Post Spring Game Depth Chart: Tight Ends

May 22, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

The Starter:

This years Tight End spot is retained by Marcus Baugh.  The incumbent starter from last season will be looked at for his familiarity in the system, but now all bets are off due to a new position coach and Offensive Coordinator in Kevin Wilson.  The Tight Ends might see an uptick in targets, but unfortunately Baugh was held out due to an injury.  He will be leaned on by the younger players for guidance, but he will be up for the task that Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett established in the past.

Tight End #2:

The Tight End position was used sparingly last season, but during the Spring Game we saw an increase in productivity.  A.J. Alexander and Luke Farrell combined for 50 total yards and a touchdown, which Alexander snagged.  This is even for now, but a lot could change during fall camp.  Factor in the absence of another pair of talented Tight Ends in Jake Hausmann, who was nursing a sprained ankle and Kierre Hawkins, who was used sparingly in the game.  The Tight End battle and their usage will be interesting for the fans to watch.  Hopefully they are used more to aid in the battle to secure receiving threats for years to come.

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Post Spring Game Depth Chart: Wide Receiver

May 18, 2017 by 1 Comment

Zone 6 is one of the many crowded position groups that Ohio State has on it football roster.  This is evident as just about every group has their share of talented players patiently working for their shot at big boy football at Ohio State, but the Wide Receiver unit is jam-packed with talent.

The Starter #1:

Johnnie Dixon has battled and endured season after season of debilitating injuries to his knees in back-to-back seasons while at Ohio State.  This is most likely his last shot at glory as his eligibility is running out and as he showcased during the annual spring game, he showed his talent en-route to a stellar multi-touchdown game.  He also showed that, when healthy, he can be that deep threat that Ohio State hasn’t seen since Devin Smith.  Johnnie Dixon showed that he is healthy and working towards a comeback that is eerily similar to what Marshon Lattimore went through during his tenure at Ohio State.  If he can produce the same way that Lattimore has during last season, Ohio State will be lethal.  With a new Offensive Coordinator in Kevin Wilson, who is an offensive genius at the helm, the receivers should have the numbers necessary to keep teams unbalanced and on their heels.  With Dixon, he has the speed and the hands to separate and he is a reliable receiver.  His productivity would just depend on his health.

The Starter #2:

K.J. Hill has the talent to start alongside Dixon.  He also has sure hands and has the ability to obtain RAC yards with ease.  He is elusive and shift, but not Dixon shifty.  He won’t beat defender with blazing speed, but he has the strength to break arm tackles and blow through defenders for big gains.  Hill could also catch between defenders, which would be useful during key third down situations.  With the amount of talent on the roster, this second starter at Wide Receiver could go in any direction, but I am sure that Hill has done enough to catch the eye of the coaching staff.  He is also durable and if other go down, the staff could rest assured that Hill and company have the weapons to plug in and play.  He is a big-play waiting to happen and with his suddenness and burst, he could give defenders headaches throughout the season.  He will be leaned on during the entirety of the season to produce for the coaching staff this season as one of the few contributors to last seasons squad.

Slot/H-Back:

The need for the next Curtis Samuel is needed to ensure production in the Ohio State passing attack and with his departure, it opened up the door for Parris Campbell, Brendon White and Eric Glover-Williams to make their impression on the coaching staff.  Unfortunately for the last two, Campbell was given many looks and he looks like the eventual starter this fall.  Between his speed and the ability to run after the catch, he will be another weapon and asset to the Buckeye coaching staff.  He will be moved around and utilized similar to many of those before him under Coach Meyer.  There is still a lot of time for him to lose ground, but we will see.

 

Other Candidates:

There are other names out there and the Class of 2017 will have previously mentioned Brendon White, Trevon Grimes, Jaylen Harris and Ellijah Gardiner coming in this summer.  The also have Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor waiting vying for playing time as well.  For now, they will grind until called upon and under Urban Meyer, waiting isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as he has been able to produce NFL caliber players with little to no experience or production.  With another mass exodus, this time with transfers out of the program and the occasional underclassman leaving for the pros, the younger players will have to be ready to be called upon during game days.  Lets hope they will be ready.

