Bradley Roby incident was caught on video

The news about the arrest of Bradley Roby last came as a shock and scary moment for Buckeye fans and the team I am sure. His case has been quiet in the past few weeks until today. When news came out about the charges being reduced and possible end in sight.

Late tonight word from Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch has come out that the entire incident has been caught on tape.

Here is a few snippets from the story…

Video of an incident outside a Bloomington, Ind., bar involving Ohio State’s Bradley Roby appears to be instrumental in the Monroe County prosecutor’s decision earlier today to offer a diversion program that could result in the case against the cornerback being dismissed.

The Dispatch tonight obtained a supplemental police report, which is based on a police officer’s description of the video. That report contradicts the description in the original police report that caused Roby to be charged with misdemeanor battery and portrays Roby as more victim than perpetrator.

also…

Sources indicate that the prosecutor’s office did not receive the video until this week. The office downgraded the charge yesterday morning to disorderly conduct, a class B misdemeanor. Battery is a class A misdemeanor.

This afternoon, the prosecutor’s officer announced the offer of a diversion program. There is no word whether Roby would accept that program, though a deputy prosecutor said a receipt had been posted of payment for it.

and this is what the video shows…

The video appears to be the cause for the change. Officer Jordan Hasler, the second police officer to arrive at the scene, wrote in the supplemental report that he was shown video by the bar manager. Hasler wrote that the video showed Dunnkirk employees carrying Roby down stairs and out of the bar in what appeared to be a shoulder lock while grabbing his legs and lower torso.

Outside the bar, Hasler wrote, video showed Roby being pushed three times by the bar’s security guards, the third time resulting in Roby being driven back 2-3 feet.

After that, the report states, Roby “lunged” at one of the security guards, who handcuffed Roby.

The first police officer on the scene, Ryan McClain, had asked Dunnkirk personnel if there were video of the incident and was told there wasn’t. Why Hasler was shown the video after McClain was told it did not exist is not clear.
McClain’s original police report was based on eyewitness accounts that portrayed Roby as the aggressor.

That version of events alleged that Roby was removed from the bar and told not to return. When he attempted to walk back in and was stopped by the bar’s security detail, he hit one of the men, Jonathan King, in the chest and ripped King’s shirt, according to the report.

That caused McClain to arrest Roby and charge him with battery. Roby told McClain that the security personnel shoved him multiple times and handcuffed him, causing pain to his wrists and lip and small cuts on his forehead and right arm.

You Can read the entire article at the Columbus Dispatch.

From this description you can garner that Roby will take Diversion which means all the charges will be dropped. He will face even less punishment than I thought earlier today in my opinion. This case should have never even been a case.

MotSaG Look at the Defensive Tackles

Buckeyes Gone From Last Year

Johnathan Hankins– Along with John Simon, ‘Big Hank’ lead the defense and was an absolute menace to opposing offenses. I was personally pretty disappointed when he chose to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, but I knew he was ready for the pros. Hankins was picked by the New York Giants at no. 17 in the second round of the draft, where he’ll join fellow Buckeye Jim Cordle. I look forward to watching Hank on Sundays and continuing to develop into a great pro defensive line.

Garrett Goebel – Goebel was probably one of the most overlooked players on defense the last two seasons for the Buckeyes. This tends to happen when you play alongside a legend like John Simon and a future second round draft pick in Johnathan Hankins. Goebel wasn’t a flashy player, but he always brought consistency and a solid presence on the line. He started every game his junior and senior seasons, racking up nine tackles for loss and two sacks over that time frame. Goebel signed as an undrafted free agent in April with the St. Louis Rams, where he’s currently fighting for a roster spot.

So Who Will Replace Them?

Michael Bennett– Michael Bennett is a name you should hear a lot this season. With the defensive line losing all four of its starters and Bennett being the most experienced among the returnees, a lot of will be expected out of him. While he has played in 21 games over his career, the junior has only started one game and that was when Simon was out against the school up north. Bennett has 28 career tackles, six for a loss, along with four sacks. Among returning players, Bennett is only second to Ryan Shazier in career sacks.

Bennett is an OSU Scholar Athlete majoring in consumer and family financial services. The junior is from Centerville, Ohio where he played for Centerville High School. Bennett was named a Division I all-Ohio performer and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Bennett was also a track and field athlete.

