Archives for May 2016

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 5-9-2016

May 9, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Michigan Commit visiting OSU this Summer:

3* Sets Visit to OSU:

Danny Clark shows Jamyest Williams around campus during The Opening:

Former Buckeye Armani Reeves Headed to Boston College as Graduate Transfer?

Todd Sibley still committed, but looking:

More on Todd Sibley:

Danny Clark still 100% to OSU, loves the honesty:

Nine Buckeyes get degrees yesterday:

Donald Washington signs with Pittsburgh Steelers:

Verlon Reed signs with Detroit Lions:

Buckeyes in to see OL Blaine Scott:

Cardale returning fan mail, finally:

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Tulsa Will Probably Be No Tussle For The Buckeyes

May 6, 2016 by 1 Comment

Before I progress into my early predictions for the 2016 Ohio State football season, I want to take a few moments to congratulate the twelve young men who were selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, as well as the three young men who signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Eli Apple, Taylor Decker, Darron Lee, Michael Thomas, Vonn Bell, Adolphus Washington, Braxton Miller, Nick Vannett, Joshua Perry, Cardale Jones, Tyvis Powell, Jalin Marshall, and Chase Farris – thank you for all of your contributions to Ohio State football, from 2012-2015. Best of luck to you all in what I hope will be lengthy and successful NFL careers…#GoBucks

Here’s a tweet that I am not sure if Ohio State fans have truly contemplated…The first time since 2008 that NO member of the Boren family will be on the roster.

Below are some other impressive tweets that detailed the impressive 2016 NFL Draft for Ohio State…

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“ Hell, there are no rules here – we’re trying to accomplish something…” ~ Thomas Edison

Leave it to Thomas Edison, an Ohioan and considered “The Father Of Invention”, to appropriately summarize the goals for the 2016 Ohio State football team. No rules – just accomplish something.

“Something” is a pretty vague and open concept. Considering how much talent Ohio State lost to graduation and the NFL Draft, considering how I have written throughout spring practice about how 44 players on Ohio State’s roster are either redshirt freshmen or true freshmen…Damn right, Mr. Edison. There are no rules. Ohio State fans are just looking to see what this team can accomplish against a much tougher schedule in 2016 than 2015, with tremendously talented, yet inexperienced, players.

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Tulsa Golden Hurricane (Game 2)

2016 OSU Opponent Ranking: 12 out of 12

Players Recruited By Ohio State: N/A. To the best of my knowledge, there are no players on Tulsa’s roster that Ohio State actively recruited or offered a scholarship.

Game Date: September 10, 2016

Kickoff Time: TBD

Location: Ohio Stadium

Rationale For The Ranking: Offensively, Tulsa is led by senior quarterback Dane Evans. Evans had a solid 2015 season, throwing 25 touchdowns and 4332 yards. Defensively, Tulsa surrendered points quite easily in 2015, averaging 40 points a game to the opponent in 2015. For a young team such as Ohio State, this game certainly will be an opportunity to work on every aspect offensively, before the big test down in Norman, Oklahoma, on September 17th.

Prediction: Tulsa’s head coach Phillip Montgomery did a solid job with the Golden Hurricane in 2015, leading them to a 6-7 record. Montgomery is a former Baylor offensive coordinator under Art Briles, meaning the Buckeyes can expect to see Tulsa throwing it all day long in Ohio Stadium on September 10th. With Ohio State having a young but talented defensive line, and inexperienced secondary, there may be some anxious moments, but look for Ohio State’s superior talent to be able to pull away in the second half. There is an old coaching axiom that a team makes its biggest improvement from game one to game two. Guess when these two teams meet? Game two, on September 10th.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Forecasting the 2017 Defensive Back Haul

May 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

5-Star S, Jeffrey Okudah | Grand Prairie, TX

The number 1 safety in the country in 2017, Jeffrey Okudah holds offers from almost every high profile school in the country. This recruitment will last through official visits in the fall, but Okudah has made it no secret that the Buckeyes currently lead for his services. Okudah has only visited Ohio State one time, last summer, so getting him back on campus for an unofficial visit this summer and an official in the fall will play large in Ohio State’s chances of landing the star from the longhorn state. Okudah is a versatile DB that reminds many of high draft pick Jalen Ramsey from Florida State. Another key factor to watch in this recruitment is what Defensive Coordinator Greg Schiano does after this season, as Okudah has said that Schiano is a key factor on why he is so interested in Ohio State.

