Dude, when has Ohio State ever dominated recruiting in the South or out West? They don't have to. They dominate in their region. And with Penn State in bad shape and Michigan still trying to get black to glory, Ohio State is the most attractive option for a prospect in that region.
Ohio State has been a power because they do a good job grabbing top recruits in its own backyard. Beanie Wells, Terrelle Pryor, Maurice Clarett, Ted Ginn, Troy Smith, AJ Hawk and others were all either from Ohio or from neighboring states.
Urban Meyer's Impact On Ohio State's Recruiting