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LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 1
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 1
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There is 1 day remaining.
Ohio State kicks off its 2023 football season tomorrow, and what better way to celebrate one day remaining on our countdown than with an all-time highlight from the 1-yard line — and a guy who at one point wore No. 1! This touchdown by Braxton Miller is atop the heap of the many highlights from the illustrious collegiate career of the Ohio State quarterback/wide receiver. It showcases what made Miller so special during his time in Columbus, pulling off every move in the book to punch this ball into the end zone.
Hopefully you enjoyed our countdown to the start of the new campaign! Thanks for keeping track day by day with us, and we look forward to keeping you updated on all things Ohio State here at Land-Grant Holy Land as the season gets underway on Saturday.
Go Bucks!
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There is 1 day remaining.
Play of the Day: Braxton Miller’s 1-yard TD vs. Penn State (2012)
Ohio State kicks off its 2023 football season tomorrow, and what better way to celebrate one day remaining on our countdown than with an all-time highlight from the 1-yard line — and a guy who at one point wore No. 1! This touchdown by Braxton Miller is atop the heap of the many highlights from the illustrious collegiate career of the Ohio State quarterback/wide receiver. It showcases what made Miller so special during his time in Columbus, pulling off every move in the book to punch this ball into the end zone.
Players to Wear the #1 (since 2010):
- Devon Torrence (2010)
- Dan Herron (2011)
- Bradley Roby (2012-13)
- Dontre Wilson (2013)
- Johnnie Dixon (2014-18)
- Erick Smith (2014-15)
- Braxton Miller (2015)
- Jeffrey Okudah (2017-19)
- Justin Fields (2019-20)
- Demario McCall (2021)
- Davison Igbinosun (present)
Hopefully you enjoyed our countdown to the start of the new campaign! Thanks for keeping track day by day with us, and we look forward to keeping you updated on all things Ohio State here at Land-Grant Holy Land as the season gets underway on Saturday.
Go Bucks!
Continue reading...
LGHL MC&J: Week 1’s national college football action headlined by LSU-Florida State
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MC&J: Week 1’s national college football action headlined by LSU-Florida State
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The true college football season kicks off tonight with Florida-Utah and Nebraska-Minnesota.
It’s hard to find any fault with leaving Week 0 with a winning record. We covered the picks for the Notre Dame and USC games, while one of our losses was because Ohio had quarterback Kurtis Rourke suffer a lower-body injury late in the first half against San Diego State. Also, UMass-New Mexico State and Florida International-Louisiana Tech are games I’d never normally pick, so I’ll give myself a pass on those games.
Florida v. No. 14 Utah (-4.5) - Thursday 8/31 8:00 p.m. - ESPN
Over the past few months I thought that Utah could be a sleeper to possibly make the College Football Playoff. The Utes have won the last two Pac-12 titles and played in the Rose Bowl in back-to-back years. While Cam Rising is returning for another season in Salt Lake City, it is unknown when Rising will actually be able to play after suffering a knee injury in the Rose Bowl. As if that wasn’t enough for head coach Kyle Whittingham to deal with, backup quarterback Brandon Rose was injured in preseason camp and his status for tonight’s game isn’t clear.
Unlike Utah, Florida doesn’t have any questions about who will be starting at quarterback in the season opener, as the Gators brought in Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz to replace Anthony Richardson. While Mertz definitely doesn’t have the athleticism or a cannon for an arm like Richardson, he does have experience playing in tough environments like Florida will face tonight at Utah.
This feels like it’s going to be a game like we saw last year in Gainesville that is going to come down to the wire. If Rising was going to start and there wasn’t any questions about his knee, I’d feel a little more confident in backing Utah tonight. While I still think the Utes will find a way to win, I don’t think they top the Gators by more than a field goal.
Utah 27, Florida 24
Colorado v. No. 17 TCU (-20.5) - Saturday 9/2 12:00 p.m. - FOX
After making the College Football Playoff and beating Michigan in the semifinal, TCU turned back into a pumpkin when the whistle blew at kickoff of the title game against Georgia. The Horned Frogs lost a ton from last year’s team, including quarterback Max Duggan. Stepping in for Duggan is Chandler Morris, who actually started last year’s game against Colorado before leaving in the third quarter because of a knee injury.
I have no idea if Colorado is going to be good or bad this year. What I do know is they are certainly going to be interesting after hiring Deion Sanders as their new head coach. Sanders not only is bringing his son to quarterback the Buffaloes, he also has five-star recruit Travis Hunter and a bunch of other transfers coming with him. What Sanders is doing at Colorado makes Mel Tucker’s transfer exploits at Michigan State a few years ago look like child’s play.
Both these teams might not come out all that sharp with so many new pieces on both sides of the football. I wasn’t all that impressed with TCU’s defense last year, and it doesn’t feel like the unit is going to be stronger this season. I don’t think Prime Time is going to start off his Colorado coaching career with a win, but I do think the Buffaloes hang around in Fort Worth.
TCU 35, Colorado 24
Boise State v. No. 10 Washington (-14.5) - Saturday 9/2 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Washington opens up their final season in the Pac-12 with a shot to put together one of the best seasons in school history. Not only will the Huskies be challenging for a conference title and a possible playoff spot, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is one of the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy. To get to those places, Washington has to make the most of the games that aren’t on in the middle of the night on the East Coast. This is one of those games.
While Boise State isn’t quite as feared as they were about a decade ago, they are still a very strong team. Not only does quarterback Taylen Green returner, so does 1,100-yard rusher George Holani. It feels like what the Broncos will try and do is control the clock with their running game, which is what they did last year. Even though Boise State should have a stout defense, I just think the Huskies are too good on offense. Penix and company will jump out to a lead that will nullify Boise’s ground game and force Green to throw the football.
Washington 41, Boise State 21
No. 21 North Carolina (-2.5) v. South Carolina - Saturday 9/2 7:30 p.m. - ABC
This matchup might not be quite as sexy when it comes to rankings as we have seen recently on ABC on the Saturday night of Labor Day weekend, but this certainly could be a fun one. Not only do you have a battle between neighboring states, we also have a great quarterback matchup between North Carolina’s Drake Maye and South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler.
I feel like the wrong team is ranked and favored here. Even though the Tar Heels have Maye, what else do they have? Their defense was awful last year, and it feels like Mack Brown’s teams at North Carolina have failed to live up to expectations during his second stint in Chapel Hill. I just think South Carolina is on the upswing with Rattler and head coach Shane Beamer, while North Carolina is trending in the other direction. The Gamecocks edge the Tar Heels in a tight game in Charlotte.
