Michigan leads for Ohio prospect

San Antonio- Ron Tanner lives in the shadow of Ohio State University. But the talented 2011 safety from Columbus (Ohio) Eastmoor has his eyes set on Buckeye arch-rival Michigan early in the recruiting process.

The 6-foot-1 safety has an offer from the Wolverines, along with West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Northwestern.

"Michigan is my leader," Tanner said. "First of all, the academics are excellent. It is big-time football in a big-time conference, the Big Ten. I have been to Michigan a few times, and it was a good experience each time I went there. I went to their season opener (vs. Western Michigan) and I went to see them play the Buckeyes."

The latter of those visits is no coincidence. Tanner enjoyed the opportunity to watch a school he likes take on a team he grew up watching.

"I grew up a Buckeye fan actually," Tanner said. "But now that the recruiting process has started, I am putting my childhood preferences aside. I am just trying to pick what is my best fit. The biggest thing for me about Michigan is their academics. I want to study business or law and Michigan has one of the best business schools in the nation. That definitely stands out."

Tanner hopes to learn more about Northwestern.

"They probably have the best academics out of any school that is recruiting me," Tanner said. "Their football has improved over the last few years, and head coach Pat Fitzgerald is very exciting, and he is a great coach. I think I can go ahead and play there and at West Virginia."

Tanner expects more schools to offer soon.

"Indiana talked to my coach, I think they are about to offer. Wake Forest, North Carolina and North Carolina State have shown a lot of interest."

Tanner has been busy this new year. He participated in both the Under-Armour combine and the U.S. Army National Combine in San Antonio.