Projection : Ohio State

5-Star CB, Darnay Holmes | Calabasas, CA

Holmes, the number 1 corner in the nation, has a lot of interest in the Buckeyes and plans to visit the Buckeyes sometime this summer, most likely at Friday Night Lights in July. The problem for the Buckeyes is they seem to be playing from behind in this recruitment as Holmes has high interest in two schools that are closer to home in Stanford and UCLA. The Buckeyes, who does not have the advantage of being so close to Darnay, will look to combat this and land the high flight corner. Not only does it seem that local schools in Stanford and UCLA may be ahead, but a recent Calibraksa movement led by two of Holmes teammates in Keyshawn Johnson Jr. and Tristan Gebbia, has the Huskers also looming large in his recruitment. Again, getting Holmes on campus for an unofficial in the summer and official in the fall can only help the Buckeyes, but distance may be too hard to overcome.

Projection : UCLA

5-Star CB, Shaun Wade | Jacksonville, FL

Wade, a current Ohio State commit, has been committed to the Buckeyes since the 2015 National Championship game. It is always hard to retain a Florida kid who committed to your school over 2 years from when he signs a letter of intent, and this recruitment is no different. Wade, who hasn’t stepped foot on Ohio State’s campus since last summer, has taken several visits to other schools to survey his options. Two schools that have gained a lot of traction in his recruitment are Florida and Alabama and they will be in it till the end. Although Wade is still publicly committed to the Buckeyes, it is hard to see him ultimately staying with that pledge through National Signing Day. Florida is the hometown school and Alabama has the advantage of Wade originally being from Tuscaloosa in their favor.

Projection : Alabama

4-Star S, Isaiah Pryor | Bradenton, FL

Isaiah Pryor, once thought to be leaning towards Notre Dame early in his recruitment, committed to Ohio State last July and this recruitment looks to be one that is over. Although schools continue to try to get Pryor to take a look at them, his relationship with the Buckeyes could not be any better. Some fans were a bit worried when it was reported that Pryor was checking out Tuscaloosa on his way back down from a Ohio State visit, but it appears that that visit meant little if anything in his recruitment. It would be a great surprise to see Pryor sign anywhere but for Ohio State on National Signing Day.

Projection : Ohio State

4-Star CB, Lamont Wade | Clairton, PA

Wade, once thought to be a sure bet to end up in Columbus, has seen his recruitment open up a bit more recently. Lamont has taken numerous visits to home state schools Penn State and Pittsburgh since the New Year and it has recently come out that Lamont and his family are concerned about him having a chance to enroll early if Ohio State were the choice. With Ohio State having such tight numbers as far as recruiting in the 2017 class, it is hard to have a definite answer if that opportunity will be there for Lamont. Ultimately, the concern over enrolling early may end a once perfect fit between Lamont and Ohio State and push him to a school closer to home. One key fact to consider in this recruitment is that Lamont’s parents would prefer that he not go to Pittsburgh.

Projection : Penn State

4-Star CB, Marcus Williamson | Bradenton, FL

Williamson, originally from Westerville South in Ohio, transferred to IMG Academy this year. He has been an Ohio State commitment for a while and it has been widely reported that he has been working on his teammates down at IMG to get them to Columbus as well. The one guy on the list of Defensive Back targets for Ohio State that I am most confident in being in this class come Signing Day is Marcus. This recruitment is about as cut and dry as it can get, nothing to see here.

Projection : Ohio State

4-Star CB, Amir Riep | Cincinnati, OH

A guy who has upward of 50 offers to date and will announce his intentions sometime during the summer is thought to be an Ohio State lean. Ohio State is in a position where if they offer an Ohio kid, there is a close to 100% chance they sign him if he is a take for them. Amir resides from Colerain, which happens to be the same high school that Ohio State Corners Coach Kerry Coombs use to be the Head Coach. This recruitment has just too much going for it not to wind up being Ohio State and Ohio State will gladly take a kid that is widely coveted around the country.
Projection : Ohio State

4-Star CB, Kary Vincent | Port Arthur, TX

This is a guy that is not talked about much with Ohio State and should get more publicity. Kary will be visiting at some point this summer and potentially again in the fall. A guy that has a number of high profile offers and that the coaching staff really likes, Kary could be a surprise addition to the 2017 class. Ultimately, I believe a numbers crunch will leave Kary on the outside looking in on Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class, but if Ohio State were to miss out on a corner projected above or find a last minute scholarship, Kary could very much make his way into the class.

