St. Louis Rams Draft Christian Bryant in Round Seven

May 10, 2014 by 1 Comment

With the 241st pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams selected Ohio State safety Christian Bryant. Bryant missed most of his senior season after suffering a broken ankle late in the game against Wisconsin. Bryant was a three year starter for the Buckeyes and was named a team captain his senior season. Over the course of his career at Ohio State, he recorded 171 tackles, had two interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was named second team All-Big Ten during his junior season and was second on the team overall in total tackles (only trailing Ryan Shazier). Take a look at your new safety, Rams’ fans:

Here were some of the reactions to Bryant getting drafted on Twitter:

And here’s the man himself:

I think I speak for everyone in Buckeye Nation is saying how great it is to see Christian Bryant get drafted. He’s such a great guy and it was heartbreaking to see his senior season cut short. Urban Meyer himself got choked up on the podium after the Wisconsin game (see in the video above) announcing Bryant’s injury. If Bryant doesn’t get injured his draft stock would’ve been a lot higher. He was badly missed by the Buckeyes after his injury and for good reason. Bryant is a solid defensive back who should at least contribute on special teams for the Rams this season. If he can stay healthy, he might contribute even more.

Filed Under: B1G Football, NFL, NFL Draft

Indianapolis Colts Select Jack Mewhort in the Second Round

May 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment

With the 59th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts drafted Ohio State tackle Jack Mewhort. Mewhort was the best player on the line for the Buckeyes last season. He has great size at 6-6 and 310 pounds and moves much faster than someone you would expect at this size. Many expect Mewhort to be a starter in the NFL pretty soon. Mewhort was named an All-American by ESPN in 2013 and was a starter for three of his four seasons at Ohio State. Take a look at your new lineman, Colts’ fans:

Here were some of the reactions on Twitter on Mewhort being drafted to Indianapolis:

Jack Mewhort was one of my personal favorite on the team last season, especially after I interviewed him before the Orange Bowl in January. I thought he gave a great answer when I asked him what his biggest learning moment was in 2013. Great player and an even better person. Good pickup for the Colts offensive line.

Filed Under: B1G Football, NFL, NFL Draft

Catching up with Jerome Baker

April 28, 2014 by 1 Comment

Jerome Baker is an outside linebacker, ATH coming out of the 2015 class. Per ESPN, he is ranked 66th in his class and the second best player coming out of Ohio. Jerome has many offers from all over the country. He can play anywhere on the field such as running back and outside linebacker. He would be a great contribution to the 2015 class.

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Being one of the best players out of Ohio. This would be a great commitment for the Buckeyes. Below is an interview I did with Jerome a couple days ago.

Andrew: How has the recruiting process been?

Jerome: It’s been great. Loving the recruiting process. Having a lot of fun along the way.

Andrew: What schools are showing interest/the most interest?

Jerome: There are a lot of schools showing interest. Schools showing most interest are Ohio State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

Andrew: Any list at this point?

Jerome: Not really.

Andrew: Where have you visited?

Jerome: Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Florida and Tennessee.

Andrew: How was the Ohio State visit?

Jerome: It was amazing! I stayed overnight with the players and coaches. It was amazing.

Andrew: What coaches did you talk to? What did they tell you?

Jerome: Pretty much the whole staff. Coach Drayton, Coach Meyer, Coach Fickell, Coach Pantoni and so many more. They express how much they want me, and to enjoy the process, and they want me to lead the class.

Andrew: Do you have any relationships with players/recruits?

Jerome: Yes. Recruits I talk to are Eric Glover and Justin Hillard a little bit. I know a lot of players. Erick Smith, Marcelys Jones, Cordale, Marshon, Raekwon, Tyvis, Worley. It’s a lot of guys.

Andrew: When do you plan on committing?

Jerome: After the football season.

Andrew: How would you describe your game?

Jerome: Versatile. I can do a lot of different things on the field. Don’t matter where you put me. I could be very good at it.

Andrew: What do you want to improve?

Jerome: My quickness.

You can follow him on twitter @Lastname_Baker

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:

Three Yards and a Cloud of Links

February 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Good morning Buckeye Nation. Today I am speaking to you from the frozen tundra of Antarctica. Whats sad is if you actually looked up the weather conditions for Antarctica its actually warmer in many places than Ohio. OK so lets grab our cups of coffee or hot cocoa and get started.

Broken Tater? Word out of Pickerington Central is that Jae’Sean Tate has been shut down for the rest of the year due to a shoulder injury. Tate who is a senior forward for the Tigers signed in November to be a Buckeye next season. Reports are saying he needs surgery for a torn labrum which has been hurting him since May.

