COOPER EYES TOP RECRUITS : OHIO ST. WINS ON COACH'S PICKS.

Byline: Ralph Paulk Akron Beacon Journal 

Coach John Cooper has not won a national championship. In eight seasons at Ohio State, he hasn't taken the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl.

Ordinarily, facts such as these are turnoffs for potential recruits. The blue-chippers usually opt for the likes of Nebraska, Miami and Florida State - all with at least one national title this decade.

But Cooper keeps managing to sign some of the country's best high school players. In fact, several publications have rated three of his last four freshman classes as the best in the country.

It's a near-consensus that this year's freshman class is the best in the country.

On the two-deep roster, there are 14 freshmen - including three starters: guard Rob Murphy, fullback Matt Keller and middle linebacker Andy Katzenmoyer, picked as the nation's high school Defensive Player of the Year in 1995.

In addition, wide receivers David Boston and Michael Wiley, who were players of the year in Texas and California, respectively, each have scored four touchdowns.

Should the offensive line be hit hard by injuries, three other freshmen - guards Tyson Walter and Ben Gilbert and center Kurt Murphy - are prepared to step in.

Cooper also is extremely high on former Orrville (Ohio) All-State place-kicker Dan Stultz. He surrendered a redshirt season when he attempted a 48-yard field goal against Notre Dame.

``We have confidence in our young players,'' Cooper said. ``We recruited them with the idea of playing them.''

So even as the Buckeyes continue their Rose Bowl drought, Cooper has earned the title ``The Great Recruiter.''

Admittedly, it's nothing more than a left-handed compliment. He would much rather be known as a great coach.

``But you're either going to be a great coach or a great recruiter,'' said Cooper, who earned his 150th career victory last Saturday at Notre Dame. ``And I've always believed that you win with good people.

``You don't out-coach too many people nowadays. There are far more unsuccessful programs than successful coaches. I think the Ohio State program sells itself, but winning championships makes it more appealing.''

The third-ranked Buckeyes (3-0, 0-0) played fourth-ranked Penn State (5-0, 1-0) in their Big Ten opener Saturday at Ohio Stadium.

Even now, there is no shortage of talent on the Ohio State roster. This, despite the loss of Heisman Trophy winner and tailback Eddie George, wide receiver Terry Glenn and tight end Ricky Dudley - all first-round picks in this year's NFL draft.

Ultimately, freshman Nick Goings might fill the tailback spot. Boston and Wiley are challenging at the flanks, and sophomore John Lumpkin is getting rave reviews at tight end.

That kind of recruiting makes Cooper's colleagues wonder aloud, ``Where does he find all those wonderful players?''

``You have to beat the bushes,'' Cooper said, ``and you have to be persistent. But you have to like people in order to enjoy recruiting and be successful at it.

``You don't have to be a rocket scientist to recruit good players. If you look at a player for a long time, then you're looking at the wrong guy.''

Cooper said he doesn't convince recruits to sign with Ohio State.

``Honestly, our players are our best recruiters. We bring our recruits on campus and put them in contact with a Shawn Springs, Orlando Pace and Juan Porter. They leave very impressed and feeling comfortable about being on one of the best campuses in America.''

Quarterback Stanley Jackson, who waited for two years before replacing Bobby Hoying, now a rookie quarterback with the Philadelphia Eagles, agrees.

``The players make you feel at home. I went to other places where the players were arrogant because they were on TV,'' Jackson said. ``I hung with Shawn and Juan, and I knew this was the place for me.''

Said Wiley: ``OSU wasn't on the top of my list. But after talking to Coach Cooper and some of the players, I knew this was only the place for me.''

One consequence of Ohio State's recruiting success is that the Buckeyes lose more than their share of underclassmen to the National Football League.

Dan Wilkinson. Korey Stringer. Craig Powell. Robert Smith. Lorenzo Styles. The list goes on and on.

Cooper admits it's frustrating at times, but hasn't discouraged his players from turning pro early.

``Coach (Cooper) told me if I have a great season, then he would encourage to me enter the draft,'' said Pace, who last year became the only sophomore to win the Lombardi Award as the nation's top offensive lineman.

Once again, pro scouts are roaming the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Their business cards are on display on the atrium bulletin board.

In reality, the scouts' courting of the Buckeyes' underclassmen is a source of pride for Cooper.

So the prospect of losing Pace, Springs, defensive tackle Winfield Garnett and tailback Pepe Pearson - all juniors - after this season is not a concern.

After all, there's more where they came from.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1) COOPER

(2) Ohio State coach John Cooper is co ngratulated after defeating Notre Dame 29-16. Despite a dearth of Rose Bowl appearances, the Buckeyes enjoy great success recruiting new players.

Associated Press