Tommy Schutt– Along with Bennett, a lot is expected out of Schutt. Schutt is only a sophomore, but still saw a good amount of playing time last year as a freshman. Schutt saw action in 10 games last season and started one game against Central Florida, playing 21 snaps. Schutt’s most notable game was against Wisconsin, accumulating four tackles and an important “quarterback hurry” in the Buckeyes’ win.

Schutt is also an OSU Scholar Athlete and is currently exploring for a major in the area of management and industry. Schutt is probably most well-known for being one of the first players to commit to Ohio State under Urban’s leadership. Schutt was a highly regarded five-star player out of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and was a major coup for Meyer in his debut recruiting class. He was ranked the no. 1 player in Illinois by Rivals.com. Three top recruiting services (Scout.com, MaxPreps, Rivals.com) named him a top 100 player nationally. Schutt was also on the ESPNU Top 150 players list.

Who Are the Backups?

Joel Hale– Hale is probably one of the best kept secrets on the Buckeyes, as I was surprised to see he was already a junior. Even though Hale is kind of under the radar, he’s expected to contribute more this season than the last two seasons combined. Defensive coaches will look to him as an experienced presence on a young defensive line. Hale played in 15 games over the last two seasons, racking up 10 tackles. Hale saw enough action over his first two seasons to earn a varsity letter in each year.

Hale’s major is in consumer and family financial services. As a senior in high school, he was named Indiana’s defensive line’s “Mr. Football.” In his senior campaign at Center Grove High School he accumulated 40 tackles and nine forced fumbles. Hale was also a track and field letter winner.

Chris Carter– The first thing you’ll say about Carter when you see him is he’s massive. This is despite the fact that he was once even bigger, weighing more than 400 pounds. He’s now at a “lean” 341 pounds and stands six feet four inches tall. Carter is a red shirt sophomore and played all 12 games last season on special teams. Carter was initially an offensive linemen, but was moved to the defensive line in the spring of 2012.

Carter is a communications major from Cleveland. He attended John F. Kennedy High School, where he lettered in track and field, weight lifting and of course football. Carter helped lead JFK High School to the Division II playoffs his senior season. He was named the MVP of the Senate League. Carter was also active in extra curricular activities, being the student government president and being involved in the Army JROTC, along with many other activities.

Surprise Player

Carter– While everyone knows about Bennett and Schutt, along with two other notable defensive linemen in Adolphus Washington and Noah Spence, Carter is quietly waiting in the wings. I’m pretty excited about this guy’s future because of his size and most importantly his new-found motivation. Shedding 60 pounds wasn’t an easy task for Carter and I commend him for his accomplishment. Carter gave a lot of credit to strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti for whipping him into shape and to defensive line coach Mike Vrabel for motivation. A hungry and faster Carter is something I’m looking forward to seeing on the field and I look for him to make his presence known this season.

What to Expect Out of the Defensive Tackles

Greatness. I’m not going to beat around the bush. Yes this unit may experience some growing pains early in the season, but I expect it to be a well-oiled and finely tuned machine by the end of the season. Meyer and his defensive coaching staff is going to push these guys and make them one of the most feared units in the country. Everyone talks about Meyer’s offensive credentials, but he made some pretty great defensive teams while at Florida too.

I won’t be surprised at all if Michael Bennett and/or Tommy Schutt are named to the first or second all-Big 10 team. Bennett could really have a break out season and be one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 10. Hale should be one of the go-to guys off the bench and Carter will show us a glimpse into his promising future. To the Big 10 quarterbacks: Expect pain in your future, courtesy of the Buckeye defensive line. Not only next season, but for several seasons to come.