 

 

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Recruiting Spotlight: Dallas Gant

May 16, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Dallas Gant, an Outside Linebacker prospect from Ohio, just made it official as he is now a part of the Ohio State Class of 2018.  Another top tier and highly sought after recruit, Gant will now add to another stellar recruiting haul under Urban Meyer.  Gant brings more than just star power to this class, he is another recruit that is talking to prospective Buckeye targets to join their squad and be great.  He will most likely focus on recruiting other and getting bigger, faster and stronger before setting foot on campus.  Gant is a rangy, hard-hitting Linebacker that fits the Darron Lee mold.  Always around the ball and aggressive, and he will attempt to get another stud to play alongside him, namely Teradja Mitchell, who is expected to announce next month.

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Post Spring Game Depth Chart: Running Backs

May 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Cadillac position took a back seat in the Spring Game, but they proved their worth and made their presence felt during the course of the game.  The focus for the spring was to focus on working out the kinks in the passing game.  The Running Backs found ways to get involved in the game plan making timely catches and runs when leaned on.

The Starter:

Mike Weber, the returning starter from a season ago proved why he is still considered to be the starter for the Buckeyes.  He runs with anger and he is looking to have another successful season in the Scarlet and Gray.  He looks good early on and he has improved with his vision and patience.  He is still a load to tackle and with the improvements in the passing game, he will take advantage of opposing defenses that are attempting to stop the passing attack that looks to improve.

Running Back #2:

Demario McCall looked like he was shot out of a cannon during the entirety of the Spring Game, which helps him lock down the #2 Running Back on the roster.  He showed the ability to sit in open areas on the field to make clutch catches and the ability to turn down field in a hurry, displaying his playmaking ability. He also has the speed to outrun defender on designed running plays, which make him another asset to the team.  Versatility is key and he will be used to spell a tired Weber during games this year.

Running Back #3:

True Freshman and early enrolee J.K. Dobbins out of little known LaGrange Texas overtook Antonio Williams for this spot on the roster. He is another bruising back that is both strong and fast, a great combination to add to the dynamic in the offensive backfield.  He imposed his will on the defense during the spring and he looks to be another lesser known prospect that could potentially lead to another diamond in the rough.

 

Running Back #4:

Antonio Williams and the rest of the Running Backs room will be contributing in some form for the team.  Whether it is for scout duty or anything, they will be there waiting for their shot.  Barring any injuries or anything negative, they will contribute.  Until then, it is all just a waiting game.

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2017 NFL Draft: Day 3

April 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Noah Brown, WR (Dallas Cowboys):

Noah Brown was the first Buckeye taken on Day 3 of the draft, and better late than never.  At 6’2″, 222-pounds, Brown is an imposing Wide Receiver with the size to bully the smaller Defensive Backs and box them out for the football.  He couldn’t have gone to a better team, and he joins fellow Buckeye Ezekiel Elliot in Dallas.  Brown has Dez Bryant and Cole Beasley to work with and he will compete with the rest of the receiving group for reps and a roster spot.  During the 2016 season, Brown was used heavily early on in the year, but the lack of creativity in playcalling derailed his once promising season.  In the Oklahoma game, Brown was the go-to guy and he bullied his way to a stellar 4 touchdown game at Norman, Oklahoma.  He made highlight reel catches early and often and he gave the Sooner Defense fits.  After that however, his usage declined with a combination of poor line play and playcalling on offense.  He was underutilized and could have used another year in college, as he left for the NFL and caught the team unexpectedly.  Brown is a project, but he has the skills to flourish in Dallas’ offense.  He has a few injury concerns, but he should be in good hands.

 

 

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2017 NFL Draft: Day 2

April 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Curtis Samuel, WR (Carolina Panthers):

Curtis Samuel was the first Buckeye that was taken on Day 2 of the 2017 Draft, being selected with the 40th overall pick by the Panthers.  The Panthers have spent picks on back to back offensive studs due to the losses of Ohio State Alums Ted Ginn and Corey Brown during free agency.  With Samuel the Panthers will be getting a playmaker just like McCaffery who can play multiple positions.  Both players have the speed and they will help Cam Newton give opposing teams defenses fits.  Samuel will be used early and he will work in the slot, and he may see some time at Running Back.  Samuel is 5’11” and 196-pounds and turned in a 4.31 40-time in the combine.  His measurable and his talent will be utilized to spread the opposing defenses and keeping them honest during games.  He will share time with McCaffrey, but I feel like Ron Rivera will give both draftees ample opportunities to shine.

