Ohio State fans have enjoyed a remarkable run watching the Buckeyes battle onward despite a pair of devastating injuries at quarterback.
Just one win away from completing the journey with a national championship, there's reason to be excited about what lies well beyond the title bout with Oregon. Ohio State has stocked its 2015 recruiting class with players capable of delivering successful seasons down the line.
Quarterback Torrance Gibson and running back Michael Weber provide plenty of promise for an offensive backfield that's flaunted its depth throughout the 2014-15 campaign. Both players carry clout in this recruiting cycle and are considered two of the top 100 overall prospects.
The 4-star tandem took part in U.S. Army All-American Bowl festivities last week, getting an opportunity to see each other in action.
Weber started for Team West and went on to lead all players with 48 rushing yards on 10 carries. Gibson, the Team East starter behind center, completed five of eight pass attempts for 47 yards.
"We could do incredible things together," Gibson said.
The coveted recruits each racked up accomplishments during impressive prep careers.
Weber, rated 13th nationally among running backs in 247Sports' composite rankings, rushed for 2,268 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He gained at least 1,600 yards on the ground during each of the past three seasons, winning a state title in 2012.
"Mike is a great running back and a great person," Gibson said. "He's the kind of guy you want to be around on and off the field. He has work ethic and strives to be the best. I think that makes him one of the top players in this class."
All-American linebackers OsaMasina and Porter Gustin each pointed out Weber when asked to identify an offensive player who commanded their attention during practice sessions.
"I'm an every-down back," Weber said. "Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it. Blocking, running, catching passes. Leave me on the field for all of that."
He also has a penchant for punishing opponents upon contact. Weber finished off a few plays in the All-American Bowl by driving forward through defenders
"I have the mindset to be better than my opponents by the time we get to the fourth quarter," Weber said. "I hit them hard when they're tired. I'm a closer."
Gibson has also shown the ability to close. He sealed state championship runs at American Heritage High School in Florida in 2013 and 2014, tallying three touchdowns in each title game.
Still, he has his detractors.
The jury is out among national recruiting analysts about where Gibson fits best in college. He's not listed as a quarterback in 247Sports' composite rankings and instead rates fifth nationally among "athletes."
You'll find plenty of folks who feel his future lies at wide receiver, but don't bother telling Gibson. He's heard the opinions and remains unwavering about where he belongs on the football field.
"Playing the position I love has been important to me throughout this whole process," he said. "I've always viewed myself as a quarterback, and that's how a lot of college coaches feel, too. I think I have what it takes to lead an offense to success at the next level."
Gibson proved he's a dual-threat weapon as an upperclassman, rushing for 2,044 yards and 26 scores, per MaxPreps. His passing mechanics remain a work in progress, and improvement in that department is ultimately the best method to prove doubters wrong.
"I think I've progressed very well during the past year," Gibson said. "My focus is to work on everything I possibly can to prepare me to play the position in college. My footwork, my throwing motion, the way I read defenses—everything."
Despite throwing 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior, he managed to complete only 47 percent of pass attempts. The shortcoming gives Gibson a focal point during training sessions.
"Accuracy is huge," he said. "It's the toughest thing to work on as a quarterback, and a lot goes into increasing your accuracy. That's my main concern, and I'm doing everything I can to get better every day."
Weber believes Gibson is destined for big things in Columbus.
"That guy is impressive," he said. "Torrance beats teams in different ways and fits in with what Ohio State does."
Ohio State, like Florida and Utah before, has enjoyed immense offensive success with head coach Urban Meyer at the helm. Now aiming for his third national championship and first as a Buckeye, he's kept the attack rolling despite major hurdles.
Braxton Miller was expected to vie for the Heisman Trophy this season before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury during training camp. Backup quarterback J.T. Barrett stepped up and set a Big Ten Conference record with 45 total touchdowns, but he went down with a fractured ankle in the regular-season finale.
Cardale Jones, slotted as a third-stringer this summer, has thrown for 500 yards and four scores in postseason victories over Wisconsin and Alabama.
"It’s crazy what they've been able to do, and it's all about Urban Meyer," Gibson said. "He does a great job recruiting and putting together a talented roster. It says a lot about Meyer and his recruiting process to be able to replace quarterbacks like that and keep on winning. I respect that a lot and hope to be one of those guys someday."
There are still hurdles to clear between now and national signing day in the Buckeyes' efforts to sign Gibson. He shared plans to visit Auburn and UCF in January, at the request of his No. 1 fan.
"I'm 100 percent committed to Ohio State, but my mom wants me to visit those schools," Gibson said. "It's important to her that I check everything out."
News also surfaced this week that he'll spend an official visit at LSU. The trip to Baton Rouge is set for Jan. 23, per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.
Some also wonder whether Weber will ultimately become a Buckeye. He was previously committed to Michigan and is considered a top target for new Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports.
"Jim Harbaugh is a great coach. I think he’s going to change things around there a bit with how the team approaches games," Weber said. "But I'm all about Ohio State now."
If Meyer manages to retain commitments from Weber and Gibson, the Buckeyes should finish with another top-five recruiting class. The duo would provide a reason to celebrate on signing day and establish high expectations in Columbus for years to come.
"We can make something special happen at Ohio State," Weber said. "We could both become Heisman Trophy candidates and compete for titles. I helped lead my team to state championships in high school, and I know Torrance did too. We both know what it takes to win, and that's what Coach Meyer has done everywhere he’s been."
Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue.
Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
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