Ohio State got off to a hot start to this year's recruiting class, perhaps more so than any team in America. But the month of January saw its ups and downs for Ohio State recruiting as some players committed, some didn't, and one -- OL Kevin Bemoll of Mission Viejo, California -- decided he wanted to stay on the West Coast and switched his commitment from OSU to Cal.
This class, however, brings in a very talented group of players to Ohio State. Follow along with us as we post their profiles throughout the day as they fax their binding letters of intent to OSU, officially becoming members of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
 Amos,
Andre -- Wide Receiver, Middletown, Ohio (6-2, 175, 4.6)
Scout.com Rating: No. 30 WR, 
Ohio High Magazine No. 9 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Ninth Commitment
Committed 8/25/2004
Amos was a bit of an unknown early on in the season. When news
surfaced that this mysterious prospect from Middletown had received a
scholarship offer from Michigan, everyone was quick to wonder who he was.
A coaching change between Amos' junior and senior season may have had
something to do with a lack of publicity, but the local schools knew about
him as Notre Dame, Purdue, and Ohio State eventually anted up with offers.
Amos took unofficial trips during the summer and was originally looking
hard at the Boilermakers, but a trip to Ohio State won him over, and Amos
decided to announce his final choice before his season got underway.
Amos could wind up at either wide receiver or
cornerback at Ohio State, and he seems to be open to either. He had 32
catches for 502 yards during his senior season. He may prove to be one of
the more underrated members of this class.
Photo courtesy of the Middletown Journal
Links of interest:
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 Boone,
Alex -- Offensive Tackle, Lakewood, Ohio St. Edward (6-8,
300, 5.1)
Scout.com Rating: No. 2 OL,
Ohio High Magazine No. 1 senior Ohio prospect
U.S. Army All-American
Parade All-American
USA Today All-American
OSU Class of 2005 - Second Commitment
Committed 7/31/2003
Alex Boone has won just about all the accolades a high school
offensive lineman can receive. He is truly an all-everything
prospect as he is one of the top overall recruits in America, regardless
of position. Boone may also be the best offensive line prospect to come
out of Ohio since Orlando Pace.
Boone was offered a scholarship before his junior season as he showed
up at Ohio State camp and dazzled coaches with his ability. Boone
announced his decision to commit to Ohio State weeks later, although he
later stated it took him "about thirty seconds" to decide that
he wanted to go to OSU after receiving his offer.
Boone did take a look around at some other campuses before the season
as the offers came pouring in from all over the country, but his trips
just helped reaffirm his commitment to the Buckeyes. The lineman then
focused on his senior season, during which his team went through some
turmoil due to an OHSAA suspension for use of an ineligible player, but he
continued to get better week in and week out and prove to be the state's
most elite prospect.
Many feel Boone may have more upside than any offensive lineman in the
country. He is expected to see significant playing time as a freshman.
Links of interest:
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Jim Cordle not signing a national letter of intent today because he is enrolling in the spring:
 Cordle,
Jim -- Offensive Line, Lancaster, Ohio (6-5, 285, 5.1)
Scout.com Rating: No. 30 OL,
Ohio High Magazine No. 6 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Third Commitment
Committed 4/6/2004
Jim Cordle is the antithesis of the hype and publicity surrounding
recruiting and national signing day. Whereas some prospects love the
spotlight and want to get as much recruiting attention on them as
possible, Cordle seemed to want nothing to do with it.
Cordle was starting to receive big-time attention from schools across
the country when he was offered by Ohio State at the end of March 2004. He
committed to the Buckeyes about a week later, saying he just wanted to
"get it over with." The quiet All-Ohio lineman has never wavered
and had a fine senior season, proving he will be a big part of the OSU
offensive line picture in the future.
Cordle admitted before his senior season that he needed to work on his
pass blocking as he played in a run-dominated offense at Lancaster, but
this lineman is right up there with the top offensive line prospects to
come out of Ohio in the past few years. Cordle played high school ball for
ex-NFL player Rob Carpenter, father of current Buckeye linebacker Bobby
Carpenter.
