Top LB recruit Alex Anzalone decommits from Ohio State

Nov 23, 2011; Columbus, OH, USA; Exterior view of Ohio Stadium home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

We have previously written about Alex Anzalone here at Reign of Troy, as at one point he had USC listed as a school of interest. Late last month though, Anzalone nipped the possibility of joining the ranks of Troy in the bud when he verbally committed to Ohio State on April 21st, while attending their spring game.

And then, things got weird.

Recently, Anzalone withdrew his verbal commit from Ohio State. Fansided writer Tim Tolley caught up with him to find out why, but Anzalone wouldn’t exactly say:

Alex wouldn’t divulge the reason for the decommit, saying only that “There’s a reason. Trust me.”

Anzalone also confirmed to me that Penn State is most certainly back in the running for his commitment.

Today, a story broke that could shed some light onto Anzalone’s decision: a Kentucky registered sex offender has been communicating with the Buckeye players and recruits, and has been attending football related events.

Yeah, you read that right.

Ohio State’s student newspaper, The Lantern, broke the story about how the university’s compliance department sent out texts and emails warning student athletes about Charles Eric Waugh, 31, the man in question. In March 2008, Waugh pled guilty to five counts of “possession of matter portraying sexual performances by minors.” As a result of said charges, Waugh was placed on probation, had to register as sex offender for 20 years, and most important to this story, he was explicitly prohibited from engaging in internet sites that allowed participation from minors.

In tweeting recruits inspirational tweets and by taking pictures with and hanging out with these athletes, Waugh was in direct violation of his probation.

Now, I’m not saying that Alex Anzalone decommited from Ohio State because a registered sex offender had easy access to him as well as other student athletes. I’m just saying that is very plausible that this weird, WEIRD story has something to do with it.

With Anzalone back on the market, it’s fair to assume that his former suitors like Penn State, Florida, and of course, USC, will be hard at work again trying to snag this prized recruit.

For the full story on Charles Waugh, click here.