Graham and Smith Commit

Ohio State made a nice splash in recruiting while filling some future holes in the offense this past week by getting early commitments for the 2010 football class.

By Pete Quint

Roderick Smith

Running back Roderick Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana has both power and speed and is considered "a potential early impact player" by recruiting analyst Bill Kurelic but I have a hard time seeing early playing time. Smith will have a tough time cracking the starting line-up in 2010 with Junior Boom Herron and Senior Brandon Saine at the top of the depth chart while Jaamal Berry (for now), Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde will be sophomores in 2010 barring any redshirting. Smith’s large frame (6-2, 220) will definitely afford him touches in a Jim Tressel lead offensive attack but Hyde (6-0, 225) sports a similar size while Berry has been compared to Reggie Bush. With the depth at running back, the Bucks would be wise to redshirt Smith in 2010.

Film: RB Roderick Smith Is Explosive – Highlights (Warning: Slight Profanity)

Taylor Graham

Quarterback Taylor Graham is the son of former Ohio State quarterback Kent Graham (88-91) and committed to OSU without an official visit. While Graham might not be the blue chip quarterback Buckeye fans have gotten used to in recent years, he has the size (6-4, 214) and lineage to make a name for himself as a Buckeye.

I love legacy players and to see another Graham on the field will be a special treat, however, I’m wondering why Ohio State went for a pro-style quarterback? The Buckeyes had great success with Craig Krenzel but since then all the successful Ohio State quarterbacks have been mobile and athletic. Reverting to a particular type of quarterback that doesn’t seem to work under the Tressel regime seems like a step back.

Keep on keepin’ on

It’s a long way to 2010 and recruiting hasn’t even begun to warm up so it’s not time to panic. The Bucks will get the horses they need, we just have to give them time.