Curtis Samuel becomes commit #17

5star_recruit_iconUrban Meyer will go where ever the talent is. He has landed recruits from every part of the country. He will leave no stone unturned to land every recruit he can. Let’s face it though Urban Meyer doesn’t have to turn over many rocks to find 4 and 5 star recruits. They stand out on top of those rocks like trophies ripe for the picking. His latest recruit fits every thing that Coach Meyer loves speed, athletic, and can play different positions.

curtis-samuel

Marc Givler of Buckeye Grove confrimed it via his twitter account…

Curtis Samuel is a 6’0″ 185 lbs 5 star RB/WR/Safety/Athlete from Brooklyn, New York. Curtis is a blazer of a football player running a 4.36 40 yard dash. He projects to play WR at Ohio State but has the versatility to move all over the place he could play RB or WR depending on how his body develops. He also could play defense but he is a playmaker so expect to see him on the offensive side in the Percy Harvin type position. Where Coach Meyer will do everything he can to get the ball in his hands to let him make plays.

247sports ranking– 5 star and 25th best prospect in the country.
Scout ranking- 4 star and the 145th best prospect in the country.
Rivals ranking- 4 star and 116th best prospect in the country.
ESPN ranking- 4 star and the 3rd best prospect in New York.

Bradley Roby charges reduced

In what should come as no surprise to anyone the charges against Bradley Roby have been reduced from Battery to Disorderly Conduct. From the beginning the charges seemed over the top. Roby was accused of pushing a bouncer in the chest causing pain. Yes he was dumb and should have just left the bar when asked but the battery charge seemed over the top to me.

Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch had this to say on his twitter feed…

From the article…

The misdemeanor charge against Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby was changed today from battery, a class A misdemeanor, to disorderly conduct, a less serious charge.

Roby was arrested July 21 after an altercation outside a Bloomington, Ind, bar. Roby has not missed practice time, but the All-Big Ten player has taken reps with the second unit during training camp.

Coach Urban Meyer has said that he is awaiting all of the facts in the case before deciding what, if any, punishment he’ll give Roby. At the Big Ten media days, Meyer said that a suspension was likely.

The motion to amend was filed by Monroe County deputy prosecutor Christopher Pierce this morning. Disorderly conduct is a class B misdemeanor.

The pretrial conference remains scheduled for Aug. 26.

With this news you should expect Roby to plead guilty and most likely get some community service and a fine at worst. He will see some time cleaning Buckeye Grove and may miss 1 game IMO.

The Best of the B1G, #1 Braxton Miller

b1g_iconThe returning B1G Offensive Player of the Year promises frightening new potential in Urban Meyer’s second year. A very early Heisman favorite, Braxton Miller will have several advantages this year that he did not have last year, including experience, continuing improved passing and a second year in Urban’s system. However, the strongest new development is the emergence of the receiving corps which for the two years prior was the Achilles heal of the offense. After the 2011 tat-gate suspensions deprived the offense of its only experienced receiver DeVier Posey, the offense has had to struggle with young receivers not yet strong enough to separate themselves with frequency.

Braxton Miller

Braxton Miller


That has all changed now. Not only does Braxton have a strong group of hardened veterans, but a strong recruiting class, highlighted by what should be the immediate impact of JUCO signee Corey Smith and playmakers Dontre Wilson, Jalin Marshall and James Clark. Also, not to be overlooked is the prospect of a healthy Jordan Hall catching passes out of the backfield alongside the power of Carlos Hyde. And we have not even gotten to tight end where Nick Vannett and Jeff Heuerman promise to be as robust as any unit. If I had to pick a surprise bust out darkhorse, I would go with junior Evan Spencer who has all the athleticism, strength and now experience to be a guy who can make a big play. But if you want to make an impact in this group, Evan you better start early.

One group that Braxton does not have to worry about is the offensive line. Replacing Reid Fragel will not be easy but there are several strong contenders and the unit, which was strong to begin with, is otherwise intact.

Funny how you can talk about Braxton’s potential and how great it looks by spending so much time on others before getting to Braxton himself. For the record, in 2012, Ohio State led the B1G in scoring offense and was third in total offense. The Buckeyes were also second in passing efficiency, rushing offense and red zone conversions. But they were eighth in passing offense, and Braxton was 7th in YPG. Braxton himself was second in overall offense and fourth in rushing but only the seventh leading passer.

The point is, Braxton has carved out his success largely by himself, that is mostly with his feet. He had no choice really, with such an inexperienced receiving corps and with banged up running backs. So the prospect of a Braxton Miller sitting in the middle of many other explosive weapons is tantalizing indeed. But from a different perspective, it was kind of like he has been strafing, with deadly precision, the B1G in a WWII Mustang fighter. Now it looks like he will be dropped in to seize the controls of a jet fighter. Perhaps that is a challenge in itself–it remains to be seen whether he can pull all the right levers with so many potential options, but given the experience he now has, one has to like his odds.

Every Reason to Smile

Every Reason to Smile

Immediately after the 2012 season ended, Braxton, got together with noted “quarterback whisperer” George Whitfield, Jr., who said , “Braxton has one of the biggest arms in college football. “I know people see his speed and his playmaking ability. But I am talking about, he’s got rare, rare arm talent.” The Spring Game obviously has been the only opportunity to view Braxton since working with Whitfield, but the results, admittedly limited, were all thumbs up. And of course, Ohio State is blessed with a very capable backup in fan favorite Kenny Guiton. So Ohio State fans can expect to buckle up and enjoy the ride–it promises to be a blast.

Previously on MotSaG’s Best of the B1G
#2 Taylor Martinez
#3 Bradley Roby
#4 Ryan Shazier
#5 Taylor Lewan
Best of the B1G, #10-6
Best of the B1G, #15-11
Best of the B1G, #20-16
Best of the B1G, #25-21

MotSaG Chat with Minkah Fitzpatrick

Urban Meyer and his staff have been recruiting the New Jersey/New York area as hard if not harder then any other area in the US including Ohio. They have had success already in the area landing star HS recruits and will have some in the very near future and likely will in the 2015 class as well. I recently interviewed one of those potential young men in 2015 recruit Minkah Fitzpatrick. Minkah is a 6’0″ 185 lbs 4 star Cornerback from Jersey City, New Jersey. 247sports ranks him a 4 star and the 38th best prospect in the country. Scout ranks him a 4 star and the 76th best recruit in the country. ESPN ranks him a 4 star and the 38th best recruit in the country. I think Ohio State has a great chance with this kid and his talent is undeniable. Here is his interview for your reading pleasure.

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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?

Minkah- I was born in New Brunswick NJ, raised in South River NJ until I was 5 then I moved to Old Bridge but I actually attend school in Jersey City, NJ. I live with both my parents and my brother Justice sisters Destiny, Promise and Devine.

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

Minkah- Sure, I am 6′ 186lbs. I ran three laser 40 ‘s in a three week span 4.4 4.67 4.48. Bench press 285 my vertical is 37.4 and my shuttle ranges from 3.91 to 4.06.

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

Minkah- Last years record was 9-2. Our offensive style will be different this year because we have a different type of players ( wait and see!!) Defense is always fast and physical.

SYR- What are your goals for the upcoming season?

Minkah- GET THAT RING!!

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

Minkah- Growing up College football was big in my house and there was a lot of teams I loved to follow, one that stands out was the Gators ( Tim Tebow)..

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

Minkah- That’s a tough one some of them stand out for different reasons. My first from Rutgers my freshman year because they are my home state and they see you the most its good to know they want you. Then I would say Ohio State because Urban Meyer coached my Gator team that I really liked a lot and he’s a great coach. And recently LSU because they are known for great secondary. But each one I felt really blessed.

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

Minkah- My family

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

Minkah- I love all food.

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

Minkah- I’ve been told Dee Milliner & Richard Sherman.

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

Minkah- Favorite College would be Patrick Peterson. Favorite NFL would be Deion Sanders.

SYR- Do you have a top 5 yet and if yes who are they?

Minkah- No I’m not going to make my top 5 until I get out to the Midwest ,Florida & LSU.

SYR- Do you currently have a leader?

Minkah- No but I have schools that I’ve been to that I know I will go back to.

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

Minkah- No

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

Minkah- I never shy from competition. Its probably the only thing I can’t say no to. LOL

You can follow Minkah on twitter by clicking @minkfitz_21

A Look At Ohio State’s 2013 Schedule, From Easiest To Toughest (Part 2)

osuHelmet(This is a post from our Guest Columnist, Chip Minnich. Chip is a formerly blogger at Land Grant Holy Land and blogs regularly at his site, From the Mind of Minnich. He will be posting here periodically on a variety of topics. This week he looks at Ohio State’s 2013 schedule)

Part one of this series reviewed the perceived “easier” games for Ohio State in the upcoming 2013 season. As former legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes was fond of saying, “Anything easy ain’t worth a damn.”. Part two will focus on the more challenging games of this upcoming season, as I predict them to be, for the Buckeyes. As always, I look forward to your comments and contributions.

Beware The Bye Teams

The next two teams on this list both have bye weeks before they play Ohio State. While I expect Ohio State to win these games, I do not expect an easy time of it in either contest.

7. Penn State (10/26/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 telecast; Ohio Stadium): It would be very easy for Ohio State fans to look at this game as an easy win – Penn State is still in the midst of its scholarship reductions, Penn State will have an inexperienced quarterback, and the game is at night in Ohio Stadium. Very good points, and I am guessing there are others I missed.

Here are some others to consider – Penn State won in Ohio Stadium in its last appearance there, after legendary coach Joe Paterno was let go by Penn State. Penn State is well-coached by Bill O’Brien, who was in heavy demand by NFL teams last winter. And…Penn State has a bye coming into this game, while Ohio State will be coming off the Iowa game the week before. Considering this is a home game for Ohio State, that is why I rank Penn State as being easier than…

8. @ Purdue (11/02/2013; kickoff TBA; Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN): Ohio State fans know, or should know, what has happened the last two times the Buckeyes have traveled to Ross-Ade Stadium to take on the Boilermakers (2009, 2011). I believe new Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell, a former Ohio State assistant during Jim Tressel’s tenure, is well-aware of those challenges too. More importantly, the returning players on Purdue’s roster have to be seething with anticipation for this game, after how close they were to defeating the Buckeyes last season in Ohio Stadium, only to lose in overtime. All those factors, the home field, and a bye week, should make this an interesting trip for the Buckeyes.

Goin’ Back To Cal(i)

9. @ California (09/14/2013; 7pm EST kickoff; Fox Sports telecast; California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA): I can almost hear you now ~ “Chip is concerned about a 3-9 team this much?!?”. Yes, I am, and here is why – Sonny Dykes is now the head coach for Cal, and Dykes’ teams are traditionally very strong offensively. To put it in perspective, Dykes’ Louisiana Tech squad lost a close shootout last season vs Texas A&M, 59-57. Ohio State had to rally last year against California, and that was in Ohio Stadium. Throw in how the Buckeyes have to travel across the country (even Coach Meyer has expressed concern about this), as well as Carlos Hyde’s suspension, and I think this one could be closer than expected by Ohio State fans.

Get Those Badgers Out Of My House

10. Wisconsin (09/28/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ESPN 2 telecast; Ohio Stadium): I have been fortunate to have been in Ohio Stadium to watch Ohio State defeat Wisconsin (2007, 2009, and 2011). As a matter of fact, I was up in C Deck on the 40 yard line looking down at Braxton Miller as this pass was released. I was able to happily watch Wisconsin’s secondary frantically race back in vain as Devin Smith waited on the pass in the end zone.

As usual, this game will be determined by how/if Ohio State’s revamped defensive front will be able to stop the traditionally strong Wisconsin running game. The team that wins this game will be in the driver’s seat for a berth in The B1G conference championship game. And just like 2007, 2009, and 2011, I am looking forward to being in Ohio Stadium for this one.

The Road Warriors (?)

11. @ Northwestern (10/05/2013; 8pm EST kickoff; ABC/ESPN/ ESPN 2 telecast; Ryan Field, Evanston, IL): Yes, I know that Ohio State has usually had their way with Northwestern in recent years. As a matter of fact, Ohio State has seemingly made a point of bashing Northwestern ever since the last time Ohio State played a night game at Northwestern.

Why the concern? Because Ohio State will have played a night game the week before versus Wisconsin, while Northwestern will have played Maine. I am not saying Ohio State cannot get psychologically up for two weeks in a row, but it will be a challenge, especially in front of a possibly raucous Northwestern crowd.

12. @ Michigan (11/30/2013; kickoff TBA; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI): THE GAME. Throw out the records on this one.

Actually, Ohio State fans would be wise to consult the record books on this one. Think of the various disappointments and heartbreaks the Buckeyes have experienced in their many trips to “That Team Up North”, especially when an undefeated season is on the line. 1993. 1995. Those two right there cost Ohio State a chance at a national championship. The same thing could be on the line this season.

