OSU Recruit Arrested on Drug Charges

From Columbus Dispatch/Tim May and Ken Gordon:

Ohio State football recruit Jamaal Berry has been arrested on drug possession charges.

Berry, an incoming freshman running back who turned 18 on May 22, was arrested early yesterday in his hometown of Miami, according to court records. He was charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana.

The charge is a third-degree felony, the least serious under Florida law, and is punishable by up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

He faces arraignment July 2 in Miami. Ohio State’s summer quarter begins June 22; most incoming freshmen have enrolled for summer quarter in recent years.

Ohio State team officials are aware of the situation but had no immediate comment.

Berry, 5 feet 11 and 195 pounds, is one of the most highly anticipated members of OSU’s 2009 class, rated the No. 5 running back nationally by Rivals.com. He and fellow Florida running back Carlos Hyde have been expected to come in and challenge Daniel Herron and Brandon Saine for playing time.

Forty-eight NCAA Division I schools offered Berry a scholarship, the interest surging after he ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash in the spring of his junior year.

Berry said he “fell in love” with Ohio State the first time he visited more than year ago. He committed to the Buckeyes last August after his mother accompanied him on another unofficial visit just so she could be comfortable with his decision.

Berry suffered a high ankle sprain and a broken wrist that limited his production as a senior at Palmetto High School. He rebounded near the end of the season to help lead his team into the state playoffs. He rushed for 140 yards on 20 carries in a regional quarterfinal game.