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 Denlinger,
Todd -- Defensive Tackle, Troy, Ohio (6-3, 265, 4.8)
Scout.com Rating: No. 13 DT,
Ohio High Magazine No. 5 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Fifth Commitment
Committed 6/2/2004
If you are looking for the most underrated player in this class, Todd
Denlinger might be the guy. Denlinger is rated highly nationally as it is,
but this is a player who may prove he deserved to be rated as an elite
defensive tackle prospect.
Denlinger originally played linebacker and was quite good, racking up
125 tackles as a junior. This season, he moved to his projected position
of defensive tackle and finished with 60 tackles, seven sacks, 12 forced
fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
Denlinger made an early commitment to Ohio State, officially selecting
the Buckeyes in June of 2004. The offers were really starting to pour in
for Denlinger as in addition to OSU, he had offers in hand from Tennessee,
Oklahoma, Penn State, Wisconsin, and many others. Expect big things from
this fast, athletic defensive tackle once he gets to Ohio State.
Links of interest:
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 Hartline,
Brian -- Wide Receiver, Canton, Ohio GlenOak (6-3, 175,
4.5)
Scout.com Rating: No. 31 WR,
Ohio High Magazine No. 11 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Sixth Commitment
Committed 6/29/2004
Brian Hartline had his eye on the Buckeyes all along. Other schools
were all over him, but when Hartline got an offer from Ohio State after
his showing at camp in late June, he turned right back around and made a
commitment.
Hartline got the offer he dreamed of and had his recruitment out of the
way by July, but the start of his senior
season two months later was like something out of a nightmare as he broke
his leg during the first game of the season. Hartline would not play again
as a senior, but his rehabilitation is proceeding and he expects to run
track (Hartline is one of the state's top hurdlers) and play in the
football all-star games this summer.
An outstanding athlete and an electrifying playmaker, Hartline may be another guy who proves he was
underrated. He could play on either side of the ball, but receiver will be
his position in most likelihood. Hartline could also contribute as a
return man on special teams. He is also a high-character person with a
tremendous work ethic.
Links of interest:
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 Jenkins,
Malcolm -- Defensive Back, Piscataway, N.J. (6-0, 185, 4.5)
Scout.com Rating: No. 28 S,
OSU Class of 2005 - Eighth Commitment
Committed 8/4/04
It's become a yearly tradition -- a player not many people know much
about comes to OSU camp, the player puts on a show at camp, the player gets
offered by OSU, and the player commits. This year, one of those players is Malcom
Jenkins.Jenkins, who could play cornerback, safety or even wide
receiver, came to OSU's four-day session in June and caught the eye of
defensive backs coach Mel Tucker. Jenkins, who came to camp with the goal
of getting an OSU offer, impressed the coach during drills and received
his scholarship offer shortly after the session.
Jenkins did not immediately accept the offer as he also considered
offers from Virginia Tech and hometown school Rutgers, but after about a
month of consideration, he selected the Buckeyes. Look for cornerback to be
Jenkins' primary position at Ohio State.
Links of interest:
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 Laurinaitis,
James -- Linebacker, Plymouth, Minn. Wayzata (6-3, 235, 4.6)
Scout.com Rating: No. 45 LB,
2004 Minnesota Mr. Football
OSU Class of 2005 - Thirteenth Commitment
Committed 12/13/2004
A tackling machine, Laurinaitis was originally an early commitment to
the home-state Minnesota Golden Gophers. Other options became open to
Laurinaitis, however, and he decided to look into them.
One of those options was a scholarship offer from Ohio State.
Laurinaitis visited the OSU campus in December and decided he had seen the
place he wanted to go to college. He committed to the Buckeyes on his
visit, and even though shortly after his OSU commitment he was thinking
of giving Minnesota one last look, Laurinaitis has stuck with Ohio State.
The numbers are impressive -- 193 tackles in 14 games in 2004 and 128
in 2003. His senior year performance gained him the Mr. Football award for
the state of Minnesota. Laurinaitis comes from an athletic family as his
father Joe was the well-known professional wrestler Animal of the tag team
Legion of Doom, while his mother was an all-state track athlete in high
school. Laurinaitis is also an outstanding hockey player and is friends
with current OSU freshman hockey player Johann Kroll.
