2011 DB adds three Big Ten offers

Columbus (Ohio) Eastmoor safety Ron Tanner picked up three new offers this week from Big Ten Schools. Minnesota offered the 6-foot-1 prospect on Thursday. Michigan State offered on Saturday, and Ohio State jumped into the mix with an offer Sunday.

Tanner attended junior day events at Michigan State and Ohio State this weekend.

"I was excited and pretty surprised about the Ohio State offer," Tanner said. "I went there today for their junior day, we toured the facilities, went to the basketball game. They offered me a full ride. It was pretty exciting."

Tanner said he had already seen much of what Ohio State put on display Sunday, but his parents got their first inside look at the program.

"We went to the indoor field, the weight room, the training room, and the players' lounge. We also saw the Heisman showcase, which my parents have not seen. They really liked the visit. They grew up Buckeye fans, as did I, and it was exciting for them to see how things work behind the scenes."

Tanner's visit to Michigan State was his first look at the Spartans' program.

"It was kind of a similar atmosphere to Ohio State," Tanner said. "The tour was a bit different. It was a little more individualized at Ohio State. At Michigan State, there were more recruits there, and we split into two big groups. I got to talk to their defensive back coach. They went through how the recruiting process works at Michigan State. I talked to coach [Mark] Dantonio, and they let me know they were going to offer a full ride scholarship."

Tanner gave positive reviews for both trips.

"They were both great," Tanner said. "I haven't seen Michigan State at all, so I did not know what to expect. I have no complaints, it was nice. Both were exciting visits, Michigan Sate was just something new."

Tanner's offer from Minnesota came in before he made his visits.

"They came in an talked to my coach at school, I got the message relayed to me that they were offering a full ride. I have talked to them on the phone, I know they were very excited about me."

Earlier this month, Tanner told Rivals.com that Michigan was his leader.

"I definitely like Michigan a lot," Tanner said. "But now, I have more of an open eye, and I want to look at all of the colleges, and looking at all the colleges as even and try to find what fits me best."