Ohio State On Verge of Stealing Two Penn State Commits?

Urban Meyer has been recruiting current Penn State commitment Camren Williams since he was hired at Ohio State, but the four star linebacker was hesitant to depart from the Nittany Lions until their coaching situation calcified. Now that it has, and certain coaches are no longer being retained by new head coach Bill O'Brien, it appears Williams may be looking for the exits.

Penn State blog Victory Bell Rings is reporting that O'Brien's decision to terminate offensive line coach Bill Kenney could cost the Nittany Lions Williams and fellow commitment Armani Reeves, a four star cornerback who attends the same school as Williams. Kenney was the lead recruiter for both Williams and Reeves, and it was thought that his presence was the factor keeping both players committed throughout Joe Paterno's termination and ensuing turmoil.

Williams has already visited Ohio State on an official recruiting visit, and Reeves has been in contact with Brady Hoke, Greg Mattison, and other members of the Michigan Wolverine coaching staff. Williams and Reeves were looking forward to the prospect of continuing their college career together, however, and Penn State remained a viable option as long as they were comfortable with the new coaching staff.

Now is where it gets interesting. According to Victory Bell Rings, Meyer, who previously showed no interest in Reeves, called the cornerback last night, presumably to gauge his interest in Ohio State. It's unclear whether Meyer offered a scholarship to Reeves, who holds offers from top programs across the country, or whether Reeves is even interested in the Buckeyes.

Still, it must be more than coincidence that Meyer's phone call took place. With Kenney no longer in the picture at Penn State, there is a definite opening to steal both players from the new Nittany Lion staff. Already, Meyer has a leg up on O'Brien since he's been recruiting Williams for at least a month and since O'Brien will be unable to devote full time to recruiting until the New England Patriots are finished in the playoffs.