ATH Caleb likes Meyer hire

Midlothian (Va.) Clover Hill athlete Joel Caleb was set to take an official visit to Ohio State this weekend even before the news came down that Urban Meyer was named as the next head coach of the Buckeyes. Now the visit takes on a bit more meaning to the 6-foot-2, 201-pounder.

"It's a really good fit for Ohio State," Caleb said. "It's good for Ohio recruits because I saw on TV they were talking about how Michigan was getting a bunch of them. With coach Meyer coming from that area and with his name, I think they will keep more players in state for sure."

And how does it impact Caleb, who hails from Virginia.

"It's a big deal to me too," he said. "Coach Meyer has proven he can win at a high level, it's a plus for the offense because they spread the ball around a lot under him and use a lot of different formations so it's great. It certainly makes me more interested in them."

Caleb expects to be hosted on his official visit this weekend by good friend and fellow Virginia product Curtis Grant, a five-star linebacker last year who chose the Buckeyes over others.

"I talked to Curtis about a month ago and he likes it a lot up there," he said. "He was talking about how comfortable he is with the players and how nice it is up there. Between Curtis and coach Stan Drayton who is my recruiting coach, I feel a comfort level there. But this will be my first visit so we'll see how it goes."

Following Ohio State is a visit to Virginia Tech on Dec. 9.

"I've been there quite a few times but I want to take an official," he said. "I went to the Clemson game this year and they lost but since then they have been playing great and Logan Thomas has proven he's a great quarterback. That's important because it was a bit of an unknown before. I have a great comfort level with Virginia Tech for sure and I think I could play early there because they are losing receivers and that's important to me."

Caleb will take an official visit to West Virginia as well sometime in January and still might take an official to either Georgia or Clemson.

"West Virginia has had some tough losses, but the offense looks good and they get the ball to a bunch of different receivers as well," he said. "I haven't visited there either so I'm looking forward to that.

"As for Georgia, I'm not sure if I need an official visit there. I took an unofficial in the summer and really saw a lot and met a bunch of people so we'll see. Clemson hasn't gotten back to me about a visit so not sure if they are done and Florida State is the same way."

Having eliminated Penn State and with Clemson and Florida State unlikely, this could come down to Virginia Tech, Ohio State, West Virginia and Georgia. Any leaders?

"No, I don't have any favorites," he said. "I'm keeping things open in that regard because I need to see how these visits go. I am in no hurry to make a decision."

Caleb is coming off knee surgery but said rehab is going well and he expects to play in the U.S. Army All American Bowl in January.

"I will be ready," he said. "I can't wait to play in it."

Only playing seven games because of the knee injury, Caleb still finished with 747 yards passing and 737 yards rushing this fall.