Things change at the top for Dublin

It's no secret to anyone who has followed the recruitment of Walter Dublin that he seems bound for the Big Ten.

The Sarasota, Fla. native, a three-star defensive end prospect by Rivals, has professed that Minnesota was his leader for quite some time.

But not anymore.

Dublin visited Ohio State this weekend, and Rivals.com caught up with him shortly before he was to head back home to Florida.

He said there has been a juggling of his leaders.

"Ohio State is my leader now," said the 6-foot-3, 235-pounder. "The visit was amazing, it was something else. I really enjoyed it."

Dublin, who wants to major in journalism in college, said he was struck by just how big Ohio State is -- both in and out of Columbus.

"If you graduate from Ohio State you're set for life," he said. "They have a really big alumni group in Sarasota, so there's definitely a following everywhere you go."

Dublin was impressed with the facilities and the city, but nothing swept him off his feet more than OSU coach Jim Tressel.

"I'd have to say coach Tressel made the biggest impression on me," Dublin said. "He's the most respectful guy I've ever met. He's all about values on and off the field, and that's what really stuck with me."

Dublin has talked about how well he's bonded with the Minnesota coaching staff and about how the Gophers have a need up front, but a personal meeting with Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Heacock allayed any fears he might have about too much competition.

"They're bringing in good players like Robert Rose, and that will mean some competition," Dublin said. "But I sat down with coach Heacock and he told me exactly where I'd fit in. If I go there and do what I can do, I'll play."

Dublin visited Iowa in October and saw Minnesota in early December, and now has just one visit left, to Clemson on Jan. 13. The Tigers have a lot of ground to make up, and Dublin could pledge to the Buckeyes shortly after he returns from Clemson -- though he made sure it was understood he didn't commit to Ohio State on the visit.

But Clemson definitely has its work cut out.

"Ohio State set the bar very high, I'll say that," Dublin said.