Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State tabs independent group to aid Urban Meyer investigation
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Independent group tabbed to aid investigation
Ohio State announced that its investigation into Urban Meyer will be getting some help via a group formed by the university’s board of trustees.
This group includes current trustees Alex Fischer, Janet Porter and Alex Shumate. Also on the panel are former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, former acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Craig Morford and former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Carter Stewart.
“The special working group will direct the work of the investigative team and be available to provide consultation and advice and assist with communication to the full board on the matter,” a release from the university said.
The perception of impartiality is crucial, though it’s worth noting that this group will just be there to assist the investigative team and also includes a trio of Ohio State trustees. Still, it’s an important step in resolving Meyer’s employment status one way or another.
Fall camp begins Friday
Ohio State will have its first practice on Friday, and with no resolution in Urban Meyer’s status Ryan Day will get a chance to lead the Buckeyes.
Fans won’t be able to receive practice reports or hear from players, though. The university has closed practice to the media and canceled all interview sessions indefinitely.
What happens to Ohio State recruiting?
Lettermen Row recruiting czar Birm tackled an interesting topic: What happens to Ohio State recruiting if Urban Meyer isn’t retained? I’m personally of the belief that Ohio State is one of the most easily sustainable programs in college football if not the most sustainable, but it does stand to reason that the Buckeyes could take a short-term hit depending on how it shakes out.
Here’s part of what Birm had to say:
Garrett Wilson, a 5-star wide receiver from Texas, is the country’s 12th-ranked overall prospect and the Buckeyes highest-rated commitment right now. He’s one of the leaders of his class, and now he’s put in a position where he’ll have to make some difficult choices.
“If they were to fire Coach Meyer — which I hope they won’t — unless Coach Day got the job, I’d probably look at some more schools,” Wilson told Lettermen Row.
Buckeyes ranked No. 3 in Coaches Poll
The preseason Coaches Poll was released on Thursday, and the Buckeyes had a prominent place in the ranking. Ohio State came in at No. 3, trailing only No. 1 Alabama and second-ranked Clemson.
The Big Ten placed three teams in the top 10 and five teams in the top 15.
2018 Preseason Amway Coaches Poll
No. 1 Alabama
No. 2 Clemson
No. 3 Ohio State
No. 4 Georgia
No. 5 Oklahoma
No. 6 Washington
No. 7 Wisconsin
No. 8 Miami
No. 9 Penn State
No. 10 Auburn
No. 11 Notre Dame
No. 12 Michigan State
No. 13 Stanford
No. 14 Michigan
No. 15 USC
Counting down
- First practice of fall camp: Today
- Ohio State season opener: 29 days
- The Game: 113 days
Twitter talk
Focusing on myself and no one else
— Thayer Munford Jr (@TMunford75) August 3, 2018
Year ✋🏾 let’s run it ‼️ pic.twitter.com/dhDSTh595r
— Johnnie L. Dixon III (@YoungKing_JD5) August 1, 2018
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