2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – CB Preview

March 11, 2016 by Leave a Comment

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State began spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

6th – Cornerback

Player Lost – Eli Apple. Apple declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, giving up two years of eligibility. While Apple did not have as strong a season in 2015 as he did in 2014, Apple was well-regarded by the Ohio State coaching staff.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Gareon Conley (Redshirt Junior), Damon Webb (Junior), Marshon Lattimore (Redshirt Sophomore), Denzel Ward (Sophomore), Eric Glover-Williams (Sophomore), Damon Arnette (Redshirt Freshman), Joshua Norwood (Redshirt Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Gareon Conley is a returning starter at one cornerback. Conley demonstrated throughout the course of the 2015 season that he was quite capable at handling the position – in 2014, at Michigan State, Conley struggled, requiring Apple to come off the bench and play, despite Apple battling an injury at the time. In many respects, Conley had a better 2015 season than Apple.

· The other cornerback position seems to be suiting up to be a battle between Damon Webb, Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and Eric Glover-Williams. Webb was suspended for part of 2015, but played in nickel coverage when the suspension was lifted. It is possible Webb could also get a look at one of the vacant safety spots. Lattimore has battled injuries in both 2014 and 2015 – will Lattimore’s hamstring injuries allow him to remain in the mix as a possible starter? Denzel Ward and Eric Glover-Williams both played as true freshmen in 2015, primarily on special teams. Ward has been mentioned by Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer as a possible starter at the vacant cornerback spot. Glover-Williams was running at one of the safety spots, as spring practice began.

· Neither Damon Arnette nor Joshua Norwood have played so far as Buckeyes. Both players redshirted in 2015. Both Arnette and Norwood will want to use the spring practices to their advantage, as…

· Reinforcements are on the way, but will not arrive until the summer. Ohio State signed five defensive backs in the 2016 recruiting class (Rodjay Burns, Wayne Davis, Kareem Felder, Jordan Fuller, Jahsen Wint). Of these five, only Wint has been listed as a safety. It is entirely possible one of these players could get a look at the cornerback position, depending upon how the spring practices shake out.

These questions, among others, have been on my mind, as Ohio State spring practice began on March 8th.

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JK Dobbins makes for Surprise Commitment #13

March 7, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The Ohio State Buckeyes picked up commitment #13 yesterday in the form of RB/ATH JK Dobbins out of La Grange, Texas.  Dobbins commitment came despite that fact that he has never been to the Ohio State campus, and that he just received the offer on February 17th.  Dobbins had offers from all of the big schools in Texas, plus ones from Notre Dame, North Carolina, Oregon, Florida State and Stanford.  He was crystal balled to Texas at 58% which makes this commitment even more of a surprise.  Dobbins is rated as a 4-star recruit and the #4 running back in America.  The addition of Dobbins to the Ohio State recruiting class adds to what is already the top class in America so far. The Buckeyes currently have six of the top 100 players in America committed and 10 of the top 250 overall prospects.

Dobbins joins Todd Sibley out of Archbishop Hoban in Akron as the second back in this class.  The Buckeyes look to be done at running back in 2017, but with names like Cam Akers and Najee Murray out there, the door is never closed until signing day.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – TE Preview

March 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State will begin spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

7th – Tight End

Player Lost – Nick Vannett. Vannett exhausted his eligibility, and is preparing for the 2016 NFL Draft. Even though Vannett did not have as strong a senior season as he would have liked, Vannett had 19 receptions for 162 yards. Compare and contrast that to Marcus Baugh, who had 2 receptions for 32 yards, with the longest reception (27 yards) coming in The 2016 Battlefrog Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Marcus Baugh (Redshirt Senior), A.J. Alexander (Redshirt Freshman), Rashod Berry (Redshirt Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Marcus Baugh is the starter, almost by default. Baugh enters the 2016 season with a career total of 3 receptions for 34 yards, and one touchdown. That is three more receptions and one more touchdown than any other scholarship tight end on the Ohio State roster. Baugh has had numerous off the field issues in the past. The coaching staff has maintained their patience with Baugh, and Baugh seems poised to conclude his Ohio State career as a starter in 2016.

· Neither A.J. Alexander or Rashod Berry played in 2015. Considering Alexander was coming off an injury sustained during his senior year of high school, and how Berry split time at multiple positions in high school, it is no surprise why Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer was reluctant to play either player in 2015.

· Reinforcements are on the way, but will not arrive until the summer. Ohio State signed three tight ends in Luke Farrell, Jake Hausmann, and Kierre Hawkins, but none of these players will be in the mix during spring practice. For both Alexander and Berry, the spring practices will be essential. Alexander and Berry will want to secure their positions on the depth chart, before any of the freshmen tight ends arrive on campus.

These questions, among others, will be on my mind once Ohio State spring practice begins March 8th.

