Ohio State recruiting: Forecasting 2015 quarterbacks

After failing to land one the top quarterbacks in the 2014 recruiting class, it will be one of the staff's priorities to land an elite signal caller in the 2015 class.

Ohio State probably isn't close to landing the one or two quarterbacks they would like to take in this class, but they are firmly in the mix for a couple of the nation's top quarterbacks.

Today, Land-Grant Holy Land is going to forecast the Buckeye's 2015 class when it comes to the quarterback position. We'll take a look at the players who are on top of the staff's board and examine the chances Ohio State has at landing those recruits. We'll close things out by naming a couple of under-the-radar guys that could eventually emerge onto the Buckeyes' recruiting radar.

Top targets

Torrance Gibson, Fort Lauderdale (FL) American Heritage

When it comes to 2015 quarterbacks, it's pretty clear Gibson is the top target at the position–  and maybe even the top target for the class as a whole as things currently stand.

Right now Ohio State is in a pretty good position to land the star quarterback, but there's still quite a bit of time in between now and when he'll make his decision. He's expected to check out campus this spring or summer for the very first time. In addition to Ohio State, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, and Miami will play a big role in his recruitment.

Lorenzo Nunez, Kennesaw (GA) Harrison

With many focusing on Gibson, the 6'3, 190 pounder from the Peach State is flying under the radar. Nunez is very mobile, but most importantly, he might be the best pure passer Ohio State is recruiting.

Nunez has played his recruitment pretty close to the vest to this point, but from a couple of brief conversations with him, it's easy to tell that he's very interested in the Buckeyes. He camped at OSU over the summer and was also in attendance to watch the Buckeyes take on Penn State last October. I'd expect him to be back again soon and think he could make a relatively early decision. Ohio State is the team to beat right now in my opinion.

Brandon Wimbush, Jersey City (NJ) St. Peters Prep

Until Gibson emerged a few months back, Wimbush was the most popular name of the quarterbacks Ohio State is recruiting for this class.

While the Buckeyes were probably the team to beat a few months ago, I think Penn State has since moved into the driver's seat for the standout quarterback. Ohio State going after bigger names, coupled with Wimbush being a big fan of the James Franklin hire (not to mention his mom being a Penn State alum), have contributed to this. Nevertheless, this race isn't over, and Wimbush is expected back on campus sometime this spring.

Longshots

Jarrett Stidham, Stephenville (TX)

Could the Buckeyes pull Stidham from Texas just as they were able to do with J.T. Barrett a couple of years ago? Probably not, but never say never.

Ohio State made the top ten for the 6'4, 190 pounder from the Lone Star State and he may eventually visit. That being said, I think he stays in-state to play his college football and with Kyler Murray leaning towards Texas A&M, I think Baylor and Texas Tech are out in front, with the Red Raiders having the advantage right now.

Kyler Murray, Allen (TX)

The Texas state champion signal caller would fit Ohio State's offense like a glove, but he also fits other spread offenses well, especially in-state Texas A&M.

It wouldn't be a shock if the Buckeyes got him on campus and maybe something could happen from there, but right now, I'm very comfortable projecting the standout quarterback to the Aggies, where he could battle top 2014 quarterback Kyle Allen for the starting quarterback spot in College Station (and perhaps become the best 1-2 QB punch in the country).

Names to watch

Deon Cain, Tampa (FL) Bay Tech

The Sunshine State speedster could play either quarterback or wide receiver once he reaches the college level, with quarterback likely his preference.

If the Buckeye miss out on Torrance Gibson, I think Cain would make for a very interesting backup option. He has told me Ohio State is one the schools he really wants to visit this summer. Right now, I think Florida and Florida State are on top, with the Gators holding a slight edge over the Seminoles.

Dwayne Lawson, Tampa (FL) Hillsborough

He's more of a pocket passer, but he still offers some mobility and could earn a committable offer from Ohio State if he comes to a camp and performs well.

I think it's way too early to predict a landing spot for the 6'5, 210 pound passer, but if the Buckeyes pursue him hard, they could be real players in the race to land him.

Deondre Francois, Orlando (FL) Olympia

Another guy who might not be a priority right now, but could be an intriguing backup option if the Buckeyes fail to land guys higher on their recruiting board.

As his recruitment currently stands, odds are he ends up playing for one of the Florida schools, but it's too early to make a prediction on him. He's another guy who will have to come to a camp this summer and perform well in order to earn an offer.

Best of the rest: De'Andre Johnson (Florida State commit), Kelly Bryant, Joe Burrow, Alex Malzone