Big Defensive Tackle Commits to the Buckeyes

By Adam Kiefaber

The Buckeyes’ ‘08 recruiting class continues its impressive run of signing some of the country’s best players.

This weekend Ohio State got another one in defensive tackle Garrett Goebel from Montini Catholic High School (Lombard, Ill.).

Goebel had it down to two schools. Obviously Ohio State was one of the them and the other was the hated Michigan.

“Ohio State was where I felt the most comfortable,” Goebel told The Columbus Dispatch. “But it was hard to choose between the two because, really, I saw nothing negative at either place.”

According to Rivals.com, Goebel is the second-best prospect from the state. Also, the service has him ranked as the fifth-best defensive tackle in the country. Six of the Rivals.com top ten defensive tackles have already committed to their respected schools. Goebel is the only one, who committed to a school that was out of state. Also, the service shows that he was recruited by a bunch of big midwest schools. Those schools include Tennessee, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Arizona State, Illinois, Michigan and Notre Dame.

According to Scout.com, Goebel is the fourth-best defensive tackle in the country. Third best you don’t count the service’s top rated junior-college transfer. Also, according to the service, Goebel turned down offers from Michigan, Notre Dame, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia and Wisconsin. His quote about himself on the site: “I’m really tough and have good strength. I love playing physical and working hard. I can play offense or defense, but I like hitting people and think that offense is more fun. I want to improve my quickness and agility and be tougher to block.”

Recently I came across some video of Goebel and it was impressive. He is over powering, plays the high school ranks as if he is a man among boys. Opponents run inside, outside and around the tackle. Every direction they try, Goebel makes the play blow up in his opponent’s face. His downside could be his technique, which is brought up on Scout.com as his only weakness. When watching film, you can see his lack of moves. It seems like the same swim move every time, however it works everytime. Goebel is so much stronger than his opponent that he doesn’t need a vast amount of moves. I strongly believe after a few years of learning at Ohio State, Goebel has the ability to be an All-American type player. Hopefully, Ohio State won’t put him on the offensive line.

Earlier this summer I broke down the ‘08 Class