Ohio State a must see for Heyward

The recent commitment of Bloomington (Ill.) Central Catholic defensive tackle Josh Brent to Illinois was expected. However the growing possibility that Joseph Barksdale might select LSU over Ohio State has been a bit surprising to Buckeye fans.

With that possibility in mind, Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge star Cameron Heyward might be the defensive tackle the Bucks have the best shot at landing.

With a group of four finalist that includes three southern schools and Ohio State, the Bucks' odds of landing Heyward have not seemed great. However things may have started to turn when Heyward made an unofficial visit to Ohio State and saw the Bucks' thrilling win over Michigan in what was a spectacular setting.

Add in the fact that the person helping him through the recruiting process is a "Big Ten guy," and the situation might be right for Heyward to end up in Columbus.

"He's still considering Ohio State, Florida, Georgia and LSU," Cory Blackwell said. "I'm helping him through the process."

If the name Cory Blackwell sounds familiar to Ohio State fans, it should come as no shock. Blackwell played basketball at Wisconsin from 1981-84.

"I'm a Big Ten guy," Blackwell said. "So it's not a big deal if he (leaves the South)."

In addition to the football recruiting process, Heyward is busy playing on the Peachtree Ridge basketball team.

"He has a holiday basketball tournament this week," Blackwell said. "That's where he's at right now."

As the holiday season winds down, Heyward will schedule an official visit to Ohio State.

"He will definitely visit Ohio State," Blackwell said. "He's going to visit all four schools. He wants to see them all.

"Over the next few days he'll start to figure the visits out. It's not too long until the dead period is over. He'll get them scheduled then."

The 6-foot-5 and 264-pound Heyward had a fantastic senior season. He made 114 tackles including 16 sacks. Heyward is the No. 4 prospect in the state of Georgia in the Rivals.com player rankings.