2015 Ohio State Spring Football Questions: Will Special Teams Remain Special?

Beginning March 10th, Ohio State will have fifteen spring football practices before the conclusion of spring practice on April 18th in Ohio Stadium. Over the next few weeks, I will rank the top ten questions facing Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff as the Buckeyes retake the football field after concluding the 2014 season as the national champions.

These articles will be submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.

10. Special Teams

Key Players/Contributors Lost: WR Devin Smith, WR Evan Spencer, DB Ron Tanner, LB Curtis Grant, DB Armani Reeves, DB Devan Bogard.

Special teams will always be an area of emphasis for Coach Meyer. A case in point is how starters have often been used by Coach Meyer on special teams; former Buckeye Devin Smith was often deployed as a “gunner” on special teams under Coach Meyer. Devin Smith’s special teams play was often lauded by Coach Meyer, and may be a boost to Smith as the 2015 NFL Draft approaches.

Unfortunately, Ohio State may be without players such as Ron Tanner, Armani Reeves, and Devan Bogard going forward. Coach Meyer stated on National Signing Day 2015 that all three players may be unable to play anymore due to injuries.

Back to the 2015 Ohio State Buckeyes. How do special teams shape up for Ohio State this spring and into the 2015 season?

Realistically, Ohio State should not miss a beat. Yes, Ohio State is losing some talented players from the special teams units of 2014, but think of the following players who could contribute in 2015 who redshirted in 2014 – Parris Campbell, Sam Hubbard, Kyle Berger, Terry McLaurin, Malik Hooker, Johnnie Dixon, and Marshon Lattimore. That does not even include the players who have enrolled early, such as Jamel Dean or Nick Conner, or the remaining freshmen who will be arriving for fall camp.

Special teams will always be a prime gateway for players to earn playing time under Coach Meyer. With so much returning talent on hand, as well as the influx of new talent arriving, this ranks as the position group of least concern going into spring practice. It will also rank as a position group worthy of notice, as this group may not necessarily be settled well into the 2015 season.

MotSaG Chat with Jamel Dean

3star_recruit_iconI recently had the chance to chat with Jamel Dean a 6’1″ 180 lbs CB from Cocoa, Florida. The young man who was offered by Ohio State back in the Spring came to Friday Night Lights and showed everyone why he was given an offer. He has not been ranked by any site yet but the class of 2015 athlete will surely be ranked sooner rather than later. He already has offers from OSU, Florida, Miami, and Miss St. He is competing on the summer camp circuit and building a name for himself. Here is what he had to tell me when we were able to chat after his trip ended to OSU.

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SYR- How do you feel you performed at Friday Night Lights?

Jamel- During the drills, i was doing great then during individual i was off then got back on track.

SYR- Did you get a chance to work with any former Buckeyes if yes, who?

Jamel- Yes, i got a chance to work with their former DB’s

SYR- Did you get a chance to speak with any of the coaches if yes, who?

Jamel- I got to speak with almost all but I spoke to Urban Myers

SYR- When did OSU offer you and how did it happen and how did it feel?

Jamel- OSU offered me during our spring football practice. The recruiting coach came out there and watched. After practice my coach told me i had the offer. It was the best feeling in the world. All I could do was smile.

SYR- Describe the atmosphere at Friday Night Lights, is it what you expected?

Jamel- It was amazing. It was actually more than I expected. That what made it even more fun.

SYR- What was your favorite part of the FNL camp?

Jamel- The drills, the individuals, and how enthusiastic the coaching staff were.

SYR- What about your game do you think sets you apart from everyone else?

Jamel- My speed because you don’t see too many 6 ft DB running 10.5 10.6

SYR- When you think of Ohio State what comes to your mind?

Jamel- I love it!

SYR- If you could let Buckeye nation know one thing about you what would it be?

Jamel- I feel like I can fit in there

SYR- What school did you grow up being a fan of?

Jamel- I grew up liking Florida, West Virginia, and Ohio State

SYR- What position would you prefer to play in college?

Jamel- I would prefer to play corner or safety

SYR- It is early in the process for you but do you have a top 5 schools list yet?

Jamel- I only got 3: Ohio State, Florida, Miami in that order

SYR- When do you hope or plan to commit?

Jamel- Around my senior year

You can follow Jamel Dean on twitter by clicking here…

You can see his highlights by clicking here…