Projection : Texas

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 5-5-2016

May 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Buckeye QB Target Tate Martell decommits from Texas A&M:

OSU Target Tyjon Lindsey drops A&M as well from consideration:

Crystal Ball Predictions:

Throwback Thursday:

Zach Smith Responds:

Zach Smith in Tennessee Recruiting:

Cardale Jones Thanks OSU:

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Position by Position Recruiting Summary – Offensive Line

May 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Today’s “Future of Ohio State Recruiting” brought to you by the offensive line. These guys up front give quarterbacks enough time to make throws and open up holes for running backs to run for big gains. Over the past two seasons, Ohio State has enjoyed arguably two of the best offensive lines in college football, and it all boils down to recruiting the right guys and developing them into quality starters. The Buckeyes lost Taylor Decker, Jacoby Boren, and Chase Farris from the 2015 roster, and the team hopes to replace them with the abundance of young talent that have been waiting on the sidelines. Regardless of talent, replacing 3/5ths of an offensive line unit is a challenge. Luckily the line will have early home games against Bowling Green and Tulsa so the young guys can get meaningful playing time in a friendly environment before what’s likely to be a prime-time night game showdown in Norman. The earlier they can develop a rapport and get into a rhythm, the faster they can grow together and develop as a unit. 

The only certainties going into this season are Pat Elflein at center, Billy Price at left guard, and recently-named starter Jamarco Jones at left tackle. The other two spots are up for grabs, and the battles will continue up until fall practice finishes. Isaiah Prince and freshman Michael Jordan have stood out in spring ball and have a slight edge heading into the fall camp. However, guys like Malcolm Pridgeon, a former JUCO standout, and redshirt freshman Matthew Burrell may come in and push for immediate playing time. Demitrius Knox, Brady Taylor, Branden Bowen and whoever loses out on the RG/RT battle in fall camp should see some playing time this year on the second unit. It seems like Evan Lisle and Kyle Trout have been recruited over, so their chances at playing time are looking bleak. It should be interesting to see who lines up where when the Buckeyes take the field against Bowling Green the first weekend in September.

2016 Projected Depth Chart:

LT: Jamarco Jones – Junior

– Kevin Feder – Freshman (RS)

LG: Billy Price – Junior (RS)

– Demetrius Knox – Sophomore (RS)

C: Pat Elflein – Senior (RS)

– Brady Taylor – Sophomore (RS)

RG: Michael Jordan – Freshman

- Malcolm Pridgeon – Junior

RT: Isaiah Prince – Sophomore

– Branden Bowen – Freshman (RS)

Unless Billy Price decides to leave early after this season, we should have 4/5ths of our line returning in 2017, which will be nice for cohesiveness in front of JT Barrett – assuming he returns as well. You can never have too much depth at any of those spots, however, so Urban Meyer has been recruiting offensive linemen heavily. Let’s see what the future potentially holds for the Buckeye offensive line over the next couple of years.

The 2017 class got off to a big start with commitments from consensus top 10 player Josh Myers and high-four star Jake Moretti. Myers hails from Miamisburg, OH and has been committed to the Buckeyes since January 2015. Moretti is an out-of-state recruit from Arvada, CO who committed to the Buckeyes on July 4th of last year. It seems like both guys are finished with the recruiting process and have made their final decisions, so I believe that they’ll both remain part of the Buckeyes’ 2017 class. As I’ve discussed before, Ohio State is short on scholarship space in this class – with the number of players already in the queue for the Buckeyes, I can see maybe one to two more guys becoming a part of this class.  Some names to keep in mind are Isaiah Wilson and Robert Hainsey, and Joel Honigford. The first two guys are long shots at best, but Honigford is definitely one to keep an eye on. He hasn’t received an offer from Ohio State yet, but he seems willing to wait for one before making any sort of decision. I can see him camping at Ohio State this summer and pulling in that much-coveted offer … and possibly even committing on the spot. If he doesn’t get one for some reason, I think he heads north to Michigan State, but when all is said and done, I say he earns his offer and becomes the third member of the offensive line class of 2017.

