Posted-February 33rd, 2012 3:20 pm

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith has jumped to the defense of new football coach Urban Meyer, who has been accused of poaching recruits who had already committed to other Big Ten programs.

Meyer's first recruiting class on Wednesday included eight players who initially had said they were attending another school, including four who originally said they were going to Penn State and one each who had declared they would go to Michigan State and Wisconsin.

Coaches from Michigan State and Wisconsin have publicly questioned the Buckeyes' recruiting practices.

Smith said those coaches should have followed proper procedure by taking their complaints to their ADs. He also said Meyer and his staff have a "compliance conscience."