We here at MotSaG are hoping Tate makes a full and speedy recovery and is at full strength for the Buckeyes next season. Get well soon young man.

Buckeye Tabloid Gossip: Apparently the Internets were sent a buzzing recently. I’ll be honest here I am not sure of the who when and where, but someone or something was putting out there that coach Meyer and former coach Vrabel had some kind of falling out. Now since I don’t know the story I am going to put my shiny little two cents in here. Mike Vrabel left for the Houston Texans to coach the linebackers leaving behind his alma mater. I truly believe this was his choice and his alone. The man bleeds Scarlet and Gray and I feel did one heck of a job for the Buckeyes and it was great having him on the sidelines helping these kids become men. Vrabel had an opportunity to coach in the NFL which maybe in his mind (and buy his actions) was much bigger than the collegiate level. He might have aspirations of being a head football coach in the NFL. The reason I bring all this up is that coach Meyers wife had to go to twitter Thursday to set the record straight.

https://twitter.com/spinnershells/status/431580522934841344

Good luck in the NFL coach Vrabel and you will always be a Buckeye in my and many many of Buckeye Nations hearts. Chase your dream and may you encounter success where ever you turn.

Step Back from the Ledge: I know Buckeye fans we have had some trying times this season watching the mens basketball team. We have been spoiled and expect nothing but the best because lets face it this is The Ohio State University and nothing but the best will do for ANYONE wearing Scarlet and Gray. How spoiled have we become in mens basketball? Well Doug Lesmerises of cleveland.com (Clevleand Plain Dealer) has a nice story on how the Buckeyes program has been the third most successful team in the nation during the regular season. During the last four years the Buckeyes have averaged a 2 seed for the NCAA tournament. That’s pretty impressive when Kansas has averaged a 1 seed and Duke 1.5 seed during the same span.

Speaking of the men’s basketball team don’t forget to watch them go for three in a row versus Purdue tonight and read Josh Schott’s preview on the game.

Breaking cHoke Steps Down: Word out of Ann Arbor is that Brady cHoke is stepping down. The Big House Report is reporting yesterday that cHoke is stepping down as the defensive lines coach. Apparently he wants to be the “head coach” now or something along those lines. Seems that his failures to date have his seat a little hot (must be the reason he doesn’t need a long sleeve shirt on a cold day) so he wants to concentrate on being a the head guy. This is Brady cHokes comments on the move.

Until next time Buckeye Nation stay warm and stay safe.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Basketball, College Football, NFL, Ohio State Basketball, Ohio State Football Tagged With: , , ,

Surprise visitor to make Official Visit to OSU this weekend

February 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Late last night news broke that a surprise visitor would take an official visit to Ohio State this weekend just a few days after National Signing Day. This news isn’t that unusual in the grand scheme of things but the player taking the OV and his relationship to another current commit makes it a very interesting development.

The news was broke by 247sports National Football writer Steve Wiltfong…

So many of you will be asking yourself who exactly is Shelby Spence and why has he popped up on OSU Radar so late in the process. The truth is Shelby has long been on OSUs radar as he attended Friday Night Lights last summer with his teammate and good friend Jamarco Jones. So there is why this visit has become so important as Shelby and Jamarco are great friends and as all of you know by now Ohio State and Michigan State are in a heated battle to land current OSU commit Jamarco Jones who is considering flipping to MSU after a last minute visit to MSU this past weekend and only 24 hours to go to NSD.

What does this all mean for OSU and Spence and Jones? I was able to sit down and talk with Shelby late last night and get some info out of him about his recruitment and whether or not he and Jones are a package deal and the answers were somewhat surprising.

The important thing to know from my interview with Shelby was that the OV didn’t just pop up out of no where late in the process. When I asked him about the visit he said, “We’ve been talking about it” for a while. Also asked him who was main recruiter and he mentioned, that his original recruiter was Mike Vrabel but since Vrabel left that “Coach Meyer has taken over his recruiting”. It also helps that new Co-DC Chris Ash was his recruiter when he was at Wisconsin last year. This is important because it shows how serious they are in trying to land the 6’0″ 200 lbs DT QB/ Athlete. When I asked what position they would like to use Shelby at he mentioned Safety and that is what they had him play when he was out last summer for Friday Night Lights.

Academics play a huge role in Shelby’s life and prior to the announcement of his OV to OSU this weekend he was mainly considering Ivy League schools and told me he wants to major in Economics where ever he goes and certainly OSU has a highly rated Business/Economics program that could fit the bill for Mr. Spence.

