Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

It's the offseason for Ryan Day and Co. and there is no rest for the weary. This time is about talent acquisition.

Getting a commitment from the best high school football player in the state of Ohio ... is that something that would interest you? The Buckeyes may have gotten that in Jack Sawyer - and he's only a high school sophomore.

Too young, you say? Talk about the now?

OK, how about a redshirt junior transfer from a Big Ten foe ready to step in start right away in Columbus? If that doesn't strike your fancy, how about an offensive line import from Atlanta?

And if it all 'works out' ... what will Ohio State's starting offensive line look like in '19?

Given the above subject matter, you know we had to bring in Duane Long to offer wisdom.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

A lot of people are saying Ohio State's 2019 fooball schedule is easy. But is that really the case?

Patrick Murphy joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* The Buckeyes' stacked defensive line for 2019.

* Will quarterback Justin Fields be eligible immediately? When will OSU find out?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

The arctic chill sweeping much of the country has done nothing to stop Ohio State on the recruiting trail. No days off for our trusty staff out trying to improve the team's talent level.

These days, that means the guys up front. The big, tough offensive linemen. You know the names by now: Doug Nester and Dawand Jones. Will they be Buckeyes?

There is much debate left there. We discuss.

Also, the best offensive lineman committed to the Buckeyes has an active travel schedule. Should that be a concern?

And we get our featured guest - 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong - to answer whether or not he thinks Tate Martell should be eligible right away at Miami because of Ohio State's coaching change.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

The linebacker position was a weakness for Ohio State throughout much of the 2018 season.

However, with all three starters returning -- plus some young, hungry, talented players on the rise -- could the LB unit actually be a strength for the Buckeyes this fall? Especially with new coaches on the defensive side of the ball?

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* The Buckeyes did lose a linebacker on Tuesday as Keandre Jones decided to transfer to Maryland.

* What is the latest on the recruitment of 2019 offensive linemen Doug Nester and Dawand Jones?

* Ohio State's men's basketball team was thumped at Michigan last night. What can we expect from the Buckeyes from here?

All of that and more on the Wednesday extravaganza.

It's freezing cold in Ohio. We needed something to warm us up.

So we brought it in Duane Long for what heats us: football chatter. 

We get into next season and answer some key questions as the ice outside accumulates:

* What is Ohio State's strongest position group?

* What's the position group you’re most concerned about?

* Which Buckeye we don’t know very well yet will break out next season?

* Which Buckeye was not good last season but will be very good this season?

* Taking a look at the 2019 schedule - where is biggest threat of repeat of Purdue ‘18/Iowa ‘17?

Sit back and enjoy some pure football chatter. It's what we do.

Ohio State has offered graduate transfer offensive lineman Jonah Jackson from Rutgers, who was an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer in 2018. He also started half of the 2017 season for the Scarlet Knights at center.

Jackson isn't transferring to merely be on a two-deep somewhere; he is obviously switching schools so he can start, and start for a program that has a chance to win big.

What are the Buckeyes' chances of landing Jackson, and what would it mean if they did?

Bill "Bank" Greene joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* The official visit from offensive lineman Enokk Vimahi to Ohio State went well over the weekend. What else do you need to know about the four-star guard?

* What is the latest on Doug Nester and Dawand Jones? (If it seems like we talk about those guys on every show, it's because we do.)

* Is there any concern that Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields won't be eligible immediately in 2019? Or are there no worries in that department?

All of that and more on the Monday extravaganza.

As the recruitment of Ohio State verbal commitment Doug Nester drags on, Jonah Booker wonders if the four-star offensive guard is looking for a reason not to be a Buckeye.

JBook joins Dave Biddle for his usual Friday visit to discuss that, plus:

* Who is ultimately in charge of Ohio State's defense? Greg Mattison or Jeff Hafley? They both hold the title of co-defensive coordinator (with Hafley also having the title of defensive backs coach). Yes, they will collaborate, but if one of them had to be the shot-caller, who would it be?

* What do we think of the Buckeyes' 5-man stable of scholarship running backs in 2019?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

On Tuesday, 247Sports released updated 5-star rankings for the Class of 2019. Three future Buckeyes were in contention for the elite status.

Two made the cut ... and both dropped while doing so.

What gives?

Well, we asked. Here. On this show. 

247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong makes his usual Thursday appearance to address the rankings of Zach Harrison, Garrett Wilson and Harry Miller. 

Why did they drop?

Why didn't Miller make the grade?

Why doesn't every 247Sports recruiting expert have to reveal their personal 5-star rankings (they do ... stay tuned)?

What's the latest on Ohio State's final push on Doug Nester, Dawand Jones and Enoki Vimahi?

You'll just have to tune in and find out.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!

It is obviously nothing new that an Ohio State head coach would focus hard on landing the top talent from the state of Ohio.

However, Ryan Day is making even more of a concerted effort in terms of recruiting Ohio than many might have anticipated. And this reminds us of the approach used by Jim Tressel when he was the Buckeyes' boss from 2001-10.

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* Offensive line recruiting for OSU, including new 2020 commit Jakob James from Cincinnati Elder.

* What are thoughts on Day's first coaching staff at Ohio State?

* Tonight brings a big game for OSU basketball at the Schott against Purdue, but the Buckeyes will be without sophomore forward Kyle Young for at least a month.

All of that and more on the midweek extravaganza.

What can warm a Buckeye's heart on a freezing holiday weekend?

Yep, a commitment from one of Ohio's best offensive lineman that's what. And you know it heated up Duane Long.

Duane is here to talk Jakob James and Ohio State's clear focus on bolstering the offensive line in the Class of 2020. So far, the Buckeyes have seven commitments ... all on offense.

We also break down the latest in the recruitment of Dewand Jones, the enormous Class of 2019 offensive lineman. Don't close the book on that class just yet.

Also: One currently unheralded Buckeye on offense and one on defense that Duane thinks needs to play a big role next season for Ohio State to thrive.

We also have a 247Sports announcement on the impending release of the official Class of 2019 5-stars. Hint: It's coming real soon.

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters.