Our Honor Defend

Chris Fields (WR, Painesville Harvey) became the 7th commit to the Buckeyes today. Sadly, I haven’t seen much of this kid in highlights, but I do know he’s a two-sport star (plays 3, though), and could just as easily play baseball for the Buckeyes. If allowed to, he probably would, though if Tressel wants him for football only he’s more than willing to drop the aluminum bat in favour of the gridiron.

Consistent with what I’ve said elsewhere on this blog, I always feel good about picking up Ohio kids who aspire to play for The Ohio State University. Fields committed on the spot when the offer came in, just like he said he would.

“I wish I would be recruited to Ohio State right now because that’s my number one college and that’s the school that I want to go to”

“If Ohio State gives me a scholarship, no matter what, I’m going to take it, I don’t care if 24 other colleges give me a scholarship. If Ohio State gives me a scholarship, then I am going to take that one. I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get a scholarship to Ohio State.

Again, I’m still largely in the dark about the 2009 recruits, though Bucknuts is reporting very nice things about him. In their list of the 2009 Ohio Top 20, Chris Fields comes in at no.5, drawing comparisons to Ted Ginn and noting that in any other year (i.e, a year without John Simon and Melvin Fellows), he would be no. 1. The kid can fly, from what little I have seen, and apparently that 4.45 40 that Bucknuts list can easily be brought down with some Butch Reynolds assistance, since he’s run a 4.35 elsewhere.

Fields’ offer is curious for a few reasons. First, it’s not that common that a Div III or lower school in Ohio sends a kid to the Buckeyes. I think Harvey is Division III, but don’t quote me. Second, there’s a few key wideouts in the 09 class. Two have offers, one being Kraig Appleton from East St. Louis¹ and the other being otherworldly Marlon Brown from Tennessee, who we probably have no chance at getting. Another key wideout in the 09 class is Duron Carter, and if the last name sounds familiar, it should. Cris Carter’s son is without offer, but I would love to have him if for no other reason than that he’s a legacy, and I’m a big fan of having Buckeye families in the program. Don’t know how he measures up in terms of rankings, but again, it’s Cris Carter’s son, and I do know he blocks very well for a receiver. Given the Buckeyes taking 3 receivers in the last class (Thomas included), and Washington and Sanzy in 2007, I don’t see us taking that many receivers. So who will be the other receiver joining Fields? Dunno. If nothing else, I’d love to have Carter and let that be that.

Either way, the GPA checks out and he has almost the same enthusiasm for the Buckeyes as I do, so welcome aboard Chris.

1. is there any other? [↩]