In addition to Ohio State and Minnesota, Laurinaitis was also offered a
scholarship by the new coaching staff at Notre Dame. He is an excellent
student, carrying a 3.6 GPA and a 25 on the ACT.
Links of interest:
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 Lenix,
Fred -- Linebacker/ATH, Cleveland, Ohio Glenville (5-11, 195,
4.4)
Scout.com Rating: No. 27 LB,
Ohio High Magazine No. 14 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Fourteenth Commitment
Committed 1/9/2005
Fred Lenix was one of the best -- if not the best -- football
players in the state of Ohio his senior season. His size prevented him
from being rated higher as a recruit, but this is a kid who can flat-out play. In the
2004 regular season, Lenix had 86 tackles (51 solo), seven sacks, nine
pressures, five fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles.
The question of what position Fred will play at Ohio State still
remains, even to the OSU coaching staff. Lenix could get a look at three
positions at Ohio State -- linebacker, safety and running back. He brings
great speed as he is one of the state's top track runners and tremendous
instincts and hitting ability.
Lenix became the latest Glenville player to join the Buckeyes after his
official visit in early January. Lenix also considered offers from Iowa,
Michigan State, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Links of interest:
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 O'Neal,
Jamario -- Defensive Back, Cleveland, Ohio Glenville (6-1, 205,
4.45)
Scout.com Rating: No. 3 CB,
Ohio High Magazine No. 4 senior Ohio prospect
U.S. Army All-American
OSU Class of 2005 - First Commitment
Committed Feb. 22, 2003
One of Ohio State's earliest commitments ever, Jamario O'Neal gave a
verbal declaration to Ohio State while he was still a sophomore in high
school and has stuck with it ever since. O'Neal has seen plenty of ups and
downs since then, but he has stayed the course with Ohio State and now
officially becomes a Buckeye.
An outstanding athlete, O'Neal is versatile enough to play corner,
safety, or even wide receiver or running back, but cornerback may be in
his future at OSU. O'Neal has not lined up much at corner and will need
reps, but he has All-American ability wherever he plays.
O'Neal was a first-team All-Ohio performer this season. He played
safety much of the season and was a key player in Cleveland Glenville's
run to the state semifinals. He had 80 tackles and three interceptions as
a senior.
Links of interest:
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 Robiskie,
Brian -- Wide Receiver, Chagrin Falls, Ohio (6-4, 190, 4.5)
Scout.com Rating: NR WR,
Ohio High Magazine No. 27 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Seventeenth Commitment
Committed Jan. 31, 2005
It's probably safe to assume that it has been a year Brian Robiskie
will never forget. If being a major football recruit isn't enough,
Robiskie's father Terry was called upon to become interim head coach of
the Cleveland Browns after the firing of head coach Butch Davis. Then,
Brian's future changed completely when Ohio State presented him with a
late scholarship offer earlier in January.
Robiskie was a player that generated a lot of talk on Bucknuts.com
earlier in 2004, but as the season progressed, the chances of OSU being a
factor seemed to decline. Robiskie seemed to be destined to choose between
Miami (Fla.) and Stanford, but the Buckeyes had in fact been keeping in
touch the whole way, and their late scholarship offer opened things up a
bit. He took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend and
announced the decision to become a Buckeye the next day.
A big-bodied receiver with excellent hands and great football
intelligence, Robiskie could prove to be a steal for Ohio State. It's
unknown why Robiskie was not highly rated on a national scale, but anyone who saw him play came away impressed with his ability. Robiskie had 38
catches for 643 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2004, along with a punt return
for a touchdown.
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 Russell,
Anderson -- Defensive Back/Running Back, Atlanta, Ga. Marist
(6-0, 205, 4.45)
Scout.com Rating: No. 84 RB,
OSU Class of 2005 - Twelfth Commitment
Committed Dec. 12, 2004
Another player who could become a steal, Anderson Russell is making the
move to Columbus all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. Many like Russell as a
running back, but in most likelihood, he will start his Buckeye career as
a safety.
Russell was given exposure to Ohio State by his team's offensive line
coach, Doc Spurgeon, who was affiliated with Jim Tressel for several years
when Tressel was at Youngstown State. Russell came up to camp at Ohio
State and caught the eye of the coaching staff when he put up a tremendous
performance, running a 4.44, posting a 34-inch vertical leap and putting
up 19 bench press reps at 185. The staff kept in touch and issued an offer
during the season.