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2017 Prospect Interview – Matt Dotson

March 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Over the past few years, Ohio State has had some top-notch tight ends come through the program and join the NFL. Some of them, like Jeff Heuerman and Jake Stoneburner , didn’t see much of the ball while they were here, but they’ve been able to move on to the next level. The Buckeyes could be looking to get their tight ends more involved, however, with the with the addition of Jake Hausmann and Luke Farrell in 2016, and possibly 2017 prospect Matt Dotson, a composite four-star recruit and a top 10 TE in America. Dotson has noticed the Buckeyes’ tight ends haven’t gotten the ball much recently, but he explains the coaches have plans to change that. Dotson is a solid pass catcher and a downfield threat, so getting him the ball will be a good strategy if he decides to don the Scarlet and Gray in 2017.  

Although Dotson plays high school ball at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, he claims there’s no pressure to stay in state. He didn’t grow up with a dream school in mind, so he is open to any opportunities. Like most high school seniors, he’s looking for a university with good academics and an entertaining campus life. Like most high school athletes, he’s searching for a program with solid coaching relationships and excellent facilities. Dotson also wants a program that knows how to use tight ends effectively. Ohio State has world class academics, campus life, coaches, and facilities, but the Buckeyes will have to make good on their promise to get the tight ends the ball more often if they want to continue to secure commitments like Dotson.  

Currently, Dotson lists his top 5 schools, in no particular order, as “Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Oregon.” Right now his crystal ball prediction has him 50/50 with Tennessee and Ohio State, but Coaches Kerry Coombs and Ed Warinner have been in contact with Dotson almost daily trying to sway him away from the Volunteers. They have to work fast because Dotson plans to make his decision before his senior year next fall. “Once I make a decision,” he tells me, “I will most likely not take other visits.” As of now, he’s scheduling visits, and you can bet top programs will continue to recruit him until signing day.

On the football field, Dotson models his game after Rob Gronkowski, and with the success Gronk has had at the NFL level, it’s hard to find a better role model for the position. Off the field, Dotson enjoys eating, fishing, and playing Xbox games like Madden, Call of Duty, Far Cry, and Grand Theft Auto. He’s been enjoying the recruitment process so far, and he says he’s “just so grateful to have the opportunity.”

Look for Dotson to start visiting schools here shortly and to narrow down his list ahead of his anticipated decision before his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @MattDotson21 for all the latest football news.

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

Ohio State adds 3* LB for #12 in 2017

March 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Ohio States 2017 recruiting class grew by one on Tuesday with the surprise commitment of Antjuan Simmons from Pioneer HS in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The Buckeye recruiting class now has 12 members in it’s 2017 class.

Simmons is the first Buckeye recruit to be landed right out of the arch-rival Wolverines back yard.  Simmons had nearly 40 offers, and choose OSU over the likes of hometown Michigan and at the time the crystal ball leader in Notre Dame.  He had just recently come off an unofficial visit to Michigan in mid-February.

Simmons is the 11th rated player out of the state of Michigan for 2017 and the 27th rated linebacker in the country according to Rivals.

 

Filed Under: Ohio State Football

2017 Prospect Interview – Tyjon Lindsey

February 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment

After the great haul of wide receivers in the 2016 recruiting class, Ohio State is looking to keep adding talent at the position. Tyjon Lindsey is a high-profile recruit out of Centennial HS in California. He’s a versatile athlete who models his game after former Oregon Duck and current Kansas City Chief D’Anthony Thomas. Lindsey holds offers from Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, as well as Oregon and a few other west coast schools. Right now, he’s crystal balled to Texas A&M, where he would join his current former high school Tate Martell. There’s still hope the Buckeyes will snag this composite four-star recruit, and he would be a welcome addition to the Ohio State #Zone6.

Lindsey recently transferred from Bishop Gorman in Nevada, where he was teammates with Martell and current Buckeye commit Haskell Garrett. “I’m very close friends with [Haskell]. We used to have sleep overs and hang out outside of school when I went to Gorman,” Lindsey says. He admits both Garrett and Martell have been trying to convince him to join them at their respective schools, but he assures me, “All in all, its [sic] going to come down to me making the decision for me.”

Relationships matter the most for Lindsey in regards to Ohio State. Mark Pantoni is his primary recruiter, but he has daily group chats with coaches Zach Smith and Urban Meyer as well. It means a lot to him that the coaches make him “feel needed more than wanted.” “[The coaches at Ohio State] are one of the only schools who know my story, and I feel comfortable telling them it.” Lindsey wants to feel at home at his school, and Ohio State will undoubtedly put on its best hospitality when he visits in March. Don’t expect a firm commitment any time soon though, because he still plans on taking his visits to other schools and exploring his options.  If he does decide to be a Buckeye, Lindsey might consider enrolling early to participate in spring practices, but he’s “not 100% sure about that just yet.”