Bringing back almost the entire offensive line in 2017 will be big because the unit will have a full year of experience behind it, almost like the 2015 season when Chase Farris was plugged in to replace Darryl Baldwin. In 2017, I see Brady Taylor taking over for Pat Elflein at center, with Jack Wohlabaugh being his backup. Again, Malcolm Pridgeon could very well start this season, which means he would be again next year, but for now I have him listed as a co-starter for 2016 and 2017. 

2017 Projected Depth Chart:

LT: Jamarco Jones – Senior

– Kevin Feder – Sophomore (RS)

LG: Billy Price – Senior (RS)

– Demetrius Knox – Junior (RS)

C: Brady Taylor – Junior (RS)

– Jack Wohlabaugh – Freshman (RS)

RG: Michael Jordan – Sophomore

- Malcolm Pridgeon – Senior

RT: Isaiah Prince – Junior

– Branden Bowen – Sophomore (RS)

The Buckeyes are be poised to lose three of these starters due to graduation after the 2017 season, so Urban Meyer and Greg Studrawa will have some big holes to fill during recruiting. Offensive line recruiting for 2018 hasn’t taken off yet, and the Buckeyes currently only have offers out to four players. Jackson Carman is the one to watch – he hails from Fairfield, OH and seems to be one of the Buckeyes’ biggest targets for 2018. I thought he might commit at the spring game, but that didn’t happen; however, a commitment could come at any time, and Carman would instantly become a leader of the class of 2018.  Two others with offers are Nick Petit-Frere out of Tampa, FL, and Will Lawrence from Memphis, TN. Yesterday Matt Jones out of Brooklyn Erasmus received an offer, and it was one he was coveting.  He can either play defensive line or offensive line so it is uncertain if he would fit into the offensive line discussion yet. With potentially four guys’ eligibility running out at the end of 2018, the Buckeyes will look to add three or four offensive linemen in this class. I think Carman will be the only current offer to be in the class, but I expect more and more linemen will receive offers as recruiting for the 2018 class gets rolling over the next few months.

2018 Projected Depth Chart:

LT – Kevin Feder – Junior (RS)

– Josh Myers – Freshman

LG – Demetrius Knox – Senior (RS)

– Matthew Burrell – Junior (RS)

C – Brady Taylor – Senior (RS)

– Jack Wohlabaugh – Sophomore (RS)

RG – Michael Jordan – Junior

- Tyler Gerald – Sophomore (RS)

RT – Isaiah Prince – Senior

– Branden Bowen – Junior (RS)

The offensive line is always a hard one to predict. Case in point: I didn’t see Michael Jordan becoming a starter after spring ball, but it’s looking like that might happen unless Malcolm Pridgeon comes in and takes his spot. Projecting farther than this season is even more of a guessing game because so much can happen between now and then. What I know for certain is that we have two of the best coaches in America in Greg Studrawa and Ed Warriner. Hopefully their talents will lead to great development and a consistently strong unit from year to year. The offensive line has been a strong suit for the Buckeyes since Urban took over, and I fully expect that to continue with top notch recruiting and player development.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 5-4-2016

May 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Stephen Collier out for year with torn ACL:

Buckeye Coaches out Recruiting Hard:

Urban Meyer contacting 2017 TE recruit:

Buckeye Draft Dollar$:

Athlon Sports Big Ten Preview:

Darron Lee at Jet’s Facility:

Buckeyes Offer 2018 TE:

Nations Top JUCO offered by Buckeyes (Bama commit):

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Why Ohio State cannot be discounted against Oklahoma

May 3, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Ohio State will be replacing twelve 4th round or better players in 2016, including the heart of both their offense and defense in Running Back Ezekiel Elliott and Defensive End Joey Bosa. How does a team meet the lofty expectations, placed on them by a needy fan base, after losing so much talent from the following year? Development is the quick answer and, lucky for Ohio State, it is something that the coaching staff is quite accomplished at doing. The talent is on the Ohio State roster, which is something that we are well aware of, after Ohio State has signed top-3 class after top-3 class. The biggest question is how will young players react in a hostile environment when they have never played a meaningful snap in a real college football game? That answer will almost certainly be evident on September 17th in Norman, Oklahoma.

