Kerry Coombs, also recognized as one of the most passionate coaches on the Ohio State sidelines on Saturday afternoons, is one of the most fired up coaches in college football. Simply put, it are those traits, along with his persistence and relationships with high school coaches (especially in Ohio, where he spent over 25 years as a high school coach) that make him invaluable to the Ohio State staff when it comes to recruiting.
According to recruiting rankings from Rivals, ESPN, Scout, and 247, Ohio State's 2015 signing class ranked as high as 5th (247), and as low as 9th (Rivals and Scout). According to our count, using the simple law of averages, The Buckeyes' class tied for 6th nationally.
Talking with the Columbus Dispatch after signing day, Coombs shared some tips on what it takes to be great recruiter in the coaching profession.
"Coach Meyer is very clear about that; 'Finish your night in the airport. Take the last flight out and be at the first school that's open in the morning and go.'" Coombs explained.
"That's what we do. We've got a staff that's full of grinders when it comes to recruiting, and because of that, we're able to produce great classes."
"Recruiting is hard. You have to be present, you have to be out there, and you have to be around and available 24 hours a day between Twitter, and the phone calls, and the communication with everyone that is involved, that's what it takes, and this is a staff full of guys that really do that well."
Asked by a reporter what happens when he gets caught up in a snow delay, Coombs' answer is simple; "You can't get caught in a snow delay."
"You've got to be ahead of the game. You've got to drive. I went to the airport and rented a Suburban because the car I had wasn't going to make it, so you're going along - and that Suburban is a big car now - and I was good, but that's it."
"If the schools are closed you'd better find another town to be in because the calendar is just too small. From the 15th of January to the 31st, there's just no way you can get everywhere, and the only way to do it is to really plan your time."
If that's not enough to get your blood pumping, this recruiting pitch from Coombs to recruits during an on campus visit will have you ready to sign with the Buckeyes.