Even though he’s a star on the field, Lindsey’s just like every other teenager off it. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, running, going to the gym, watching movies – “you know, the simple things kids do nowadays.” Most kids don’t have to juggle school, friends, and sports while fielding offers from top universities however. Lindsey is confident though. “The recruiting process is getting hectic, but [it’s] nothing I can’t handle.”

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2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – LB Preview

February 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State will begin spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

8th – Linebacker

Players Lost – Joshua Perry, Darron Lee, Cam Williams, and Kyle Berger. Perry exhausted his eligibility, and was a solid, dependable two year starter at outside linebacker. Lee was also a two year starter at outside linebacker, and declared early for the 2016 NFL Draft, with two years of eligibility remaining as a redshirt sophomore. Williams exhausted his eligibility as a four year contributor, primarily upon special teams duty. Berger was forced to give up football this winter, due to a recurring knee injury that never fully recovered from his high school career.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Jerome Baker (Sophomore), Dante Booker (Junior), Joe Burger (Senior), Nick Conner (Redshirt Freshman), Craig Fada (Senior), Justin Hilliard (Redshirt Freshman), Raekwon McMillan (Junior), Chris Worley (Redshirt Junior), Tuf Borland (Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Raekwon McMillan is a lock to start at middle linebacker, barring unforeseen injury. If McMillan was unable to play, this position group would rank higher in my estimated concerns. McMillan has already been designated a captain by Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer. McMillan will be strongly depended upon by the coaching staff to steady this position group during the initial phases of the 2016 season.

· Dante Booker seems to be the leading candidate to replace Joshua Perry at the Will linebacker position. Booker has played primarily on special teams in 2014 and 2015, and now is his opportunity to rise up and seize the job at Will linebacker.

· The battle to watch seems to be at the Sam linebacker spot between rising sophomore Jerome Baker and rising redshirt junior Chris Worley. Baker seems to be the favorite, but fans would be wise to remember that Worley gave Darron Lee a run for the job two seasons ago, and will not want to remain on the bench.

· Justin Hilliard and Nick Conner were among the highly-touted 2015 recruiting class. Hilliard and Conner both redshirted due to injuries. Will either be able to make a move, with two positions open at linebacker?

· Joe Burger and Craig Fada were both awarded scholarships for the spring by Coach Meyer. Will either be able to move beyond special teams duty this spring?

· Tuf Borland was an early enrollee this January. Can Borland show enough this spring to warrant a look for playing time this fall?

These questions, among others, will be on my mind once Ohio State spring practice begins March 8th.

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2017 Prospect Amir Riep – Interview

February 19, 2016 by Leave a Comment

I recently had the chance to speak to four-star cornerback Amir Riep from Colerain HS out of Cincinnati, Ohio about his recruitment and where things currently stand.

Q: How does it feel to have exploded onto the scene lately with all of these big time offers?

Amir: It feels good to finally get the respect (offers) for the hard work I have been putting in.  Finally feels like it’s paying off.

Q: What are you looking for in a school?  Does closeness to home matter, or is it all about comfort and relationships?

Amir: Probably more comfort and relationships.  Distance is no problem.  Strength and conditioning coach plays a part and position coach will also.  They still need to coach me up so I can become the best athlete possible.

Q: Do you have a top 5 schools currently?  Do you have a decision date in mind?

Amir: No top 5 right now, just looking into all the interest at this time.  Decision will be made before the football season I think. That will give enough schools to show interest and give me time to look into them.

Q: Are you looking to enroll early when you pick a school or just normal enrollment in the summer?

Amir: I Will be enrolling early wherever I decide to attend and want to get it over with for me and the team so we can concentrate on state.

Q: Did you have a dream school growing up? Does living in Ohio bring any added pressure to attend Ohio State or Cincinnati?

Amir: I’m from Ohio so Ohio State has always been a school I cheered for along with Cincinnati.  Some pressure because they try to criticize Ohio State for not offering athletes in state, but sometimes when they do they leave, so pressure on that end.

Q: What coach is your main recruiter?

Amir: Coach Kerry Coombs

Q: Once you make a commitment will you still be visiting other schools or will your recruitment be shut down?

Amir: Once I commit, the recruitment is over and it will be all about that university and the program.  That is why I am taking my time now.

Q: Is there a pro or college athlete that you try and shape your game around?

Amir: Patrick Peterson

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of football?

Amir: Spending time with family and friends.

 

I want to thank Amir Riep for the interview and wish him the best in his recruitment going forward.  Give him a follow @Riep_Amir on Twitter.

