Urban Meyer: Making Changes

This is a little late as Urban Meyer was introduced as Ohio State's new Head Coach two weeks ago, but even in those two weeks Meyer has made a big impact in Columbus.

What this means for the Big Ten:

Urban Meyer joining the Buckeyes brings quite arguably one of the best coaches in the nation to the conference. This will boost conference prestige, as well as make the conference more competitive overall. Urban will look to implement his spread offense he was so successful with at Florida, and has the perfect quarterback in Braxton Miller to run it. This is trouble for teams in the Big Ten with slower defense because Meyer will look to unleash the speed on the conference.

What this means for recruiting:

Meyer, early in his two week tenure as head coach has already made a splash in the recruiting season. Prior to taking the reins from Luke Fickell, the Buckeyes got a verbal commitment from ESPN Top 150 DE Adolphus Washington. Washington marked Ohio State's 16th commit, their 1st Top 150 athlete. Since then, Meyer has been working his magic in Columbus. Just yesterday, Top 150 DE Se'Von Pittman and DT Tommy Schutt decommitted from Michigan State and Penn State. The additions put the Buckeye's to 18 recruits and 3 Top 150 athletes. This is just the beginning, as Meyer has already stolen two big name recruits from conference foes.

Future in recruiting:

With 18 commits in the 2011 class, Meyer only has room for about 3-5 more athletes this year. It has been reported that two Top 150 offensive lineman, Kyle Dodson and Jordan Diamond, are expected to join this loaded class. Also, Top 150 athlete and ESPN #4 player in the nation, DE Noah Spence had a very favorable visit over the weekend.

Spence on Urban Meyer:

"He's a great guy," Spence said. "I feel like he wants to win and I want that, too. I feel I'll get a lot of playing time if I work hard and come out and be focused, so it sounds like a good place."

Others reportedly visiting:

- DT Eddie Goldman (Top 150, #2 in nation)

- WR Dorial Green-Beckham (Top 150, #3 in nation)

- QB Jameis Winston (Top 150, #11 in nation)

- ATH Cyrus Jones (Top 150, ##33 in nation)

The work Meyer has done to this class is already making everybody look forward to next year's class, as that will truly be Meyer's own. It is expected that Meyer will use his ties in Florida and get the speed from there, but I believe athletes from all around will look at what he is putting together and want to be a part of something special in Columbus.