Can you imagine how painful a loss to TTUN would be if it cost Ohio State a shot at a national championship? Yes, I know – they might play the very next week for The B1G conference championship. If Ohio State does not win the first time, it could make the second time mean less.

As I wrote in part one, it is very natural to look at games on a schedule and mark down the wins ahead of time. It is also why the games are not played on paper, but on the field. Ohio State fans everywhere, myself included, will start watching on August 31st to see if their predictions of ease or difficulty are as accurate as they forecast.

2 Buckeyes Careers over?

As we all know by now sports related injuries happen and sometimes they can end a career before it can even get started. Today we have word that two players careers are likely over due to injuries.

Per Ari Wasserman of Buckeye Sports Bulletin..

also from Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch..

Jamie Wood has suffered with injury issues for a while now and his career has been rumored to be over before. Adam Griffin is much more unexpected. He is a fan favorite and as a legacy of possibly the greatest Buckeye Family ever his loss will not go unnoticed. We wish the best for both these young men and a speedy recovery.

MotSaG look at the Cornerbacks

osuHelmetThe cornerback position is a fan favorite on this football team, partially due to the amount of enthusiasm position coach Kerry Coombs exudes on a daily basis, and also due to the electric players that have traditionally been produced at this position from this program. Guys like Antoine Winfield, Malcom Jenkins, Shawn Springs, and Chris Gamble, have dawned the Scarlet and Grey at the cornerback position, and left the bar extremely high for future cornerbacks coming out of Ohio State. This may be the year we see another all time great corner, in Bradley Roby, join the Mount Rushmore of Ohio State Cornerbacks. Behind Roby, there are other young Buckeyes looking to make some noise this upcoming year and become a cornerstone for the 2013 Silver Bullets.

Last Year Performance
The cornerback position presented some promise entering last Spring. Buckeye fans knew that Travis Howard was an above average cornerback who, with a little more dedication and coaching, could be a strength of the OSU secondary. However, as Kerry Coombs took over the cornerback coaching, his guy was redshirt Sophomore Bradley Roby. “He’s big, and he’s fast, and he’s physical, and he’s intelligent and he’s got great change of direction,” Coombs said. “His transition is outstanding. And if Bradley’s not a first-round draft pick down the road, that would be a shame.”

As we all know, Roby did not disappoint in his 2012 campaign, as he lead the nation in passes broken up, and became an All-American corner. Howard was no stiff either, as he worked past his early season troubles to become a solid corner for the 2012 Buckeyes. Overall I would give the cornerbacks a solid B from last year. They did not force as many turnovers as Coach Coombs, and Buckeye fans, would have liked, but they were a sure strength for the defense.

Starters Lost
Travis Howard- 2012 Stats- 39 tackles, 4 interceptions

Player to Watch
Bradley Roby- As predictable as this is, it is hard not to mention and watch Roby. The guy is an electric play-maker on the defensive side of the ball. He is good in run support, good in zone coverage, and excels in man coverage. He also enjoys running his mouth off to TTUN players, and dominating them as well. I expect Roby to become more of a ball-hawk this year and a complete shutdown corner. Look for Roby to turn some of those pass break ups from last year, into interceptions this year. I also think Buckeye fans should expect Roby to lead the youth we have at this position. Even with his off the field issues, the greatest teacher for youth is experience, and Roby has his fair share of that on and off the field, that he can share with the rest of this group. Judging from his role as player coach this spring, I think Coombs and Meyer trust Roby, and will give him a leadership role that will carry much more significance this year.

roby_jawing

Player that Needs to Step Up
Doran Grant- Grant is a relatively unknown Buckeye. He was neck and neck with Travis Howard going in to fall camp last year, as a freshman, until Howard beat him out. However, Grant was a key contributor on Special Teams last year. When he earned time on the field at corner he recorded a sack, interception, and forced fumble, so he does have a niche for finding the football. Grant is 5’11, 190 pounds which will help him match up physically against any receiver he faces. Grant was also tied for second, with Braxton Miller, and behind 1st place Bradley Roby, in the fastest 40 time on the team registering a 4.32. Grant has all of the physical attributes, and talent to fill the void Howard left behind. However, he will need to improve his knowledge of the position, along with his technique, in order to become the second shut down corner of the Buckeye defense. He may be young but welcome to life of being an Ohio State Buckeye, it is either step up or move on, there is little to no time for wait and see.

