College Football: Top 5 Offensive Prospects from the Ohio State Buckeyes 2009 Recruiting Class

A team with a highly successful recruiting program year in and year out, the Ohio State Buckeyes never seem to lack for fresh talent on either offense or defense. This year's 2009 recruiting class is no exception, especially on offense where many of the top recruits can be expected to contribute early in their college careers. Here then are the top 5 prospects on Offense from Ohio State's 2009 recruiting cass.

Jaamal Berry (RB) Miami Palmetto High School, Florida

A bit on the small size for a running back (5-11, 185 lbs), Jaamal Berry is nevertheless one of the most talented prospects in this year's recruiting class. An explosive runner with world class speed, Berry also comes with great vision and instinct which helps him avoid a lot of hard hits. Heavily recruited by over two dozen schools, Berry will need to add some bulk to be a major star at the college level. If he does, he will have plenty of runs to add to his highlight reel (Berry's highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCCDnEFZQcc)

Duron Carter (WR) Saint Thomas Aquinas School, Florida

The son of former Buckeye's great Cris Carter, Duron Carter not only has the proper pedigree for football, he also has the prototypical built for a wide receiver. Tall and lanky (6'3", 185 lbs) with excellent hands, Carter will be a deep ball threat for Ohio State who is cable of adding yards after the catch. Adding bulk to his frame should come naturally over the next few seasons, which will help. (Carter's highlights : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR7npgmqbRk)

Carlos Hyde (RB) Naples High School, Florida

Cut along the Chris Wells mold, Hyde is a big 6-1, 230 north-south runner who could combine with Jaamal Berry to provide a good one-two punch on future Buckeyes teams. The basics of a power runner are all there with Hyde who can lower his shoulders, tilt forward, and explode through holes in the line breaking tackles in the process. Despite the look of a power runner or full back, Hyde also shows surprising athletic ability. In addition, he shows good speed in the open field and can break away from defenders once in the clear. (Hyde's highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwF2mO_Sofo)

James Jackson (WR) Grand Ledge High School, Michigan

Undersized for a receiver at 5-11, 175 lbs, James Jackson still has the potential to be a major player at the college level. Blessed with electrifying speed, and great route running ability, Jackson can double as a deep threat or a possession receiver. Look for him to be a play maker in his stay at Ohio State, and if he bulks up a bit, a future star in college football.

Chris Fields (WR) Thomas W. Harvey High School, Ohio

At 6-0, 180 lbs, Fields is another good receiving prospect that needs to bulk up to be a major contributor at the next level. Fast (4.4 speed) and versatile, Fields enjoyed a successful senior season in high school catching 17 touchdown passes, while adding 2 additional touchdowns on punt returns. Look for him to be an all-purpose contributor for Ohio State.

Sources:

www.rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.

www.insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting