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Urban Meyer continues to find talent for OSU

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer 1:51 AM Thursday, January 26, 2012

When Urban Meyer was hired as Ohio State’s football coach, Brady Hoke appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” and was asked his reaction to the news. The Michigan coach replied, “Not good.”

You’ve got to love Hoke’s honesty (just one of his many appealing qualities). And he was right about how Meyer has brought nothing but heartache for the Wolverines.

Back in November, Michigan had one of the top recruiting classes among this year’s seniors. It’s still highly rated, but Meyer has taken the Buckeyes’ class from outside the Top 25 to No. 3 in the nation, according to Rivals.com.

Before Meyer, OSU had 16 commitments with one rated as a five-star recruit and five four-star prospects. Meyer has picked up seven commitments with one rated at five stars and six at four stars.

Three-star recruits, mind you, are Big Ten level, but Meyer isn’t even bothering with them.

What’s astounding is he’s been able to do it all with a 2012 bowl ban looming over the Buckeyes, which I figured would cripple recruiting. But top-tier players are still flocking to Columbus.

Of course, Meyer has benefited from the turmoil at Penn State. And he probably hasn’t endeared himself to his fellow coaches by poaching recruits from other schools. But I’m sure OSU still has to fight to keep the ones it has.

As great a coach as Jim Tressel was, I always thought there were limits to what the Buckeyes could achieve under him. I didn’t see him being able to land those thoroughbreds to really contend for another national title. But with the way Meyer is recruiting, it looks as if that’s going to become the norm.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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