Russell took his official visit to Ohio State in December and saw all
he needed to see as he chose the Buckeyes that weekend over Duke. An
outstanding all-around athlete, Russell also runs track and is an
excellent student, carrying a 3.0 GPA and a 1130 SAT.
Links of interest:
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 Schoenhoft,
Rob -- Quarterback, Cincinnati, Ohio St. Xavier (6-5, 235,
4.8)
Scout.com Rating: No. 17 QB,
Ohio High Magazine No. 13 senior Ohio prospect
Elite 11 Passing Camp Participant
OSU Class of 2005 - Seventh Commitment
Committed July 22, 2004
Rob Schoenhoft is a perfect fit for the Ohio State program. He has a
great blend of size and arm strength and also may have better speed than
many believe. By many accounts, Schoenhoft still needs some time to
develop before becoming a college starter, and at Ohio State, he will be
in a good situation, being in no rush to contribute early and having the
chance to learn from experienced quarterbacks.
Schoenhoft first played as a varsity quarterback last year for St.
Xavier and has shown great strides. He has a fine work ethic and good
leadership to go with his already outstanding raw tools. During his senior
season, Schoenhoft had 1,268 yards passing on 88 of 182 with 14 TDs and
six interceptions.
Schoenhoft ended his recruitment before his senior season. The
quarterback was being hotly pursued by Michigan, Notre Dame, and many
other schools, but he chose the Buckeyes in July. Schoenhoft has not
wavered on his verbal and has even been a recruit who has talked to others
about possibly coming to Ohio State.
Links of interest:
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 Spitler,
Austin -- Linebacker, Bellbrook, Ohio (6-3, 235, 4.6)
Scout.com Rating: No. 87 LB,
Ohio High Magazine No. 20 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Eleventh Commitment
Committed November 29, 2004
Despite being not very highly rated by national analysts, Spitler's play drew
considerable buzz in Southwest Ohio this year. Spitler seemed to be
looking hard at Wisconsin, who had been hot on his trail for months, but
when Ohio State offered in November, it proved to be the one he was
waiting for.
Spitler is a player who is known for making plays. He put up 135
tackles and two interceptions for Bellbrook's 7-3 team and was named
Division III District Defensive Player of the Year. On film, Spitler is an
active player who is around the ball and truly makes an impact on the
game. Spitler also shows
great strength as he has posted 21 bench press reps at 225 pounds and put
up 29 reps at 185 at the Nike Combine.
Links of interest:
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 Washington,
Donald -- Safety/Wide Receiver, Indianapolis, Ind. Franklin Central
(6-2, 185, 4.45)
Scout.com Rating: No. 86 WR,
OSU Class of 2005 - Sixteenth Commitment
Committed Jan. 30, 2005
Every year, there are cases of players who wait too long to commit, but
there are also cases of players whose patience pays off in the end. Donald
Washington is a player who saw the offer he was waiting for unexpectedly
come his way as the clock was approaching midnight on this recruiting
season.
Washington had always been a fan of Ohio State, the school which his
coach called Donald's dream school. He attended camp at OSU and reportedly
put on a very good showing. But as time progressed, it became less likely
that an offer was coming from Ohio State. In January, Washington seemed
set to select from Illinois and Indiana.
The Buckeyes, who had been keeping contact in previous months, stepped
back in about a week before signing day. Washington did not keep his
intentions much of a secret, stating that he would likely commit to OSU on
his official visit. On Jan. 30, Washington made his commitment official.
Washington is best known for his ability as a wide receiver, but Ohio
State is bringing him in as a safety. In 2004, Washington caught 45 passes
for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns with four interceptions on defense.
Links of interest:
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 Wells,
Maurice -- Running Back, Jacksonville, Fla. Sandalwood (5-9, 185,
4.4)
Scout.com Rating: No. 19 RB,
Bill Buchhalter No. 8 Florida Prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Fifteenth Commitment
Committed Jan. 15, 2005
The buzz started early on Maurice Wells. After a 3,000+-yard
performance in his junior season, some anointed him the top running back
in Florida and a five-star running back nationally. Wells unfortunately
did not receive rankings as high at the end of his senior season, but this
is still a tremendous pickup for Ohio State.