The third game of the season, against the Oklahoma Sooners, is the one that everyone has circled on their calendars. The game is a great bet to be a primetime game on ABC and Ohio State will most likely be the considerable underdog going into it. Oklahoma, who brings back Heisman candidate Quarterback Baker Mayfield, will be at least a top-5 team at the time, and may even be the number 1 team, if things go their way. The reason that I believe Ohio State has a great chance to take care of business in Norman is Baker Mayfield. How can Oklahoma’s star Quarterback be the decisive key to a game in the other team’s favor? The same way that Baker Mayfield was a key for Clemson and Texas getting wins against the Sooners in 2015. Mayfield struggles against pressure in his face from a relentless pass rush. Ohio State may be replacing key figures in Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington, but Defensive Line coach Larry Johnson, has recruited like a mad man and is one of the best at developing the prospects into NFL caliber linemen. Reflecting back on the spring game, you saw the Quarterbacks being swallowed up on a consistent basis by young guys, such as Jashon Cornell and Davon Hamilton. Granted some of this may have been due to a depleted offensive line playing in the game, but I believe some of these young tackles will complement the returning ends of Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis, to lay feast to Baker Mayfield that night.

Oklahoma will look to also establish the run against Ohio State with their two returning backs, who have been very impressive in action previously, in Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon. This is the element of Oklahoma’s offense that could potentially doom the Buckeyes. Although the rushing stats against the Buckeyes defense last year was not terrible to say, there were times where teams had much success running the ball between the tackles against Ohio State (see Western Michigan and Michigan State games). The key to shutting down Samaje and Mixon again will be the physical mentality of the defensive line. Redshirt Freshman Robert Landers is a guy that could be a key factor in plugging the middle for the Buckeyes. Another guy, who you might see play some of the 3 technique, is true Freshman Nick Bosa. Does that name sound familiar? Yes, Nick Bosa, who is Joey Bosa’s little brother, will see some time at the 3 technique this season and could be key to helping shut down the run game of this dual headed attack of the Sooners. If the Buckeyes are able to successfully limit the run game of the Sooners, the Sooners could very much be in a lot of trouble in Norman.

On the offensive side of things, losing a guy like Ezekiel Elliott is never a good thing, but Ohio State brings back veteran leadership in Redshirt Junior J.T. Barrett as the signal caller. J.T. will be surrounded by youth at almost every position, except center, where Senior Pat Elflein will look to lead the offensive line. Although you have some first time starters on the offensive line, there seems to be considerable confidence in the 1st string line. Now if a guy were to go down, well let’s just say that that confidence may start to wane. J.T. will get a few guys back at Wideout in guys like Noah Brown, Corey Smith, and Curtis Samuel, while also adding new game day faces in Torrance Gibson, Austin Mack, and Binjimen Victor. The keys will be how many crucial drops will the young guys have that can really impact the game and also if J.T. Barrett will be capable of hitting the deep ball. Barrett did a great job of hitting the deep ball to Devin Smith in 2014 when they faced Michigan State in East Lansing and this was a key to a buckeye victory. Much like that 2014 game, J.T.’s ability to hit guys like Noah Brown, Torrance Gibson, and Austin Mack deep will determine how much success Ohio State has on the offensive side of things.

Replacing Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield will be a dual headed tandem, much like the one the Sooners hold, in Senior Bri’Onte Dunn and Redshirt Freshman Mike Weber. Bri’Onte will provide some leadership and game day experience, but it is Mike Weber who provides the potential to be the next wave of successful Ohio State back. Weber will not have to face one of the more dominant Defensive lineman that the Sooners had last year in Defensive End Charles Tapper, who went to the NFL. Tapper was one of the more dominant guys on the Sooner’s defense, but just like Ohio State, you can expect Oklahoma to have guys on their roster to replace the production of a guy like Tapper. If Weber can realize that he does not have to be Ezekiel Elliott, but he just has to be Mike Weber and is able to produce, the running game will be enough the compliment the pass in Norman.

