The Buckeye Grove: Ohio State Team Page

*** The Buckeye Grove ***

Program History

2012-2013: 13-1

2013-2014: 12-2

2014-2015: 13-1

2015-2016: 13-1

2016-2017: 14-0

2017-2018: 12-1

*** Trophy Case ***

National Championships

2016-2017

Big Ten Championships

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Rose Bowl Champions

2013, 2016

Orange Bowl Champions

2018

Heisman Trophy

QB Braxton Miller (2013)

WR Ray Hall (2016)

Maxwell Award

QB Braxton Miller (2013)

WR Ray Hall (2016)

Walter Camp Award

Ray Hall (2016)

Davey O'Brien Award

Braxton Miller (2013)

Biletnikoff Award

Corey Brown (2013)

Ray Hall (2016)

Outland Trophy

Jacoby Boren (2016)

Rimington Award

Jacoby Boren (2016)

Rotary Lombardi Award

John Simon (2012)

***Woody Hayes Buckeye Hall of Fame***

The great Woody Hayes once said "Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect." The Woody Hayes Buckeye Hall of Fame was established to do just that. Every year the WHBHF initiates Buckeye greats (that were recruited) who represented the Scarlet and Gray exceptionally on the field, in the community, and of course, against Michigan. A Buckeye tree is planted in Buckeye Grove to honor each inductee. Each tree is partnered with a plaque commemorating the player and remembering their accomplishments.

Ray Hall: (Recruiting Class of 2013, ATH *****)

Hall scored 106 touchdowns as a Buckeye. His final score won OSU a championship

Few players have began their careers with expectations like the ones Buckeye nation had for Ray Hall. The five-star prospect was the top athlete in the class, and thought to be the perfect player for coach Meyer's spread offense. With Hall the Buckeyes could transform into a high-powered offensive juggernaut. Yes, Hall enrolled to Ohio State with high expectations. But no one could expect that he would turn into one of the greatest college football players of all time.

As a freshman Hall played mostly running back, but was moved around to the slot from time-to-time. There he shined, displaying an ability to make the first man miss, and fly toward the end zone once in the open field. As a sophomore he was moved to receiver full time, and there he flourished. Hall was a Heisman finalist his sophomore and junior seasons, but fell short of the award while the Buckeyes fell just short from winning national titles. Though he would have likely been a second-day draft selection, Hall returned for his senior season. Buckeye Nation will forever be grateful that he did.

In his fourth season Hall had one of the greatest individual seasons ever, scoring 39 total touchdowns. The quantity was great. The quality was better. During OSU's 14-0 championship season Hall scored three walk-off touchdowns. The first came in week 2 against Georgia, a 60-yard reception as time expired to give the Buckeyes a seven-point win. In the Big Ten Championship Game Hall made an even bigger catch, a 7-yard strike that propelled the Buckeyes over Notre Dame for a 1-point victory. The score put OSU in the national title game, where Hall scored perhaps the most memorable touchdown of his career. In double overtime, on third-and-nine, Hall caught a pass over the middle, dashed toward the pile-on and into the endzone giving the Buckeyes the national championship.

Hall graduated as the record-holder of every OSU receiving record, and also holds NCAA records for most total touchdowns (106), receiving touchdowns (62) and receiving yards (5881). He has won just about every individual award a player can win. Said coach Meyer "He's the greatest player I've ever coached, and possibly the greatest player this school has ever seen."

Tavaris McLaurin (Recruiting Class of 2013, HB ****)

McLaurin showed a penchant for making players miss, especially in big games

The first player to commit to the Buckeyes in Chompions League's inaugural season, Tavaris McLaurin came to Ohio State with the mission of being a national champion. There were bumps in the road, but as a senior captain McLaurin and the Buckeyes eventually reached that goal.

McLaurin always lived in Ray Hall's shadow, which is unfair for a player that was spectacular in his own right at OSU. The two were always linked together because they were members of the same recruiting class, similar in stature and speed and perfect fits for Meyer's systems. They should also be linked together because of their greatness on the field, and their importance in OSU's dominating four-year run during their careers as Buckeyes.

Unlike Hall McLaurin didn't win any awards at Ohio State. His name is void of any record books. But his fingerprints are all over OSU's national championship trophy. In four years as a Buckeye McLaurin racked up 4232 rushing yards, second most in school history. As a senior he lead the team with 1272 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to make players miss was second-to-none, and once he hit the open field few players could catch him. He will always be remembered as a man that came to play in the biggest games, and a reliable option in any crucial situation. Said Meyer, "If we needed a couple yards, I always felt comfortable giving TMac the ball. Chances were, he'd give us more than we'd need."

Justin McKnight (Recruiting Class of 2013, LB ****)

Defenses always knew where McKnight was. They didn't have much of a choice, he was in on every play.

Justin McKnight wasn't the highest rated recruit in the class of 2013. Some would argue that he was more of an afterthought behind the likes of Hall and McLaurin. But he was anything but an afterthought during his four-year career at Ohio State. In fact, he was a defensive player that consistently have opponents nightmares.

