I caught up with Ohio State recruit Brian Hartline of Canton GlenOak to talk
about the Ohio State recruiting class. With the commitment of wide receiver
Brian Robiskie, it's been rumored that either Hartline or Andre Amos would be
moving to defense in the fall.
When asked about the possibility of playing defensive back, Hartline said,
"Nobody has said anything about it to me. Coach Tucker has told me he's
going to get me on his side of the ball.
"He talked to me a lot down at the OSU games I went to. Coach Hazell
joked with me to stay away from Mel Tucker. I was under the impression that Amos
would be moving to defense, if any of us did, but I don't know anything
official.
"I would move in a minute if the coaches came to me and asked me to. I
want to play receiver, but my main interest is in helping the team. The quickest
way to get on the field is what I'm looking for."
"My mindset is as an offensive player, but that could change in a hurry
if the coaches felt I would be a better defensive player," Hartline said.
"If I had to choose between safety and cornerback, I'd choose cornerback.
Ted Ginn Sr. always kidded me about being similar to Ted Jr. because of my
hurdling background."
When the subject of redshirting was brought up, Brian said," Jim Tressel
told me he sees no reason for me to redshirt, as long as my leg is healed, which
it is. He told me he wants to see me on the field and see where I fit in. I
would love to play special teams if the opportunity came up."
"I've been running hard the past few weeks and my leg feels great. My
doctor has cleared me to do whatever I want, and I'm testing myself all the
time. I go back to see him in six weeks, and I should be totally 100 percent at
that time."
With signing day only one day away, Hartline talked about signing with Ohio
State.
"It's a dream come true," Hartline said. "It really hasn't hit
me yet that I'm going to be a Buckeye. We have it all set up at the school for
Wednedsay morning. My parents and grandparents will be there, and they're real
excited. The coaches want us to send our faxes in early, so mine will be sent
first thing in the morning."