The Big Ten classes are signed and sealed. You can see ESPN’s final class rankings as well as grades for all the Big Ten teams.
As we put a bow on National Signing Day 2013, let’s take a look at some superlatives …
Biggest winner: Ohio State. The Buckeyes took a great class and made it even better on signing day with the additions of elite safety prospect Vonn Bell and four-star receiver prospect James Clark. They also held onto running back recruit Ezekiel Elliott. Plucking Bell out of SEC Country made a significant statement, as Ohio State secured the nation’s No. 3 class and the best in the Big Ten. Although other Big Ten programs secured strong classes — Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State — Ohio State made the most headlines Wednesday.
Best closer: Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/safeties coach Everett Withers. Although Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer is unquestionably one of the nation’s top closers, Withers merits a mention here after steering Bell to sign with the Scarlet and Gray. “I’ve seen some really good efforts,” Meyer said Wednesday. “Everett Withers from start to finish, his effort on Vonn Bell, as good as I’ve ever seen.” Bell’s high school coach called Withers the “most proficient and professional recruiter we’ve ever dealt with,” according to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. Withers played a major role in Ohio State securing five defensive backs ranked in the top 50 by ESPN Recruiting.
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