McKnight was given the job as starting OLB in his first career game, a spot he never relinquished. Yes, he started every game from freshman to senior year, and was a two-time captain for the Silver Bullets. In that time McKnight racked up 167 total tackles, 54 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.

At 6'5", 250 lbs McKnight possessed a rare combination of size and speed. He had the ability to shed blocked with ease, and chase after opposing running backs in the backfield. Said Meyer, "Justin was our defensive anchor for four seasons. One of the smartest, toughest, most physically gifted players that i've ever coached."

Kevin Frazier (Recruiting Class of 2013, DE ****)

Frazier was often in the opposition's backfield, much to quarterback's chagrin

Though he was a four-star recruit, Kevin Frazier wasn't considered one of OSU's prizes in the class of 2013. In fact, he wasn't even considered to be the best defensive end in OSU's class. It wouldn't take long for Frazier to prove everyone false. Frazier redshirted his first year on campus, but as a freshman found himself right into the rotation as a third defensive end to spell the likes of Noah Spence and Sam McNair. When Spence, the all-time leading sack leader in OSU history left after his junior season, Frazier filled the void...and eventually proved to be better. Frazier graduated as OSU's all-time leader in sacks, highlighted by his 19-sack senior season. Frazier never won an award as a Buckeye, but he will always be remembered for his prowess as a rush end with his combination of size and burst off the line.

Michael Baker (Recruiting Class of 2014, WR ****)

Baker was known for making big plays, especially against user teams

Michael Baker made an impression on Buckeye Nation as an impact player from day one, and by his senior season he was perhaps OSU's MVP. As a freshman Baker was OSU's fourth receiver, but often the most impactful, especially against user opponents. Baker had a knack for slipping behind the defense with his speed, and using his 6'3 frame to high-point the ball. Year-after-year Baker improved his trade, and as a junior he helped OSU win the national title. After the departure of Ray Hall, many wondered how OSU's offense would carry on, but Baker ensured that it didn't miss a beat. This carried over to special teams, where Baker excelled in Hall's old position of punt returner. Against Michigan, Baker turned the tide with a 97-yard punt return touchdown, and OSU eventually beat the hated Wolverines. Said Meyer of Baker, "Ray Hall was the greatest athlete I ever coached, and he happened to play receiver. But Michael Baker was the most gifted wide receiver i've ever coached."

fishdock webbs6212 cyhiphopp Glen Cieske jandy cmassey13 Crumbler81 Rekkapryde Antonio T.

Its certainly not required, but you should all consider making some sort of team page. Content has been lacking the past season or so and I would like to see it picked back up. As you can see, that doesn't exclusively mean game recaps (tho please continue to do those). In a team page you can really do whatever you want. I'm keeping these first two posts static, and will update them when appropriate. I will also post in here from time to time with stories about position battles, players making big splashes, other stories, ect..

Do what you would like with yours...but do something!

Haha thanks bud. Ray Hall's finest moments came against you, and those were some of the best games i've played

Ohio State Class of 2017 (#2 Ranked Class)

Offense

Eddie Bradley (WR #10, ****): Good combo of size and speed, a project but could play early with lack of depth out wide
Terrance Gross (TE #1, *****): An all-around balanced tight end. Will be the starter from day one for OSU
Will Levine (TE #5, ****): Will be converted to fullback, could start immediately
Pat Dunbar (TE #9, ****): Good receiving threat, could see the field as a freshman
Darnell Young (T #37, ***): Questionable offer for OSU, likely to maintain pipeline in Illinois
Timi Smith (G #2, *****): Doesn't project the way his five stars suggest, but has the measurables to develop into a solid contributor
Donald Bowen (G #8, ****): Likely the least talented of the three guard commits
Ryan Lindsey (G #12, ****): Big frame, could excel at guard or tackle

Defense
Matt Perry (DE #2, *****): Top recruit in Ohio, prototypical pass rusher, should be a star
Ira Stone (DE #13, ****): Possibly the biggest steal of this class, could see playing time from day one
Bruce Roberts (DT #3, *****): A little undersized, but too slow for DE. Has strength but will it be enough?
Cody Cunningham (DT #11, ****): Big frame, but doesn't excel in one particular area
Marvin Roberts (DT #12, ****): One of the last commits for OSU, but might be the bets of the DL trio
Kyle Boyd (OLB #3, ****): Possibly the recruit OSU is most excited about. Very similar to Justin McKnight, but smaller. Great speed and quickness
Justin Morgan (OLB #6, ****): Large frame at 6'7, 244. He and Body should see the field early and often
David Reid (MLB #8, ****): Longshot to start immediately but a solid player and should contribute on special teams
Cameron McGrew (CB #1, *****): Shut-down, fast, athletic cornerback. Could return kicks too
Robert Clarke (FS #1, *****): Could step in and play immediately with both safeties gone

Buckeyes Prepare for Showdown With #6 Texas

Ohio State's kicked off its season last week, but the Buckeyes quest to defend their national title officially begins today with a matchup against Texas. The Buckeyes and Longhorns, ranked first and sixth respectively, are arguably the two most complete teams in the country. When they collide in the Horseshoe on Saturday, they could very well decide half of the national championship picture.

