Monday was another eventful day in the world of Ohio State recruiting. The Best Of the Midwest combine held in Indianapolis, Indiana had some of the nation's best high school football players on hand to compete against other talented prospects in various drills. Many of the recruits who participated in the event are being recruited by Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes; some of them left scouts leaving the Hoosier state totally impressed.
2014 Ohio State commit offensive tackle Marcelys Jones (Cleveland/Glenville) showed up a slimmer 6-3 320 lbs but twice as mean, impressing everyone with his footwork and overall manhandling of other future D1 studs during 1-on-1 drills. A pair of Jones' Tarblooder teammates didn't let him steal all of the spotlight; Marshon Lattimore showed off his speed, reporting times of 4.48 seconds and 4.49 seconds in the 40 yard dash along with a 10-foot broad jump. Marshon didn't just prove he was quick; the 6-0 170 lb Cleveland native also impressed on the defensive side of the ball, earning MVP with his impressive covering skills and overall ability against other top Midwest talent. 2014 safety Erick Smith put up some impressing numbers himself, reporting a 40 yard dash time of 4.62 and a solid shuttle time of 4.07. Smith also showed off his covering skills by breaking up numerous passes thrown his way. Many scouts think Lattimore and Smith could join Jones as part of the Buckeyes 2014 recruiting class before its all said and done.
Another Buckeye target who preformed well in Indianapolis was 2014 ATH Lonnie Johnson (Gary,IN/West Side). The three star stud turned heads with his play, even being matched up across by Marshon Lattimore during a few drills. Johnson, who turned in a 40 time of 4.52 has offers from the Buckeyes,Nebraska,Illinois and Bowling Green and is also gaining high interest from others. Even though Johnson will end up having plenty of schools wanting to add his talents, the 6-3 190 lb stud has stated that the Buckeyes are the team to beat.
Gary West WR Lonnie Johnson said Ohio State at top of his list. Nebraska and Illinois have also offered.
— Kyle Neddenriep (@KyleNeddenriep) February 18, 2013
Junior College offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor announced he will take an Official visit to Ohio State November 23rd for the Indiana game. The 6-6 300 lb Eluemunor, has offers from the likes of Florida State, Texas A&M and UCLA with high interest from the Buckeyes and others. I had the pleasure to catch up with Eluemunor and get an inside view on his Ohio State recruitment:
"I have my Official visit set up for the 23rd of November. I talk to coach Pantoni and coach Warinner a lot, every week I talk to coach Warinner. I've never been to a football game before so it will be fun going to my first football game and seeing what college is really like and going to Columbus, I heard that it is really fun!"
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