Raekwon McMillan, ILB (Miami Dolphins):

Raekwon McMillan, a recruit out of the Peach State was the second Buckeye taken in Round 2.  At 6’2″, 240 pounds he is the motor that was in charge of the Buckeye defense the last two and a half seasons.  He has the speed and the leadership abilities that will continue to flourish at the next level.  He is viewed as a 3 down linebacker and he must show development to see some playing time this fall.  McMillan is the first Inside Linebacker taken over Vanderbilt’s own Zach Cunningham, and he will be behind newly acquired addition Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso, who re-signed with the team this offseason.  Behind both of them McMillan will have the time to develop under Timmons, who arrived after time in Pittsburg and Alonso, who was still hasn’t established himself in the league yet.  McMillan’s only concern is in coverage, but he is a sure-tackler, who can stuff the run when called to.  He can become great with some time, so I can see him as a back-up for now, but he can flourish with the right coaches in place.

Pat Elflein, C (Minnesota Vikings):

Pat Elflein was the Swiss Army Knife out of Ohio State who can play multiple positions along the Offensive Line.  During the Ohio State Championship year Elflein began at Guard and then the following season he seamlessly switched to Center, where he earned the award for the Top Interior Lineman Award in his last season at Ohio State.  At 6’3″, 303-pounds he will compete with the likes of Joe Berger and Nick Easton for the starting Center gig in Minnesota.  If he cannot beat out the others at Center, Elflein can compete for the starting job at Guard opposite of former Ohio State Alum Alex Boone.  The Vikings have another Guard in waiting and all Elflein needs is an opportunity to play and earn playing time.  The Vikings drafted Dalvin Cook in the Second round and he will look to Elflein to block for the fellow rookie in the upcoming season.  Elflein is a tireless blocker that almost always finishes until the whistle is blown.  There are questions about his overall strength, but with an NFL Caliber strength and conditioning program, he will improve.

 

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2017 NFL Draft: 1st Round

April 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

 

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been churning out talented prospects since Coach Meyer’s arrival in Columbus.  For the last five years, Ohio State has been a force both on the recruiting trail and they have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to depth and talent.  Meyer and company develop NFL caliber players and then reload once their star players leave to the next level.  This is an impressive feat as another group of talented prospects, three to be exact, have gone in Round 1 of the draft.  There are a few more Buckeyes that will hear their names called, but for now, let us see who was taken and by who.

Marshon Lattimore, CB (New Orleans Saints):

Lattimore has one year of full-time starter duties, but he made the best of it turning out a successful campaign as a starter.  It was a long time coming, but he persevered and showed his talent.  The Saints took Lattimore with the 11th Overall pick and they were in need of help at the Cornerback Position.  The Saints went Buckeye last year with Vonn Bell and Michael Thomas, and Lattimore will have some familiar faces on the roster.  Lattimore is an ultra-talented corner with the speed and technique to succeed.  He will most likely see some early playing time due to the lack of talent on the roster.

Malik Hooker, S (Indianapolis Colts):

Malik Hooker played Safety at Ohio State and is also another one-year starter who flourished during his lone season as a starter.  Hooker almost left as he sat impatiently behind Vonn Bell, but all things come with time.  Hooker has the ball hawking ability to get takeaways and the range to break up passes.  After the loss of Mike Adams, the Colts needed someone to take his place and with Hooker they have a playmaker who can be a game-breaker on defense.  During the draft process, Hooker was often compared to former Baltimore Raven great Ed Reed.  Interesting pick to say the least and as the second Safety taken, he will also most likely start from day 1 barring any unforeseen injuries.

Gareon Conley, CB (Oakland Raiders):

Gareon Conley, a two-year starter at Ohio State is another long and athletic Cornerback, that played under Coach Meyer and company.  Less than a week prior to the draft allegations of a rape were made, and his draft stock took a major hit, a near death blow that forced teams to pass on him.  Now that he has been drafted, he will have to work harder than ever because of this impending investigation.  He is another athletic and talented corner with good technique.  He will start guarding the slot until he proves that he can start for the Raiders.  The Raiders believed in him enough to take the chance on him, all we can do is wait and see.

