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LGHL You’re Nuts: Should Roddy Gayle be guaranteed a starting spot next season?
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You’re Nuts: Should Roddy Gayle be guaranteed a starting spot next season?
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The now-sophomore had an uneven freshman season but finished strong at the Big Ten Tournament.
We are officially in transfer portal season, and the Buckeyes have already stirred up some action. To this point, Ohio State junior forward Eugene Brown entered the portal, and Minnesota forward Jamison Battle has committed to the Buckeyes.
With the moving and shuffling of rosters, it is inevitable for the projected starting lineup takes, tweets and articles to start popping up — so we will indulge.
Last week, we finished up our rankings of the positions from last season with the center group. Connor gave the group a B and Justin gave the group a C.
Here was the final poll. Justin won with 52 percent of the votes.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24568059/Screenshot__5_.png)
And here are the updated standings.
Justin- 42
And now it is onto this week with this week’s question.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24567997/usa_today_20193175.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Quarterfinals - Michigan State vs Ohio State")
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
If Gayle isn’t starting for Ohio State in November, then what are we really doing here? Time and time again last season — a season where Ohio State slogged to a sub-.500 record — we were told that despite the losses, the young players were getting better. We were told (and the players agreed) that the Buckeyes were taking their lumps, but that over time, the experience would pay dividends.
And wouldn’t you know it, by the end of the season it appeared that statement was finally starting to ring true. Bruce Thornton was impressive for most of his freshman season, scoring 10 or more points 19 different times. Gayle saw his minutes fluctuate, however, and didn’t truly take off until the Big Ten Tournament.
But once he did, my goodness was it impressive.
Roddy found the ball in his hands often in the Big Ten Tournament. He knocked down a crucial shot and hit two clutch free throws to win the first game against Wisconsin. He averaged 14.7 points in the Iowa, Michigan State, and Purdue games that followed, including knocking down nine of his 10 three-pointers.
Despite not being a featured cog of the offense much this season, Chris Holtmann trusted Gayle to make the correct decisions throughout the Big Ten Tournament. And pretty much every time he was forced to take a shot or make a decision in crunch time, he passed the test.
Gayle was an asset on the defensive end all season long, even when the minutes and opportunities were few and far between. The Buckeyes graded out as a putrid defensive team last year, ranking No. 106 in KenPom’s defensive metrics. But with Gayle on the floor in the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State held Wisconsin and Michigan State below 60 points, and a high-powered Iowa offense that was the fourth-best in the nation below 70.
It’s likely that Ohio State will add a guard via the transfer portal before next season begins, and Gayle may have to compete with him to earn the starting spot. The truth is that 25% of Gayle’s points on the season came in the final three games. Is that torrid level of production sustainable for him over the course of a full 35-40 game season? Probably not, but I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Gayle suddenly started scoring when a) he was given more minutes and b) Brice Sensabaugh was out of the lineup, freeing up shots. Coincidentally, both of those prerequisites will (probably) be in play next season, too.
Three games could be a sign of things to come, or it could be a fluke! But Holtmann didn’t start Gayle for the final 10 games of his freshman season just to relegate him to the bench as a sophomore. If we don’t pull the training wheels off this fall, then what was the point of grinding through that brutal season on the backs of him and the other freshmen?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24567966/usa_today_20202612.jpg "Syndication: Journal-Courier")
Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK
First of all, I have to comment on last week’s results. Ohio State has two centers on the roster. One was honorable mention All-Big Ten while playing through an injury, and the other was a freshman who looked really good towards the end of the season, and 80 percent of the votes were C or worse. I just feel we are setting the bar a little high.
Anywho, onto Roddy Gayle.
I voted No, but I want to clarify it with two things. First of all, I think Roddy Gayle Jr. will start, and second of all I hope he does start. However, I am taking the word ’definite’ very literally and that is why we are going with a no to this answer.
I am almost positive that Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle are the backcourt of the Buckeyes future. But being in the starting lineup is not the end all be all. Mainly because guys care way more about being in at the end of the game than the beginning. So, you don’t necessarily have to start him, you just have to make sure he is playing meaningful minutes.
Also, while he did finish the season on an incredible note, there were many times this season that he struggled. This is obviously understandable for a freshman in the Big Ten, but next season he will still only be a sophomore and if they do bring in a veteran guard from the portal or even if Tanner Holden stays, it may make more sense to start Thornton and a vet at the two and bring Gayle off the bench.
For what it is worth, I do think Gayle could start at the three possibly.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The now-sophomore had an uneven freshman season but finished strong at the Big Ten Tournament.
We are officially in transfer portal season, and the Buckeyes have already stirred up some action. To this point, Ohio State junior forward Eugene Brown entered the portal, and Minnesota forward Jamison Battle has committed to the Buckeyes.
With the moving and shuffling of rosters, it is inevitable for the projected starting lineup takes, tweets and articles to start popping up — so we will indulge.
Last week, we finished up our rankings of the positions from last season with the center group. Connor gave the group a B and Justin gave the group a C.
Here was the final poll. Justin won with 52 percent of the votes.
And here are the updated standings.
After 95 weeks:
Justin- 42
Connor- 38
Other- 11
(There have been four ties)
And now it is onto this week with this week’s question.
Today’s Question: Should Roddy Gayle be guaranteed a starting spot next season?
Connor: Yes
If Gayle isn’t starting for Ohio State in November, then what are we really doing here? Time and time again last season — a season where Ohio State slogged to a sub-.500 record — we were told that despite the losses, the young players were getting better. We were told (and the players agreed) that the Buckeyes were taking their lumps, but that over time, the experience would pay dividends.
And wouldn’t you know it, by the end of the season it appeared that statement was finally starting to ring true. Bruce Thornton was impressive for most of his freshman season, scoring 10 or more points 19 different times. Gayle saw his minutes fluctuate, however, and didn’t truly take off until the Big Ten Tournament.
But once he did, my goodness was it impressive.
Roddy found the ball in his hands often in the Big Ten Tournament. He knocked down a crucial shot and hit two clutch free throws to win the first game against Wisconsin. He averaged 14.7 points in the Iowa, Michigan State, and Purdue games that followed, including knocking down nine of his 10 three-pointers.
Despite not being a featured cog of the offense much this season, Chris Holtmann trusted Gayle to make the correct decisions throughout the Big Ten Tournament. And pretty much every time he was forced to take a shot or make a decision in crunch time, he passed the test.
RODDY GAYLE JR@roddy_gayle x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/iBq5mS6NTh
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 10, 2023
Gayle was an asset on the defensive end all season long, even when the minutes and opportunities were few and far between. The Buckeyes graded out as a putrid defensive team last year, ranking No. 106 in KenPom’s defensive metrics. But with Gayle on the floor in the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State held Wisconsin and Michigan State below 60 points, and a high-powered Iowa offense that was the fourth-best in the nation below 70.
It’s likely that Ohio State will add a guard via the transfer portal before next season begins, and Gayle may have to compete with him to earn the starting spot. The truth is that 25% of Gayle’s points on the season came in the final three games. Is that torrid level of production sustainable for him over the course of a full 35-40 game season? Probably not, but I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Gayle suddenly started scoring when a) he was given more minutes and b) Brice Sensabaugh was out of the lineup, freeing up shots. Coincidentally, both of those prerequisites will (probably) be in play next season, too.
Three games could be a sign of things to come, or it could be a fluke! But Holtmann didn’t start Gayle for the final 10 games of his freshman season just to relegate him to the bench as a sophomore. If we don’t pull the training wheels off this fall, then what was the point of grinding through that brutal season on the backs of him and the other freshmen?
Justin: No
First of all, I have to comment on last week’s results. Ohio State has two centers on the roster. One was honorable mention All-Big Ten while playing through an injury, and the other was a freshman who looked really good towards the end of the season, and 80 percent of the votes were C or worse. I just feel we are setting the bar a little high.
Anywho, onto Roddy Gayle.
I voted No, but I want to clarify it with two things. First of all, I think Roddy Gayle Jr. will start, and second of all I hope he does start. However, I am taking the word ’definite’ very literally and that is why we are going with a no to this answer.
I am almost positive that Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle are the backcourt of the Buckeyes future. But being in the starting lineup is not the end all be all. Mainly because guys care way more about being in at the end of the game than the beginning. So, you don’t necessarily have to start him, you just have to make sure he is playing meaningful minutes.
Also, while he did finish the season on an incredible note, there were many times this season that he struggled. This is obviously understandable for a freshman in the Big Ten, but next season he will still only be a sophomore and if they do bring in a veteran guard from the portal or even if Tanner Holden stays, it may make more sense to start Thornton and a vet at the two and bring Gayle off the bench.
For what it is worth, I do think Gayle could start at the three possibly.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State football remains hot on the recruiting trail, but lacks defense in their 2024 class
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Ohio State football remains hot on the recruiting trail, but lacks defense in their 2024 class
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes have landed yet another five-star receiver to go with three other offensive commits since March 27. But with just one defensive player currently in the 2024 class, should OSU fans and/or coaches be concerned?
The Ohio State Buckeyes received a verbal commitment from five-star wide receiver Mylan Graham on Tuesday, proving once again that Brian Hartline is on another level when it comes to recruiting. OSU’s new offensive coordinator beat everyone to the punch with this talented Indiana wideout, extending Graham his first D1 offer back in June of last year. Graham now joins fellow five-star WR Jeremiah Smith in what could ultimately become a special 2024 class.
Graham’s commitment was Ohio State’s fourth since March 27 alone, giving the program strong momentum as they approach an otherwise slow part of the year. There is likely to be additional BOOM activity over the summer, but little in the way of organized team activity... The dog days of summer, indeed. Especially for us college football fans.
Regardless, Graham joining Devontae Armstrong, Deonte Armstrong and James Peoples as recent Scarlet and Gray pledges means the Buckeyes’ next recruiting class is coming together quite nicely — and that might be underselling it. However, there does seem to be an elephant in the room, which some OSU fans are choosing to ignore.
Me bringing up something to be pessimistic about? Never! But let’s acknowledge the situation here.
Of the eight players currently committed to Ohio State’s 2024 class, seven play either exclusively or primarily on the offensive side of the ball. The program’s lone defensive commit, Garrett Stover, has played both ways, but is being recruited as a linebacker or safety. Sounds like a different Stover... who just so happens to be Garrett’s cousin... and played both ways in high school... and was recruited by the Buckeyes as a linebacker. Guess how that turned out.
OSU does appear to be in good standing with a number of defenders, including in-state cornerbacks Bryce West and Aaron Scott, as well as national targets Dylan Stewart and Justin Scott, among others. But none of those players have pulled the trigger on a pledge to the Scarlet and Gray, leaving Ryan Day and his staff with little to hang their hat on in terms of future defensive additions.
Admittedly, it is very early in the process for 2024 recruits, but this slow burn – combined with multiple swings and misses last cycle – has to be at least a teeny, tiny bit concerning... Right?
The fact of the matter is, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles landed one commitment in the 2023 class. And Tony Alford, an offensive coach, helped with that player’s (Arvell Reese) recruitment. Tim Walton and Perry Eliano fared better on the recruiting trail but have yet to prove they can elevate Ohio State’s secondary on the field.
As for Larry Johnson, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He took enormous swings attempting to land an elite prospect or two in the ‘23 class and missed. But the Buckeyes still have guys like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Mike Hall Jr., Caden Curry, and Kenyatta Jackson because of him.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24564358/usa_today_18818492.jpg)
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Drip too hard...
So is OSU behind the 8-ball when it comes to defensive recruiting? Or are their offensive coaches and recruiters just that far ahead?
I am going to cautiously lean toward the latter. Because it is April of 2023, and these players will not sign their official letter of intent until next year! Many will change their mind(s) a dozen times between now and then anyway. That is just indicative of the world in which these college coaches and programs currently live. Verbal commitments don’t mean a whole hell of a lot right now, especially with all the jockeying and flipping certain to occur before National Signing Day.
Now, would it be nice to have a few explosive edge rushers or sticky corners already in the fold for 2024? Sure. But most programs have barely even started building their future classes. Texas currently has two total commitments. Alabama has four, only one of which is from a defender. Oregon and Florida each have five, Clemson and Tennessee six... You see where I’m going with this. It. Is. Early.
Besides, there are plenty of other Ohio State football-related issues to worry about. Such as: QB play, inexperience along the offensive line, and/or the Buckeyes’ sieve-like secondary. So let’s all practice some patience, enjoy the upcoming Spring Game, and just wait for more Mark Pantoni BOOM tweets. They’re comin’, hopefully from a bunch of future Silver Bullets.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes have landed yet another five-star receiver to go with three other offensive commits since March 27. But with just one defensive player currently in the 2024 class, should OSU fans and/or coaches be concerned?
The Ohio State Buckeyes received a verbal commitment from five-star wide receiver Mylan Graham on Tuesday, proving once again that Brian Hartline is on another level when it comes to recruiting. OSU’s new offensive coordinator beat everyone to the punch with this talented Indiana wideout, extending Graham his first D1 offer back in June of last year. Graham now joins fellow five-star WR Jeremiah Smith in what could ultimately become a special 2024 class.
Graham’s commitment was Ohio State’s fourth since March 27 alone, giving the program strong momentum as they approach an otherwise slow part of the year. There is likely to be additional BOOM activity over the summer, but little in the way of organized team activity... The dog days of summer, indeed. Especially for us college football fans.
Regardless, Graham joining Devontae Armstrong, Deonte Armstrong and James Peoples as recent Scarlet and Gray pledges means the Buckeyes’ next recruiting class is coming together quite nicely — and that might be underselling it. However, there does seem to be an elephant in the room, which some OSU fans are choosing to ignore.
Me bringing up something to be pessimistic about? Never! But let’s acknowledge the situation here.
Of the eight players currently committed to Ohio State’s 2024 class, seven play either exclusively or primarily on the offensive side of the ball. The program’s lone defensive commit, Garrett Stover, has played both ways, but is being recruited as a linebacker or safety. Sounds like a different Stover... who just so happens to be Garrett’s cousin... and played both ways in high school... and was recruited by the Buckeyes as a linebacker. Guess how that turned out.
OSU does appear to be in good standing with a number of defenders, including in-state cornerbacks Bryce West and Aaron Scott, as well as national targets Dylan Stewart and Justin Scott, among others. But none of those players have pulled the trigger on a pledge to the Scarlet and Gray, leaving Ryan Day and his staff with little to hang their hat on in terms of future defensive additions.
Admittedly, it is very early in the process for 2024 recruits, but this slow burn – combined with multiple swings and misses last cycle – has to be at least a teeny, tiny bit concerning... Right?
The fact of the matter is, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles landed one commitment in the 2023 class. And Tony Alford, an offensive coach, helped with that player’s (Arvell Reese) recruitment. Tim Walton and Perry Eliano fared better on the recruiting trail but have yet to prove they can elevate Ohio State’s secondary on the field.
As for Larry Johnson, he deserves the benefit of the doubt. He took enormous swings attempting to land an elite prospect or two in the ‘23 class and missed. But the Buckeyes still have guys like J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Mike Hall Jr., Caden Curry, and Kenyatta Jackson because of him.
Drip too hard...
So is OSU behind the 8-ball when it comes to defensive recruiting? Or are their offensive coaches and recruiters just that far ahead?
I am going to cautiously lean toward the latter. Because it is April of 2023, and these players will not sign their official letter of intent until next year! Many will change their mind(s) a dozen times between now and then anyway. That is just indicative of the world in which these college coaches and programs currently live. Verbal commitments don’t mean a whole hell of a lot right now, especially with all the jockeying and flipping certain to occur before National Signing Day.
Now, would it be nice to have a few explosive edge rushers or sticky corners already in the fold for 2024? Sure. But most programs have barely even started building their future classes. Texas currently has two total commitments. Alabama has four, only one of which is from a defender. Oregon and Florida each have five, Clemson and Tennessee six... You see where I’m going with this. It. Is. Early.
Besides, there are plenty of other Ohio State football-related issues to worry about. Such as: QB play, inexperience along the offensive line, and/or the Buckeyes’ sieve-like secondary. So let’s all practice some patience, enjoy the upcoming Spring Game, and just wait for more Mark Pantoni BOOM tweets. They’re comin’, hopefully from a bunch of future Silver Bullets.
Continue reading...
LGHL Three Questions about the 2023 Ohio State secondary
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Three Questions about the 2023 Ohio State secondary
CMinnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Have the Buckeyes adjusted their approach from 2022?
“Early spring is the time for vigorous change, a preparation for the heat-driven oppression that is to come.” ~ Henry Rollins
Please bring on the heat, if you can, Mr. Rollins. It is always welcomed enthusiastically by me.
As Ohio State spring football continues on, I have decided to write a series of articles on a weekly basis to identify and rank the position groups, from least to most concerning, as they pertain to the upcoming 2023 season. Each week, I will point out questions I have about these position groups, and it is my hope that several, if not all, of these questions will be answered by the Ohio State Spring Game on April 15.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Secondary | Concern Ranking: 2nd
Reason for my ranking: Ohio State’s secondary was heavily scrutinized by the fans for its poor play versus Michigan and Georgia — the two biggest opponents on the two biggest stages. Key players have departed, but Ohio State was able to supplement the roster with two key additions from the transfer portal in Davison Igbinosun (Mississippi) and Ja’Had Carter (Syracuse).
Will the additions of Igbinosun and Carter, as well as another year of tutelage from cornerbacks coach Tim Walton and safeties coach Perry Eliano translate into better play on the field in 2023?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Every Ohio State fan can unfortunately see the big plays given up against Michigan and Georgia when they close their eyes and reflect upon the 2022 season. While no secondary is invulnerable to giving up big plays, the coaching staff’s inexplicable decisions to play with no deep safety help against Michigan and Georgia deserved the scorn and scrutiny of the fan base.