Currently Shelby does not have an offer and when I asked him about that he told me, “I’ll have a better idea on his visit” what if any offer Coach Meyer can give him. There are 2 basic options at this point a traditional offer if OSU has a spot to give him say if either Jamarco Jones or Malik McDowell choose to go elsewhere. Or they could offer him a Preferred Walk-On which means he would walk-on and be in line to get a scholarship as soon as one becomes available. Which I am sure most OSU fans would prefer since it means they also landed both Jones and McDowell.

When asked if he had a dream school or if he grew up a fan of any particular school he told me, “Not any school but grew up a fan of specific players such as Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr, and Terelle Pryor.”. He certainly doesn’t hurt that all of the players he mentioned were OSU greats that’s for sure.

He did mention, he would not make a haste decision and that if he loved his visit to OSU he would “sit down and discuss everything with his family before making a final decision.”.

I did get to ask him on the record about his relationship with Jamarco Jones and whether he felt like OSU considered himself and Jamarco to be a package deal or if they considered themselves to be a package. He definitely feels like he is being recruited on his own abilities and that he is not tied to Jamarco. He said, that he and Jamarco “Have not discussed that at all” and neither have the coaches. He also told me he hasn’t discussed with Jamarco which way he is leaning and that whatever decision that Jamarco makes it won’t effect his own personal decision.

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It certainly doesn’t hurt that this could be Jamarco and Shelby together for the next 4-5 years and the longtime friends could play together at Ohio State even if they haven’t discussed it in great detail as of yet.

Are you still curious why “all of a sudden” OSU is interested in Shelby then you haven’t taken the time to watch his highlights to see he is the real deal and as I informed Shelby last night … Troy Smith was the last recruit taken in his class and only got the spot when another player chose to go elsewhere but he made his own destiny after arriving and eventually ended up a Heisman winner and a legend to OSU fans so I ask you to watch his highlights and see what the OSU coaches see before being a jaded fan…

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With: , , ,

MotSaG Chat with Torrance Gibson

January 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment

5star_recruit_iconosuHelmetUrban Meyer has an Offensive System that much we all know. Every now and again there comes a high school recruit who fits it perfectly. The 2015 class has a couple of QBs who fit the mold of what Coach Meyer wants and one of them stands out above the rest. Torrance Gibson is a 6’4″ 200 lbs 5 star QB from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Torrance is a Dual Threat QB who runs a spread offense in HS very similar to what Coach Meyer runs at Ohio State. If you watch his film (see below) you can almost see the similarities to Braxton Miller. He is a great runner and a better passer at this point in his career than most DT QBs. If he ends up at OSU you can be sure they system wont change and the offense will prosper.

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247sports ranks him a 5 star and the 16th best recruit in the country.
Rivals ranks him a 4 star and the 36th best recruit in the country.
Scout ranks him a 4 star and the 3rd best QB in the country.
ESPN ranks him a 4 star and the 11th best recruit in the country.

SYR- If you could please tell us about your home life… Parents, brothers and/or sisters, where you were born, Have you always lived in in the same place?

Torrance- My home is good it’s just me & my mom. I have brothers but they don’t live with me. I didn’t always live here.

SYR- Can you give us your current stats such as height, weight, 40 yard time, bench press, etc?

Torrance- I am 6″4 I weigh 200lbs. My 40 time is a 4.37 & I branch press 235

SYR- Tell us a little bit about your HS FB team such as record and offensive style?

Torrance- My team football record was 14-1 & we ran the spread offense.

SYR- What are your goals for your Senior season?

Torrance- My goals are to win states again, & to throw for 2500 yards & rush for 1,000.

SYR- What college football team did you grow up being a fan of and why?

Torrance- I grew up watching everyone. I never had a favorite college football team, I just love watching football.

SYR- You have offers from all over the country which one was the most exciting for you to get and why?

Torrance- Every offer is exciting because I never thought I would have this many offers before.

SYR- Who would you say is your personal hero and why?

Torrance- My mom because she does so much for me & she is a single parent.

SYR- If you were going to die tomorrow what would your final meal be?

Torrance- Wings & nachos

SYR- Who do you think you compare to most in the NFL or College right now?

Torrance- Well most people say I have speed like Michael Vick & RG3 & I have the build size like Cam Newton.

SYR- Who is your favorite College player of all time? And favorite NFL player of all time if different from College?

Torrance- My favorite college player would be Cam Newton & my favorite NFL player is Michael Vick.

