| 26 November 2010
Fans are all worked up about the linebacker numbers. I do not share that concern. The class of 2011 stands at one linebacker right now with only two left on the board as Texas Anthony Wallace shocked everyone committing to Oregon on a recent visit. That leaves Ejuan Price, a player who seems to me to be looking for a reason not to come this way, and superstar Charles Grant from Virginia who is a Florida lean. With those slim pickings available in the class of 2011 it is time to look forward to the class of 2012.
Kaleb Ringer, 6-2, 225, Clayton Northmont. I become more impressed with Ringer as time goes along. I have always been concerned about his size. He was about this same size when he first popped up on the radar screen so I was concerned about him outgrowing the position. We have seen it happen with other
top linebacker prospects, most recently with Glenvilles Andre Sturdivant. Ringer is even more athletic than Sturdivant and has that same nose for the ball and for making big plays.
Joe Bolden, 6-3, 220, Colerain. It has amazed me that Bolden gets so little pub. I put him right there with Ringer. He runs even better than Ringer. He is better in space. He has a great frame to add weight. If you ask me I would not want to choose between them. Call them 1a and 1b. I think the Buckeyes have the same thoughts on Bolden as he will be a guest right along with Ringer for the Michigan game.
Jhalil-Nashid Croley, 6-3, 235, Princeton. Talk about suffering from a lack of publicity. I think Croley got caught in the is he a defensive end talk and got left there. Mark Porter saw him up close and thinks those size numbers are a little inflated. That is actually a good thing from Croley. I thought he might of been a tweener as a defensive end but he is an outstanding run stuffing linebacker who will get serious looks if his junior tape is as good as his sophmore film.
Josh Dooley, 6-0, 200, William Mason. All I need to say is two words. Tyler Moeller. That is who Josh Dooley reminds me of. He is a very fast high motor kid with great instincts. Dooley is an ideal fit for the hybrid position, called the Star at Ohio State. I think the position has become essential in the college game. I think it has reached a level of importance that it needs to be recruited for specifically rather than move someone into the role.
I have to mention Jaylen Prater here. He is from Wellston. He is 6-2 215 and runs a 4.5 I have grown to respect Mark Porters eye as well as he does mine. I am not as impressed with him as Mark is. There is no denying the athleticism. He is going to draw alot of attention in the athlete season. He is likely to light up the camp and combine circuit. He has a really good frame. I would like to see him dominate on the field like other small school players do when they play against this level of competition.
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