Some painful statistics to remind people: eight plays of at least 45 yards given up against the Wolverines and Bulldogs, six of which resulted in touchdowns. It will bear watching this season to see if lessons have been learned and mistakes corrected.
2. Can Denzel Burke Rebound From A Shaky 2022 Season?
Burke started as a true freshman in 2021, and Ohio State fans were optimistically expecting big things in 2022. Burke battled injuries and inconsistent play in 2022, and could be bouncing back with a strong 2023 season. Burke will be a necessary component for an Ohio State secondary that will lean on experience going into the 2023 season.
3. What Role Will Sonny Styles Play In 2023?
Sonny Styles has captivated Ohio State fans and coaches with his impressive athletic talents and physical style of play. Styles should be a true freshman, but graduated a year early to play for Ohio State in 2022, and was trusted enough to be on the field versus Georgia in the Peach Bowl. With the abundance of players at safety, where will Styles line up in 2023?
“I think when you look at the potential best 11 players for the 2023 defense, he’s a guy that our staff is gonna point at and say, ‘We need to find a way to get him in there’...” ~ Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sonny Styles
Continue reading...
CMinnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Have the Buckeyes adjusted their approach from 2022?
“Early spring is the time for vigorous change, a preparation for the heat-driven oppression that is to come.” ~ Henry Rollins
Please bring on the heat, if you can, Mr. Rollins. It is always welcomed enthusiastically by me.
As Ohio State spring football continues on, I have decided to write a series of articles on a weekly basis to identify and rank the position groups, from least to most concerning, as they pertain to the upcoming 2023 season. Each week, I will point out questions I have about these position groups, and it is my hope that several, if not all, of these questions will be answered by the Ohio State Spring Game on April 15.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Secondary | Concern Ranking: 2nd
- Scholarship Players Lost From The 2022 Squad: Cameron Brown, Jantzen Dunn, JK Johnson, Jaylen Johnson, Ronnie Hickman, Tanner McCalister
- Scholarship Players Returning From The 2022 Squad: Jyaire Brown, Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, Cameron Martinez, Josh Proctor, Kye Stokes, Sonny Styles, Ryan Turner, Kourt Williams II
- Freshmen Players Participating In 2023 Spring Football: Malik Hartford, Jermaine Mathews, Jr.
Reason for my ranking: Ohio State’s secondary was heavily scrutinized by the fans for its poor play versus Michigan and Georgia — the two biggest opponents on the two biggest stages. Key players have departed, but Ohio State was able to supplement the roster with two key additions from the transfer portal in Davison Igbinosun (Mississippi) and Ja’Had Carter (Syracuse).
Will the additions of Igbinosun and Carter, as well as another year of tutelage from cornerbacks coach Tim Walton and safeties coach Perry Eliano translate into better play on the field in 2023?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
- Has The Defensive Coaching Staff Learned From Its Mistakes Of 2022?
Every Ohio State fan can unfortunately see the big plays given up against Michigan and Georgia when they close their eyes and reflect upon the 2022 season. While no secondary is invulnerable to giving up big plays, the coaching staff’s inexplicable decisions to play with no deep safety help against Michigan and Georgia deserved the scorn and scrutiny of the fan base.
Some painful statistics to remind people: eight plays of at least 45 yards given up against the Wolverines and Bulldogs, six of which resulted in touchdowns. It will bear watching this season to see if lessons have been learned and mistakes corrected.
2. Can Denzel Burke Rebound From A Shaky 2022 Season?
Burke started as a true freshman in 2021, and Ohio State fans were optimistically expecting big things in 2022. Burke battled injuries and inconsistent play in 2022, and could be bouncing back with a strong 2023 season. Burke will be a necessary component for an Ohio State secondary that will lean on experience going into the 2023 season.
3. What Role Will Sonny Styles Play In 2023?
Sonny Styles has captivated Ohio State fans and coaches with his impressive athletic talents and physical style of play. Styles should be a true freshman, but graduated a year early to play for Ohio State in 2022, and was trusted enough to be on the field versus Georgia in the Peach Bowl. With the abundance of players at safety, where will Styles line up in 2023?
“I think when you look at the potential best 11 players for the 2023 defense, he’s a guy that our staff is gonna point at and say, ‘We need to find a way to get him in there’...” ~ Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles on Sonny Styles
Continue reading...
2025 CA LB Noah Karim Mikhail (Texas A&M Signee)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 6 Replies
247
Rivals
Twitter
HudL
Class: 2025
Position: LB/ATH
School: La Verne(CA) Bonita
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 205lbs
Login to view embedded media
Rivals
HudL
Class: 2025
Position: LB/ATH
School: La Verne(CA) Bonita
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 205lbs
Login to view embedded media
LGHL This is finally the year at Ohio State! The Year of the Tight End is upon us
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This is finally the year at Ohio State! The Year of the Tight End is upon us
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
The yearly conversation is back after Ohio State’s tight ends met with media, this year is going to be different
One of the most influential offseason conversations every year for Ohio State is about the tight end position. Year after year the Buckeyes have a group of talented individuals at the position, and the fanbase always wants to see more production. New tight ends coach Keenan Bailey coming from the receiver room, should bring even more expectations that Ohio State is going to throw to the tight ends.
For years, I have not jumped on the bandwagon of needing better tight end production. If the position group blocks well and is able to catch the ball when it’s thrown their way, the success is in the job being done right. But this doesn’t stop people from wanting to see the stat sheet filled. Last season, Cade Stover had more catches than any tight end since Rickey Dudley and was the third-leading receiver in receptions last year.
That being said there is always a want for more, and this season I am fully on board with 2023 being “The Year of the Tight End” movement. This season Ohio State will finally have a tight end that is not only serviceable but an absolute weapon. As a group, there is more talent in the room than there has been for a long time.
Now looking back, Ohio State has had its share of solid tight ends who have not only been great Buckeyes but have carved out solid careers in the NFL. Being “pro-ready” is not necessarily the ideal thing for a college Te, but there is a reason Jeremy Ruckert was a second-round pick.
Every year, fans clamored for Ruckert to be utilized as the weapon that made the one-hand snag in the Big Ten title, which never came. After a huge success last season, I want to make a promise that as a collective unit, the Buckeyes will be the best tight end room in the country.
Last year, Cade Stover was about to break the landmark set by Ohio State’s former basketball player turned football tight end Rickey Dudley, but was knocked out of the College football playoff matchup. Dudley and his 37 catches still lead the tight end position as the most in OSU history, and that was all the way back in 1995.
With all the talented tight ends that have been through the program, there feels like there should be zero reasons that Ohio State has not had a tight end with more catches than 37. Stover’s 36 catches were the most since that season, and the Buckeyes definitely had him in the game plan early against the Bulldogs.
The only way this doesn’t work out is if the Buckeyes get additional production from the rest of the room. Ohio State only had nine catches outside of Stover last season between the trio of Mitch Rossi, Gee Scott Jr., and Joe Royer. This offseason has been filled with confidence growing in Scott Jr. and Royer, which might not bode well for the catch total of Stover.
What it does bode well for is the “Year of the Tight End,” adding to the two other tight ends is the talented, supremely athletic Jelani Thurman. As a group of four this unit will have the most tight end production in a long time. A big reason is the safety valve role this position has played, and the Buckeyes using this as a weapon against opposing defenses.
Ohio State has been utilizing its tight ends to attack additional holes in the defense that the elite receiver room opens up. Last season, when Ohio State made teams plan for stopping Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming, Stover was utilized to find the holes that opened up because of this.
Using some clips from last season, we can see how the Buckeyes were able to find easy completions as well as big plays with the tight end group. Early in the season, a staple of the downfield passing attack’s foundation was laid. Ohio State would push downfield vertically with their receivers, fake a stretch toss play, and after faking a block would sneak out Stover on a wheel route. Stover clears the linebacker covering the flat, and the first overall pick C.J. Stroud delivered a perfect ball to the tight end running by himself.
via GIPHY
In the next play, Stover showed what happens when the safety is forced to not only monitor the tight end but also be available to help on the receiver to the same side of the field. Ohio State runs a soft play-action with a show fake on their wide zone. Stover beats the linebacker up the field and the safety widens to help outside. The safety is expecting a stronger reroute, without that Stover has the space to split the two safeties and make another big play. That moment of hesitation to help the receivers is all a player like Stover needs to get into space to make a play.
via GIPHY
In the last play, Ohio State goes back to basics at the goal line. The Buckeyes sell a hard run fake, each player on the line of scrimmage down blocks to the left, and Stover gives a hard chip to sell the run-action. Stroud sells a hard-run fake on the naked boot which draws the defenders forward. This leaves the easiest touchdown of both Stroud and Stover’s seasons.
via GIPHY
Ohio State was incredibly creative in how they utilized Stover last season, and with the receivers returning this should create a lot of opportunities for the Buckeye tight ends. For the Buckeyes, defenses will have to pick who beats them and many teams will take their chances with the tight ends. When that happens it is up to the tight ends to make the plays when their name is called for the “Year of the Tight End.”
Last season Ohio State struggled in short-yardage situations and a reason for that was Stover’s struggles blocking upfield at the second level. When the Buckeyes were using Stover as in-line blocker, he was fine and was an extension of the offensive line. The issues came on bubble screens and when he had to cut off the back side linebacker.
Looking at the run game struggles Stover was not the only part of the issue, but with a young offensive line the importance of the tight end as a run-blocker has more importance this season. Stover had a 70.5 run blocking grade according to PFF which is a solid, but to the ire of the fanbase blocking is the most important part of this tight end position.
With Ryan Day running a significant amount of 12-personnel, the loss of Mitch Rossi hurts as he had an 82.3 run blocking grade, Losing the second part of that tandem is going to be a big hole to fill for Keenan Bailey. Filling the Rossi void is going to fall on Royer or Scott Jr., both guys had run locking grades under 60, and to be blunt that is not good enough.
The strength of Kevin Wilson as teaching the blocking aspects of the position, that leaves Bailey in an interesting place with expectations for this position. There will be raised expectations on catching the ball, but sticking to what the Buckeyes truly need from this position is the real task at hand. For the “Year of the Tight End” to be fully successful, dominant run blocking is a significant part of it.
After the tight ends had their availability this week, Baily spoke about challenging them to all become more versatile football players. For the tight end position to be successful they have to be what the position was designed to be, a weapon in the blocking scheme and as a pass catcher. When talking about this, he cited the expertise of both offensive line coach Justin Frye and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline with where they need to be at both skills.
“When you come here and play tight end at Ohio State, you’re gonna get coached like Jaxon got coached and like Paris Johnson got coached,” Bailey said.
For Ohio State, the “Year of the Tight End” means the unit truly embodies both parts of the position. As Ryan Day always says, the tight ends need to be elite blockers to get on the field. We’ve seen the offensive staff reward tight ends for their dirty work, and we also saw that they are trusted as a weapon when defenses overcommit.
This year, I want to see the Dudley catch total finally fall, I want a new trivia question to answer. But with that being said, a successful year for the tight ends won’t fully be defined by one player having 38 catches. The real success of this group will come when they spring off a long touchdown with a great block in space or pick up a huge third down in a crucial moment of a game.
This year will be the year of the tight end, and I will stake my entire reputation on that.
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Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
The yearly conversation is back after Ohio State’s tight ends met with media, this year is going to be different
One of the most influential offseason conversations every year for Ohio State is about the tight end position. Year after year the Buckeyes have a group of talented individuals at the position, and the fanbase always wants to see more production. New tight ends coach Keenan Bailey coming from the receiver room, should bring even more expectations that Ohio State is going to throw to the tight ends.
For years, I have not jumped on the bandwagon of needing better tight end production. If the position group blocks well and is able to catch the ball when it’s thrown their way, the success is in the job being done right. But this doesn’t stop people from wanting to see the stat sheet filled. Last season, Cade Stover had more catches than any tight end since Rickey Dudley and was the third-leading receiver in receptions last year.
That being said there is always a want for more, and this season I am fully on board with 2023 being “The Year of the Tight End” movement. This season Ohio State will finally have a tight end that is not only serviceable but an absolute weapon. As a group, there is more talent in the room than there has been for a long time.
Now looking back, Ohio State has had its share of solid tight ends who have not only been great Buckeyes but have carved out solid careers in the NFL. Being “pro-ready” is not necessarily the ideal thing for a college Te, but there is a reason Jeremy Ruckert was a second-round pick.
Every year, fans clamored for Ruckert to be utilized as the weapon that made the one-hand snag in the Big Ten title, which never came. After a huge success last season, I want to make a promise that as a collective unit, the Buckeyes will be the best tight end room in the country.
A Tight End with more catches than Rickey Dudley
Last year, Cade Stover was about to break the landmark set by Ohio State’s former basketball player turned football tight end Rickey Dudley, but was knocked out of the College football playoff matchup. Dudley and his 37 catches still lead the tight end position as the most in OSU history, and that was all the way back in 1995.
With all the talented tight ends that have been through the program, there feels like there should be zero reasons that Ohio State has not had a tight end with more catches than 37. Stover’s 36 catches were the most since that season, and the Buckeyes definitely had him in the game plan early against the Bulldogs.
The only way this doesn’t work out is if the Buckeyes get additional production from the rest of the room. Ohio State only had nine catches outside of Stover last season between the trio of Mitch Rossi, Gee Scott Jr., and Joe Royer. This offseason has been filled with confidence growing in Scott Jr. and Royer, which might not bode well for the catch total of Stover.
What it does bode well for is the “Year of the Tight End,” adding to the two other tight ends is the talented, supremely athletic Jelani Thurman. As a group of four this unit will have the most tight end production in a long time. A big reason is the safety valve role this position has played, and the Buckeyes using this as a weapon against opposing defenses.
Tight ends as safety valves and downfield weapons
Ohio State has been utilizing its tight ends to attack additional holes in the defense that the elite receiver room opens up. Last season, when Ohio State made teams plan for stopping Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming, Stover was utilized to find the holes that opened up because of this.
Using some clips from last season, we can see how the Buckeyes were able to find easy completions as well as big plays with the tight end group. Early in the season, a staple of the downfield passing attack’s foundation was laid. Ohio State would push downfield vertically with their receivers, fake a stretch toss play, and after faking a block would sneak out Stover on a wheel route. Stover clears the linebacker covering the flat, and the first overall pick C.J. Stroud delivered a perfect ball to the tight end running by himself.
via GIPHY
In the next play, Stover showed what happens when the safety is forced to not only monitor the tight end but also be available to help on the receiver to the same side of the field. Ohio State runs a soft play-action with a show fake on their wide zone. Stover beats the linebacker up the field and the safety widens to help outside. The safety is expecting a stronger reroute, without that Stover has the space to split the two safeties and make another big play. That moment of hesitation to help the receivers is all a player like Stover needs to get into space to make a play.
via GIPHY
In the last play, Ohio State goes back to basics at the goal line. The Buckeyes sell a hard run fake, each player on the line of scrimmage down blocks to the left, and Stover gives a hard chip to sell the run-action. Stroud sells a hard-run fake on the naked boot which draws the defenders forward. This leaves the easiest touchdown of both Stroud and Stover’s seasons.
via GIPHY
Ohio State was incredibly creative in how they utilized Stover last season, and with the receivers returning this should create a lot of opportunities for the Buckeye tight ends. For the Buckeyes, defenses will have to pick who beats them and many teams will take their chances with the tight ends. When that happens it is up to the tight ends to make the plays when their name is called for the “Year of the Tight End.”
Run Blocking is still vital, especially with a young offensive line
Last season Ohio State struggled in short-yardage situations and a reason for that was Stover’s struggles blocking upfield at the second level. When the Buckeyes were using Stover as in-line blocker, he was fine and was an extension of the offensive line. The issues came on bubble screens and when he had to cut off the back side linebacker.
Looking at the run game struggles Stover was not the only part of the issue, but with a young offensive line the importance of the tight end as a run-blocker has more importance this season. Stover had a 70.5 run blocking grade according to PFF which is a solid, but to the ire of the fanbase blocking is the most important part of this tight end position.
With Ryan Day running a significant amount of 12-personnel, the loss of Mitch Rossi hurts as he had an 82.3 run blocking grade, Losing the second part of that tandem is going to be a big hole to fill for Keenan Bailey. Filling the Rossi void is going to fall on Royer or Scott Jr., both guys had run locking grades under 60, and to be blunt that is not good enough.
The strength of Kevin Wilson as teaching the blocking aspects of the position, that leaves Bailey in an interesting place with expectations for this position. There will be raised expectations on catching the ball, but sticking to what the Buckeyes truly need from this position is the real task at hand. For the “Year of the Tight End” to be fully successful, dominant run blocking is a significant part of it.
After the tight ends had their availability this week, Baily spoke about challenging them to all become more versatile football players. For the tight end position to be successful they have to be what the position was designed to be, a weapon in the blocking scheme and as a pass catcher. When talking about this, he cited the expertise of both offensive line coach Justin Frye and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline with where they need to be at both skills.
“When you come here and play tight end at Ohio State, you’re gonna get coached like Jaxon got coached and like Paris Johnson got coached,” Bailey said.
For Ohio State, the “Year of the Tight End” means the unit truly embodies both parts of the position. As Ryan Day always says, the tight ends need to be elite blockers to get on the field. We’ve seen the offensive staff reward tight ends for their dirty work, and we also saw that they are trusted as a weapon when defenses overcommit.
This year, I want to see the Dudley catch total finally fall, I want a new trivia question to answer. But with that being said, a successful year for the tight ends won’t fully be defined by one player having 38 catches. The real success of this group will come when they spring off a long touchdown with a great block in space or pick up a huge third down in a crucial moment of a game.
This year will be the year of the tight end, and I will stake my entire reputation on that.
Continue reading...