Wells had offers from the best programs in college football, including
USC. In the end, Wells picked Ohio State, a school he had followed for
quite some time, over Georgia Tech. Wells has family roots in Columbus,
which will help make the transition from Florida to Ohio much
easier.
Most think of Ohio State and think of big, bruising,
between-the-tackles running backs, but Wells is more of an elusive
scat-back. He brings tremendous speed and elusiveness to the
backfield and should provide exciting options for the OSU offense. Wells
rushed for over 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns during his senior season.
Links of interest:
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 Williams,
Ryan -- Defensive End, Mission Viejo, Calif. (6-5, 230, 4.7)
Scout.com Rating: No. 61 DE,
OSU Class of 2005 - Fourth Commitment
Committed May 27, 2004
Williams is making the longest move out of all the OSU commitments,
coming from the West Coast all the way out to Columbus. But in a sense,
Williams is just coming home.
Williams' family has Buckeye roots as he was born in Washington Court
House and attended school there before moving to California. Williams had
originally not thought that he would wind up at Ohio State, but more
schools further from Mission Viejo began to take interest. Schools like
Oklahoma and Colorado came in with offers, but once Ohio State extended an
offer, Williams turned around quickly and made his decision.
Williams is a big defensive end with a frame reminiscent of tall
Buckeye ends of past years like Simon Fraser and Mike Vrabel. He is just
the second player from California to sign with Ohio State since 1997.
Links of interest:
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 Wilson,
Lawrence -- Defensive End, Akron, OH St. Vincent-St. Mary (6-5,
235, 4.6)
Scout.com Rating: No. 29 DE,
Ohio High Magazine No. 12 senior Ohio prospect
OSU Class of 2005 - Eighteenth Commitment
Committed Feb. 2, 2005
Lawrence Wilson was this year's OSU camp phenom. Largely unknown
before making his trip to OSU Senior Advanced Camp, Wilson dazzled by
running a 4.6 40 and posting a 36-inch vertical leap. Ohio State offered
Wilson a scholarship after camp, and to prove it wasn't a fluke, Wilson
went to Notre Dame camp right after that and also ran a 4.6 40 and
received an offer from the Fighting Irish.
Wilson seemed to be as surprised as anyone by the sudden attention. He had
transferred from Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit to St. V-St. M before his
junior season, but a coaching change after his junior year may have hurt
his chance for exposure. His secret was out after getting offered by OSU
and Notre Dame, and as fate would have it, the Buckeyes and the Fighting
Irish battled it out until the end.
Wilson originally committed to Notre Dame, but the firing of head coach
Tyrone Willingham prompted him to look elsewhere. The Irish did not stop
recruiting him though and kept Wilson -- and everyone else -- guessing
until signing day. Ohio State was the school able to reel in Wilson's
signature though as he announced his decision to become a Buckeye earlier
in the day.
Wilson had 11 sacks and 77 tackles as a senior and 15 sacks as a
junior. He is also a fine basketball player who may give hoops a shot in
college.
Links of interest:
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 Worthington,
Doug -- Defensive End, Athol Springs, N.Y. St. Francis (6-7,
257, 4.7)
Scout.com Rating: No. 3 DE,
Parade All-American
OSU Class of 2005 - Eighth Commitment
Committed Sept. 15, 2004
Ohio State landed a major out-of-state coup by securing the signature
of five-star defensive end Doug Worthington. Worthington committed early
in the season and still took a good look around the country as he took
official visits to Alabama, Florida, Wisconsin, and Boston College, but
none were able to make him change his mind.
Worthington took a set of unofficial visits to college campuses in the
summertime, but his trip to OSU stood out from the rest. Worthington made
his announcement at a banquet in September.
A huge-bodied player and unique athlete, Worthington had 74 tackles,
seven sacks and 27 quarterback pressures as a senior. He is also a
standout basketball player. With Ohio State in need of defensive ends,
look for Worthington to possibly be an early contributor for the
Buckeyes.
Links of interest:
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