This game is, of course, also a rematch of the 2014 National Title game, which cmassey13 and Texas won 24-23 on a last-second field goal. Buckeye fans have been long awaiting a chance at revenge with the Longhorns, and will be loud from the get-go. The crowd noise could play a major factor in deciding this game, as sophomore quarterback Alex Woods starts for the first time away from home. Woods was dynamic in the season opener as both a runner and a passer, but the Buckeye's defense has plenty of speed to contain the electrifying quarterback.

Offensively, the Buckeyes will try to impose their will with the running game. In his first game as a full-time starter, senior tailback Aaron Anderson had a career day, rushing for more than 173 yards and a score. Senior quarterback Malik Brown chipped in with three rushing touchdowns of his own, as OSU piled up 384 rushing yards against UCLA. Brown wasn't all too effective as a passer, but if they Buckeyes can continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, they may not need him to be.

Quarterback Malik Brown blocks downfield for Aaron Anderson in a game against UCLA

Two Buckeyes Initiated into WHBHoF

Kevin Frazier (Recruiting Class of 2013, DE ****)

Frazier was often in the opposition's backfield, much to quarterback's chagrin

Though he was a four-star recruit, Kevin Frazier wasn't considered one of OSU's prizes in the class of 2013. In fact, he wasn't even considered to be the best defensive end in OSU's class. It wouldn't take long for Frazier to prove everyone false. Frazier redshirted his first year on campus, but as a freshman found himself right into the rotation as a third defensive end to spell the likes of Noah Spence and Sam McNair. When Spence, the all-time leading sack leader in OSU history left after his junior season, Frazier filled the void...and eventually proved to be better. Frazier graduated as OSU's all-time leader in sacks, highlighted by his 19-sack senior season. Frazier never won an award as a Buckeye, but he will always be remembered for his prowess as a rush end with his combination of size and burst off the line.

Michael Baker (Recruiting Class of 2014, WR ****)

Baker was known for making big plays, especially against user teams

Michael Baker made an impression on Buckeye Nation as an impact player from day one, and by his senior season he was perhaps OSU's MVP. As a freshman Baker was OSU's fourth receiver, but often the most impactful, especially against user opponents. Baker had a knack for slipping behind the defense with his speed, and using his 6'3 frame to high-point the ball. Year-after-year Baker improved his trade, and as a junior he helped OSU win the national title. After the departure of Ray Hall, many wondered how OSU's offense would carry on, but Baker ensured that it didn't miss a beat. This carried over to special teams, where Baker excelled in Hall's old position of punt returner. Against Michigan, Baker turned the tide with a 97-yard punt return touchdown, and OSU eventually beat the hated Wolverines. Said Meyer of Baker, "Ray Hall was the greatest athlete I ever coached, and he happened to play receiver. But Michael Baker was the most gifted wide receiver i've ever coached."

Buckeyes Return To Roots, Land Top 3 Targets

Jermaine Peters (ATH, *****)

In sports it's commonplace to prep stars to former pro greats. It's a practice that carries over in recruiting too. Some Buckeye fans will remember that when coach Meyer arrived in Columbus he immediately began looking for someone to be "the next Percy Harvin." Ray Hall, the top athlete in the class, signed for the Buckeyes and for four years thrived in the 'Harvin Role,' his career culminating with a Heisman trophy and a national championship. Meyer has been searching for the next Ray Hall since the playmaker's graduation, and it seems that the search is over. Jermaine Peters is an elite athlete, with speed and agility that will remind fans of Hall, Harvin and other greats.

81 overall -- 98 speed -- 96 acceleration -- 92 agility

Joe McCutcheon (HB, *****)

For the second consecutive year, Ohio State lands the nation's top running back prospect. In fact, OSU inked the top two prep tailbacks last season. McCutcheon, the second overall prospect in this year's class, will join a loaded stable of running backs, but McCutcheon brings something different to the table. Speed. While Will Chavis and Cornell Landrum are physical power backs, the 5'9 'Cutch is a speedy scat back that will remind Buckeye Nation of former great Tavaris McLaurin.

80 overall -- 95 speed -- 96 acceleration -- 94 agility

Charlie Moore (ATH, ***)

While only a three star, the OSU staff was high on Moore from the start, and it seems that their lofty expectations of the 5'11 athlete could come true. Moore projects to be an elite athlete with skills to develop into a lethal quarterback. Meyer has done an excellent job of recruiting skill positions the last couple of years, so Moore will have a bevy of talent around him. If he even scratches the surface of his potential, OSU's offense could reach new heights.

78 overall -- 92 speed -- 88 acceleration -- 86 throw power -- 84 throw accuracy