Before you place your bet on a veteran Oklahoma team, who appeared in the playoffs last season, to beat a young greatly inexperienced Ohio State squad in Norman, take into account all the details that are enclosed in this article. Sometimes football is just about match-ups, and from my view, Ohio State matches up very favorably with the Sooners. The games aren’t played on paper though, so we all will just have to wait till September 17th to find out.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 5-3-2016

May 3, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Buckeye Coaches Recruiting:

Buckeye Birthday – Dwayne Haskins Jr.

2017 RB Target Khalan Laborn Narrows List:

Buckeye Target Amir Riep keeps adding offers:

New 2018 DE Offer:

Buckeye Pro #’s

Buckeyes make Bank!

Zeke on Buckeye Career:

NFL Buckeyes:

Buckeyes Offer NY Star for 2018:

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Post Spring Game Shuffle: Quarterback and Running Backs

May 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment

As we all inch closer toward the Regular Season, all the excitement and buzz surrounds the annual Scarlet Vs. Gray Spring Game.  This is normally the time of the year where the entire roster receives a chance to “control their destiny”.  This is the time for the relative unknowns to display their talent to a raucous crowd within the confines of The Shoe.  It is a time for the young Buckeyes to show their coaches what they can bring to the table, whether it is as a starter, part-time starter or a rotation player, the time is now for them to put on a show for all to enjoy.  Whether you are a die-hard Buckeye fan or a fan of another team, this will be a spectacle to enjoy and see.  The future should be as bright as the sun and for the non-Buckeye fans, prepare to get scorched and pan-seared because this years team, albeit young and replacing a bevy of starters, should be their normally dangerous selves by the time the fall rolls around.  Here is an in-depth look at our future Buckeye Football Team.

The Return of J.T. Barrett:

It has been a poorly kept secret, but…  Although we had endured through a mass exodus at the Quarterback position, we still managed to retain one of the previous “Big Three”.  That is a huge plus as the Buckeyes look to move forward with the heir apparent to the Buckeyes’ Quarterback Throne.  J.T. Barrett or better known as Just Touchdowns Barrett chose to stay for at least one more season to lead the Buckeyes this fall through the grueling 2017 College Football Schedule, with road games at Oklahoma, at Wisconsin, at Penn State, at Maryland and at Michigan State.  His experience on the road and as a starter would help ease the transition with this years offensive line, skill players and playmakers.

Barrett possesses big game experience and that is a major plus for the team.  Barrett’s poise under pressure and familiarization with the offensive scheme will be the determining factor.  After getting the starting nod from Coach Meyer after week 8 due to the sloppy play from former starter Cardale Jones.  Let’s just say that the offense started humming and thoroughly destroyed the hapless Rutgers team at Piscataway.  The team responded and huddled around J.T. Barrett and delivered their most resounding and prettiest win in recent memory.  I expect this years offense to do the same, although it may take some time to adjust to the new personnel.

Barrett had somewhat of a hard time this spring with all of the more experienced players on the mend due to injuries suffered last season.  Noah Brown (Broken Leg), Corey Brown (Broken Leg) and Curtis Samuel (Broken Foot) all chose to rest their bodies this time around, but don’t think that they won’t be huge factors for the Buckeyes this fall.  They will be leaned on heavily for their experience during key moments and stretches of the season.  Barrett finished the spring game 13 of 22 for no touchdowns and two interceptions.  No need to push that worry button through, this is by no means any indication of what is in store for us this fall.  He will revert back to the form and player that we all know and love.

Battle for #2:

Joey Burrow and Stephen Collier have been dueling for the designation as the backup quarterback at Ohio State.  The spring game was used as a platform to audition for that role on the team.  Burrow had the slight edge over Collier throughout the spring workouts and scrimmages.  Now after the spring game, he extended his lead and he might have secured the starting role.  Burrow led the Scarlett team over Barrett and Collier’s Grey team to a 28-17 victory.  Burrow finished 14 of 23 for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns and a single interception to a leaping Jerome Baker.  Burrow showed the poise and precision and even touch on his throws and Coach Meyer and company couldn’t be any happier.  Collier finished 4 of 9 for 154 yards and an interception.  Although the numbers were decent for Collier, it wasn’t as productive as Burrows day and for that Burrow secured the backup spot, for now.  We all know that the Buckeyes are deep at just about every position and with the pending arrival of Dwayne Haskins, you can never count any Buckeye out.  An opportunity will arise and whoever is in line will take full advantage of the opportunity.

