Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Posted at 8:00am — 6/4/2010

Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Hey guys, it appears that most of the recent commits we receive a verbal from in the state of Ohio often times do not have an offer from Ohio State. Why is that? Is it that OSU gives offers only to the most talented players or are the Michigan guys just under the radar?

For example, neither Greg Brown, nor Chris Rock hold offers from Ohio State and that kind of bothers me. Your thoughts?

Dwain P.

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Thanks for the question.

In our opinion the reason is very simple, Michigan and Ohio State use completely opposite philosophies and systems that require different types of athletes. Also, at this time Ohio State is one of the nation’s elite programs with BCS bowl games, including the recent Rose Bowl, several National Championship games, and five straight Big Ten Championships.

Another thing to consider is that Ohio is loaded with talent where most of the kids bleed scarlet and grey. Yes, there are a lot of Michigan fans in Ohio, but lately Ohio State has been winning what matters — “The Game” and that helps in recruiting as well.

Also, there are high school coaches that push kids to a certain school, which happens everywhere in America, but this seems to happen a lot more in the state of Ohio.

Now on to the style of play, which makes a difference as well.

Ohio State is still running more of a pro style offense that utilizes big, physical offensive linemen who can move the line of scrimmage forward.

Michigan is primarily a zone blocking team that is also physical, but does not require the same type of movement that Ohio State does.

Just look at the type of linemen Ohio State has recruited in the last three years, Mewhart, Shugarts, Hall, and Brewster. They are all large, physically imposing linemen.

By comparison Michigan has brought in Lewan, Schofield, and Pace, all linemen we like who may end being the equal of Ohio State’s, but when recruited they did not possess the same level of physical maturity, with Washington being the one exception.

On defense, Ohio State is looking for large defensive tackles that can compare with the type they played against vs. LSU and USC, big physical players who can move the line of scrimmage and command double teams.

Michigan is playing more of a movement defense that relies on quickness and movement creating an advantage to counter the larger offensive lines in the Big Ten.

At running back, Ohio State is still running a ton of I-formation and seven-yard deep tailback; the Buckeyes like running backs who run between the tackles with the shoulders square and can see and hit the cutback lanes.

Michigan, inside and outside the tackle area, looks for running backs with different skills.

At slot receiver, Ohio State likes the Gonzo and Stoneburner types who can cause mismatches with a combination of size and athletic ability.

Michigan uses smaller slot receivers who use speed and shiftiness to cause mismatches with overhangs.

By the way, Brown and Rock are solid and are players most D-1 schools would readily tender an offer.

Written by GBMW Staff

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