South Carolina 38, North Carolina 31
No. 18 Oregon State (-16.5) v. San Jose State - Sunday 9/3 3:30 p.m. - CBS
Oregon State is undoubtedly the better team in this matchup, especially after bringing in Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. The Beavers closed the 2022 season with seven wins in the last eight games, including a blowout of Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl. If Uiagalelei is as good as some think he can be, Oregon State could end up making some noise in the Pac-12 since they get both Utah and Washington in Corvallis.
We have already seen San Jose State this year (well, maybe not “seen” since their loss to USC was on the Pac-12 Network). The Spartans were able to put some points up on the board against a terrible Trojans defense and cover the point spread. They’ll face a tougher test on Sunday against Oregon State’s defense, but at least they’ll be at home for this contest. I feel like Chevan Cordeiro will be sharp enough to keep the Spartans inside the number for the second straight week against a Pac-12 foe.
Oregon State 31, San Jose State 20
No. 5 LSU (-2.5) v. No. 8 Florida State - Sunday 9/3 7:30 p.m. - ABC
After last year’s thrilling 24-23 Florida State victory over LSU in New Orleans, the Seminoles and Tigers are going to run it back in Orlando. Unlike last year when there were questions about both teams heading into the opener, this year both teams are ranked in the top-10. LSU returns quarterback Jayden Daniels following a solid first year with the Tigers after transferring from Arizona State, while the Seminoles have Jordan Travis back at quarterback.
I’m still not totally sold on Florida State. Even though they bring back Travis, and have a number of exciting offensive transfers, I’m not quite ready to say the Seminoles are “back”. Aside from their win over LSU in Brian Kelly’s first game with the Tigers, what win by Florida State really impressed you last year? They had some alright close losses, but their wins were against a pretty soft schedule. With another offseason under his belt, Daniels outclasses Travis and helps the Tigers get a little revenge for last season.
LSU 28, Florida State 20
No. 9 Clemson (-12.5) v. Duke - Monday 9/4 8:00 p.m. - ESPN
Just how far has Duke football come? The Blue Devils getting a home game on ESPN at night on Labor Day should tell you everything. Duke is no longer a laughing stock when it comes to football, especially with Riley Leonard at quarterback. While it feels like Leonard is trying to follow in Daniel Jones’ footsteps, it is going to tough for him find any traction on Monday night against a really tough Clemson defense.
Over the last few years, the Clemson offense has gotten stagnant. That is about to change since Dabo Swinney brought in TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley to take the same position with the Tigers. Clemson fans had to be frustrated over the last few years to watch D.J. Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik struggle to put points on the board. Klubnik does have an excuse though since he was only a freshman last year, and we should see him grow after working with Riley during the offseason. This feels like a rebound year for Clemson and they start their 2023 season off on the right foot by overwhelming the Blue Devils.
Clemson 34, Duke 17
Normally I’d put all the Big Ten games together, but since this one falls on Thursday I’m including it with the national picks and I’ll post the rest of the Big Ten picks for this week tomorrow.
Nebraska v. Minnesota (-7) - Thursday 8/31 8:00 p.m. - FOX
Following a failed attempt at being an NFL head coach, Matt Rhule brings his art smock back to college football. After rebuilding Temple and Baylor, now Rhule will try and resurrect Nebraska, who have become a laughingstock in the Big Ten West. Rhule is off to a good start, bringing in Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims and a number of other transfers. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, one of those transfers was suspended recently, as former LSU and Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert was arrested for felony burglary.
After being at Minnesota for what felt like a decade, Mohamed Ibrahim has moved on to the professional level. Replacing Ibrahim will be Western Michigan transfer Sean Tyler, but most of the time it feels like the Golden Gophers could put anyone in the backfield and they could put up big numbers.
Even though Minnesota has won the last four $5 Broken Bits of Chair trophies, the last three wins were only by a touchdown. While Nebraska has a new head coach and some new players, I feel like they are in a better place that they have been in at least the last five years. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Nebraska win straight up, but to be safe I’ll predict a close Minnesota win since the Cornhuskers will be on the road to open up the season.
Minnesota 21, Nebraska 17
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The true college football season kicks off tonight with Florida-Utah and Nebraska-Minnesota.
Week 0 ATS: 4-3
It’s hard to find any fault with leaving Week 0 with a winning record. We covered the picks for the Notre Dame and USC games, while one of our losses was because Ohio had quarterback Kurtis Rourke suffer a lower-body injury late in the first half against San Diego State. Also, UMass-New Mexico State and Florida International-Louisiana Tech are games I’d never normally pick, so I’ll give myself a pass on those games.
National games
Florida v. No. 14 Utah (-4.5) - Thursday 8/31 8:00 p.m. - ESPN
Over the past few months I thought that Utah could be a sleeper to possibly make the College Football Playoff. The Utes have won the last two Pac-12 titles and played in the Rose Bowl in back-to-back years. While Cam Rising is returning for another season in Salt Lake City, it is unknown when Rising will actually be able to play after suffering a knee injury in the Rose Bowl. As if that wasn’t enough for head coach Kyle Whittingham to deal with, backup quarterback Brandon Rose was injured in preseason camp and his status for tonight’s game isn’t clear.
Unlike Utah, Florida doesn’t have any questions about who will be starting at quarterback in the season opener, as the Gators brought in Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz to replace Anthony Richardson. While Mertz definitely doesn’t have the athleticism or a cannon for an arm like Richardson, he does have experience playing in tough environments like Florida will face tonight at Utah.
This feels like it’s going to be a game like we saw last year in Gainesville that is going to come down to the wire. If Rising was going to start and there wasn’t any questions about his knee, I’d feel a little more confident in backing Utah tonight. While I still think the Utes will find a way to win, I don’t think they top the Gators by more than a field goal.
Utah 27, Florida 24
Colorado v. No. 17 TCU (-20.5) - Saturday 9/2 12:00 p.m. - FOX
After making the College Football Playoff and beating Michigan in the semifinal, TCU turned back into a pumpkin when the whistle blew at kickoff of the title game against Georgia. The Horned Frogs lost a ton from last year’s team, including quarterback Max Duggan. Stepping in for Duggan is Chandler Morris, who actually started last year’s game against Colorado before leaving in the third quarter because of a knee injury.
I have no idea if Colorado is going to be good or bad this year. What I do know is they are certainly going to be interesting after hiring Deion Sanders as their new head coach. Sanders not only is bringing his son to quarterback the Buffaloes, he also has five-star recruit Travis Hunter and a bunch of other transfers coming with him. What Sanders is doing at Colorado makes Mel Tucker’s transfer exploits at Michigan State a few years ago look like child’s play.
Both these teams might not come out all that sharp with so many new pieces on both sides of the football. I wasn’t all that impressed with TCU’s defense last year, and it doesn’t feel like the unit is going to be stronger this season. I don’t think Prime Time is going to start off his Colorado coaching career with a win, but I do think the Buffaloes hang around in Fort Worth.
TCU 35, Colorado 24
Boise State v. No. 10 Washington (-14.5) - Saturday 9/2 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Washington opens up their final season in the Pac-12 with a shot to put together one of the best seasons in school history. Not only will the Huskies be challenging for a conference title and a possible playoff spot, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is one of the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy. To get to those places, Washington has to make the most of the games that aren’t on in the middle of the night on the East Coast. This is one of those games.
While Boise State isn’t quite as feared as they were about a decade ago, they are still a very strong team. Not only does quarterback Taylen Green returner, so does 1,100-yard rusher George Holani. It feels like what the Broncos will try and do is control the clock with their running game, which is what they did last year. Even though Boise State should have a stout defense, I just think the Huskies are too good on offense. Penix and company will jump out to a lead that will nullify Boise’s ground game and force Green to throw the football.
Washington 41, Boise State 21
No. 21 North Carolina (-2.5) v. South Carolina - Saturday 9/2 7:30 p.m. - ABC
This matchup might not be quite as sexy when it comes to rankings as we have seen recently on ABC on the Saturday night of Labor Day weekend, but this certainly could be a fun one. Not only do you have a battle between neighboring states, we also have a great quarterback matchup between North Carolina’s Drake Maye and South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler.
I feel like the wrong team is ranked and favored here. Even though the Tar Heels have Maye, what else do they have? Their defense was awful last year, and it feels like Mack Brown’s teams at North Carolina have failed to live up to expectations during his second stint in Chapel Hill. I just think South Carolina is on the upswing with Rattler and head coach Shane Beamer, while North Carolina is trending in the other direction. The Gamecocks edge the Tar Heels in a tight game in Charlotte.
South Carolina 38, North Carolina 31
No. 18 Oregon State (-16.5) v. San Jose State - Sunday 9/3 3:30 p.m. - CBS
Oregon State is undoubtedly the better team in this matchup, especially after bringing in Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. The Beavers closed the 2022 season with seven wins in the last eight games, including a blowout of Florida in the Las Vegas Bowl. If Uiagalelei is as good as some think he can be, Oregon State could end up making some noise in the Pac-12 since they get both Utah and Washington in Corvallis.
We have already seen San Jose State this year (well, maybe not “seen” since their loss to USC was on the Pac-12 Network). The Spartans were able to put some points up on the board against a terrible Trojans defense and cover the point spread. They’ll face a tougher test on Sunday against Oregon State’s defense, but at least they’ll be at home for this contest. I feel like Chevan Cordeiro will be sharp enough to keep the Spartans inside the number for the second straight week against a Pac-12 foe.
Oregon State 31, San Jose State 20
No. 5 LSU (-2.5) v. No. 8 Florida State - Sunday 9/3 7:30 p.m. - ABC
After last year’s thrilling 24-23 Florida State victory over LSU in New Orleans, the Seminoles and Tigers are going to run it back in Orlando. Unlike last year when there were questions about both teams heading into the opener, this year both teams are ranked in the top-10. LSU returns quarterback Jayden Daniels following a solid first year with the Tigers after transferring from Arizona State, while the Seminoles have Jordan Travis back at quarterback.
I’m still not totally sold on Florida State. Even though they bring back Travis, and have a number of exciting offensive transfers, I’m not quite ready to say the Seminoles are “back”. Aside from their win over LSU in Brian Kelly’s first game with the Tigers, what win by Florida State really impressed you last year? They had some alright close losses, but their wins were against a pretty soft schedule. With another offseason under his belt, Daniels outclasses Travis and helps the Tigers get a little revenge for last season.
LSU 28, Florida State 20
No. 9 Clemson (-12.5) v. Duke - Monday 9/4 8:00 p.m. - ESPN
Just how far has Duke football come? The Blue Devils getting a home game on ESPN at night on Labor Day should tell you everything. Duke is no longer a laughing stock when it comes to football, especially with Riley Leonard at quarterback. While it feels like Leonard is trying to follow in Daniel Jones’ footsteps, it is going to tough for him find any traction on Monday night against a really tough Clemson defense.
Over the last few years, the Clemson offense has gotten stagnant. That is about to change since Dabo Swinney brought in TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley to take the same position with the Tigers. Clemson fans had to be frustrated over the last few years to watch D.J. Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik struggle to put points on the board. Klubnik does have an excuse though since he was only a freshman last year, and we should see him grow after working with Riley during the offseason. This feels like a rebound year for Clemson and they start their 2023 season off on the right foot by overwhelming the Blue Devils.
Clemson 34, Duke 17
B1G game:
Normally I’d put all the Big Ten games together, but since this one falls on Thursday I’m including it with the national picks and I’ll post the rest of the Big Ten picks for this week tomorrow.
Nebraska v. Minnesota (-7) - Thursday 8/31 8:00 p.m. - FOX
Following a failed attempt at being an NFL head coach, Matt Rhule brings his art smock back to college football. After rebuilding Temple and Baylor, now Rhule will try and resurrect Nebraska, who have become a laughingstock in the Big Ten West. Rhule is off to a good start, bringing in Georgia Tech quarterback Jeff Sims and a number of other transfers. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, one of those transfers was suspended recently, as former LSU and Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert was arrested for felony burglary.
After being at Minnesota for what felt like a decade, Mohamed Ibrahim has moved on to the professional level. Replacing Ibrahim will be Western Michigan transfer Sean Tyler, but most of the time it feels like the Golden Gophers could put anyone in the backfield and they could put up big numbers.
Even though Minnesota has won the last four $5 Broken Bits of Chair trophies, the last three wins were only by a touchdown. While Nebraska has a new head coach and some new players, I feel like they are in a better place that they have been in at least the last five years. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Nebraska win straight up, but to be safe I’ll predict a close Minnesota win since the Cornhuskers will be on the road to open up the season.
Minnesota 21, Nebraska 17
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LGHL Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter brings much-needed experience, versatility to Ohio State secondary
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Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter brings much-needed experience, versatility to Ohio State secondary
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images
Carter excelled for three seasons in Upstate New York, but will now be looking to make a significant impact in Columbus.
Shortly after a tough (tough, tough) loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State received its first BOOOOM of 2023. Ja’Had Carter, formerly of Syracuse, announced his commitment to OSU on Jan. 3, giving the Buckeyes an experienced vet at a position of significant need.
Prior to joining the Scarlet and Gray, Carter had been widely regarded as one of the top safeties available in the transfer portal, thanks to three years of starting experience and a Freshman All-American nod in 2020. His impending arrival in Columbus was a welcome announcement to or for those who watched a lost and confused (OSU) secondary get absolutely flambéed by the likes of TTUN and UGA.
