The Conservative Buckeye

The class – generally ranked anywhere from eighth to 12th nationally — included 10 players from Ohio and 10 from out of state. It also has 12 players on offense and eight on defense.

“I think the strength of this class is it’s versatility,” Tressel said. “It has a little bit of everything: character, solid academic credentials and athletic ability. We went looking for help across the board at every position and feel as though we accomplished that goal.

“This group, as a whole, is very versatile. If you spread it along a broad spectrum, we got a little bit of everything.

“We think we have a tremendous product to sell. Ohio State is an extraordinary place. The tradition, in our minds, is unmatched.”

Ohio State signed seven national top-100 players, including the nation’s top overall prospect in Akron Garfield tailback Chris Wells. Wells, cornerback Kurt Coleman and linebackers Larry Grant and Ross Homan will all participate in spring football.

But, as always, Tressel stopped short of predicting that any of the incoming players will make a major impact in 2006.

“The one question you always get is who will make an immediate impact?” Tressel said. “What I like about this group is that they all feel they can come in and make an impact. They know they’ve got to get caught up in the system and move ahead with their strength and speed and knowledge.

“But this class is spread so evenly in all areas that they all feel they will have that opportunity to come in and compete.”