| 18 August 2011
We are looking at the same names coming up for the Buckeyes in the class of 2012 now. We are in that in between period where the players who want to commit early have done so and it is too early for those that want to wait. We already have a good idea of who the Buckeyes are focused on. We may see a player or two added later but that will happen after a great senior year.
There is a great deal of talk about the 2013 class. I thought I would get out a few more names and I want to do it by position. I just happened to notice a couple of running backs so I decided to look at them first. Who is number one is pretty obvious. Dymonte Thomas is the number one back in the class. He is also the number one safety in the class. I have said this before and I will say it again, the most puzzling lack of an offer out there is Dymonte Thomas. Look at this film and tell me what I am missing that makes Thomas a player who does not have an early offer. http://scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=3179
His offer list is better than most seniors to be and he has not even stepped on the field as a junior. His grades are outstanding. He is know to be a high character kid. His measurables are legit. The argument that the Buckeyes are so deep at running back carries no weight. Thomas may be a better safety than he is a running back. I think he is, and he could not care less which position he plays. Baffling non-offer.
Lets take a look at the other top backs. It is actually a really nice class.Good top end talent and good depth.
2 - Donovan Wilson, 6-0 195, Dublin Jerome ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=3699&name=Donovan798 ) Wilson offers a strong argument for being the most underrated player in the class of 2013. He is an explosive back. He comes off the snap like a shot. He is excellent between the tackles, breaking tackles and running over tacklers but if the defense lets him get outside he has receiver speed. He will take it to the house.
3 - Corey Timmons, 6-1 195, Springfield CC ( http://scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=7184 )
I have been very impressed with Timmons. He might be a great back in college but I see a player who is a great athlete at the running back position. I think Timmons makes a better safety at the next level. Camps will be huge for him next year as there will be questions about his level of competition.
4 - DeVeon Smith, 6-0 210, Howland ( http://scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=4634&name=ideveon4 ) I would argue Smith is the most naturally instinctive runner in the class. Very quick feet. Good balance and runs with good power. I think Smith stands a good chance of moving up this list because my reservations are about his body and his speed. He is a very muscular kid at a very young age. I am concerned he will be a tweener. The older he gets without growing into a tweener the better his chances of moving up. His speed is a question. I think speed is the most overrated thing with backs but they have to be fast enough. We will see if Smith is.
5 - Chris Davis, 5-11 170, Colerain ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=7385&name=juice5davis ) Davis is not a small back. He is not a big kid but he does not run like a small back. I don't believe that listed 170. He is at least 180 and I would believe 190. He is quick and shows great balance and a willingness to run between the tackles. Outstanding and very natural receiver.
6 - William Houston, 6-0 220, Dublin Scioto ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=3052&name=WilliamHouston ) I love big backs and that is what William Houston is. He runs with great power. I saw his full sophmore film, which is over 8 minutes. He never gets tackled by one defender. He always falls forward, usually taking someone along for the ride. They say football is a game of inches. William Houston will always get you those inches. He is the best pass receiving back in the class.
7 - Geoffrey Helms, 6-1 205 Gahanna Lincoln ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=7624&name=hostyle23 ) This is the back I will be looking forward to seeing his junior film than any other back on this list. Helms film is from JV ball but it is very impressive. He has really good size and great feet.
8 - Patric Hannon, 6-0 200, Brush ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=4522&name=PatricHannon ) When I saw I was putting Patric Hannon at number eight on this list is when it struck me how good this back class is. Hannon reminds me of a bigger Boom Herron.
9 - Donyelle Simpson, 5-11 170, Heath ( http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=3595&name=dsimpson2 ) Recruiters will want to find their way to Heath, Ohio to see Doyelle Simpson. You don't see smaller backs like Simpson be so effective between the tackles but then you don't often see backs of any size with that uncanny ability to make people miss in tight spaces. Simpson does that. He does well taking on tacklers too especially for a smaller back. He shows great balance and surprising power for his size. He is the most instinctive back in the class outside of DeVeon Smith. He follows blockers so well.
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