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.
HALL MAKES SEVEN
In case you missed it, Washington, D.C. defensive end Terrell Hall became Ohio State's seventh 2016 verbal commitment when he ended his recruitment about 45 minutes ago.
HAUSMANN HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM
The Buckeyes had some trouble landing their top tight end prospects in 2014 and 2015 but struck gold early in the 2016 cycle when Jake Hausmann ended his recruitment on January 25th. While the last two years have been less-than-stellar for tight ends in Ohio, Hausmann gave the Buckeyes a big boost from their own backyard and the Buckeye staff is glad that he got his commitment out of the way early.
"Hausmann is really everything you want in a tight end," a source at Ohio State said. "He's big, obviously. He's fast, he's athletic, he's a great blocker and really uses his hands well when he catches the ball. He can go over the middle, he can line up on the edge - there's nothing he can't do in our offense. He could be a guy that really changes how we use the tight end."
That is – of course – music to the ears of Buckeye fans long-clamoring for increased utilization of the position. After all, rule number one of college football? The tight end is always open.
ANDREWS COULD BE SLEEPER TO WATCH
Despite an onslaught of early 2017 and 2018 commitments, it's still relatively "early" in the 2016 recruiting cycle, and because of that, it's time to talk sleepers. Yes, the guys who maybe aren't getting the love yet that they will come summer camp season, when they're able to fully put their skills and game development on display. Last year, it was Denzel Ward, Nick Conner, Kevin Feder, Grant Schmidt and others who earned their Buckeye offers by showcasing themselves for the Ohio State coaches. This year, one player who could be in line for that opportunity is Columbus (St. Francis De Sales) standout Austin Andrews.
Andrews, a three-star cornerback who stands 6-foot-1 and 180-pounds, has nine current scholarship offers (including one from Missouri and their owners, the Indiana Hoosiers) and is not shy about wanting to earn one from the Buckeyes.
"Coach (Chris) Ash and I have been in steady contact for the last two, three weeks," Andrews told Eleven Warriors. "I was there last for a visit on February 13th. [Ohio State] wants to see me keep lifting, get closer to 190-pounds and they want to know that I want to play for the Buckeyes. I'll be at camp in June, and they want to see me run track."
For Andrews, the decision to work for the offer he wants is a no-brainer.
"I'm willing to do what it takes to reach that goal," he said.
MENET REMAINS A HIGH PRIORITY
We've talked about Liam Eichenberg, we've talked about Michael Jordan and Tommy Kraemer and others, but one player we've not discussed much is Reading, Pennsylvania's Michal Menet. Menet, 6-foot-5, 265-pounds, is a four-star offensive tackle from Exeter High School and the country's 45th-ranked overall prospect. He's long been thought to be a Penn State "lean" – his crystal ball reads 100-percent for the Nittany Lions – but the Buckeyes are not giving up the chase.
"Menet is someone I really like," a source at Ohio State said. "He's got incredible feet and moves really well for an offensive lineman. Get him to 290-pounds and watch what happens. He's the perfect fit for the way we do things and loves the work. We don't want guys that aren't going to bust their [butts] and he definitely does."
The Buckeyes have limited room along the offensive line, but like Isaiah Prince this past month, if the right guy wants in, they'll not pass him up.
"I don't know that we feel 'good' about the chances to land him," the source continued. "But we're going to recruit him for as long as we're able to and hope he gives us a sincere look. He's a difference maker and we won't pass that kind up, ever."
JUDSON SHOWCASES HIS WIDE RECEIVER SKILLS
As we mentioned last night, Cocoa, Florida's Bruce Judson – a Buckeye 2017 commitment - was working out at wide receiver during Sunday's The Opening regional camp in Orlando. While Judson plays quarterback for the Tigers, and does it well, he's unlikely to play that position in college. Danny Clark is already committed at quarterback for the Buckeyes in 2017, and it's unlikely they'll both man that spot in college.
What does a Judson look like at wide receiver? If this video from yesterday is any indicator, it's not bad, not bad at all.
Sneak peek #SU21 pic.twitter.com/5kRNS4vicm
— Bruce Judson JR. (@4way_lilbruce) March 2, 2015
STUMP GETS GOOD NEWS
Lakewood St. Edward wide receiver Alex Stump signed with the Buckeyes in February but today he got better news: his injured foot is good to go.
Just got cleared by the doc. I'm baaaaackkk! #TheReturn
— Alex Stump (@ShowTime_Stump) March 2, 2015
Stump missed the final two months of his senior season and the Eagle's state championship run after injuring his foot the day before he received his Ohio State scholarship offers.