Sleeper Pick
Armani Reeves- Reeves was a vital member of the “Piranhas” on Special Teams last year, and when he went down with an injury it was very noticeable. Reeves is a very good tackler, that also possesses good coverage skills. I expect him to be a very solid #3 corner in the Buckeyes rotation, but I would not be surprised if he challenges Grant for a starting role this Fall. Reeves will need to improve his consistency, and soak in all the coaching and experience he can get. He was able to gain some first team snaps this spring, as Roby sat out, and looked pretty good filling in. If Reeves can step in, be a solid corner, and occasionally flash the ball hawk ability he has shown on Special Teams, this defensive secondary will be lethal.

Prediction of Performance
This group is very inexperienced at playing corner. Most of these guys played on Special Teams last year and contributed immensely. However, I think there will be a lot of growing pains with the number two and three corners, that they will have to go through in order to become consistent contributors. They have the speed, instinct, and talent to become good corners, but there is so much inexperience at this position, that I think it is going to take a great coaching job, from Coach Coombs, to get these guys playing, and understanding, the complex coverage’s they will be asked to play. One side of the field is accounted for with Roby, as long as he keeps his head on straight and stays hungry. While Doran Grant may have a firm strong hold on the second corner spot, his experience starting at the position is little to none. It may take him a few games to get acclimated to being the other guy. However, he will get thrown to a lot due to how talented Roby is, so I’m pretty confident he will grow throughout the year. Whoever plays the number three cornerback, whether it is Armani Reeves, Eli Apple, or Gareon Conley, will be a sophomore or freshman. At the end of the year, I expect this position from one to six to be a major strength for this defense due to the upside of all of these players, and how great of a coach Kerry Coombs is.

Depth Chart (starters in italics)
Boundary CornerBradley Roby, Armani Reeves or Gareon Conley
Field CornerDoran Grant, Eli Apple

(Image courtesy of HoneyChild Photography)

MotSaG Chat with James Lockhart

4star_recruit_iconThere are always recruits trying to get their name out there for schools and coaches to see them and give them an offer. None may be more persistent than James Lockhart a 6’3″ 245 lbs 4 star DE from Ennis, Texas. Who went on a twitter frenzy last week trumping up support for Ohio State coaches to watch his film and offer him a scholarship. Buckeye Fans and current commits took notice and championed his effort. Time will tell whether the 87th ranked recruit in the country according to 247sports effort will have the results he seeks but in the meantime here is an interview I had with him to gauge where his interest really sits with the Buckeyes. You can judge for yourself how much he is really interested in OSU.

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

James-I have two parents. They are divorced but still good friends. I have one sister and she’s eleven. I was born in Ennis Texas.

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

James- I’m 6’4 . Weight is right at 250. I run a 4.72 40. I bench 355. I squat 600. My shuttle time is 3.94 also

SYR- Tell us a little bit about your HS FB team such as record from last year and defensive style?

James- We run a multiple defense. Primary in a 4-3 though. We run a wing T offense. And also went 8-3 last year

SYR- What are your goals for the upcoming season?

James- To win State. Have 80 tackles. Best the sack record at my school. And get ALOT of offers

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

James- Texas and because my family is a big longhorn fans

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

James- My father because he’s taught me so much in football and in life also

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

James- My grandparents barbecue

SYR- You have some really big school offers is there any out there you really hope you get and who are they?

James- Ohio State, Florida, Florida st. Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Oregon.

SYR- Do you feel a lot of pressure to stay home and go to one of the Texas schools?

James- No, the main thing is for me just be smart and stay humble

SYR- Do you currently have a top 5 and/or a leader?

James- Alabama, LSU, Florida, Georgia, and Texas A&M

SYR- What would you like Buckeye Nation to know about you that they probably dont already know?

James- It’s a great school. I’ve always been a fan. And it’s a school that I think fits me

You can follow James on twitter by clicking @KingJeezy_9

You can see his highlights by clicking this link.