COLUMBUS — Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer spoke with the media on Wednesday. He spoke of coaching changes, personnel updates, and the second signing day of the college football schedule. Here are the highlights.
+ “We just signed 26 players in a very highly-ranked class.” These players are a culture and character fit. The early signing period was tough because there were games still going on. “We did very well” but the timing was hard. “But it all worked out.”
+ You can’t coach here if you can’t recruit. All of the coaches did a very good job and Meyer is very proud of his staff.
+ “The young man Nick who just committed to us from Tampa…” He is a relationship person. One of the selling points to Nicholas Petit-Frere was a comment from J.K. Dobbins about his relationship with Mickey Marotti. Meyer thanked his players for being like-minded and honest. “This is a tough game.” They monitor so many things for the players and Gene Smith has supported the OSU football investment fully in the players.
+ There was a laser-like focus on a few guys because they could afford to do that with the early signing period already gone.
+ OSU had to get another offensive tackle in this group. Petit-Frere is a great addition. “Greg Schiano was knee deep in that one, as well was Stud.” Petit-Frere was the most thorough recruit Meyer has ever been around. If you’re a betting person, bet on Petit-Frere to be successful.
+ Greg Schiano turned down head coaching jobs last year and has turned down more coaching opportunities this year. They have had many discussion and Schiano is 100% staying at Ohio State. He will speak with the media soon.
+ Schiano is essential to the program. He may be the best recruiter on the team. “He’s a relationship person.” He knows more than just his position. He knows everyone.
+ When Kerry Coombs decided to leave, “that took my breath away.” “I was shocked.” They will be friends forever.
+ Time is on their side for replacing Coombs, but “give us a week” and they will have a replacement.
+ Meyer started studying Alex Grinch in the summer as a possible staff addition. He was checking Washington State scores throughout the season. He is a high-energy guy and being from Ohio is a huge plus.
+ Meyer would like to have the No. 1 class in the nation if people are going to keep score, but they don’t recruit based off of that. Ohio State should always recruit well. If you can’t recruit at Ohio State, you’re not good at your job.
+ The best way to keep assistant coaches from leaving is to have a great working environment. They have also had to entice coaches to stay in other ways as well.
+ Meyer doesn’t expect any changes with Ohio State’s playcalling. It has never been one guy calling the plays.
+ Schiano has stepped in and assumed the role of Kerry Coombs with the corners until a new corners coach is brought in.
+ Having the final official visit for a player can be critical depending on how you use it. Sometimes official visits during the season are tough because coaches are busy, but in January, they have so much more time to spend with visiting players.
+ Meyer is in the process of signing a two-year extension, which would make his current contract a 5-year deal.
+ Meyer got the call yesterday that Nicholas Petit-Frere wanted to be a Buckeye. There were a bunch of 50-year old men jumping for excitement.
+ Meyer has no idea who will start with the lead at quarterback.