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Recruiting Spotlight: Sevyn Banks

April 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Coaching staff is hot on the recruiting trail, and once again they plucked another SEC type of player out of the South.  Banks is another lanky Defensive Back that will potentially join the Buckeyes ultra-talented Supreme18 and they could only improve from here on out.  Banks is a 6’1″, 186-pound Corner who can play Safety with his overall length.  This class will see a lot of their scholarships go toward the defense.  The Secondary, or BIA, will potentially lose this season’s starters IF things go like last year and IF the starters blossom during the season.  Banks did not follow in his brother’s footsteps and did not follow him to Florida, but this could be a good thing for recruiting Florida and the rest of the South. This recruiting cycle will be another one for the ages, stayed tuned in for some booms.  This class will be epic.

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Recruiting Spotlight: Brenton Cox

April 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Coach Johnson and Coach Meyer struck gold once again, plucking highly touted Defensive End Brenton Cox out of the talent rich state of Georgia.  Another notch is placed on their belts, as they add another talented Defensive End for Coach Johnson’s Rushmen package.  Cox is a hybrid and he is listed as a DE/OLB, and he would be paired with current Ohio State commit, Taron Vincent and they are still chasing more playmakers along the Defensive Line to add depth to compensate for the impending losses after next season because most of the starters are upperclassmen.

Cox is a monster that will only improve under the watchful eye of Larry Johnson.  He can bend with the best of them and he has the size and speed to boot.  He is currently 6’5″, 240 lbs. and he will be a terror along the edge for years to come.  Another great addition to what will be another stellar class for the Buckeyes.  This is the first commit since the two of the spring game, and there might be more to come. Go Bucks!

Here are his Junior season highlights below from Hudl.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/lEUQ5-paxzg” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

 

 

 

 

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Post Spring Game Depth Chart: Quarterbacks

April 25, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The Starter:

The Quarterback is what makes the offense go and after a rare poor performance combined with poor offensive play calling, J.T. Barrett quickly returned to redeem himself for one last season at the helm.  At the annual spring game, he showed why he was the starter, but his performance was far from perfect as he missed some of his receivers.  He will lead this years Buckeye team to show that he is capable of being an deadly passer instead of someone who relies too heavily on his legs to make plays.  Barrett will be an assassin because it is evident that Coach Wilson and Coach Day are making an impact with the Quarterbacks, but lets see how they execute when the season begins.

Back-up Quarterback-A:

Joe Burrow was impressive when Barrett was pulled off of the field.  He had three scores through the air and a bunch of yards, and he flat out was impressive.  He found receivers at will and he showed that he could play at the Division I level.  Coach Meyer has quite the dilemma on his hands, but it is a good problem to have.  Burrow showed his ability to sling the rock and read the defenses he faced.  Burrow has done all he can to secure the job after his performance at the spring game.  It is up to Coach Meyer at this point.

Back-up Quarterback-B:

Dwayne Haskins also threw for three touchdowns, and he too showed that he could play at the Division I level.  He found his receiver and showed the ability to throw it deep, with a silky smooth touch and deadly accuracy.  He will look to earn the backup job this season, and after J.T. leaves, he will look to beat out Burrow for the starting job.  He is a year younger than Burrow and has the wheels and the biggest arm out of the rest of the Quarterbacks.  If he can establish a foothold, he has the potential to succeed.

Scout Team Quarterback/Red Shirt:

Highly touted Quarterback out of Las Vegas was one of the biggest wins in last years recruiting class.  He had quite the highlight reel and he established that during the spring game after he weaved through two defenders for a rushing touchdown.  He was live and he did not have the black jersey on, so it is safe to say that he will work the scout team duties.  He isn’t a terrible player and he has the traits that Coach Meyer looks for in a Quarterback.  He has the arms, the speed and the accuracy, and he will be a star in the near future.

 

Filed Under: College Football, College Football Recruiting, Ohio State Football, Site News
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