Jamel Turner, Ohio State Weakside DE/LB Commit

Midway through December last month when most high school students are thinking about Christmas break, Youngstown Ursuline Defense End/Linebacker prospect Jamel Turner was making his college selection and committing to Ohio State. The Weakside DE/LB is already rated as the top prospect in the State of Ohio for 2010 and one of the 250 To Watch by Rivals for 2010 nationally. Growing up in Ohio, Turner has been a fan of the Buckeyes for years and really liked what he saw on a recent visit.

By Steve Patterson

As a sophomore the 6'3" 210 lbs rusher with 4.6 speed put up impressive numbers that drew the attention of coaches across the country. He had 94 tackles, 31 for loss, with 23 sacks. He senior year was just as impressive with 10 tackles in the state title game alone. Turner feels that his intelligence and speed set him apart. "My best attributes are being a smart and fast player." he told us this week. Blitzing from the linebacker position is what excites him the most. "The highlight of playing football is rushing the passer." In college he is expected to play on the defensive line.

Turner had early offers from some of the best Big Ten teams including Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan State, and Wisconsin in addition to a Notre Dame and South Carolina offer. He made a number of visits before selecting Ohio State. "I've visited Illinois, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Ohio State. I liked them all. They really made my decision easier." he reported.

He was looking for a successful program were he related well with the coaches he explained. "I was looking for a good relationship with the coaches and a program that is good or steady every year." On his visit with the Buckeyes, he felt like Columbus was the place for him. "OSU makes me feel at home and its like I belong there."