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2016 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: Youth Will Be Served, Early And Often – RB Preview

February 19, 2016 by 1 Comment

“Almost everything that is great has been done by youth…” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Ohio State will begin spring football practice on March 8th. Heading into the 2016 college football season, Ohio State will have 44 players on its roster designated as either a redshirt freshman (21 of the 25 players signed in February 2015), or a true freshman. For a roster that can have only 85 scholarship players, Ohio State will have around 52% of its roster with no playing time experience. As former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite you, it will bite you as a pup.”.

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 16th, 2016. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

(Honorable Mention – Placekicker) ~ In 2015, Ohio State had issues with both Jack Willoughby and Sean Nuernberger at placekicker. Late in the season, Nuernberger was awarded the placekicker position, and was successful in the 2016 Battlefrog Fiesta Bowl, hitting on all three of his field goals attempts. Considering how young Ohio State will be in 2016 across the board, Nuernberger may be counted upon more from a points option than Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer would prefer.

9th ~ Running Back

Players Lost – Ezekiel Elliott, Warren Ball. Ball has a fifth year of eligibility, but has decided to use it at Akron this coming season. Best of luck to Ball in all of his future endeavors, on and off the football field. Ezekiel Elliott? Yeah, you may have heard about him these past three years. Elliott was the focal part of the Ohio State offense, as Urban Meyer’s philosophy is to lean heavily upon the power running game. No matter if Ohio State has a dominant running back, or decides to use a committee approach, having a dependable running game is essential for Ohio State’s success on the field.

Returning Players/Incoming Players – Bri’onte Dunn (Redshirt Senior), Curtis Samuel (Junior), Mike Weber (Redshirt Freshman), Antonio Williams (Freshman).

A few things to keep in mind as it relates to this position group…

· Curtis Samuel has fluctuated between playing running back and the H-Back position in his first two seasons in Columbus. A very versatile player, Samuel has also been used on special teams for kickoff returns. Samuel underwent surgery in January, which means Samuel’s involvement in spring football is likely to be minimal. Could Samuel emerge as the leading candidate at running back? Certainly, but Samuel will likely need to make his move in fall camp, not spring football.

· Bri’onte Dunn is one of two redshirt seniors on the roster; the other is projected starting center Pat Elflein. Dunn was a highly-touted recruit in 2012, yet has not been able to consistently stake a claim for playing time as a running back; the vast majority of Dunn’s playing time has been as a well-respected special teams coverage member. Dunn has had occasional fumbling issues when given the chance to carry the ball. Can Dunn finally break through in his last opportunity to play as a running back for Ohio State this spring?

· Mike Weber redshirted in 2015, thanks to a surgery that took place during fall camp. Weber was earning rave reviews at the time of his surgery, and seemed likely to play at some point in 2015. Could Weber emerge this spring as the top candidate to replace Ezekiel Elliott in the Ohio State offense?

· Antonio Williams arrived on campus and began classes in January 2016. Originally committed to Wisconsin, Williams flipped his commitment to Ohio State in November 2015. Through the years, Ohio State has had several running backs enroll early, with names such as Maurice Clarett, Antonio Pittman, and Beanie Wells notably taking advantage of spring football to stake their respective claims for playing time. Will Antonio Williams be able to add his name to this illustrious list by the end of spring practice?

These questions, among others, will be on my mind once Ohio State spring practice begins March 8th.

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New 247Sports 2017 Top 247: How Buckeye Comitts, Targets, Other B1G Commits Fared

February 17, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Here is how OSU commits, targets, and other B1G commits fared in the new 247Sports Top 247 recruit rankings.

COMMITS

Josh Myers- #4
Shaun Wade- #20
Jake Morretti- #34
Brendon White- #48
Isaiah Pryor- #55
Haskell Garrett- #79
Marcus Williamson- #128
Jerron Cage- #131
Danny Clark- #199
Todd Sibley- #234

TARGETS

Dylan Moses- #2
Donovan Peoples-Jones- #7
Darnay Holmes- #10
Tyjon Lindsey- #25
Josh Kaindoh- #26
Trevon Grimes- #27
Jeffrey Okundah- #29
Isaiah Wilson- #50
Lamont Wade- #52
Micah Clark- #80
Jerry Jeudy- #84
Amir Reip- #87
Luiji Vilain- #92
Robert Hainsey- #106
Ambry Thomas- #108
Jaylen Kelly-Powell- #130
Jaylen Harris- #134
Tyrell Ajian- #151
Trey Sermon- #175
Santino Marchiol- #188
Fred Hansard- #193
Javonte Richardson- #241

OTHER B1G COMMITS

AJ ESPENESA- #3 Iowa
Dylan McCaffrey- #23 Michigan
JaRaymond Hall- #133 Michigan
Kaden Lyles- #170 Wisconsin
Tristan Wirfs- #181 Iowa
Dylan Rivers- #225 Penn State

Filed Under: Ohio State Football
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