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Darryl Baldwin (Finally) Selects Ohio State

Posted by Vico in Recruiting | Jul.19.09

Though formally considering Michigan, I like to think he was doing reconnaissance on this unofficial visit
It’s not like there was any real suspense surrounding Darryl Baldwin’s recruitment, but getting a verbal pledge is always pleasant to hear.  Tonight, Darryl Baldwin remained true to his intent on declaring his college choice by the third week of July, remained faithful to his stated interest in The Ohio State University, and finally pulled the trigger for Ohio State tonight.

Darryl Baldwin — likely a future defensive end from Solon HS in the state of Ohio — was long interested in the Buckeyes.  Throughout the process, Ohio State was repeatedly stated as a favorite, a school he followed growing up, and a school that was the recipient of multiple unofficial vists from Baldwin where he visited his other preferred schools no more than once.  Further, the Buckeyes were long interested in him.  He received an official scholarship offer as quickly as the Buckeyes were allowed to do so, making him one of the first such offers in the 2010 class.  While the mutual interest remained strong, Baldwin opted to take his time before immediately committing to a school.  In the process, he acquired offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Notre Dame.  Others offered as well, but the 3 aforementioned Midwestern powers rounded out his schools of interest before his commitment tonight.

Baldwin is the third defensive end prospect to join the 2010 class and will likely be the last.  The Buckeyes have an embarrassment of riches right now at the position, and it wasn’t an immediate need but one that needed to be addressed nonetheless.  The Buckeyes lose Lawrence Wilson and Robert Rose to graduation this year, and may lose Cam Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson, depending how this season ends.  Consequently, the depth chart looked fairly inviting for Baldwin.  Baldwin gives the Buckeyes an interesting wrinkle at this already full position in the 2010 class.  At 6’6 and 250lbs already, he certainly passes the look test.  His reported 4.7 40 also turns some heads.  However, he will need to become much more polished than he presently is in order to have the immediate effect that Nathan Williams had his first year at Ohio State.  He fortunately has his senior year to retool.  The aforementioned frame and speed also makes him an option to be moved to tight end if the Buckeyes do not resolve their need at the position in this class.  It seems an unlikely course of action at the moment, but it is, at the least, on the table.

That aside, it’s good to have another commitment in this class, especially one who’s already talking about enrolling in the College of Enginerding.

:beer:

 

3 Responses to “Darryl Baldwin (Finally) Selects Ohio State”

  1. 1 Brian E. July 20th, 2009 at 8:39 am

    And for all those curious skeptics.. THAT’S why we didn’t feel the need to recruit William Gholston. These are two guys who would have played the same position where we already have an embarrassment of riches.. and there was no guarantee of getting Gholston.

    If we had gone hard after Gholston, Baldwin may have soured on us and we may have ended up with a big 0/2.. trust the coaches, people.

  2. 2 Ed July 20th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

    Good lord…….this kid gets in the backfield more that the QB. He also plays TE, O-line. One clip he took on a double team and got the runner in the backfield.

    This kids switch is definately on at the snap of the ball………………..

    Welcome to Columbus Baldwin.

  3. 3 Ken July 21st, 2009 at 5:24 am

    My, my, my; this young lad can play some ball. Like Ed points out, pretty versatile abilities. And, an aspiring engineerd, to boot. Thanks for write up, Vico. This is a nice way to get through the summer doldrums.

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