Our Honor Defend

I had to sit on this one for awhile. The big rumor floating around Buckeye recruiting circles after Braxton Miller’s commitment was that there were a few other targets on the board that were bound to commit to Ohio State, and commit sooner than later. One name was Evan Spencer, the wide receiver target from Vernon Hills, Illinois. That is now official: Evan Spencer has committed to Ohio State.

The last name should sound familiar.  Evan is the son of Tim Spencer, who should resonate in Buckeye lore as among the top contributors to the program’s rich history.  One of the top tailbacks in our program’s illustrious history notwithstanding, Spencer returned to Columbus after his playing days to become a tailbacks coach.  Therein, he coached Eddie George, helping pave the way for his 1995 Heisman campaign.

His son is no slouch either.  While dad was a famed tailback, Evan is a highly touted wide receiver prospect.  Further, Evan grew up in Columbus, Ohio with aspirations of playing for the Buckeyes, only moving to suburban Chicago when his dad eventually moved on from Ohio State to take a job with the Bears organization.  That did not amount to him being an automatic Buckeye lock.  He took long, hard looks at programs like Nebraska, Notre Dame and Iowa before eventually deciding home to Ohio State, to old Columbus town.

This is always welcome news.  Buckeye legacies have a special place in my heart.  Beyond that simple fact, we are also getting a high quality recruit and the addition underscores just how great the 2011 recruiting campaign has been for Ohio State after a so-so 2010 outing.  That, and his HS helmet is the Van Halen logo.  I mean.. c’mon.  Van Halen.

Highlights are below the fold.