National Signing Day 2012: Top Big Ten Recruits Dominated by Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines

Friday, February 10, 2012

BigTen.org

By Bob Evans
Senior Writer

After rebuilding the Michigan Wolverines football program in just one season, many people expected Brady Hoke to reel in a big class in his first full year of recruiting as the team’s head coach—possibly even dominating the Big Ten in recruiting in the process.

However, what those same people didn’t expect was the drastic recruiting change that would occur in the short time Urban Meyer had to recruit for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Hoke and the Wolverines pulled in a stealer class ranked No. 7 (Rivals.com), No. 4 (Scout.com) and No. 7 (ESPN) among three of the top recruiting websites on the internet. After finishing the season 11-2 with a BCS Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech, a Top 10 recruiting class was just another gold star for Hoke and his Michigan staff.

Despite a BCS victory, an amazing comeback year and a win over their rival, Michigan was still outdone by the Ohio State Buckeyes and their new head coach in recruiting. The Buckeyes turned in a recruiting class ranked No. 4 (Rivals.com), No. 3 (Scout.com) and No. 6 (ESPN), despite being banned from a bowl game in 2012. The Buckeyes’ class could also rise in the next month, as two five-star athletes (Davonte Neal and Stefon Diggs) are both considering signing with the Buckeyes.

If not for the stellar classes the Buckeyes and Wolverines turned in, the Big Ten would have had a very poor year in recruiting. The Nebraska Cornhuskers (No. 25 Rivals.com) were the only other B1G team able to crack a Top 25 ranking for their 2012 recruiting class, as they pulled in six four-star recruits.

The rest of conference wasn’t even close, as Wisconsin turned in a disappointing class despite winning the first-ever Big Ten Championship game, and falling a touchdown short of a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon.

In a time period of transition for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the rest of the conference was supposed to be able to catch up in recruiting. Instead, as you can see on the list below, the gap may just have gotten wider between Ohio State, Michigan and the rest of the conference.

*All star ratings are taken from Rivals.com*

1. Noah Spence, Ohio State Buckeyes, Defensive End (Harrisburg, PA) ***** (five stars)

Spence is a monster defensive end recruit for the Buckeyes. At 6’4”, 245 pounds he possesses elite speed and pass rushing skills to wreak havoc on Big Ten quarterbacks next year. It may be a little early for this type of comparison, but Rivals.com compared him to NFL great Derrick Thomas.

2. Adolphus Washington, Ohio State Buckeyes, Defensive End (Cincinnati, OH) *****

Washington is the second of the two-headed freshman pass rushing duo the Buckeyes will have next year. He is 6’6”, 250 pounds and was nearly impossible for high school offensive linemen to stop. He is slightly larger than Spence, and has the versatility to play anywhere on the defensive line.

3. Kyle Kalis, Michigan Wolverines, Offensive Tackle (Lakewood, OH) *****

Kalis was originally an Ohio State recruit under Jim Tressel, but committed to Michigan when the Buckeyes’ future was in doubt. He is a massive left tackle prospect in the mold of former Wolverine Jake Long, and at 6’5", 300 pounds will be protecting Michigan quarterbacks for years to come.

4. Ondre Pipkins, Michigan Wolverines, Defensive Tackle (Kansas City, MO) *****

At 6’3”, 320 pounds, Pipkins will be one of the most difficult players for any Big Ten team to defend on the Michigan defense. He is tough, fast, strong and plays with a high motor. Don’t be surprised if you see this kid playing on Sundays in three or four years.

5. Tommy Schutt, Ohio State Buckeyes, Defensive Tackle (Glen Ellyn, IL) ****

Schutt was one of the first recruits to be flipped by Meyer, as he switched his commitment from Penn State. At 6’3”, 290 pounds, Schutt has the versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive line. He has excellent explosion, a relentless motor and is exceptionally strong.

6. Vince Biegel, Wisconsin Badgers, Linebacker (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) ****

The Badgers nabbed a future star in the 6’3”, 205 pound Biegel. He will likely play on the outside in college thanks to his speed and aggression, however, he will likely have to add some bulk to play linebacker at the collegiate level.

7. Erik Magnuson, Michigan Wolverines, Offensive Lineman (Carlsbad, CA) ****

The Wolverines landed a nice duo in Kalis and Magnuson, as the two will likely bookend the offensive line in Michigan for three or four years. Magnuson is 6’6”, 275 pounds, has above average footwork and can play multiple positions on the line.

8. Se’von Pittman, Ohio State Buckeyes, Defensive End (Canton, OH) ****

Pittman is another recruit who was flipped by Meyer, as he had previously committed to Michigan State. He is another member of Ohio State’s excellent defensive line class, and will battle with Washington and Spence to start next year. He has excellent speed, pass rushing skill and size (6’4”, 260 pounds), and will likely be utilized as a pass rusher in 2012.


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