This week we will be presenting to our readers a bunch of posts from potential writers for MotSaG. All of these guys have applied to write for us and were given an assignment to perform. This particular post is brought to you by Parker Eads. So leave some feedback on your thoughts and opinions. Thanks
The Slobs. In Ohio State’s championship run last year, the core of the offensive line, better known as “the slobs,†proved to be critical in the team’s success.
With the start of the new season swiftly approaching, let’s take a closer look at the slobs that will be playing the offensive tackle position and who the fans should be seeing in Lane Stadium on September 7 as the Buckeyes search for vengeance from last season’s lone loss.
Without a doubt, senior Taylor Decker has locked down his starting role, and he is the one returning starter at the tackle position. Decker decided to come back for his senior season instead of taking his chances in the NFL Draft. Even after this season is over, some scouts and projections are saying that Decker could even be a first-round pick.
The Vandalia, OH native is definitely the most experienced at the position having played in all of the last 41 games for the Buckeyes and totaling over 2,300 offensive plays in the process. He earned second-team all-Big Ten honors last season, and he helped the Buckeye offense shatter a number of records. Last year’s offense broke school records for touchdowns (90), points scored (637), passing yards (3,707) and also passing touchdowns (42). Kudos to the unsung hero – Captain Decker.
As he did last year, Decker will more than likely play on the left side to protect Jones’…no, Barrett’s… well – whoever’s blind side. And he will be looked to again for his leadership and consistency which was evident after the loss to the Hokies last season.
The hole that needs filled is the right tackle position, formerly occupied by Darryl Baldwin. That void will be filled by senior Chase Farris, according to Urban Meyer who made that announcement this past April. Farris was part of more offensive plays than any non-starter along the offensive line last season – so it only makes sense for Meyer to trust him with the starting right tackle role now.
Not only does Farris make a strong case with his physical presence at 6’ 5†and 310 pounds, but Farris has all the intangibles as well. In last season’s playoff semifinal against Alabama, Farris was called upon to play the guard position after center Jacoby Boren went down to an injury, thus pushing Pat Elflein to center and Farris to Elflein’s right guard spot. In a season where the mantra became “next man up,†more so applying to the quarterback position, Farris proved that he could be and will be that next man up on the right side of the offensive line.
Obviously Decker and Farris cannot play every down of every game, so who is the “next man up†after those two?
Sophomore Jamarco Jones makes a strong case for the backup position at either side, but he would more than likely backup Decker over Farris for locking down the blind side. The four-star prospect from Chicago played in ten games last season as a true freshman, playing his game high 41 snaps against the 66-0 drubbing of Kent State as well as playing 19 snaps in the game against Rutgers. Scout rated him the 63rd best recruit in the country, and he was within the top ten at the offensive tackle position.
As far as the second backup is concerned, there are three potential guys that could impress Meyer and offensive line coach Ed Warinner during fall camp to be that other backup, all freshman – Isiah Prince, Grant Schmidt, and Brady Taylor.
Prince was a four-star prospect from Greenbelt, MD rated among the top ten offensive tackle prospects by Rivals. Schmidt was also a four star prospect, was ranked 26th nationally at the tackle position and is the first player ever from the state of South Dakota to play for the Buckeyes. Lastly, Taylor brings a bit of an edge with some experience as a redshirt freshman, but any of these three guys could lay claim to the other backup position.
One thing is for sure though – with Warinner, the Offensive Line Coach of the Year in two of the last three seasons, the O-line is in very good hands.
Excellent writing and good job on telling us about the new players. As a huge OSU fan, there was a couple in there that I didn’t know. Would be interested in reading more of Mr. Eads’ things. OH!