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Thad Matta has done it again.  The  early national signing period began this week and the Buckeyes once again have the top recruiting class in the nation. Matta has brought in six top-notch recruits and has a class comparable to the 'Thad Five' of '06.  Like the class of '06 Matta did not have to go far to find these blue chippers, but unlike that class, these youngsters will help bring the Buckeyes a National Championship.  

With preseason rankings coming out earlier and earlier every year it is not that far of a stretch to tab the Buckeyes preseason number 1 for 2010. Taking a look at their roster, it would be hard to argue.  With no seniors in the starting lineup of a team already in the top 20, OSU will be deep and experienced next season.  With or without Evan Turner and William Buford, OSU will be loaded with youth and experience at every position.  

The prized recruit in Matta's class is Columbus' own Jared Sullinger.  Sullinger is one of the top three high school players in the country and at 6'8" 260 pounds is the force down low Ohio State desperately needs on the offensive end.  Sullinger will be joined by high school teammate J.D. Weatherspoon.  Point guard Aaron Craft from Findlay, Ohio is one of the top 25 high school point guards in the country.  Just down Interstate 71, Matta found shooting guard Jordan Sibert from Princeton High School in Cincinnati.  Sibert, a four-star recruit is known for his athleticism and ability to get to the basket.  

Matta had to travel out of state to bring in the other two recruits.  Deshaun Thomas from Indianapolis is one of the top 20 players in the country and by seasons end could be the all-time leading scorer in the history of Indiana high school basketball.  Rounding out Matta's recruiting class is Lenzelle Smith, a wing-man from Zion, Illinois. 

The addition of these players will no doubt give Ohio State more talent than they could possibly ask for.  The pieces will be in place to make a run at a national title.  The youth and talent of these prized recruits coupled with the poise and experience of a core group of seniors give Ohio State an opportunity to do something special next season.  The talent will be there similar to 2007, the only difference is these young Buckeyes of 2011 will be cutting down the nets at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas celebrating the first OSU National Championship in over 50 years.  

Tags: aaron craft, deshaun thomas, evan turner, jared sullinger, jd weatherspoon, jordan sibert, lenzelle smith, national signing day, thad five, thad matta, william buford