ESPN College Football Recruiting

Ohio traditionally attracts college recruiters from across the nation looking for tough linemen and physical linebackers. Periodically, a handful of skilled athletes will emerge in the Buckeye State and grab the attention of college football programs. The 2009 class is one such group, and the secondary is where much of the talent can be found.

Probably the most versatile of the safeties is Jamie Wood (Pickerington, Ohio/Central), a triple threat as a defensive back, special-teams standout and offensive skilled athlete. Isaiah Bell (Youngstown, Ohio/Liberty) is the most physically impressive safety in the state, roaming the secondary with his 210-pound frame and excellent ball skills. Tennessee-bound safety D.J. Hunter (Middletown, Ohio) could very well end up as a corner for the Volunteers because of his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills.

The defensive line position is also strong with Under Armour All-American DE Melvin Fellows (Cleveland/Garfield Heights) and DT John Simon (Youngstown, Ohio/Cardinal Mooney).

C.J. Barnett, cornerback
Northmont (Clayton, Ohio)
Verbal commitment: Ohio State
This future Buckeye is a smooth, fluid defensive back who is tall for a corner at 6-foot-1. He uses his long arms effectively in press coverage to jam and re-route receivers. He has transitional quickness and can run with wideouts stride for stride when playing man coverage.

He's also instinctive and breaks quickly both on the pass and when coming up on run support. He proves his physicality when unloading on the ball carrier or separating the receiver from the football. His overall athleticism, secondary fundamentals and toughness make him a special cornerback and well deserving of the honor of being the No. 1 player in Ohio.

Travis Freeman, safety
Glenville (Cleveland)
Considering: Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Kansas, Kansas State, others
Freeman is another player from Glenville High, the school that produced Heisman Trophy winners Troy Smith (QB, Baltimore Ravens) and Ted Ginn Jr. (WR, Miami Dolphins). Freeman is a real hitter from the safety or linebacker position. He is a master at using his hands to shed blockers, separate and disengage as he flies to the football. He has great timing and acceleration when coming on the blitz. This hard-nosed athlete explodes through the ball carrier when making the tackle.

He is just now receiving the recognition he deserves. Look for him to land a major college scholarship and excel at the next level. He is another in the line of Glenville gridiron greats.

Bowling Green, 14 commits (Oct. 14)
Tough dual threat QB Austin Collier (Sterling, Mich./Standish Sterling) is one of two signal-callers verbally committed to the Falcons and is a good fit for the spread offense. In-state safety Tim Moore (Mentor, Ohio) will be a steady presence in the secondary.

Miami (Ohio), 8 commits (Oct. 14)
Five of the eight commits are defensive prospects, including big, physical safety Pat Hinkel (Cleveland/St. Ignatius). Tight end Brian Slack (Akron, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) needs to bulk up in college, but if his high school highlight reel is any indication, the kid can catch the ball. Check out his player card for proof.

Ohio, 5 commits (Oct. 14)
The Bobcats, like most of their Ohio MAC counterparts, will gain most of their commits closer to signing day. Four of their five current verbals hail from Ohio.

Akron, Kent State and Toledo all currently have three or fewer known verbal commitments.

Bill Conley is a recruiting coordinator for ESPN Scouts Inc. He previously worked at Ohio State for 17 years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.