SYR- Do you have a top 5 or 10 schools if yes who?

Torrance- I don’t have a top school I just have a list.

SYR- Do you currently have a leader or leaders yet?

Torrance- No everyone is the same right now.

SYR- Do you know when you would like to announce your commitment, if yes, when?

Torrance- After my final season of high school.

SYR- Have you visited Ohio State yet, if yes how did it go? and do you have any plans to visit them in the future? If yes, When?

Torrance- No I haven’t visit ohio state yet. But I’m planning a trip up there this summer.

SYR- What is your impression of Ohio State and Urban Meyer?

Torrance- Well Ohio state is a great program no doubt about that. But what Urban Meyer did with Ohio state is incredible. There is no doubt in my mind he will he will be in the coaches Hall of fame.

SYR- Do you hear from Ohio State often?

Torrance- Yeah I talk to the coaches every other day & we just talk about football, school, & my family.

SYR- Who is your lead recruiter for the Buckeyes?

Torrance- Mark Pantoni & Tom Herman

SYR- Has Raekwon McMillan or any other Buckeye recruits been in your ear about joining them at OSU?

Torrance- Yeah I wrote Raekwon on Twitter the other day & congratulated him on his commit.

SYR- What would you like Buckeye Nation to know about you that they most likely don’t already know?

Torrance- I want them to know that I am a humble football player/ student athlete & I’m willing to do anything to make myself great & the people around me better & that I love my girlfriend lol (:

You can follow Torrance by clicking @quick_tg6.

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football Tagged With:

Al Borges, Out at Michigan

January 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment

b1g_iconKeeping one eye on the enemy is our job and even though Michigan State is becoming more of a menace than that other team up north, this is pretty big news:

While Michigan fans will tell you otherwise, Hoke is starting to feel his seat heat up. He’s had two “successful” seasons so far in his tenure, but last year’s 7-6 season was forgettable to most and unacceptable to Wolverine fans. One of the reasons they struggled this year was the inconsistency of the offense and the feeling the offensive parts either didn’t fit, weren’t being developed or simply not well coached. Michigan is capable of attracting top talent and this year’s offense was not at the level Michigan needs to be to remain relevant, both nationally and in the B1G.

So it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise seeing Al Borges let go, it’s not going to do Hoke any favors in the stabilization of his program going forward. First recruits have been decomitting and now he needs to find a replacement to helm his offense.

And this hire has to be a homerun.

Filed Under: B1G Football

Ryan Shazier: A Bright Spot in Dark Times

January 8, 2014 by 3 Comments

The 2011 college football season was one of the worst seasons in recent memory for the Buckeyes and their fans. The dismissals of famed head coach Jim Tressel and star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, along with suspensions of others involved in the now infamous “Tattoo Gate” left the football program in turmoil. The aftermath resulted in an unprepared Luke Fickell to take over the head coaching position and a host of young, unproven players forced into action. But through this nightmare 6-7 season one of the young players that was forced into action and shone bright was true freshman linebacker Ryan Shazier. When Buckeye fans saw Shazier on the field they knew he was going to be great.

Shazier played in all 13 games that season and started the final three. His first start against Penn State certainly made a big impression, as he led the team with 15 tackles. He finished the season with 57 tackles, one of the highest totals by a freshman in the last 15 years at Ohio State, along with three sacks, five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. This was only the beginning of a great collegiate career.

Shazier truly broke out his sophomore season as he started all 12 games for Ohio State and was a thorn in the side of every offense he faced. He more than doubled his tackle totals from his freshman season, recording 115 tackles for 2012. This was good for second in the Big Ten conference. His 17 tackles for loss led the league. He also had five sacks and three forced fumbles. Shazier’s only interception of the season was big as he returned it 17 yards for a touchdown against Penn State, which broke a 7-7 tie and propelled Ohio State to victory.

His biggest play though came against Wisconsin. Buckeye fans will remember it fondly. Late in the game Wisconsin was on the goal line, facing a fourth and one at the goal line and threatening to tie the game, as Wisconsin handed it off to Monte Ball. Then Shazier happened…

It was the first fumble of Ball’s collegiate career and ensured victory for the Buckeyes. Shazier was a big part of the 12-0, undefeated season for Ohio State and seemed to make a big play every time he took the field. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2012 and was named first team all-Big Ten by the media.

Shazier once again improved his numbers in 2013. He had 144 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles while starting all 14 games. This was good enough to lead the Big Ten in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles. Shazier was named first team All-America by USA Today, Sports Illustrated, the Associated Press and Phil Steele. He was named first team all-Big Ten by the coaches and the media, while just missing out on winning the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award (in my opinion he should have won).

