From the time the clock hit zeroes at the Cotton Bowl, the reality began to set in after JT Barrett’s last game in the scarlet and gray. The end was inevitable and you could see it on his face. Coach Meyer will be starting over in his quest for Barrett’s successor at the Quarterback position to run his offense to his liking and to the standard of previous starters.
The age-old argument, of who should and shouldn’t be starting will die down, but for how long will the silence last? Barrett started due to his ability to flatly win ball games, no matter how pretty or ugly the win was achieved, he won them with his style of play.
Now, we are looking at a changing of the guard that places four new hopefuls that are looking to succeed Barrett and catch Coach Meyer’s eye. It will surely be a battle and it will be fierce, but may the best man win.
Dwayne Haskins
Haskins has the inside track in this quarterback battle, often spelling JT Barrett and earning the primary backup spot for the entirety of the year. He did pretty well and opened some eyes during both, mop up duty and during the TTUN game where he rocketed a pass through defenders, for a sorely needed first down conversion while Barrett sat out with an injury.
Haskins has the arm strength, which is why I’d say half Buckeye Nation fans were adamant and just downright negative about Barrett remaining the starter. He is a decent runner, but he isn’t as fleet-footed as JT, but there will be no need for that many QB runs this season because Haskins can fling it with accuracy and velocity. Barrett is now out of the picture (God bless his heart) and now hopefully Haskins learned from him during his time there.
The offense under Haskins will be scary if he figures it out early and with a full complement of Zone 6 returning for one more go, along with both Tote Nation stars, the balance will return to Ohio State. It will only be a matter of time.
Joe Burrow
Burrow is a bit of a wildcard in this equation. He led early as for backup duties, but an injury to his hand cost him in the end. There have been rumors about a potential transfer, but nothing has been confirmed, yet.
Like Haskins, he can throw and is just as accurate, but during spot duty, he was up and down during those games. He isn’t terrible, but this spring game will be fun and it will tell a lot about both competitors.
Personally, I don’t think a transfer is in the cards just yet, and even if he becomes the backup, he will stay until he graduates, then becoming a graduate transfer would be in the cards. This is just my opinion, so don’t shoot the messenger and I have no inside knowledge, just thinking logically.
Tate Martell
Martell is another wildcard in the quarterback competition. His skill set is pretty similar to JT, being a dual-threat, but he can throw better. Tate is shifty and he is deadly accurate when he is set or on the run, which makes him the dark horse this spring.
Martell went out on a limb and pretty much guaranteed a CFB Championship game berth next season. I think if the teams gels quickly, it is definitely possible, but with CFB, you never truly know what will happen. They all just need to focus and play hard every single game, and whatever happens, happens. The goals are set and it is up to the team to put their nose on the grindstone and work for what they want to achieve.
Matthew Baldwin
Baldwin will be the new kid on the block and he will most likely see a redshirt year, to be honest. He suffered a major injury during the playoffs, and I am positive that the injury would not be completely healed.
After viewing his Hudl footage, this kid is a beastly addition to a talented quarterback room. He can throw from everywhere on the field and is deadly accurate. I was in awe and I was pleased that the coaches took him over Emory Jones, who was committed until things happened. Things happen for a reason, but we got another gem in the rough.
Conclusion
This battle is far from over, but this year’s competition will be one to watch because the future of the program is at stake. You cannot go wrong with any name in this talented quarterback room, but one will win out in the end.
Each signal-caller brings an arm and accuracy, with decent mobility with the exception of Martell and Baldwin. The passing game and balance will be the focus this year, with fewer quarterback runs. It will be an exciting change for the team that is looking for a new leader.
The best running back will start. Urbie has admitted that passing is not in his top 5 requirements for a QB.