XFL Draft Pool Proves the Risk in Recruiting Rankings

If recruiting is a tough business -- and it is -- then it stands to reason that ranking recruits can't be any easier.

In fact, it's harder.

Just look at the five former Ohio State players in the XFL Player Pool for the fledgling league's first draft Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.

Three of the five had the resumes of players who would wind up on All-Big Ten or All-American lists, not mixed among a bunch of anonymous players seeking one last shot at glory in an eight-team league that will begin play in February of 2020.

Defensive end Robert Rose was ranked No. 2 at his position coming out of Cleveland Glenville, but played in only 14 games for OSU from 2006-09. He's played briefly in the NFL in Seattle and Miami, as well as in the Canadian Football League and in the Arena League.

Cornerback Doran Grant was a headliner in the Buckeyes 2011 recruiting class, given his status as the nation's No. 3 cornerback out of Akron St. Vincent St. Mary. Grant played in every game as a freshman and sophomore and started in 2013 and 2014, but he didn't last in the NFL after one disappointing season as a fourth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brionte Dunn was the No. 8 running back in the Class of 2012. Like Grant, he earned a national championship ring in 2014, but got kicked off the team prior to the 2016 season and ended his OSU career with just three touchdowns.

The other former Buckeyes in the XFL Player Pool are defensive linemen Tracy Sprinkle (2013-17) and offensive tackle Chase Farris (2011-15).

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