Samuel is Buckeye’s top playmaker, Meyer says,
Junior hybrid back is ‘No. 1 playmaker on offense.’
— Ohio State COLUMBUS coach Urban Meyer handed hybrid back Curtis Samuel the highest compliment Monday.
“I think he’s our No. 1 playmaker on offense right now,” Meyer said. “He’s got to stay healthy. I love his skill set.”
Samuel, a junior from Brooklyn, N.Y., appeared in 14 of 15 games as a true freshman and in all 13 games last season. He’s one of the most experienced players on a young offense and will likely split time with Dontre Wilson at hybrid back.
Meyer hasn’t named a starter at that position but Samuel may have the edge if Meyer’s praise is any indication.
“I’m honored for coach
Meyer to say that about me,” Samuel said. “As I know and he knows, we have a bunch of playmakers on this team, a bunch of guys who are very dynamic. We’re going to have a great year.”
Camp complete: The Buckeyes finished training camp Saturday. They open the season Sept. 3 against Bowling Green at Ohio Stadium.
“I don’t know how good we are, but the attitudes are good,” Meyer said. “I don’t want to say I feel good, but I just like coaching this team. They’re very hungry. They’re anxious to learn and get better.
“Our last week has been good. We had some bumps early. We’re fairly healthy.”
Recruiting update: Two top-100 football recruits in the class of 2017, both wide receivers, announced commitments to the Buckeyes on Monday.
Trevon Grimes, the No. 27 recruit in the nation according to ESPN’s rankings, and Tyjon Lindsey, the No. 76 recruit, picked the Buckeyes in a joint announcement on BleacherReport.com.
Grimes is a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. That’s the alma mater of former Buckeye Joey Bosa and his brother Nick, a current freshman at Ohio State.
Lindsey is a senior at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
Ohio State has the No. 1-ranked 2017 recruiting class, according to ESPN. It has 16 commitments. Grimes is the fourth-ranked receiver. Lindsey ranks 11th.
Wide receivers coach Zach Smith said the class is shaping up to be Ohio State’s best.
“You never really know until they get here,” Smith said. “It’s up there, that’s for sure.”