In recent years, recruiting Web sites and experts have been growing out of control. The first Wednesday in February is when it all culminates.

This is the first day in which high school seniors can sign a national letter of intent to play college football.

On paper, this year’s Ohio State recruiting class doesn’t appear as talented as past years. But in recent years, OSU has brought in players who, like many in this year’s class, didn’t look that great at first.

Some players who came in lacking hype were AJ Hawk, James Laurinaitis and Vernon Gholston. OSU just might have found another hidden gem on the defensive side in this year’s class.

David Durham will be making his way to Columbus next fall to add another weapon to the fully-loaded defense. Durham is only ranked as a three-star recruit, according to Scouts.com.

Durham may have been overlooked by recruiting experts, said Kevin Noon, managing editor for BuckeyeGrove.com.

“He committed so early in the process,” Noon said. “If he would have held out, he would have had 10 or 12 more offers.”

Noon said that because Durham committed early, scouts may have dropped him lower, focusing on non-committed players.

Durham verbally committed to OSU in February of his junior year in high school. Durham’s high school coach, Jason Estep, said once Durham committed, it was over. If any school called Durham or his coach, they let the school know he had made his choice and was sticking with it.

Durham’s loyalty may have also played a role in his ranking.

“I chose to not attend the Army All-American combine because I was wrestling,” Durham said.

The Army All-American high school combine and game is a collection of the nation’s top high school football players.

Durham said that had he competed in the combine, he felt he would have done well enough to possibly qualify to play in the game.

Being underrated, though, is something Durham is embracing. He said there is no place for him to go but up.

Whether or not Durham was recruited accurately, OSU has found a versatile athlete. Exactly what position Durham will play is unknown. Noon believes he will play a similar role to that of Thaddeus Gibson and Nathan Williams, who have seen time at both defensive end and linebacker.

Estep said he could envision Durham playing the middle linebacker position. Whether Durham is standing or putting a hand on the ground, both Noon and Estep see success in the future.

“He is a technically sound athlete.” Noon said.

Noon added that because of the quality of high schools Durham played, he will come in ahead of the game.

“He has great hands, has the ability to rush the passer which makes him very versatile,” Estep said.

Durham said he has talked to the OSU coaching staff about possible positions he might play. He believes he will start out at middle linebacker, but may not stay there.

“I know coach [Luke] Fickell is one of the best, if not the best linebacker coach in the country, so being under him would be nice,” Durham said.

This connection with Fickell stems from another sport. Just like Fickell, Durham was All-State in wrestling. The skills Durham brings from wrestling is what Noon said fits perfectly with the type of players Fickell likes.

The relationship with Fickell and coach Jim Tressel, along with a few other things, Durham said, made OSU a perfect match for him.

Whether or not Durham will turn into an All-American is unknown. If those who know him best have a say, all signs point to yes.

Estep said there is no doubt that Durham will be good, and Noon didn’t disagree.

“He definitely has the potential to go on to huge things,” Noon said.