4-star Princeton cornerback Monsanna Torbert spurned the chance to stay in-state with the Ohio State Buckeyes and committed to TTUN this past week. Though Torbert had a relationship with OSU secondary/CB coach Tim Walton, it wasn't the type of relationship Torbert and his family were looking for.
Torbert had previously revealed that Walton was heavy on coaching and critiquing. Unfortunately, that was something he probably should've waited on in this case. Torbert's explanation for why he went with the Wolverines centers on his relationship with Charles Woodson Sr., which his mom saw as a familial connection.
“Coach Coombs, Coach Black, Jordan Marshall, Rod Moore, Charles Woodson Sr., and Aden Reeder. Building a relationship with Charles Woodson Sr. has been huge. He is a great role model and one of the best defensive backs to ever play. Great players to learn from, with him being around the program a lot," Torbert said.
”I chose Michigan because, from the moment I stepped into the building, it felt like home. It is the people who make the place. All of the staff and recruiting staff had open arms to my family. My mom never tells me that school feels like home, but she said that about Michigan, so I knew it was different. Also, Michigan’s new defensive staff is a group of defensive gurus. They cause havoc and turnovers on the backend.
“Coach Whittingham is a really big family guy. Having his son and brother on the staff shows how important family is to him. My family is my why. Also, I’m excited to play for Coach Whittingham because his game preparation is like no other. He is ready to attack the game like he is playing alongside the players.”
Ohio State will be fine either way, but hospitality is a must
Maybe the Buckeyes were banking on Torbert wanting to stay home after de-committing from the Indiana Hoosiers. Maybe there was a strong Maize and Blue lean from the start, and OSU didn't go all out to get him.
Regardless, losing any recruit because of relationship-building, or a lack thereof, is not a good sign. Of course, if Walton didn't have Torbert high on his list anyway, no loss. But if he was, there's a bit of arrogance displayed on the part of the Buckeyes that just allowed a talented in-state blue-chip to get away to the bad guys.
If money were the true deciding factor here, something few recruits will ever say out loud, then Mark Pantoni and Co. deserve the benefit of the doubt. They know how to build a championship roster and don't have to bend the knee to any top recruit looking OSU's way.
Still, if this really was a relationship-driven decision, there's probably something a bit too corporate and sterilized at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for some to overlook. That needs to change. Of course, the program is funded by one of the most evil people (alleged reptile in a skinsuit?) alive, Les Wexner, but the coaching staff is filled with pros who have good reputations. The latter's attitudes need to shine over whatever creepy energy the university's money man instills from the top down.
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