Our Honor Defend

So while we anxiously await news on Beanie’s status — news which should come tomorrow and should, hopefully, be somewhat positive — I thought I would take a look into what’s been going on with future Buckeyes in the class of 2009.

First, in a news update that absolutely floored me, Jaamal Berry was on hand for the Youngstown State game, with his mother.  If you remember, Jaamal Berry had hoped to make it to Columbus earlier this month, but had to cancel that arrangement given the cost and the inability to squeeze in a family friend on the trip for a reasonable price.  I just kind of assumed he would wait until the Michigan game, when he’s scheduled for his official visit, to take his mom with him to see the campus for herself.  Apparently, the Berrys couldn’t even wait that long.  Along with his mom Eartha, one of his teammates and a family friend, the Miami, FL prospect flew to Atlanta and then drove from Atlanta to Columbus in time for the game. How about that? The group will be in Columbus until tomorrow, with Eartha Berry meeting Jim Tressel today.  I’m not saying Berry is ready to pull the trigger for the Buckeyes, but I’m certainly thinking it very loudly…

UPDATE: In an exclusive interview with Scout.com, Jaamal Berry confirmed that he gave his commitment to Ohio State, becoming the 25th verbal in the class.  Berry, like just about everyone who commits to Ohio State, fell in love with the family atmosphere around the program.  The love affair started in the spring when Berry took a trip up to Columbus for the Spring Game and never stopped.  Berry said later that he committed today in part because it’s his mom’s birthday and that he will still take his official to Ole Miss, though, because he told them that he would.

Second, the other big story for me is the repeated inability of college football programs to leave Jordan Whiting alone.  Jordan Whiting, if you remember, was the first commitment in the 2009 class, committing the very day he received his written offer on September 1, 2007.  However, notwithstanding repeated confirmations of his verbal to Ohio State, many programs around the South won’t let the issue die.  The biggest offenders here are the instate schools (Kentucky and Louisville), Tennessee and, curiously enough, Alabama.  In fact, Jordan just volunteered this little tidbit about how Saban’s approaching Jordan Whiting about playing for Alabama.

Alabama, for example, has sent pictures of coach (Nick) Saban with writing on them, ‘We want you,’ ” Whiting said.

A little creepy, right? Especially considering that Whiting has been committed to Ohio State for almost a year now.

I used what little connections I have to the program down here and actually got a copy of the exact pic Saban uses.  It’s actually worse than I would have imagined.

Don’t get too upset.  I could’ve used Burt Reynolds’ Playgirl spread instead.

Elsewhere:

• Justin Green was at the game with Jaamal Berry.  He’s confirmed his commitment to Ohio State in spite of Clemson’s best wishes.  I can’t imagine Clemson helped themselves yesterday either.
• John Simon was in action against Covington Catholic, though did not see a lot of action.  Cardinal Mooney rolled over Covington Catholic 57-0 in a Herbstreit Challenge game in Canton.
• Duron Carter had 4 catches for 131 yards and a TD in a 35-24 victory over Cincinnati Elder.  The game was part of the Herbstreit Challenge and was played in Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati).
• Jack Mewhort suffered a right leg injury before halftime in a game against St Francis DeSales.
• CJ Barnett had a bad day against St Ignatius in a 23-3 loss for the Thunderbolts.

Back to furiously looking for Beanie updates.