At Syracuse, Carter was a bit of a chess piece for the Orange, moving all over the field in their 3-3-5 system (three safeties) which is not dissimilar from Jim Knowles’ preferred scheme. The versatile safety lined up deep, as well as in the slot and in the box, showing a willingness and ability to cover, tackle, and disrupt. Carter’s last season in central New York saw him spend significant time in the slot, so it made sense that upon choosing Ohio State, he was mentioned as a candidate to replace Tanner McCalister in the Buckeyes’ nickel safety role.
Nickel/slot safety was still Carter’s presumed assignment when he arrived in Columbus, however, a poorly timed injury suffered during spring practice(s) all but eliminated his early acclimation period. The injury also eliminated or significantly reduced the time OSU coaches got to observe their first ‘impact’ transfer of the offseason — on the field, at least. But due to Carter’s experience and coachability, he was still able to look, listen, and learn, setting him up to battle for a gig come August.
This is exactly what Carter has done, only not in the position he was expected to play. The fourth-year player and former three-star recruit out of Richmond, VA has taken most of his fall reps at free safety or what Knowles refers to as his ‘adjuster’ – as opposed to the nickel spot. Instead, Sonny Styles has taken over that nickel role, as it appears that the Buckeyes are keen on using their stud sophomore in a hybrid manner. The switch leaves Carter in a familiar position, even if it is not the one Ohio State fans envisioned.
Regardless of where Carter is lining up, he seems to be fitting in quite seamlessly with the Scarlet and Gray. He has given props to teammates for aiding his transfer transition and comes across as someone who is eager to help the team in any way possible. On the field, that is and will (hopefully) be accomplished by providing steady play, being in the right place(s) at the right time, and potentially even directing others.
The latter might sound strange or out of place coming from a new addition, but Carter is somewhat of an anomaly. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset, even if he never becomes an All-Big Ten and/or All-American performer.
That being said, I (like many) expect Carter to play well for OSU. Because a proven track record of solid performance certainly exists. In three seasons prior to joining the Buckeyes, he totaled 138 tackles, 12 PBU, and 5 INT for Syracuse, helping the Orange finish as a top-25 defense – in both total yards and passing yards allowed (26th in 2021 but gimme a break) – each of the last two seasons.
And because Carter has also flashed one-on-one coverage skill(s), he could, in theory, be viewed as an emergency option at cornerback. Hopefully, it does not come to that for Ohio State, but the ability to occasionally blanket opposing pass catchers is yet another feather in Carter’s cap, of which he has many.
It is obviously TBD whether Carter can replicate his ACC success or even hold onto a starting gig in Columbus. The Buckeyes have several hungry players in the secondary, including (other) experienced vets Josh Proctor and Cam Martinez, both of whom have been in the OSU program and Knowles’ defense longer than Carter. In Proctor’s case, nearly a decade longer (I kid, I kid). But there will be plenty of competition for snaps and reps, so the Syracuse transfer would be wise not to rest on his laurels.
However, complacency should not be an issue with Carter. He is too experienced and presumably too hungry himself – otherwise, why transfer? – to let this opportunity pass. Buckeye Nation should be excited to see what he can and will do for Ohio State, making him a new player to watch.
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
Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images
Carter excelled for three seasons in Upstate New York, but will now be looking to make a significant impact in Columbus.
Shortly after a tough (tough, tough) loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State received its first BOOOOM of 2023. Ja’Had Carter, formerly of Syracuse, announced his commitment to OSU on Jan. 3, giving the Buckeyes an experienced vet at a position of significant need.
Prior to joining the Scarlet and Gray, Carter had been widely regarded as one of the top safeties available in the transfer portal, thanks to three years of starting experience and a Freshman All-American nod in 2020. His impending arrival in Columbus was a welcome announcement to or for those who watched a lost and confused (OSU) secondary get absolutely flambéed by the likes of TTUN and UGA.
At Syracuse, Carter was a bit of a chess piece for the Orange, moving all over the field in their 3-3-5 system (three safeties) which is not dissimilar from Jim Knowles’ preferred scheme. The versatile safety lined up deep, as well as in the slot and in the box, showing a willingness and ability to cover, tackle, and disrupt. Carter’s last season in central New York saw him spend significant time in the slot, so it made sense that upon choosing Ohio State, he was mentioned as a candidate to replace Tanner McCalister in the Buckeyes’ nickel safety role.
Nickel/slot safety was still Carter’s presumed assignment when he arrived in Columbus, however, a poorly timed injury suffered during spring practice(s) all but eliminated his early acclimation period. The injury also eliminated or significantly reduced the time OSU coaches got to observe their first ‘impact’ transfer of the offseason — on the field, at least. But due to Carter’s experience and coachability, he was still able to look, listen, and learn, setting him up to battle for a gig come August.
This is exactly what Carter has done, only not in the position he was expected to play. The fourth-year player and former three-star recruit out of Richmond, VA has taken most of his fall reps at free safety or what Knowles refers to as his ‘adjuster’ – as opposed to the nickel spot. Instead, Sonny Styles has taken over that nickel role, as it appears that the Buckeyes are keen on using their stud sophomore in a hybrid manner. The switch leaves Carter in a familiar position, even if it is not the one Ohio State fans envisioned.
Regardless of where Carter is lining up, he seems to be fitting in quite seamlessly with the Scarlet and Gray. He has given props to teammates for aiding his transfer transition and comes across as someone who is eager to help the team in any way possible. On the field, that is and will (hopefully) be accomplished by providing steady play, being in the right place(s) at the right time, and potentially even directing others.
The latter might sound strange or out of place coming from a new addition, but Carter is somewhat of an anomaly. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset, even if he never becomes an All-Big Ten and/or All-American performer.
That being said, I (like many) expect Carter to play well for OSU. Because a proven track record of solid performance certainly exists. In three seasons prior to joining the Buckeyes, he totaled 138 tackles, 12 PBU, and 5 INT for Syracuse, helping the Orange finish as a top-25 defense – in both total yards and passing yards allowed (26th in 2021 but gimme a break) – each of the last two seasons.
And because Carter has also flashed one-on-one coverage skill(s), he could, in theory, be viewed as an emergency option at cornerback. Hopefully, it does not come to that for Ohio State, but the ability to occasionally blanket opposing pass catchers is yet another feather in Carter’s cap, of which he has many.
It is obviously TBD whether Carter can replicate his ACC success or even hold onto a starting gig in Columbus. The Buckeyes have several hungry players in the secondary, including (other) experienced vets Josh Proctor and Cam Martinez, both of whom have been in the OSU program and Knowles’ defense longer than Carter. In Proctor’s case, nearly a decade longer (I kid, I kid). But there will be plenty of competition for snaps and reps, so the Syracuse transfer would be wise not to rest on his laurels.
However, complacency should not be an issue with Carter. He is too experienced and presumably too hungry himself – otherwise, why transfer? – to let this opportunity pass. Buckeye Nation should be excited to see what he can and will do for Ohio State, making him a new player to watch.
