Buckeyes nab two more

by Pfef on Jun 21, 2008 11:52 PM EDT

After picking up a trifecta of rather unexpected commitments over the past month (Reid Fragel, Dominic Clarke, Adam Bellamy), order seems to have restored itself on the Buckeye recruiting front -- and, more importantly, my class of '09 predictions.

On Friday, perhaps the most well known name in the class committed to play for Jim Tressel.  Unlike guys like Terrelle Pryor and Greg Oden who were famous for their own accomplishments, however, the only reason that people will recognize St. Thomas Aquinas standout wide receiver Duron Carter is because of his direct family lineage.  The position "wide receiver" and last name "Carter" should ring a bell to just about everybody, but in case you're still missing the boat, just check out the eyebrows and that should seal the deal.  Not to sell Duron short, though, he is still a heck of a player that can be very effective at the Division I level.  Scout ranks him as the #40 receiver in the country, and although Rivals isn't so nice (#73), he has been selected to the Under Armour All-American game -- although that may have something to do with his father's current employer, ESPN, who just so happens to have the rights to the game.  Carter's frame stands at about 6'3" 185 lbs., very similar to a Brian Robiskie type of player.  His size should allow him to be a fantastic red zone target in college, and if that's the case, then I guess "all he'll do is catch touchdowns."

In a display of selflessness and humility, Terrelle Pryor promised that he would give up his #2 jersey if Duron wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, which would immediately make both players that much more likable right off the bat in Columbus (if it's even possible to like the biggest thing to hit Columbus since Oden and the son of the school's greatest receiver any more).

Duron Carter on Youtube

Additionally, the rich continue to get richer in Columbus as Floridian power halfback/fullback Carlos Hyde is expected to commit to Ohio State as soon as tomorrow.  As the top ranked fullback in the country with the ability to be a 20+ carry  per game back in the Big Ten, Hyde has drawn comparisons to the likes of Wisconsin standout PJ Hill and current NFL star Jamaal Lewis.  Additionally, Hyde's commitment will in all likelihood open the door for another tailback from the sunshine state to join the Buckeyes this summer.  Jaamal Berry currently has Ohio State as his leader, and he would be the perfect "lightning" compliment to Hyde's "thunder" game.  With Jordan Hall already on tap (who will probably factor much more in the receiving than running game), running back was a key position of need for the Buckeyes this year, and it appears that Tressel will get two marquee studs to replace the expected departure of the Wellses following the season.

Carlos Hyde on Youtube.  He's the semi-truck who doesn't care too much for arm tackles.

Buckeyes pick up 19th in the class of 2009

Coveted Florida running back Carlos Hyde visited Ohio State this weekend and became the 19th member of the Buckeyes 2009 recruiting class. Hyde, a rare blend of size and quickness, has long favored the Buckeyes as he he once lived in the Cincinnati area. At 6-1, 230lbs the native from Naples, FL fits the mold of current Ohio State running back Chris Wells, a four star rated player and the #2 overall fullback in the class of 2009. Hyde chose the Buckeyes over offers from West Virginia, Florida, Florida State, and Clemson.

http://www.absolutepigskin.com/2008/06/buckeyes-pick-up-19th-in-class-of-2009.html

Carlos Hyde, a power running back from Naples, Fla., whose parents still live in Cincinnati, and speedy receiver/defensive back Justin Green -- younger brother of former Ohio State defensive tackle Marcus Green -- picked the Buckeyes over several other schools.

"I basically like everything about that city and the school," said Justin Green, who, like his brother, is from Male High School in Louisville, Ky. "The tradition of the program is outstanding, the fans are great.

"I remember every time I went up there when I was little to watch my brother play I had a great time. I just thought it was time to make up my mind."

Hyde was sent by his parents to live with his grandmother in Naples, Fla., several years ago so "he wouldn't get caught up in anything bad (in Cincinnati)," said his mother, Dermidra. "You could tell he had talent that could take him places, and we didn't want anything to distract him from developing that talent."

That didn't stop her from lobbying hard for that talent to bring him closer to home once major colleges started showing interest, including Florida, the University of Miami and Florida State, especially after Naples won the Florida 3A title last year.

"Every time he'd call and say someone else was interested in him, we were always on him, reminding how nice Ohio State was, and how nice it would be for him to be close to home once again," Dermidra Hyde said, laughing.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/06/23/OSUfb0623.ART_ART_06-23-08_C3_0EAIHPO.html?sid=101