Posts from February 25, 2007

This week’s poll question is sponsored by: ClearSaleing

Contact Us if you have an idea for a poll question.

Popularity: 19% [?]

Once the Bowl game is over, the next thing Buckeye fans like to talk about is the next recruiting class and if it is up to snuff, or not. They almost forget about the guys from last year’s class or the year before that because some of those players didn’t see much playing time. So before we talk about this year’s class, let’s look at some of the guys already in the program getting stronger, faster and gaining some valuable experience under some good upper classmen.

On offense, you have to start with the QB and there are some strong candidates. Boeckman is only going to be a junior but has been in the system for 4 years and Schoenhoft is a soph but has been watching Troy and learning. They are booth big and strong at 6’5” 240 lbs. plus, with strong arms and good feet. Helton is new but more like Troy and gaining fans in the program. Receivers look good even without Gonzo and Ginn. The two freshman Robinski and Hartline look to fill the starting roles with Small, Dukes and Lyons looking to crack the rotation. With Pitt leaving it opens the door for Beanie and Maurice Wells and a couple of strong frosh. Fulllback has Dionte Johnson back but they may never use the traditional FB and elect the H-back since they are deeper at tight end. Offensive line loses some aged beef but with Jim Cordle waiting in the wings at center and a bevy of highly recruited guys like Browning, Mitchum and Connor Smith looking to join Barton, Boone and Rerig, things look promising.

On D, there is a lot of talent back. I don’t need to rename the returning stars and everybody knows who we lost. The defensive lines was deep in 2006 and add to the list these names; Abdallah, Barrow, Denlinger, Williams and Worthing to join the strong year for Robert Rose, Vernon Gholstein. The linebacker position is just one long line of big, fast, talented guys just waiting for their turn. DB’s are going to be interesting. With the exodus of three starters two years ago, it has given alot of guys some time. Look for Andre Amos, Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell to continue to gain confidence.

You noticed, no real mention of this year’s class. Well guess what, until they step on the field in scarlet and gray, know one really knows. You can look at all the film you want, check out their stats and contemplate their toughness, but when they join the team, they start at the bottom of the food chain and have to earn their keep. The class of 1986 had 23 recruits and was not listed in the top 20 of any list. Well 17 of that group played on Sunday’s and some of the “highly recruited” guys, never set foot on the field.

Relax about the recruiting class. Talk about it in a year or two because then you’ll be able to have an educated conversation. Otherwise, spend more time looking in our closets because that’s where next year’s new starts are lurking.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Jim Karsatos was born in Fullerton California, and was named California player of the year in 1981.He was OSU quarterback from 1981 to 1986 and was named Team captain in 1986 and was named to the 2nd Team All Big Ten Team MVP in 1985. Jim continued his sports career at the Miami Dolphins from 1987-1988, and was an active public speaker and a 15 year radio broadcaster for Ohio State Football. Jim is currently the President of the Central Ohio Chapter of the NFL Alumni Association as well as on the Board of Directors for the National NFL Alumni Association. Jim is on the board of Directors of the Children’s Hospital Foundation and is the President of Champions for Children at Children’s Hospital. He just finished his term as president on the Board of Directors of the Central Ohio Chapter of Alzheimers Association but still remains active in the organization. Jim was also one of the original minority owners of the Columbus Destroyers.

He has 2 twin sons (CJ and Danny) – age 6 and an older son (Nick) - age 9.

He currently is the President and CEO of Karsatos Financial Network and the managing partner of Credible Resource Management.

Popularity: 26% [?]