DAYTON, Ohio — The weather on Saturday at Welcome Stadium on the campus of the University of Dayton was, by all accounts, quite unpleasant. It was cold, windy and it rained steadily for the entire duration of the OHSFCA North-South All-Star Classic.
Nobody would have blamed Luke Farrell if he would have been in a bad mood at the game’s conclusion; these were far from ideal conditions to play what’s essentially a glorified scrimmage, after all. But when Farrell heard a question about this weekend’s NFL Draft, the Ohio State signee flashed a giant smile across his face.
“It’s so awesome,” he said.
It’s hardly surprising, but the Buckeyes of the future paid attention to what went on at this weekend’s NFL Draft.
In total, Ohio State had 12 players selected over the seven rounds and set multiple records in the process. The Buckeyes set a school record with five first-round selections. They set the record for number of draftees through the first three rounds with 10. After Cardale Jones became Ohio State’s 12th player drafted over the weekend, every single position group had a player selected.
The Buckeyes were the talk of the weekend and some of their future players definitely noticed.
“Like coach [Urban] Meyer said, it was like a three-hour advertisement for why you should come to Ohio State’s program,” said Gavin Cupp, an offensive lineman in Ohio State’s 2016 class. “It’s been really fun.”
Added Farrell: “It’s just a testament to how they develop players. Coach Meyer and coach [Mickey Marotti], they do a great job. I know that class was stacked, but it’s just been great to see.”
Demario McCall, one of the most dynamic players in Ohio State's 2016 recruiting class, said he also watched the draft, but wasn't surprised by the massive showing.
"Before I committed I knew Ohio State had players get drafted really high every year," he said. "The coaching staff there is awesome. All you've gotta do is listen to them, do what you do and you'll get there."
Kierre Hawkins, another tight end signee in Ohio State's 2016 class, saw it as a point of pride for the conference.
“Three Buckeyes go in the top-10, that is crazy. I haven’t seen that in years," Hawkins said. "It’s crazy because everybody told me when I committed to go to the SEC because of the NFL. Then, we just drafted [12] players out of the draft. That’s crazy.”
All four signees also said they know they have a long way to go before reaching the same stage as the 12 players who were selected out of Ohio State. But it certainly gives them all hope for what lies ahead.
"I picture myself up there, smiling," McCall said.
