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Not only was Mike Vrabel a very good defensive line coach, but he was also a very good recruiting coach, rated as the tenth best recruiter in the 247Compositerankings, which happens to be the best ranking not just for a Buckeye coach, but any in the Big Ten.
He played an instrumental role in the recruitments and eventually commitments of Dante Booker Jr., Jamarco Jones, Parris Campbell Jr., Jalyn Holmes, Kyle Berger, and Dylan Thompson. He also had very good relationships with a couple of other Buckeye commits and targets in both the 2014 and 2015 recruiting classes.
Below are a few of the initial reactions from recruits we caught up with as well as some of those on social media in the wake of OSU's defensive line coaching departing for the NFL.
LB Kyle Berger to Land-Grant Holy Land: "Its tough and I'm extremely surprised, but we'll be good. Coach Meyer and Fickell will get a great defensive line coach to follow"
Ohhhh myyyy, that's a buzzkill
— Kyle Berger (@K_Bergs) January 9, 2014
ATH Sam Hubbard to Land-Grant Holy Land: "It hurts, but good for him. I talked to him sometimes, but I mostly talked with Coach Fickell and Coach Coombs."
Part of the game we play. Best of luck!
— Hubbs (@SamHubbard24) January 9, 2014
OT Jamarco Jones:
Hearing that news just changed my whole mood
— Jamarco Jones (@jjones_73) January 9, 2014
DE Dylan Thompson:
Probably the most sad ive evere been in ny life
— Dylan Thompson (@BRONCODE59) January 9, 2014
DE Jalyn Holmes told us (and other outlets) "No comment" on the news.
I got a brotherhood with my fellow commits especially with @Kwon_daTRUTH @JDStandAlone &@DameWebb we got a mission together GO BUCKS !
— QBKILLA!!! #⃣1⃣1⃣ (@JayHolmes_) January 9, 2014
2015 ATH Eric Glover-Williams: "Good coach. He had a great opportunity in the NFL."
2015 DE Jashon Cornell: "It's crazy, but he deserves it because he's a great coach. I learned that coaches come and go, so you have to learn how to deal with it."
2015 DT Tim Settle: "Coaches have to do what's best for them. I'm happy for him."
2015 LB Justin Hilliard: "He's a great coach, but honestly wasn't that big of a part in my recruitment. I've probably talked to coach Meyer the most."
2016 DE Nick Bosa (and brother of OSU DE Joey):
Coach vrable leaving...👎 Not cool
— Nick Bosa (@nbsmallerbear) January 9, 2014
John Bosa (father of Joey and Nick): "I wish him all the best and he will be missed."
I don't think we'll see any decommitments resulting from Vrabel's departure, but there is definitely a lot of sadness amongst recruits as Vrabel was a favorite of many recruits.
Stay tuned to Land-Grant Holy Land as more reaction from Buckeye commits and targets come in about Vrabel's departure.