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

“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.

The Late Glenn Frey, In An Ode To The 2015 Ohio State Recruiting Class

The anticipation for Ohio State spring football is always tremendous. Tickets for the April 16th spring game are already on sale, with the game two months away. Ohio State just signed an impressive recruiting class for 2016, with seven of the players already enrolled, planning to participate in spring drills.

How does this involve the late, great Glenn Frey, former member of The Eagles? In February 2015, Ohio State signed a talented group of players, with the vast majority redshirting throughout the 2015 season. When I write “vast majority”, I am citing the fact that 21 out of 25 players did not see game action. That amounts to 84% of the 2015 recruiting class.

Glenn Frey wrote the song “New Kid In Town”, a familiar song to Eagles fans. Below are some of the lyrics as I describe some of the players Ohio State fans will have an opportunity to learn about as the April 16th spring game approaches…

“There’s talk on the street; it sounds so familiar
Great expectations, everybody’s watching you
People you meet, they all seem to know you
Even your old friends treat you like you’re something new

Johnny come lately, the new kid in town
Everybody loves you, so don’t let them down”

At quarterback, Joe Burrow has already been named the backup quarterback heading into spring drills. If you think backup quarterback is unimportant, I suggest you go look up the following football season – Ohio State, 2014.

At running back, Mike Weber will throw his hat into the ring to replace early NFL Draft entry Ezekiel Elliott. Weber is one of the members of the 2015 recruiting class who possibly could have played in 2015, if not for an injury that required surgery during fall camp.

At wide receiver, converted quarterback Torrance Gibson, Alex Stump, and K.J. Hill will all battle to impress the coaching staff. Considering Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall have also declared for the NFL Draft, here is a position group that is open for players to contribute.

Tight end? Nick Vannett has moved on, with Marcus Baugh the only returning tight end with any game experience. A.J. Alexander and Rashod Berry will want to seize the moment, as Ohio State signed three tight ends in Kierre Hawkins, Jake Hausmann, and Luke Farrell who will arrive on campus this summer.

Offensive Line? This was an impressive haul last February, with Grant Schmidt, Kevin Feder, Matthew Burrell, and Branden Bowen…who all redshirted. There are three spots open on the line.

Two open spots along the defensive line should loom large this spring. Jashon Cornell, Dre’Mont Jones, Joshua Alabi, Robert Landers, and Davon Hamilton may all be in the mix here.

Two open linebacker spots, with plenty of opportunities for playing time. Nick Conner impressed in the 2015 spring game, but redshirted due to injury. Justin Hilliard was arguably one of the most recruited players in the class, and redshirted from injury also.

The secondary? Talk about an opportunity, with three open spots, including both safety positions. Joshua Norwood and Damon Arnette can throw their hats into contention.

Don’t forget Ohio State signed a long-snapper last winter. Liam McCullough may be the easiest of the 2015 redshirt freshmen to target for a starting position, as Bryce Haynes has exhausted his eligibility.

Twenty-one out of twenty-five. All eager, able, and hungry to show the Ohio State coaching staff, and fans, what they can do. These players would be wise to remember the words of Glenn Frey…

“There’s talk on the street, it’s there to
Remind you, that it doesn’t really matter
which side you’re on.
You’re walking away and they’re talking behind you
They will never forget you ’til somebody new comes along…”

2015 Ohio State Spring Football Questions: Linebackers Have Improved, But Depth Is Young

On March 10th, Ohio State began spring practice and 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.

7. Linebacker

Key Players/Contributors Lost: Curtis Grant (final year of eligibility), Trey Johnson (injury), Devan Bogard (injury)

Key Players/Contributors Returning: Darron Lee (Redshirt Sophomore), Raekwon McMillan (Sophomore), Joshua Perry (Senior), Camren Williams (Senior), Dante Booker (Sophomore), Christopher Worley (Redshirt Sophomore), Kyle Berger (Redshirt Freshman), Nick Conner (Freshman)

Similar to what I wrote about with regards to the running backs and H-Back positions for Ohio State, it seems challenging to call this area of the football team a concern. Darron Lee emerged as one of the most dynamic linebackers in the country, with timely plays against Navy, Maryland, Alabama, and Oregon, among others. Lee has established himself as “exhibit A” of not overemphasizing recruiting rankings, as Lee was a three-star recruit who earned his scholarship with tenacity and determination at Ohio State’s summer recruiting camp. Raekwon McMillan played well and often at the middle linebacker spot, alongside former Buckeye teammate Curtis Grant. McMillan was considered one of the crown jewels of the 2014 recruiting class, and played up to his billing. Lastly, rising senior Joshua Perry has quietly and consistently developed into a steadying presence on the Ohio State defense over his previous three seasons; Perry should emerge as an Ohio State captain for the 2015 season.

Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer stated on National Signing Day 2015 that he is “really excited about” the linebacker position, adding, ” I think that Luke Fickell has really done a very, very good job the last three years of building back up to the Ohio State standards…you’re starting seeing these athletes coming up on all special teams. There was a time a couple of years ago the linebackers weren’t involved in the kicking game. It was because for whatever reason they’re not. Now they’re all over the place…”.

In addition, there will be two more linebackers joining the position group in June, with Justin Hilliard and Jerome Baker both signing with Ohio State. As Coach Meyer said, Coach Fickell has replenished the linebacker position very well, and the results were evident during the 2014 national championship season.

If I had to summarize my concerns over this position group, it would be in the simple fact that the linebackers are very talented, but also very young. With the exceptions of Perry and Camren Williams, there are no upperclassmen. Injuries ended the careers of Trey Johnson and Devan Bogard, and the backup positions have seen minimal game experience outside of special teams duty.

Of course, former Ohio State Head Coach John Cooper used to say, “If a dog is going to bite, he’s going to bite as a pup.”. I would prefer Ohio State’s coaches let the young linebackers take their bites out on the opposition, especially early in the season, to help provide that necessary maturity and experience emerge.

Neville Gallimore Brings Canadian Flavor to The Opening

Follow: @Mike_Rockstedt

The Opening, held each year at Nike’s headquarters in Oregon, is a prestigious event held for the best of the best in high school football.  Neville Gallimore, with his participation, became the first Canadian prospect to play in the event.  Gallimore, as we all know, dominated the Columbus NFTC and as a result, was invited to this all star challenge.  He is not only showing off his skills for himself, but wants to prove to people that Canada has a lot of talent, just like the United States.  The Opening was his chance to show the nation why Canada deserves a fair shot at gaining credibility for football.  Gallimore, of course, did not disappoint, and he was able to enjoy every moment of it.

Gallimore is a huge prospect.

“Everything from the plane ride to chilling in the hotel room was awesome!” Gallimore said of the event.  “Everything about The Opening was great and I had a lot of fun.”

Gallimore’s roommate was non-other than Ohio State’s very own Jashon Cornell.  Of course, this is a time to enjoy but Cornell was recruiting him here and there.  He told me that he got to spend some time with both Cornell and Justin Hilliard, and not all of the conversations were about football.  They have truly built a good relationship off the field as well and it has helped Ohio State’s chances for landing the big target.  Gallimore talked a little bit about how their friendship helped Ohio State.

“It’d be awesome for all of us to play together,” Gallimore said of his new friends.  “It definitely helped the chances with Ohio State because it shows the type of players they recruit.  Justin and Jashon are great guys and it kind of shows the team that Ohio State wants.  They are guys I would love to play with.”

As for the rest of the summer, Gallimore is unsure of what visits he is going on, but is hoping to come to Ohio State for Friday Night Lights.  He has just been invited to and accepted an invite to the Army All American Game and is very excited for that.  Gallimore is still pretty open in his recruitment and is enjoying everything about it.  I like Gallimore a lot as he is very humble and talented.

MotSaG Chat with Justin Hilliard

justin-2015I recently had the chance to interview the top prospect in Ohio for 2015 and one of the top LBers in the entire country. Justin Hilliard is a High 4 star Linebacker from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is one of the best players in the country and holds offers from Ohio State, TTUN, Notre Dame, Miami of FL., Texas A&M, and many others. 247sports ranks him a 4 star and the 43rd best recruit in the country. ESPN ranks him a 4 star and the 145th best recruit in the country for 2015. This kid is being recruited hard by many of the top schools and his skill set is one that is coveted by everyone. Based on his interview below though you can argue he has no favorite at this point and that his recruiting is wide open. Being an Ohio resident doesn’t seem to give Ohio State the inside track as he has moved all over. Most experts are predicting him to follow his brother to Iowa which sounds crazy but could very well happen. Here is the interview I had with him and I want to thank him for taking the time to do this interview with us.

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?

Justin- I have one brother, CJ, committed to Iowa, and I live with my mom and dad. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio. I moved 5 different places.

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

Justin- 6’2”, 225, 4.6, bench 365

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

Justin- I go to St. Xavier, been to state championship 3 out of the last 8 years, we run a 3-3-5 and a run stopping defense

SYR- What are your goals for the upcoming season?

Justin- To win state

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

Justin- I really never had a dream team or favorite team since I moved all over the place

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

Justin- My first offer was from Iowa and was my most exciting because it started my recruitment

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

Justin- Reggie white, because he was an amazing player on and off the field

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

Justin- Lobster tail

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

Justin- Levonte David or cj mosley

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

Justin- Tim Tebow, and Reggie White/ Lawrence Taylor

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

Justin- Not yet

SYR- Do you currently have a leader?

Justin- Not yet

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

Justin- When I’m positive I’m making the right decision, when I commit, its set at that point

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

Justin- Ive never been to a game, my first one will be in october

If you want to follow Justin on Twitter here is his twitter profile…

Below you can see his sophomore highlights…