Conclusion:

So to conclude, the future at Quarterback is in good hands and is very bright.  Once J.T. Barrett moves on, Burrow and Collier will surely step up and keep the tradition going.  With Haskins from the 2016 Class and Clark from 2017 and potentially other Quarterback targets such as current Texas A & M commit Tate Martell (Arizona) and current Baylor commit Kellen Mond (Florida) constantly coming up inside of recruiting circles close to the Buckeyes, I think we will be set and that we are in good hands for years to come.

Saying Goodbye to a Legend:

After the stunning loss to Michigan State last season, Ezekiel Elliot let the coaching staff and the world that he wanted more carries to lead his team to victory.  That did not happen and after the game he stated that there was no way that he would be coming back for another season in the Scarlet and Gray.  Although disappointing, I feel that everything happens for a reason and Elliot got what he wanted and consistently ran down opposing defenses throats to cap his final season off as a Buckeye.  Although he would be sorely missed, I feel that the current crop of Running Backs at Ohio State have the talent to carry the tradition of the bruising Running Back.  Let’s look over the many options that the Buckeyes hope to unleash this season.

Baby ‘Los Running Wild:

Saying goodbye to Zeke was tough, but what better way to replace a legend with a Running Back who has the same body type and play style like another former Buckeye great, Carlos Hyde.  Baby ‘Los or Mike Weber is better known for nearly flipping to TTUN in what was simply a misunderstanding between both parties as a former coach bolted for the NFL.  That is done and over with and now we have this young and hungry Running Back who shined during the spring game.  Weber finished with 38 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns inside of the red zone.  He was quick, ran with determination and he ran with the power that we had grown accustomed to with Carlos Hyde.  He currently is in a battle for the starting gig with upperclassman and our next player.

Five Star Redemption:

The stress of being a highly touted recruit, a Five Star Recruit as a matter of fact can be very difficult.  Brionte’ Dunn was a player similar to previous players like Curtis Grant who never could live up to the hype.  That is not by any means a slight to Dunn.  He was slotted to be the lead back after Warren Ball transferred out.  Dunn can be a solid back as previously seen during mop-up duty.  He runs with authority, runs with power and is determined to reach pay dirt.  The problem?  He played behind Running Backs like Daniel “Boom” Herron, Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliot.  That is some tough sledding for a player who was so highly regarded in high school, but he stayed because he bought in and he will most like be in the rotation throughout the year.  Whether it’s on spot duty or when games are out of hand look for him to follow the same path as fellow Five Star Curtis Grant.  Although he suffered an injury to his ankle during spring practice, he was unable to suit up for the spring game.  Regardless if he played or not, I feel that he will earn some snaps and opportunities.

Early Enrollee Turning Heads:

Being able to participate in the spring game not only gives you a head up on the competition, it gives you a chance to learn the playbook and earn a few snaps.  It also gives you valuable face time with your peers and your coaches.  Antonio Williams flipped his Wisconsin commitment and signed on with the Buckeyes late into the 2016 recruiting cycle.  I couldn’t find any stats but I don’t think he did too bad.  He is a true freshman and it will come with time.  But in the classroom he is doing it the way it is supposed to be. Although he didn’t burst into the scene, he has made a positive impression on the coaching staff.  I think Williams will earn some snaps sporadically throughout the season.  He just has to be patient and trust the coaches and the process.

Conclusion:

I think Weber will earn the starting nod.  He showed that he is game ready and capable.  Dunn will be the second Running Back and Williams will work until he earns the playing time he craves.  It is no slight to the player.  I wish there were enough carries to go around but none of these Running Backs will back down.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, Ohio State Football

Heard Around the ‘Shoe – 5-2-2016

May 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment

NFL Draft Recap:

In Case You Missed It: Buckeye Target Joshua Kaindoh selects Maryland:

Buckeye Target Juwan Burgess Making Mother Day Decision:

Buckeye Target Jermaine Eskridge To Announce Top 10:

Buckeye Target Najee Harris Rocking some OSU Gear:

Zach Smith in Florida Recruiting Today:

Penn State offers Buckeye committ J.K. Dobbins:

Ohio State Night Games Announced:

Cardale Jones on Dan Patrick Show:

Filed Under: Ohio State Football
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