Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets, 11/28 - What we're thankful for, 2013

As the Buckeyes continue to dominate on the gridiron and push for a national championship bid, we take a quick glimpse into the future. On this day of giving thanks, it's only fair to talk about what we're thankful for in regards to the 2014 recruiting class.

When talking about the 2014 recruiting class, you have to be thankful for '14 CB Damon Webb. Not only is Webb a 4-star CB from the state of Michigan but he also assumed the role as leader for this class. Webb was wanted from just about everywhere; Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State to name a few but decided to choose Ohio State. Webb has continuously been mentioned as one who helps recruit prospects for the Buckeyes (to say nothing of his website, 2014bucks.com).

Ohio State will be replacing four starters on the offensive line next year. With that being said, we are thankful that they have addressed by adding a possibly championship caliber offensive line. '14 OG Marcelys Jones was the first to give his pledge to head coach Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes back on Christmas of last year. The 4-star guard from Glenville (OH) is wanted by many programs throughout the country. Jones has offers from Alabama (visited last weekend), Florida State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Michigan State to name a few. Additionally, Ohio State added another in-state lineman in '14 OT Kyle Trout from Lancaster (OH). Trout, just like Webb, has been very active in recruiting prospects to the Buckeyes and has even been on campus numerous times to do so.

As we all know, the Buckeyes do not mind going out of state to get what they need. So they did as they picked up pledges from '14 OT Demetrius Knox from Texas and '14 OT Jamarco Jones from Illinois, both who are also 4-star prospects that were highly recruited. Though Ohio State has already added four in this class, they likely aren't finished.

3 players that all Buckeye fans are likely thankful to have in this class would be the ones helping out at linebacker. With linebacker being the most questionable spot on the defense and a possible Ryan Shazier departure to the NFL, you really have no choice. Ohio State choose to stay in-state to land all three of them. '14 LB Dante Booker is one that we may be seeing early in his collegiate career. Kyle Berger, who has sat out all season due to an ACL tear, is another who is talented enough to see the field very early. Sam Hubbard is currently playing safety for Moeller (OH) but will likely come and play linebacker for the Buckeyes.

Finally, we are thankful for having a head coach and offensive coordinator who love to put points on the board. One of the best ways to do that is by adding speed at the skill positions. The Buckeyes added a few of them and they are very gifted. Leading the way has to be Curtis Samuel, a 4-star prospect from New York. Samuel stands at 6'0", 185 pounds and runs a 4.36 40-yard dash. Terry McLaurin from Indianapolis Cathedral is blazing quick as well. The 4-star WR is listed at 4.41 on the clock. Parris Campbell, who is teammates with the aforementioned Booker, could play H-back in Columbus. Then you have Noah Brown, who stands at 6'2, 210 pounds and runs a 4.58. Brown is special at high pointing the ball and coming down with it, he will likely be used on the outside for the Buckeyes.

Happy Thanksgiving from the entire staff at Land-Grant Holy Land!

QUICK HITS:

• '14 Ohio State commit Keita Bates-Diop scored 31 points in a victory last night.
• '14 Ohio State target Myles Turner put up 13 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks leading his team to victory last night as well.