Throughout the weekend, Ohio State and the Buckeye coaching staff hosted some of the best athletes in the class of 2014, including '14 LB Clifton Garrett. According to reports, it appears '14 OL Jamarco Jones, who visited last weekend, had a great visit and Ohio State remains up near the top of his favorites. As for this past weekend, Garrett was the athlete stealing the headline.
Ranked as the nation's No. 2 outside linebacker, he made sure to make it clear that Ohio State has really pulled out all of the stops for him early in the recruiting process but that he is still going to take his time in making a college decision. While on the visit, Garrett also talked with some of the coaching staff and spent time with some of the players there as well. Garrett holds offers from Arizona State, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Wisconsin.
For Jones, I think it would be safe to say coach Meyer has done a good job on that front and has the Buckeyes leading early. It's tough to say whether or not Jones will have Ohio State at the top when it's all said and done, but for now, the coaching staff can feel fairly confident. Jones holds offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin.
Caleb Henderson says he will visit Ohio State in March.
— Michael Chung (@MChungOZone) February 16, 2013
'14 QB Caleb Henderson has yet to receive an offer from the Buckeyes, similar to the case of '14 QB Drew Barker. The only quarterback in the class of 2014 to have an offer is '14 QB Deshaun Watson, who is currently committed to Clemson (and recently stated he won't be uncommitting at any point in the future). As for Henderson, he expects the Buckeyes to hand an offer to him more towards May/June but only time will tell.
4.42 laser timed 40 yd dash for #OhioState commit Parris Campbell. Fastest today by a good margin.
— Marc Givler (@MarcGivlerBG) February 16, 2013
'14 RB and Buckeye commit Parris Campbell competed at the Nike Combine on Saturday and got electronically-clocked at a 4.42 40-yard dash time. If that doesn't make you rub your eyes in disbelief, get this: Campbell is only 15 years old, and young for his class.
Luatua names some early favorites #USC #Alabama #NotreDame #Michigan #OhioState bit.ly/W4mdsC
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) February 18, 2013
'14 TE Tyler Luatua named some favorites over the weekend, and included the Buckeyes in his top five. That list that consisted of USC, Alabama, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State. Keep in mind down the road that his brother, Isaac, signed with Alabama in 2011.
#OhioState and #ASU showing new interest in four-star Juju Smith from Long Beach (Calif.) Poly.
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) February 18, 2013
Here's a name you might not yet heard of: John "JuJu" Smith from California is now being looked at by Ohio State. The 4-star safety doesn't hold an offer yet, but standing 6'1", 200-pounds and running a 4.50 40-yard dash will certainly grab the attention of top programs around the country. Plus, how can you not instantly fall in love with that nickname?
Here are some highlights of JuJu himself, doing what he does best: