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.

The 2014 OSU Seniors’ Theme? “Redemption Song”

It was tremendous attending the celebration in Ohio Stadium on January 24th, 2015, with approximately 45,000-50,000 other Ohio State fans. Yes, it was cold; about 27 degrees. It was not as cold as the other national championship celebration I attended in January 2003; that celebration had more snow and was several degrees below zero. Yes, the players did join in a singing of “Carmen Ohio” at the conclusion; there was no Cie Grant moment in this celebration.

While I sat with my friend Bob during the celebration, my mind could not help but think of the senior class who signed letters of intent with Ohio State in February 2011. Twenty-four players signed with Ohio State in February 2011, yet only seventeen remained by January 2015. Fortunately for Ohio State fans, a few of these individuals have eligibility remaining to play for Ohio State in 2015 (Chase Farris, Joel Hale, Bryce Haynes, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller, Ron Tanner, and Nick Vannett).

While “Carmen Ohio” was naturally performed at the national championship celebration, another song has crossed my mind as I reflect upon the careers of the players who signed in 2011 ~ Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”.

“But my hand was made strong
By the ‘and of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly…”

My first experience watching Braxton Miller as an Ohio State Buckeye was in the 2011 Ohio State Spring Game. Enrolled as a true freshman, there were questions as to whether Miller would be the quarterback during the first five games, as returning starter Terrelle Pryor served a five game suspension, along with Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel. Little did anyone know that the 2011 Spring Game would be the last time Coach Tressel would coach Miller in any capacity.

Memorial Day 2011 dawned with the bombshell that Coach Tressel, under siege by the national media and members of the university power struggle, resigned as head coach. Former Ohio State defensive lineman and longtime Ohio State assistant coach Luke Fickell was promoted to head coach for the 2011 season, and possibly beyond.

While 2011 was a disappointing season for Ohio State and Coach Fickell, optimism for these players came into Columbus with the hiring of Urban Meyer as head football coach on November 28, 2011. In less than one full year, many of these players had experienced signing to play for one head coach, suffering through a losing season under an interim coach, and now were going to play for a coach that had not recruited the majority of them (Coach Meyer had recruited Braxton Miller while Coach Meyer was at Florida, if you recall). Even with this optimistic turn of events related to Coach Meyer’s arrival, it was only natural that a few of the players decided to look elsewhere to continue their football and educational careers.

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds…”

The 2012 season under Coach Meyer resulted in a perfect 12-0 season, yet no rewards were possible as the program was under a bowl ban. The 2013 season began in tremendous fashion, yet collapsed down the stretch with a loss to Michigan State in The 2013 B1G Championship Game, and followed up with a loss to Clemson in the 2014 Orange Bowl. The 2014 season, after three years, would prove to be the last opportunity to leave a positive legacy in the archives of Ohio State football for several of these players who began in 2011.

“Won’t you help to sing
These songs of freedom? –
‘Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs”

Yes, “Carmen Ohio” was on my mind, along with 45,000-50,000 other members of the Buckeye faithful on January 24th, 2015, in Ohio Stadium. But I will admit this other tune will also be on my mind and in my heart as I will fondly think back to the magical season of 2014, and to several of the Buckeyes who helped to make it that way, beginning back in February 2011.

A Look Back At The 2011 Recruiting Class (Part Two)

Part one of this series looked back at the 2011 recruiting class, reviewing the nine starters who emerged from the group. This post will look at the remaining categories – Contributors and Departures.

II. The Contributors (35%)

1. Chris Carter, DL: Originally signed as an offensive lineman in 2011, Carter was moved over to the defense when Coach Meyer’s staff came on board for the 2012 season. Carter is a massive presence at a listed 6’4″, 342 lbs along the defensive interior. With another year of eligibility remaining for 2015, Carter could wind up with a NFL career, as NFL teams are always looking for massive defensive linemen of his stature for 3-4 fronts.

2. Chase Farris, OL: Farris has been a willing human ping-pong for the Ohio State coaching staff throughout his career. Originally recruited as a defensive lineman in 2011, Farris redshirted. In 2012, Farris moved to the offensive line midway through the season. In 2013, Farris battled Taylor Decker for the starting right offensive tackle position, but moved to defensive line when Tommy Schutt’s injury caused defensive line depth issues. Farris has been moved back to the offensive line for 2014, where he could battle for a starting position during fall camp. Farris will have eligibility to play in 2015.

3. Joel Hale, OL: Hale moved on his own volition for the 2014 season to offensive line. Hale originally entered Ohio State as a defensive lineman in 2011, and lettered each season from 2011-2013. Hale does not have eligibility remaining for 2015, so I will be anxious to see how much Hale will be in the mix for playing time along an inexperienced offensive line in 2014.

4. Cardale Jones, QB: Jones has positioned himself for high importance this coming season as the primary backup quarterback to Braxton Miller. Jones signed with Ohio State in February 2011, but attended Fork Union Military Academy to concentrate on academics that season. Enrolling at Ohio State in 2012, Jones did not seem to endear himself to Coach Meyer’s coaching staff, as Jones did not see any game action in the 2012 Ohio State Spring Game. Jones redshirted in 2012, earning playing time in a handful of 2013 games. Jones emerged as the backup quarterback during the 2014 spring practices, and will have a year of eligibility remaining in 2015.

5. Steve Miller, DE: One of the more highly-touted players in the 2011 recruiting class, Miller has lettered as a defensive lineman from 2011-2013. While projected as a backup for his final season in 2014, Miller should be able to contribute along the defensive front, adding to Ohio State’s strength across the defensive line.

6. Ron Tanner, DB: Redshirted as a freshman in 2011, Tanner has lettered in 2012 and 2013 primarily for his work on the special teams units. Look for Tanner to contribute also in the defensive backfield this coming season. Tanner has a year of eligibility remaining for 2015.

7. Antonio Underwood, OL: Underwood earned playing time as a true freshman in 2011, even starting at Purdue late in the season. Underwood played sparingly in 2012, and was injured during spring practice in 2013. With knee surgery, Underwood took a redshirt season in 2013, thus allowing him an extra year of eligibility for 2015. Underwood is a projected starter along the offensive line heading into fall practice, but will be pushed for playing time this season.

8. Nick Vannett, TE: While listed as a contributor on this list, it would not be surprising to list Vannett as a starter, as Vannett is considered a primary offensive contributor at tight end by the coaching staff. Redshirted in 2011, Vannett lettered in 2012 and 2013. Vannett will look to build upon his strong 2013 season, and will have eligibility remaining for 2015.

III. The Departures (26%)

1. Brian Bobek, OL: Originally recruited as a potential successor to center Mike Brewster, Bobek decided to transfer to Minnesota after falling to third on the depth chart in June of 2012. Bobek has battled health issues while at Minnesota, and did not see game action for the 2013 season.

2. Tommy Brown, OL: Redshirted in 2011, Brown did not see any game action in 2012. The majority of Brown’s playing time in 2013 took place on special teams, and in games when Ohio State was well-ahead on the scoreboard. Rated a three-star recruit by 247sports.com, rivals.com, and scout.com, Brown decided to announce a transfer to Akron before fall camp began…

3. Jeremy Cash, DB: Cash lettered as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2011, contributing on the special teams units. Upon the conclusion of the 2011 season, Cash decided to transfer to Duke, where he has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the ACC.

4. Conner Crowell, LB: Crowell left Ohio State due to injuries sustained while in high school. Crowell redshirted in 2011, and played sparingly in 2012. After going through additional surgeries at Ohio State, Crowell was not medically cleared to play football in January 2013.

5. DerJuan Gambrell, DB: Gambrell was dismissed from Ohio State by Coach Meyer in January 2012 for a “violation of team rules”. Gambrell redshirted in 2011, was dismissed from Ohio State, and I have been unable to find out if Gambrell ever enrolled elsewhere to continue his football career.

6. Kenny Hayes, DE: The first commitment to the 2011 recruiting class, Hayes redshirted in 2011. Hayes decided to transfer at the beginning of 2012 spring practices, announcing his intentions to play at Toledo. Looking at Toledo’s roster, Kenny Hayes is not listed, so I am not sure if Hayes has discontinued his football career.

Honorable Mention ~ Ejuan Price, LB: Price makes this list, as he originally signed with Ohio State, yet never reported in 2011. Price was a late commitment to the recruiting class (01/17/2011), and decided to ask for his release when Coach Jim Tressel resigned. Price wound up at Pittsburgh, where he will have eligibility remaining for 2015.

CONCLUSION: Out of twenty-three players, Ohio State has nine starters, eight contributors, and only six departures. To have 74% of the class either starting or contributing is a strong testament to the recruiting job done by Coach Jim Tressel, as well as the coaching/development by Coach Luke Fickell and Coach Urban Meyer. Considering the circumstances these players have dealt with during their time in Columbus, these Buckeyes are worthy of praise and recognition by fans throughout the Ohio State community.

2014 OSU Spring Football – Questions To Answer (Part 2)

Part one of this series dealt with questions and challenges that I perceive as important, but lower priority, for Ohio State to address this spring. On any college football team, there will always be issues with players unhappy about playing time. Any coach will want to see more production from any position group. Below are the top five pressing issues, as I see them, for Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer to focus upon between March 4th and the date of the April 12th Ohio State Spring Game.

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5. Placekicker – While Coach Meyer is always wanting touchdowns from his offense, it is sometimes required to have a placekicker on the roster who can come through with a clutch field goal at the end of the game. Reliable Drew Basil has exhausted his eligibility, opening the door for true freshman Sean Nuernberger to claim the position. Nuernberger enrolled early at Ohio State, allowing him the opportunity to seize the job this spring. Competition for the placekicker position may come from Kyle Clinton, a walk-on who saw game action during the 2012 season. This position could rise in importance by the conclusion of spring games, based upon Nuernberger’s performance this spring.

4. Backup Quarterback – Senior quarterback Braxton Miller made the decision to come back to Ohio State for his fourth and final year of eligibility, pleasing Ohio State coaches and fans alike. With Miller’s recent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, Ohio State will use the spring practices to determine who the primary backup quarterback is to Miller – Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, or newly-signed Stephen Collier.

Based upon Ohio State Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Tom Herman’s comments, Jones will begin spring practice as the primary backup…

Jones played sparingly in 2013, appearing in three games. Most of Jones’ game appearances were as a result of both Miller and departing backup Kenny Guiton having Ohio State in front by a considerable margin; Jones usually would hand the ball off, or run himself. Throwing only three passes, it would be fair to say that Jones will certainly be given more opportunities as a passer this spring.

Barrett was the primary quarterback recruit targeted by Coach Herman for the 2013 recruiting class. Barrett redshirted in 2013, using the time to recover from a serious knee injury that wiped out most of Barrett’s senior high school season. Barrett’s leadership qualities have been raved about by the Ohio State coaching staff; will these qualities allow him to leapfrog Jones for the backup spot by the end of spring practice?

Lastly, Stephen Collier. The wild card of this group, Collier enrolled early and will participate in spring drills. Described by Coach Meyer as a “development guy”, Collier will battle for the backup position, but it would be highly surprising if Collier could overtake both Jones and Barrett for the primary backup quarterback spot.

Yes, Braxton Miller will/should be under center, when the season begins on the road at Navy on August 30th. As Ohio State fans have witnessed over the past two seasons, having a dependable backup quarterback behind Miller has often made all of the difference between winning and losing. This battle could also have repercussions for the 2015 season, after Miller has left Ohio State.

3. Linebacker – On National Letter Of Intent Day for 2014, Coach Meyer stated, “That’s far too many mistakes have been made in either lack of development or whatever and it’s just not where we need to be” in reference to the Ohio State linebackers. When that statement was made, this is how I interpreted it, along with many others…

Compounding the challenges for this position group are the losses of Ryan Shazier (to the NFL) and Mike Mitchell (transfer). With Curtis Grant and Josh Perry returning, Trey Johnson would seem likely to have an opportunity to claim Shazier’s starting spot. Based upon Grant’s concussion history, as well as Perry’s injuries, it is not improbable that Ohio State will have a completely overhauled linebacker corps for the season opener against Navy on August 30th. The biggest name for fans to be focused upon this spring? Incoming freshman Raekwon McMillan, who enrolled early. Others in the mix may be walk-on Joe Burger, Camren Williams, and redshirt freshman Darron Lee.

2. Defensive Back – After being torched through the air by Michigan State in The B1G Championship Game, then by Clemson in The 2014 Orange Bowl, changes were necessary for the Buckeyes across the board, both in coaching and in personnel. Coaching changes bring new Co-Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach Chris Ash, to replace Everett Withers, who left for the head coaching position at James Madison. Kerry Coombs remains on staff, but Ohio State fans believe Coach Ash will be in charge of rebuilding the Ohio State secondary. From National Letter Of Intent Day 2014, Coach Meyer stated on Ash, “And then Chris Ash is charged with he’s got a serious responsibility. That’s to improve our pass defense. He’ll be in charge of the entire back end of our defense. He’s going to coach safety. He’s going to continue to coach corners. However we’re going to have one voice back there, it’s his responsibility to improve our pass defense… And obviously it’s more than just a secondary. It’s linebackers and everything. But you’re going to see some significant changes in the way we approach our business back there.”.

Personnel changes are needed not only due to poor performance, but also for players who have exhausted their eligibility, such as Bradley Roby (NFL Draft early departure), C.J. Barnett, Christian Bryant, and Corey “Pittsburgh” Brown. Doran Grant is the only returning starter, and after the 2013 season by the defensive backfield, Grant may not have a lock on a starting position. Armani Reeves, Eli Apple, Cam Burrows, Vonn Bell, Tyvis Powell, Gareon Conley, Christopher Worley, Jayme Thompson, and Ron Tanner will all be battling for starting positions and the prestige of their new position coach this spring.

1. Offensive Line – This was a close call, between the revamped secondary or the offensive line, for the most important area of concern for Ohio State to work upon this spring. While the secondary loses three starters, the offensive line loses four starters, plus flips starting right tackle Taylor Decker to the left side. Ohio State did very well with its recruiting class for offensive linemen, securing five players; two freshmen, Marcelys Jones and Kyle Trout, have already enrolled and will participate in spring practice.

If Decker can switch over from right tackle to left tackle with minimal issues, that will be very reassuring for the Ohio State coaching staff and fans. Jacoby Boren seems likely to have the inside track to the center position, as Boren filled in admirably for departing senior Corey Linsley. Likewise, Pat Elflein would seem to have a shot at the right guard position, after filling in for departing senior Marcus Hall. “Darryl Baldwin is penciled in at right tackle”, based on Coach Meyer’s comments from National Letter Of Intent Day 2014. Keeping my eyes and ears open for news about the performance of the offensive line will be paramount this spring, as this unit will largely determine the strength or the challenges of Ohio State’s offense for the 2014 season.

As always, looking forward to all of your commentary and critiques. Most of all, I am just happy to have football to focus upon, even if it is just from March 4th through April 12th.