While Shazier didn’t have a lot of flashy plays in 2013, it was certainly the best of his career and he was an anchor on a Ohio State defense that struggled at times. He is definitely ready to make a jump up to the NFL, as the NFL Draft Advisory Board projected him to be a second round pick this spring. Yahoo Sports currently projects him 20th to the Arizona Cardinals. I have a feeling Shazier will be playing on a lot of Sundays over the next several years.

For Ohio State, the loss of Shazier will certainly be felt. The Buckeyes lose not only a great player, but a fantastic person and leader. While Shazier wasn’t at an A.J. Hawk-type level, he was certainly one of the top defensive players to come through Columbus over the last decade. His playing career only last three years at Ohio State, but his impact will remembered by Buckeyes’ players, coaches and fans forever. Shazier was part of the light that led the Buckeyes through dark days and back to the spotlight again.

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

Hanging Out With the Buckeyes & Tigers on the Orange Bowl Google+ Hangout

January 2, 2014 by 2 Comments

Getting to talk to Ohio State and Clemson players face-to-face? Sign me up! That was the opportunity I was offered just a few days before Christmas and of course I immediately jumped on it. For those that don’t follow me on Google+, I got to participate in the two-day Orange Bowl Digital Media Press Conference this past Monday and Tuesday via a Google+ Hangout with other fans. I talked directly with players on both sides and got to ask them questions about the upcoming game. It was certainly exciting and interesting to be so up close to the players. Over the two days, Clemson players Tajh Boyd, Sammy Watkins, Brandon Thomas and Vic Beasley were among the players that participated in the Hangout portion of the press conferences. For Ohio State, Carlos Hyde, Michael Bennett, CJ Barnett, Corey Linsley, Jack Mewhort and Corey “Philly” Brown participated.

On Monday I talked to Thomas, Watkins and Bennett. I asked offensive lineman Brandon Thomas how Ohio State’s defense stacks up on tape compared to other top defenses they’ve faced this season, such as South Carolina and Florida State. The audio doesn’t come in well here, but this is his answer:

Brandon Thomas on How Ohio State’s Defense Compares to Others

Fortunately the audio comes in quite well when I talk to wide receiver Sammy Watkins. I asked him to compare Ohio State’s secondary to the secondaries he faces in the ACC. He said the styles and aggressiveness of each are certainly different:

Sammy Watkins on Ohio State & ACC Secondaries

The final player I talked to on day one was defensive lineman Michael Bennett. I asked Bennett how it feels for him to reach the Orange Bowl after all that has happened around the football program the last few seasons. Bennett said it feels great after going through a few different coaches and to finally have stability and a plan around the program.

Michael Bennett Talks About How it Feels to Reach the Orange Bowl

I can imagine that Bennett would be a great interview. Seems very thoughtful and meticulous when he answers questions. Glad I got to ask him a question.

On day two I only attended the first part of the press conference and I talked to only Ohio State players. The first one I talked with was offensive lineman Jack Mewhort. I asked him what his biggest learning moment was this season, not only as a player, but as a person. Mewhort said it was definitely the Michigan State game.

Jack Mewhort on his Biggest Learning Moment in the 2013 Season

I liked Mewhort’s answer and he was definitely my favorite to talk to out off all the players I spoke with. Later in the hangout you’ll see him joking around with his teammates. He seems like a fun guy to be around and would love to have a full interview with him.

Later in the hangout I spoke with wide receiver Philly Brown and I asked him what the mood has been like around the team since the B1G Championship Game. Brown says it has been pretty good and he feels the team really learned from the experience.

Corey “Philly” Brown on the Team Since the B1G Championship

One last moment we were able to catch was the team getting a picture together after the press conference. You could definitely see they’re a tight nit unit and you get to see everyone’s favorite strength coach Mickey Marotti. I love his personality! Props to Matthew Laferty for getting this great screenshot below.

Orange Bowl Media Conference

I certainly had a great time participating in this unique opportunity and I’m glad to have shared it with you.

If you would like to view the entire day one hangout, click here. If you would like to view the entire day two hangout, click here.

Filed Under: B1G Football, BCS, Ohio State Football

Johnnie Dixon committing to OSU (Video)

December 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Earlier this week Johnnie Dixon committed to Ohio State for most fans there was no live video feed of his ceremony well here is the video for all you recruitniks…

Filed Under: B1G Football, College Football, College Football Recruiting, High School Football, Ohio State Football Tagged With:
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