One (Hartline) Down, One to Go

Canton's Brian Hartline is committed to Ohio State. Younger brother Mike Hartline is one of the top junior quarterbacks in the nation. Welcome to Mendenhall Part II.

Brian Hartline, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound wide receiver from Canton (Ohio) Glen Oak has given Ohio State his verbal commitment.

Although this is a fine get for the Bucks, this has “Mendenhall Brothers” written all over it. There are probably more talented wide receivers in Ohio or nationally that the Buckeyes could have went after but the decision to offer Brian Hartline was easy.

First, he’s a solid, versatile athlete and most importantly Brian’s younger brother, Mike Hartline will be one of the most sought after quarterbacks in the nation in two years.

Mike Hartline has already been offered a scholarship by Kent State as a sophomore and Glen Oak head coach Jim Rose is saying that the younger Hartline will be the most highly recruited prospect in Glen Oak history.

Todd Porter of Cantonprep.com reported that Michigan quarterback coach Scott Loeffler called Jim Rose and said he was unaware that Brian Hartline had committed to Ohio State and that Michigan was interested in having Brian grayshirt.

You think Michigan would gladly have Brian Hartline in order to have a shot at younger brother Mike? You betcha, and so would about 50 other schools.

Last year, Skokie (Ill.) Niles West defensive back Walter Mendenhall signed with Illinois and he’s bringing younger brother Rashard Mendenhall, an All-America candidate with him to Champaign-Urbana.

There were several schools that offered Walter a scholarship just to have a shot at the big prize, younger brother Rashard.

Brian Hartline however in no way shape or form is a “throw away” scholarship. After all, it’s not written in stone that younger brother Mike will sign with Ohio State, at least not yet.

Brian feels he has a real shot at early playing time in Columbus.

“I camped at Ohio State and had the chance to work out with and hang out with Dustin Fox,” Brian Hartline said.

“Dustin is a friend of mine and he pulled me aside and told me that I could play at Ohio State. I feel if I go in their and work hard, I could get on the field.

“I picked Ohio State because I’m from Ohio and I’ve always been a fan of Ohio State. I’ve been down to Columbus a lot and I fit in very well there.

“I like the school, the campus, the coaches and I feel that the depth chart is perfect for me.”

As a junior, Hartline played the first four games at quarterback until younger brother, Mike, was ready to take over as the Glen Oak signal caller.

Brian finished his junior year with 41 catches for 400 yards. He also handled all of they punting and kicking duties. Brian was named all-district, all-league and all-conference in 2003.

Stanford, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan and Vanderbilt all offered Brian a full scholarship.

Brian Hartline is also a track star competing in several national meets in the 400-meter hurdles. He was an All-America selection last year. Solid get for the Buckeyes now its time to work on that younger brother. Best of luck to Brian, he is a well spoken confident young man who will do fine at Ohio State and in life.

Younger brother, Mike Hartline, has a terrific role model and example to follow in Brian and I’m sure older brother will give good advice as he heads into the hectic recruiting process.