an Ohio State fan.

The next step was to perform in front of Ohio State coaches at their summer camps. EGW's break-out moment came in the 2013 Friday Night Lights camp at the end of July.

EGW, who does not lack confidence, worked out in a Superman t-shirt and cut in front of lines to take extra snaps. He also squared off with Damon Webb, who was the marquee name in Ohio State's 2014 recruiting class at the time. The one-on-one battles between Webb and EGW captured the interest of Ohio State fans in attendance and resonated with the coaches watching and evaluating both. Webb may have gotten the better of EGW on most of the snaps, but EGW came down with a spectacular catch that was captured in this great photo.

His Commitment

EGW became the first member of Ohio State's 2015 recruiting class on August 25, 2013. EGW was at work that evening when he decided that he wanted to secure his spot in Ohio State's recruiting class. He chose Ohio State over a host of other offers, including Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan State, Nebraska, and Tennessee.

There was no real drama to EGW's recruitment before he committed. The intrigue came several months afterward. When Mike Vrabel left Ohio State for the Houston Texans, EGW had no assigned recruiter on Ohio State's coaching staff. For several months, Ohio State and EGW did not communicate with each other before Ed Warinner became his primary recruiter. There was speculation, all unofficial, that EGW might take some unofficial visits during this time, though this never materialized.

Thereafter, EGW came under considerable scrutiny for his involvement in an ugly altercation at his high school. This compromised his position in the 2015 recruiting class; EGW had to be mindful that another indiscretion could lead to him to lose his spot. No other incidents surfaced, which allowed EGW to sign with Ohio State on National Signing Day.

Where He Excels

EGW did a little bit of everything for McKinley, playing quarterback, cornerback, running back, kick returner and punt returner. McKinley head coaches Todd Filtz and Thom McDaniels wanted the ball in his hands as often as possible.

Fans are not sure yet what position EGW will play for Ohio State. If he's not working with Kerry Coombs in the cornerbacks rotation, he will factor into the wide receiver rotation. He's a guy Ohio State's offensive coaches would want playing a pivot position. His short, somewhat choppy strides are ideal for that position.

EGW could be an All-American cornerback. He could be a home run threat at wide receiver as well. EGW was one of the most dynamic football players in the state as a senior, and was one of the most electric players in the state since 2011. Consistent with what Ohio State coaches want, speed is an attribute. He's great out of his cuts and reaches top gear quickly. On defense, he closes fast.

Ohio State fans have known for some time that EGW does not lack confidence. Beyond making him a "competitor", this allows EGW to play bigger than he actually his. While EGW does damage in space and the open field, he attacked the line of scrimmage at running back as if he had the frame of a standard tailback.

Must Work On

Recruiting services differ on EGW's measurements, which could have implications for what he is capable of doing at the college level. 247 Sports lists EGW at 5-11 and 165 pounds, while Rivals says he is 5-9. Take both with a grain of salt.

EGW lacks ideal height for college football, which could be more debilitating if he were to play cornerback. While EGW is an active and eager tackler, there's only so much confidence and effort can do for a defensive back with a frame resembling Noel Devine. Size is one reason why I think his ceiling is higher on offense than defense.

I don't think EGW would thrive as a standard tailback. He hits holes hard, but can be impatient. Patience is a virtue in Ohio State's zone-running scheme, especially for a guy of EGW's size. Ohio State's offense could address this issue by making EGW more of a wide receiver than running back.

Redshirt?

This is a judgment call. Ohio State does not need running threats in 2015, but it could use some playmakers at other positions on the offense. I rather like Curtis Samuel, but Samuel must prove his merits in the offseason to secure more playing time and build off a solid freshman season. EGW could also thrive on special teams as a true freshman. As a result, I think he will find something to do on the field in 2015.

Highlights

Film from EGW's junior year is the best I can find.

He also returned a punt for a touchdown in the Under Armour All-American Game.