Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Buckeyes in contact with Damar Hamlin and Chauncey Gardner

It's hard not to agree that this is recruiting's slow season. It makes sense, considering National Signing Day was just a few weeks ago, but with Urban Meyer sailing the seas on the Buckeye Cruise, recruiting seems to be at its slowest at this point in the year. Nonetheless, there are still story lines popping up each day -- which brings us to 2016 cornerback Damar Hamlin.

Hamlin in talks with OSU

On Tuesday, it was reported that Hamlin is talking with a few current Ohio State coaches as the Buckeyes are starting to feel their way around this one. Some background: Hamlin, who stands at 6'1, plays his high school ball in Pittsburgh and holds offers from Penn State, Notre, Dame, Michigan, and of course Ohio State. He attended Ohio State's junior day towards the end of January. With how the game of football is evolving, coaches are coveting those long cornerbacks who can jam and run with receivers. Hamlin fits that bill. Hamlin is the fourth-rated player in the state of Pennsylvania. As the summer circuits of camps are coming around, it wouldn't be shocking to see Hamlin crack the top ten at his position. Meyer and company have a long way to go in this one, but seem as well positioned as anyone at this point.

4-star #OhioState DB target Damar Hamlin @HamlinIsland talking to Urban Meyer, Luke Fickell, Kerry Coombs often (VIP) http://t.co/Rz3IQzD8NE

— Bill Kurelic (@Bill_Kurelic) February 24, 2015

Gardner still high on Bucks

The Buckeyes also seem to be high on fellow 2016 cornerback Chauncey Gardner. Gardner, from Florida, is widely considered one of the top prospects in the state and is built a lot like Hamlin. Gardner checks in at an even 6-foot, but weighs 195 pounds. Gardner has the ability to run with wide receivers, but can also beat them up physically. As always, Gardner will be a tough pull from the south and it's important that Ohio State remains in his ear throughout the entire process if they want a realistic chance. Newly hired coach Tony Alford specialized in recruiting the state of Florida while he was at Notre Dame. Team him up with Urban Meyer and that makes for a deadly combination. Gardner is a consensus 4-star athlete and rated the number nine cornerback in the country.

QUICK HITS

- The NFL combine is in the books and now it's time for the next batch of athletes to start catching the scouts' attention in the future. Though he'll just be an incoming freshman, Rashod Berry earned some high praise. Yes, it was when he was on the hardwood, but you know an athletic freak when you see one.

Watching OSU football recruit Rashod Berry play hoops. He looks like he'd have fit at the NFL Combine last week.

— Zac Jackson (@FSOhioZJackson) February 25, 2015