Twenty-five high school senior recruits have signed with Ohio State in hopes of being the next great Buckeye football player. One of those players, perhaps the most highly-touted one, is freshman running back Maurice Clarett.

The reigning USA Today Offensive Player of the Year and Mr. Football in Ohio, Clarett was burdened with the decision that most high school seniors do not have to endure – the decision of whether or not to enter college early and leave his family and friends back home.

“It was hard. If I had to do it again, I probably would’ve stayed those last few months with my friends,” Clarett said in regard to his decision.

Entering OSU at the start of winter quarter, after graduating early from Warren G. Harding High School with a 3.5 GPA, Clarett is taking a full course load and already noticing the difference between high school and college.

“It’s the reading,” Clarett said, noting that in high school, a student may read 15-30 pages per night. College requires substantially more.

A self-proclaimed Chevy Suburban, due to the sport utility vehicle’s power and size, the 6-foot, 230-pound Clarett was one of the most sought after recruits in the nation after he tallied 38 touchdowns (averaging nearly three per game) and rushed for 2,295 yards on 228 carries in his senior season for the Raiders, leading his team to an 11-2 record and a berth in the regional finals of the state football tournament.

Already set back by a thumb injury that required surgery last Wednesday, Clarett’s participation in the team’s spring drill may be limited. However, evident by his recovery from ankle surgery in his 2000 high school season (causing him to miss six games), his strong will and determination will help overcome the recent setback.

“He’s an extremely tough runner. I believe he’s the best power back in the country,” said Tom Lemming, editor of the Prep Football Report.

Lemming also mentioned that Maurice is a perfect fit for the OSU offense, as well as the No. 2 ranked recruit in the nation.

High school accolades and honors only go so far and Clarett knows he has to prove himself at the college level.

“Some players were great in high school and didn’t do anything in college,” Clarett said.

Some refer to football as a game of imitation. You watch film or a game, you try to imitate a certain player, play or move – a certain mentality is developed.

The All-American running back doesn’t model himself after Walter Payton or Jim Brown.

Clarett’s models are more like Muhammed Ali and Joe Louis because in boxing, it’s one-on-one rather than a team effort.

“You hit the first guy and he’s your opponent. You pass him and then it’s on to a second guy who is your opponent and so on,” Clarett said.

The lone running back in this year’s highly touted recruiting OSU class, Clarett already has ideas on next year’s team.

“From what I read, we’ll be pretty good,” he said.

Only time will tell the future of Clarett and his fellow recruits and the success of the team.

“We are excited about Maurice and the rest of the guys we have,” coach Jim Tressel said.

Regardless if Clarett mirrors the marks set during his high school career, he is content and determined to move forward both as a player and a person at OSU.

“It’s something that I thank God I have the opportunity to do and I have to go prove myself,” Clarett said.