It was late January when the rumors that Isaiah Prince and the Buckeyes were close to becoming a real item. The scuttlebutt from around the recruiting world was that Prince and Ohio State – led by Larry Johnson, Sr. and Ed Warinner – were working on setting up an official visit to Columbus, which would have been his second trip to the school.
Then something crazy happened: a day before his visit was scheduled, Prince committed to Alabama. The Crimson Tide pledge meant no visit to Ohio State, and things were, it appeared, dead in the water. Until the next day, when Prince – having second thoughts and feeling pressured into his Bama verbal – decided he'd still visit Columbus and give the Buckeyes a chance. The visit was a slam dunk for Prince and his family and a week later he was signed, sealed and delivered to Ohio State, the sixth and final piece in a monster offensive line haul for Ed Warinner and the Buckeyes.
Today, the Greenbelt, Maryland four-star offensive lineman – all 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds of him – takes readers' questions in the 11W community interview.
As you look back on your high school career, with what accomplishment do you have the most satisfaction? – MN Buckeye
IP: The accomplishment I had the most satisfaction in was coming back from a broken ankle my junior year and still performing at an elite level as a senior. A lot of people didn't think I would be able come back from the injury and I did.
What frustrated you the most about the recruiting process? – BroJim
IP: The most frustrating thing about the recruiting process was the limited time I had because I had to take all my officials close to signing day. Also, a lot of colleges tried to pressure me into making a decision when I wasn't ready, it's hard to think when everybody has something different to say.
What are you doing to prepare for your arrival to the football program? – DaShoe
IP: I'm just working as hard as I can to prepare for myself, making sure I'm conditioned, lifting weights, and working on my technique. I'm trying to make sure I do everything to the best of my ability.
What was it about Ohio State that made you rethink your commitment to Alabama? – BuckeyesVsTheWorld
IP: Ohio State coaches didn't pressure me into making a decision, really. Coach Meyer, Johnson, and Warinner were honest about everything with me and it was family-like environment.
Did you have any trepidation about committing to Ohio State since there were already five offensive lineman committed? – WoodShed
IP: Nope, there was no concern about that at all. I would have to compete for a starting position no matter where I went, so I had to pick the best place for me regardless of that; so that didn't really concern me.
What is something about Coach Warinner or Urban Meyer the average bear might not know about them? – OTrain2416
IP: That pay attention to every last bit of detail. They notice everything even the little things that nobody thinks is important, and that's why they're so good at their jobs. They are also good men that you can trust outside of the game, and that's important.
Outside of football, what is your passion? – Seattle Linga
IP: Outside of football I just love watching all types of sports. I love watching basketball, soccer, baseball and just enjoying all the other sports.
I would have to compete for a starting position no matter where I went, so I had to pick the best place for me regardless of that
Do the coaches give you an offseason program to work to prepare yourself for Ohio State? Do you get the chance to ask a lot of questions and have them go over your film and stuff with you? – GoBucks2204
IP: Yes they did. They gave me a strength and conditioning book I'm suppose to follow. I do get the chance to ask a lot of questions; If I have any questions I'll text or call Coach Warinner and he will get back to me in no time! I do watch film a lot and if I have any questions I just hit up Coach Warinner.
I know some of the kids in your class are relatively close locally to each other and have hung out on occasions. Do you all plan on rooming together as freshman? – Buckeye4Life050233
IP: Yes, we do plan to room together. Me, Mathew Burrell and AJ Alexander plan on rooming together. We just need one more person to join us (laughs).
What music is on your iPod and what shows are on your DVR? – PotatoDigger
IP: I have all types of music on my phone but mostly music to get my pumped up before practice or the games. As for TV, I don't really watch TV shows, just straight NFL Network and ESPN. I try and stay focused on the sports.
Thanks everyone! Go Bucks!
