The postseason didn't deliver desirable results for Ohio, but it now must go back on the recruiting trail and reload.
Following their 21-17 loss to Marshall in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, the Bobcats quickly began trying piece together what will become their 2010 recruiting class before national signing day Feb 3.
Coach Frank Solich already has received commitments from seven players, including two junior-college transfers, but is looking to add a few more before signing day.
Possibly the biggest name on the Bobcats wish list is Eric Franklin, an offensive tackle from Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown.
Franklin is fresh off a Division III state championship last fall, and is sought by many Mid-American Conference teams as well as a few Big Ten programs.
Ranked 115th in the nation at his position by Scout.com, Franklin has received offers from Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio and Akron, as well as a few others.
With four offensive linemen graduating this year, and only one lineman committed to the 2010 class thus far, the line may be in a position of need for the Bobcats.
But realistically, what are the chances of a MAC school grabbing a guy like Franklin, who is targeted by more prominent football schools like Michigan State and Pittsburgh?
At this time of year a lot of bigger schools have already given out all their scholarships, leaving a prospect like Franklin to sign with a MAC school, said Bob Lichtenfels, a recruiting analyst for Scout.com
A lot of ships have already sailed
Lichtenfels said. When guys wait this long to commit it is often too late.
Another Ohio native the Bobcats are pursuing is Columbus Brookhaven safety Ryland Ward, who is Scout.com's 134th-ranked safety.
Ward has also received offers from Central and Eastern Michigan, and has shown interest in Akron, Buffalo and Toledo.
When it gets down to this point closest to home is important
said Bill Conley, former Ohio State assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
I think Ohio has a really good shot at him
(but) I think it will be an Akron vs. (Ohio) battle.
The Bobcats are expected to add at least ten more recruits by the time signing day rolls around, as their 2008 and 2009 classes had 21 and 19 signees, respectively.
With the type of offense run in the MAC
the athlete category is crucial
Conley said.
You can usually find enough good linemen --the key to success is skilled athletes.
ro137807@ohiou.edu
2
Sports