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LGHL These are the top 5 Ohio State players you need to know this college football season
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These are the top 5 Ohio State players you need to know this college football season
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ok, we cheated and went with 10!
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes finally open their 2023 football season on Saturday, Sept. 3 in Bloomington, Ind. as they take on the Indiana Hoosiers at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
On Tuesday, Ryan Day named the third-year Buckeye as the team’s starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against Indiana. However, newly minted backup Devin Brown will also play in the game while the competition will continue into the season; presumably wrapping up officially before Ohio State heads to South Bend to take on No. 13 Notre Dame.
Listen to Ryan Day’s Tuesday press conference announcing McCord as the team’s starter:
McCord has started one game in his career, spelling first-year starter C.J. Stroud in 2021 when he was nursing a bum shoulder. McCord came to Ohio State as the No. 28 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, the No. 6 quarterback in the country. Despite the prominent recruiting status, he has not had much in-game experience during his first two years in Columbus.
He has played in 12 games, going 41 for 58 for 606 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, but as the coaches discussed the decision to start McCord, both Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles described him as calm and consistent and alluded to the fact that he made the right decisions and generally avoided mistakes.
You expect a level of steadiness from a third-year player, and with the embarrassment of riches that Ohio State has in terms of offensive firepower, making the basic — but perhaps not extraordinary — plays isn’t the worst possible outcome.
However, perhaps the biggest plus in McCord’s column is the fact that he has a long history with the next guy on this list, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The two played together at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia (although McCord is technically a New Jersey native), so they have years of reps and chemistry built up that can’t be overlooked for a new starter.
What can be said about Marvin Harrison Jr. that hasn’t already been said? He is the best receiver in college football; if not the best player in college football. He is one of the top preseason Heisman candidates. He is a slam-dunk first-round NFL Draft pick. He might just be an alien.
Last season was supposed to be about Jaxon Smith-Njigba capitalizing on his breakout sophomore season in 2021 to become Ohio State’s definitive No. 1 wide receiver. However, injuries derailed that plan, opening up an avenue for Harrison to assert himself as arguably the best skill position player in the entire country.
In 2022, Marv had 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns and went from a Pro Football Hall of Famer’s son to a guy who many started talking about as a future Hall of Famer in his own right. Harrison Jr.’s size, precision, work ethic, and otherworldly physical gifts have made him the most dangerous weapon in college football. While there is no doubt that defensive coordinators will scheme to try and stop him from dominating games, thanks to the ridiculous collection of weapons that Ohio State has on offense, that won’t always be possible; and even when it is, I’m not even sure if there are three players in the country that could collectively slow down Marvin Harrison Jr.
The 2022 season did not go as planned for TreVeyon Henderson. After an incredible true freshman year, the running back was supposed to be a bell cow for Ohio State and a potential Heisman contender. However, injuries derailed Henderson’s potential almost from the jump, and nearly never throughout the season did he look like the player who showed so much promise the year before.
This led to the emergence of Miyan Williams as not only a change-of-pace back, but as a legitimate contender to the role of RB1 for the Buckeyes, but he also was regularly beset with injuries, which allowed Dallan Hayden and Chip Trayanum to also have moments to shine in 2022.
Henderson and his family have been vocal about how disappointed they were with how Ohio State handled his injury last year, both in terms of the internal medical decisions made by the program and how it was discussed publicly, and they are right. However, he has since put that — and thoughts of transferring — behind him and is healthy for the start of the new season.
Back at 100% (or as close to it as a running back can ever get) Henderson has the potential to be a legitimate difference-maker for Ohio State this season in the way that a Buckeye back hasn’t been since J.K. Dobbins.
When the Buckeyes landed the services of five-star prospect J.T. Tuimoloau, many assumed that OSU had found the successor to the Bosa brothers and Chase Young. At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, it felt like the next great Buckeye sack artist had arrived in Columbus. To his point, that has not proven to be true, even though Tuimoloau has shown moments of brilliance — including what I believe is the greatest defensive game in Ohio State history.
But optimism is on the rise that now in his third year as a Buckeye, the Edge rusher will be able to take the next step thanks to not only his continued personal development but that of the rest of the defense as well. With his running mate Jack Sawyer returned to his natural position as a defensive end, the best interior defensive line in the last three years, and a secondary that feels like it might just be back to #BIA standards, opposing offenses shouldn’t be able to focus on Tuimoloau as much as they have in previous seasons, which just might provide him the opportunity to take the long-awaited step to the elite level of Ohio State ends.
I’m not going to lie, when Tommy Eichenberg took over as Ohio State’s starting middle linebacker, I was neither impressed nor excited. Like many, I assumed that he was another incarnation of Tuf Borland, a slow, sub-athletic who achieved something approaching competency due to toughness and intelligence, but could never ascend to the level necessary to live up to the Ohio State linebacker legacy.
But to paraphrase Vivian Kensington in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (played by Toledo native and former Miss America Kate Shindle), “When I’m wrong, then I say I’m wrong, and I was wrong about Tommy.”
Eichenberg clearly has the toughness (he played with two broken thumbs last season) and intelligence (okay, maybe playing football with two broken thumbs isn’t the smartest thing you can do) that I assumed would be his calling cards, but he has also proven to be far more than the replacement-level MAC talent that I thought he would be.
While he might not yet be at the level of a Spielman, Hawk, Katzenmoyer, Johnson, Shazier, Gradishar, Cousineau, or his coach Laurinaitis, if Eichenberg has the year that many think he is capable of, he could very well approach that level.
But here’s the thing: You already know about all of those guys. There has been endless discussion over the battle between McCord and Brown throughout the offseason and the other four are not just returning starters, but major contributors. So, if you really want to get prepared for the upcoming season, you have to dig a little deeper and get to know these other five players who are positioned to have a major impact for the Buckeyes in their first real expanded opportunities for Ohio State.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24886524/1482445687.jpg "Ohio State Spring Football Game")
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
Under Day and wide receiver coach/new offensive e coordinator Brian Hartline, Ohio State has become the undisputed Wide Receiver U in college football, routinely turning out first-round NFL Draft picks and players who make instant impacts on their teams at the next level.
While the Buckeyes have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver this season, starting Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and a finally healthy (knocks on wood) Julian Fleming, a true freshman is waiting in the wings to seize whatever opportunities he is presented with.
True freshman Carnell Tate comes to Columbus as Hartline’s latest five-star prospect and has dazzled the coaching staff since arriving in January. Throughout the offseason, Tate has been a topic of conversation, not only because of what he could bring to the team down the road, but what he can do for them this very season.
Last week, Harrison Jr. told the media that he felt like Tate — as a true freshman — was further along in his development than Marv was at this time last year as a sophomore. While everyone’s eyebrows were already raised at the potential for Tate to have an impact this season, a comment like that — from someone who knows the position as well as Harrison — pushed those forehead caterpillars practically to the other side of their heads.
Hear Harrison’s full comments on Tate in the podcast below:
When Day spoke to the media on Monday, Tate was one of the freshmen that he guaranteed would play in the season opener against Indiana. And while there is always the possibility that excited fans and media members will get overexcited about the potential for an electric young talent to make an impact, this feels like more than that; this feels like the next great Buckeye receiver is here and can’t be kept off of the field.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24886796/1438279271.jpg "Ohio State v Penn State")
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
The hype was always going to be there for Sonny Styles. The son of a great Buckeye player, a five-star prospect from the Columbus suburbs who reclassified to get to college a year early, the anticipation of what he could do has been at the forefront of fans’ minds for quite a while now. Despite not turning 19 years old until the day before this November’s game against Michigan, the younger of two Styles brothers on Ohio State’s roster appears primed to make a huge impact on the OSU defense this fall.
At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Styles is an unbelievably gifted physical athlete, and while his father Lorenzo played linebacker for the Buckeyes, Sonny has found himself with the versatility to play a number of different positions on the field, something that has made second-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles excited about the possibilities.
Knowles has confirmed that Sonny will start at the Nickle safety position, but probably won’t come off of the field when offenses dictate a different defensive scheme. While Sonny could move to another safety position in those circumstances, he also has the size and ability to move up into a traditional linebacker spot to attack the run and/or rush the passer.
Nearly everyone associated with Ohio State has raved about Sonny’s development from 2022 until now, which has only amplified Buckeye fans’ excitement to finally see him on the field. After the secondary was a major liability last season, adding the athleticism of the younger Styles into the mix can only help get the OSU defense back to its Silver Bullet legacy.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24886800/1243184739.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 10 Idaho State at San Diego State")
Photo by Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Josh Simmons (No. 77) at San Diego State
Ohio State tends to be far more hesitant to dive into the transfer portal than many of its blue-blood brethren. While the Buckeyes have brought in transfers over the years, rarely has it been for a big-name player expected to make an instant impact.
However, OSU is hoping that its latest addition bears similar results to when Jonah Jackson left Rutgers to come to Columbus for the 2019 season. Although he had been an All-Big Ten performer, he wasn’t expected to be nearly the impact player that he turned out to be, becoming a first-team All-Conference selection, third-round draft pick, and eventual Pro Bowler.
While the expectations are not nearly as high for San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons, Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye are hoping that they were able to find a diamond in the rough to solidify an otherwise suspect offensive line. With the departures of Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, there were two open tackle positions that had to be filled.
The next man up from last year’s line was Josh Fryar, who started one game at right tackle last year. The assumption going into fall camp was that he would make the move to the presumably more important left tackle spot when Simmons, Tegra Tshabola, Luke Montgomery, and Zen Michalski competing for the other.
However, after the first week or so of practices, Day confirmed that Fryar had moved back to the right side and that Simmons was holding down the left tackle position. While it took the head coach a few more weeks to officially confirm that the former Aztec would be starting, the line has seemingly solidified with Simmons and Fryar occupying the outsides.
With a first-time starter at quarterback, offensive line play is going to be a huge factor in how McCord (or eventually Brown) performs this season. If Simmons is able to quickly acclimate to the step up in competition, that should bode well for the Buckeye offense. The season opener against Indiana should tell us a lot as IU head coach Tom Allen will undoubtedly throw everything imaginable at the reconfigured Buckeye o-line.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24886807/usa_today_18103012.jpg "Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch")
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kenyatta Jackson played a total of 24 snaps on defense in 2022 and half of those came in Week 2 against Arkansas State. The Edge rusher did not play after Week 5 in the Buckeyes’ 49-10 blowout win over Rutgers, preserving his redshirt.
However, that has not stopped the hype for the former five-star recruit coming into his second season in Columbus. While Tuimoloau and Sawyer are firmly entrenched at the defensive end spots, the more that Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson talk, the more it sounds like Jackson will not only be a rotational piece up front, but will be integral to the team’s plans.
Johnson has long been known for his philosophy of rotating players across the d-line, so much so that there might be a bit of a feud going on between LJ and Knowles about just how much rotation is good to keep guys fresh and how much is excessive. However, neither guy seems to have an issue with the idea of having Jackson in the game far more than he was in 2022.
At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Jackson has shown a unique athletic ability to move coming off of the ball. While you always want your Edge rushers to be able to physically overwhelm their blockers with strength and speed, something that many of the best have is the ability to get low and move around tackles and tight ends, essentially avoiding the bulk of their blocks. Jackson apparently has that.
The hype is high for Jackson, with some even wondering if he should supplant Sawyer in the DE rotation. While that seems premature, especially with Sawyer finally getting to be back at end for the first time in far too long, if Jackson is able to make it impossible to keep him off the field, that would mean that the OSU defensive might just be capable of wrecking games for the first time since 2019.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24886842/1251856354.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: APR 15 Ohio State Spring Game")
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Malik Hartford (No. 25) breaks up a pass in the 2023 Spring Game.
We are now less than two days away from the start of Ohio State’s football season, and we still don’t know who the third starting safety will be. Styles is set as the Nickle and Lathan Ransom is firmly entrenched as the strong safety/Bandit. However, on Tuesday Knowles said that veteran Josh Proctor, transfer Ja’Had Carter, and true freshman Malik Hartford were all still in the mix and capable of playing.
When fall camp started, I had assumed that former Syracuse safety Carter would claim the spot, and he might have, had he not had to deal with some injury concerns during camp. But while the coaching staff praised Proctor coming out of camp, he was benched halfway through the season opener against Notre Dame last year, so you have to wonder how much confidence Knowles and safeties coach Perry Eliano actually have in him.
So, there is a distinct possibility that Hartford will start on Saturday against Indiana, but even if he doesn’t, it seems clear that the Lakota West product will be integral in the defense’s plans for the secondary, not only this year, but in the future as well.
While some might be concerned with the prospect of starting two young, unproven players at safety like Styles and Hartford, if Carter isn't 100%, that is the way that I would go. Athleticism is something that can’t be taught and these two youngsters have it in spades. While the Buckeyes do open up against a conference opponent, I can’t imagine that IU is going to seriously test Ohio State, so getting Hartford serious reps in the first four games of the season will only help him for when the Buckeyes travel to South Bend before starting the Big Ten season.
I firmly believe in the value of experience, schematic knowledge, and time in a college football strength and conditioning program, but if veteran players aren’t capable of clearly and firmly grabbing onto a starting spot and keeping younger players at bay, then I think the philosophy at a place like Ohio State — where young talent is never in short supply — should be to err on the side of youth and athleticism.
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ok, we cheated and went with 10!
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes finally open their 2023 football season on Saturday, Sept. 3 in Bloomington, Ind. as they take on the Indiana Hoosiers at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
Who are the top 5 Ohio State players you should know for the 2023 season?
Kyle McCord | Quarterback
On Tuesday, Ryan Day named the third-year Buckeye as the team’s starting quarterback for Saturday’s season opener against Indiana. However, newly minted backup Devin Brown will also play in the game while the competition will continue into the season; presumably wrapping up officially before Ohio State heads to South Bend to take on No. 13 Notre Dame.
Listen to Ryan Day’s Tuesday press conference announcing McCord as the team’s starter:
McCord has started one game in his career, spelling first-year starter C.J. Stroud in 2021 when he was nursing a bum shoulder. McCord came to Ohio State as the No. 28 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, the No. 6 quarterback in the country. Despite the prominent recruiting status, he has not had much in-game experience during his first two years in Columbus.
He has played in 12 games, going 41 for 58 for 606 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, but as the coaches discussed the decision to start McCord, both Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles described him as calm and consistent and alluded to the fact that he made the right decisions and generally avoided mistakes.
You expect a level of steadiness from a third-year player, and with the embarrassment of riches that Ohio State has in terms of offensive firepower, making the basic — but perhaps not extraordinary — plays isn’t the worst possible outcome.
However, perhaps the biggest plus in McCord’s column is the fact that he has a long history with the next guy on this list, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The two played together at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia (although McCord is technically a New Jersey native), so they have years of reps and chemistry built up that can’t be overlooked for a new starter.
Marvin Harrison Jr. | Wide Receiver
What can be said about Marvin Harrison Jr. that hasn’t already been said? He is the best receiver in college football; if not the best player in college football. He is one of the top preseason Heisman candidates. He is a slam-dunk first-round NFL Draft pick. He might just be an alien.
Last season was supposed to be about Jaxon Smith-Njigba capitalizing on his breakout sophomore season in 2021 to become Ohio State’s definitive No. 1 wide receiver. However, injuries derailed that plan, opening up an avenue for Harrison to assert himself as arguably the best skill position player in the entire country.
In 2022, Marv had 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns and went from a Pro Football Hall of Famer’s son to a guy who many started talking about as a future Hall of Famer in his own right. Harrison Jr.’s size, precision, work ethic, and otherworldly physical gifts have made him the most dangerous weapon in college football. While there is no doubt that defensive coordinators will scheme to try and stop him from dominating games, thanks to the ridiculous collection of weapons that Ohio State has on offense, that won’t always be possible; and even when it is, I’m not even sure if there are three players in the country that could collectively slow down Marvin Harrison Jr.
TreVeyon Henderson | Running Back
The 2022 season did not go as planned for TreVeyon Henderson. After an incredible true freshman year, the running back was supposed to be a bell cow for Ohio State and a potential Heisman contender. However, injuries derailed Henderson’s potential almost from the jump, and nearly never throughout the season did he look like the player who showed so much promise the year before.
This led to the emergence of Miyan Williams as not only a change-of-pace back, but as a legitimate contender to the role of RB1 for the Buckeyes, but he also was regularly beset with injuries, which allowed Dallan Hayden and Chip Trayanum to also have moments to shine in 2022.
Henderson and his family have been vocal about how disappointed they were with how Ohio State handled his injury last year, both in terms of the internal medical decisions made by the program and how it was discussed publicly, and they are right. However, he has since put that — and thoughts of transferring — behind him and is healthy for the start of the new season.
Back at 100% (or as close to it as a running back can ever get) Henderson has the potential to be a legitimate difference-maker for Ohio State this season in the way that a Buckeye back hasn’t been since J.K. Dobbins.
J.T. Tuimoloau | Defensive End
When the Buckeyes landed the services of five-star prospect J.T. Tuimoloau, many assumed that OSU had found the successor to the Bosa brothers and Chase Young. At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, it felt like the next great Buckeye sack artist had arrived in Columbus. To his point, that has not proven to be true, even though Tuimoloau has shown moments of brilliance — including what I believe is the greatest defensive game in Ohio State history.
But optimism is on the rise that now in his third year as a Buckeye, the Edge rusher will be able to take the next step thanks to not only his continued personal development but that of the rest of the defense as well. With his running mate Jack Sawyer returned to his natural position as a defensive end, the best interior defensive line in the last three years, and a secondary that feels like it might just be back to #BIA standards, opposing offenses shouldn’t be able to focus on Tuimoloau as much as they have in previous seasons, which just might provide him the opportunity to take the long-awaited step to the elite level of Ohio State ends.
Tommy Eichenberg | Linebacker
I’m not going to lie, when Tommy Eichenberg took over as Ohio State’s starting middle linebacker, I was neither impressed nor excited. Like many, I assumed that he was another incarnation of Tuf Borland, a slow, sub-athletic who achieved something approaching competency due to toughness and intelligence, but could never ascend to the level necessary to live up to the Ohio State linebacker legacy.
But to paraphrase Vivian Kensington in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” (played by Toledo native and former Miss America Kate Shindle), “When I’m wrong, then I say I’m wrong, and I was wrong about Tommy.”
Eichenberg clearly has the toughness (he played with two broken thumbs last season) and intelligence (okay, maybe playing football with two broken thumbs isn’t the smartest thing you can do) that I assumed would be his calling cards, but he has also proven to be far more than the replacement-level MAC talent that I thought he would be.
While he might not yet be at the level of a Spielman, Hawk, Katzenmoyer, Johnson, Shazier, Gradishar, Cousineau, or his coach Laurinaitis, if Eichenberg has the year that many think he is capable of, he could very well approach that level.
But here’s the thing: You already know about all of those guys. There has been endless discussion over the battle between McCord and Brown throughout the offseason and the other four are not just returning starters, but major contributors. So, if you really want to get prepared for the upcoming season, you have to dig a little deeper and get to know these other five players who are positioned to have a major impact for the Buckeyes in their first real expanded opportunities for Ohio State.
Who are the top 5 Ohio State breakout players you should know?
Carnell Tate | Wide Receiver
Under Day and wide receiver coach/new offensive e coordinator Brian Hartline, Ohio State has become the undisputed Wide Receiver U in college football, routinely turning out first-round NFL Draft picks and players who make instant impacts on their teams at the next level.
While the Buckeyes have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver this season, starting Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and a finally healthy (knocks on wood) Julian Fleming, a true freshman is waiting in the wings to seize whatever opportunities he is presented with.
True freshman Carnell Tate comes to Columbus as Hartline’s latest five-star prospect and has dazzled the coaching staff since arriving in January. Throughout the offseason, Tate has been a topic of conversation, not only because of what he could bring to the team down the road, but what he can do for them this very season.
Last week, Harrison Jr. told the media that he felt like Tate — as a true freshman — was further along in his development than Marv was at this time last year as a sophomore. While everyone’s eyebrows were already raised at the potential for Tate to have an impact this season, a comment like that — from someone who knows the position as well as Harrison — pushed those forehead caterpillars practically to the other side of their heads.
Hear Harrison’s full comments on Tate in the podcast below:
When Day spoke to the media on Monday, Tate was one of the freshmen that he guaranteed would play in the season opener against Indiana. And while there is always the possibility that excited fans and media members will get overexcited about the potential for an electric young talent to make an impact, this feels like more than that; this feels like the next great Buckeye receiver is here and can’t be kept off of the field.
Sonny Styles | Safety
The hype was always going to be there for Sonny Styles. The son of a great Buckeye player, a five-star prospect from the Columbus suburbs who reclassified to get to college a year early, the anticipation of what he could do has been at the forefront of fans’ minds for quite a while now. Despite not turning 19 years old until the day before this November’s game against Michigan, the younger of two Styles brothers on Ohio State’s roster appears primed to make a huge impact on the OSU defense this fall.
At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Styles is an unbelievably gifted physical athlete, and while his father Lorenzo played linebacker for the Buckeyes, Sonny has found himself with the versatility to play a number of different positions on the field, something that has made second-year defensive coordinator Jim Knowles excited about the possibilities.
Knowles has confirmed that Sonny will start at the Nickle safety position, but probably won’t come off of the field when offenses dictate a different defensive scheme. While Sonny could move to another safety position in those circumstances, he also has the size and ability to move up into a traditional linebacker spot to attack the run and/or rush the passer.
Nearly everyone associated with Ohio State has raved about Sonny’s development from 2022 until now, which has only amplified Buckeye fans’ excitement to finally see him on the field. After the secondary was a major liability last season, adding the athleticism of the younger Styles into the mix can only help get the OSU defense back to its Silver Bullet legacy.
Josh Simmons | Left Tackle
Josh Simmons (No. 77) at San Diego State
Ohio State tends to be far more hesitant to dive into the transfer portal than many of its blue-blood brethren. While the Buckeyes have brought in transfers over the years, rarely has it been for a big-name player expected to make an instant impact.
However, OSU is hoping that its latest addition bears similar results to when Jonah Jackson left Rutgers to come to Columbus for the 2019 season. Although he had been an All-Big Ten performer, he wasn’t expected to be nearly the impact player that he turned out to be, becoming a first-team All-Conference selection, third-round draft pick, and eventual Pro Bowler.
While the expectations are not nearly as high for San Diego State transfer Josh Simmons, Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye are hoping that they were able to find a diamond in the rough to solidify an otherwise suspect offensive line. With the departures of Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, there were two open tackle positions that had to be filled.
The next man up from last year’s line was Josh Fryar, who started one game at right tackle last year. The assumption going into fall camp was that he would make the move to the presumably more important left tackle spot when Simmons, Tegra Tshabola, Luke Montgomery, and Zen Michalski competing for the other.
However, after the first week or so of practices, Day confirmed that Fryar had moved back to the right side and that Simmons was holding down the left tackle position. While it took the head coach a few more weeks to officially confirm that the former Aztec would be starting, the line has seemingly solidified with Simmons and Fryar occupying the outsides.
With a first-time starter at quarterback, offensive line play is going to be a huge factor in how McCord (or eventually Brown) performs this season. If Simmons is able to quickly acclimate to the step up in competition, that should bode well for the Buckeye offense. The season opener against Indiana should tell us a lot as IU head coach Tom Allen will undoubtedly throw everything imaginable at the reconfigured Buckeye o-line.
Kenyatta Jackson | Defensive End
Kenyatta Jackson played a total of 24 snaps on defense in 2022 and half of those came in Week 2 against Arkansas State. The Edge rusher did not play after Week 5 in the Buckeyes’ 49-10 blowout win over Rutgers, preserving his redshirt.
However, that has not stopped the hype for the former five-star recruit coming into his second season in Columbus. While Tuimoloau and Sawyer are firmly entrenched at the defensive end spots, the more that Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson talk, the more it sounds like Jackson will not only be a rotational piece up front, but will be integral to the team’s plans.
Johnson has long been known for his philosophy of rotating players across the d-line, so much so that there might be a bit of a feud going on between LJ and Knowles about just how much rotation is good to keep guys fresh and how much is excessive. However, neither guy seems to have an issue with the idea of having Jackson in the game far more than he was in 2022.
At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, Jackson has shown a unique athletic ability to move coming off of the ball. While you always want your Edge rushers to be able to physically overwhelm their blockers with strength and speed, something that many of the best have is the ability to get low and move around tackles and tight ends, essentially avoiding the bulk of their blocks. Jackson apparently has that.
The hype is high for Jackson, with some even wondering if he should supplant Sawyer in the DE rotation. While that seems premature, especially with Sawyer finally getting to be back at end for the first time in far too long, if Jackson is able to make it impossible to keep him off the field, that would mean that the OSU defensive might just be capable of wrecking games for the first time since 2019.
Malik Hartford | Safety
Malik Hartford (No. 25) breaks up a pass in the 2023 Spring Game.
We are now less than two days away from the start of Ohio State’s football season, and we still don’t know who the third starting safety will be. Styles is set as the Nickle and Lathan Ransom is firmly entrenched as the strong safety/Bandit. However, on Tuesday Knowles said that veteran Josh Proctor, transfer Ja’Had Carter, and true freshman Malik Hartford were all still in the mix and capable of playing.
When fall camp started, I had assumed that former Syracuse safety Carter would claim the spot, and he might have, had he not had to deal with some injury concerns during camp. But while the coaching staff praised Proctor coming out of camp, he was benched halfway through the season opener against Notre Dame last year, so you have to wonder how much confidence Knowles and safeties coach Perry Eliano actually have in him.
So, there is a distinct possibility that Hartford will start on Saturday against Indiana, but even if he doesn’t, it seems clear that the Lakota West product will be integral in the defense’s plans for the secondary, not only this year, but in the future as well.
While some might be concerned with the prospect of starting two young, unproven players at safety like Styles and Hartford, if Carter isn't 100%, that is the way that I would go. Athleticism is something that can’t be taught and these two youngsters have it in spades. While the Buckeyes do open up against a conference opponent, I can’t imagine that IU is going to seriously test Ohio State, so getting Hartford serious reps in the first four games of the season will only help him for when the Buckeyes travel to South Bend before starting the Big Ten season.
I firmly believe in the value of experience, schematic knowledge, and time in a college football strength and conditioning program, but if veteran players aren’t capable of clearly and firmly grabbing onto a starting spot and keeping younger players at bay, then I think the philosophy at a place like Ohio State — where young talent is never in short supply — should be to err on the side of youth and athleticism.
Continue reading...