Terrelle Pryor is, without question, the best available quarterback for the Class of 2008.  A superlative athlete, he has the skills and size to play virtually every skill position in football or basketball.

Terrelle's decision to play for Ohio State has far-reaching implications for the Buckeyes and the rest of the Big Ten.

The blow to Michigan is particularly devastating.  Rich Rodriguez, the Wolverines' head coach, uses the spread offense.  Pryor, a natural for this offense, was counted on to be that quarterback next fall.  No Pryor, no established quarterback, or even a decent substitute for next season.

Penn State needed the quarterback and, for prestige reasons, a hype for an off recruiting season.  Great coaches don't like off recruiting years.

There is another factor to be considered.  Pryor, in the opinion of many basketball experts, is another LeBron James.  He has the ability to catapult the Buckeye basketball program back into the top of the Big Ten basketball standings.  Terrelle would have been even more important to the Michigan or Penn State basketball programs.

Basketball is a legitimate alternative.  Some feel that he can make the jump to the NBA.  If he can, and pick up a $10 million to $30 million dollar contract, why should he risk his body playing football? Football doesn't even begin to make sense.

Memphis tried to persuade him to play for them, effectively enough to draw a visit.  No luck.  The issue appears to have involved his parents' ability to watch him play.

Some have the opinion that Michigan was the alternate to Ohio State.  Dream on.  Michigan is six hours away, while the Buckeyes are a two-and -one half hour straight shot down the expressway to Columbus.  Penn State is only about one-and-one-half hours away.

In the end the best program left in the list landed Terelle.  Who knows, maybe he can help the basketball program as well.

For those who might be interested, Terrelle reportedly has a 3.4 grade point average.  He might be able to handle both sports at Oho State.  Anything is feasible.