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LGHL Burning Questions: Has Jim Knowles solved Ohio State’s defensive issues?
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Burning Questions: Has Jim Knowles solved Ohio State’s defensive issues?
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 Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator is under scrutiny following a promising, but ultimately disappointing 2022.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
For the first 11 games of the 2022 season, Ohio State fans had reason to believe that the Ohio State defense had improved. After all, Ohio State was 11-0, and had been able to withstand some challenging road games at Penn State (Ohio State 44, Penn State 31) and at Maryland (Ohio State 43, Maryland 30) to get to that point. Surely the Buckeyes would be well-prepared against “That Team Up North”, a team that was decidedly built upon a conservative offensive attack, a team that was without its best running back in Blake Corum?
Cue the sad music
We all know what happened next. The Michigan Wolverines were able to repeatedly score long touchdowns against Ohio State via the air, with Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy connecting twice with Wolverines wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (one touchdown reception for 69 yards, another for 75 yards), as well as Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland for a 45-yard touchdown reception, as well as on the ground, as Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards racing for two touchdowns to seal the victory, with one run going for 75 yards, and the dagger to the heart touchdown of 85 yards with only about three minutes remaining.
A chance for redemption was gifted to Ohio State, as the Buckeyes were ranked fourth and slated to play against Georgia in the first round of The College Football Playoff. As the fourth quarter began, Ohio State was precariously holding onto a 38-24 lead. Surely, Ohio State had learned the mistakes from the Michigan game, right?
Cue the sad music
Only 10 seconds into the 4th quarter, Georgia was able to score on a 76-yard touchdown pass from Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett to Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith, then completed a two-point conversion to Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey, to make the score 38-35. Ohio State was only able to muster a field goal in the fourth quarter, to make it 41-35. Then Georgia was able to drive down the field with under three minutes to play in the game to score the decisive touchdown, 42-41.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, after the heartbreaking loss, had this to say about his team’s defense, “If we’re going to win these games we can’t give up those big, explosive plays...”
The intensive spotlight and focus for the 2023 Ohio State football season will be entirely upon Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The defensive collapses that came up at the most inopportune times during the 2022 season have placed Knowles squarely in the camp of being perpetually second-guessed.
Credit to Jim Knowles for recognizing that change is absolutely essential for the success of the 2023 defense. In an interview with several local beat reporters after the conclusion of Ohio State’s spring practices, Knowles said:
What will we see from the 2023 Ohio State defense under Jim Knowles? Based upon other excerpts from the interview, it sounds like more defensive rotation throughout the unit, as well as a lofty goal that Ohio State fans will likely be eager to see upon the season’s conclusion.
“There’s the opportunity to be the best, in my mind,” he said. “There’s the opportunity to be the best. To make across-the-board improvements from what was already an improved defense, but the expectation to be a top-five defense that everyone can count on all the time. And that’s there...”
Ever since the 1996 season, when former Ohio State defensive coordinator Fred Pagac took over the role, theOSU defense has enjoyed the nickname of “The Silver Bullets.” Will 2023 be a season when the Buckeyes can truly claim that nickname? That is a Burning Question that Jim Knowles will be expected to answer this coming season.
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 Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator is under scrutiny following a promising, but ultimately disappointing 2022.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
For the first 11 games of the 2022 season, Ohio State fans had reason to believe that the Ohio State defense had improved. After all, Ohio State was 11-0, and had been able to withstand some challenging road games at Penn State (Ohio State 44, Penn State 31) and at Maryland (Ohio State 43, Maryland 30) to get to that point. Surely the Buckeyes would be well-prepared against “That Team Up North”, a team that was decidedly built upon a conservative offensive attack, a team that was without its best running back in Blake Corum?
Cue the sad music
We all know what happened next. The Michigan Wolverines were able to repeatedly score long touchdowns against Ohio State via the air, with Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy connecting twice with Wolverines wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (one touchdown reception for 69 yards, another for 75 yards), as well as Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland for a 45-yard touchdown reception, as well as on the ground, as Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards racing for two touchdowns to seal the victory, with one run going for 75 yards, and the dagger to the heart touchdown of 85 yards with only about three minutes remaining.
A chance for redemption was gifted to Ohio State, as the Buckeyes were ranked fourth and slated to play against Georgia in the first round of The College Football Playoff. As the fourth quarter began, Ohio State was precariously holding onto a 38-24 lead. Surely, Ohio State had learned the mistakes from the Michigan game, right?
Cue the sad music
Only 10 seconds into the 4th quarter, Georgia was able to score on a 76-yard touchdown pass from Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett to Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith, then completed a two-point conversion to Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey, to make the score 38-35. Ohio State was only able to muster a field goal in the fourth quarter, to make it 41-35. Then Georgia was able to drive down the field with under three minutes to play in the game to score the decisive touchdown, 42-41.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, after the heartbreaking loss, had this to say about his team’s defense, “If we’re going to win these games we can’t give up those big, explosive plays...”
The intensive spotlight and focus for the 2023 Ohio State football season will be entirely upon Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The defensive collapses that came up at the most inopportune times during the 2022 season have placed Knowles squarely in the camp of being perpetually second-guessed.
Credit to Jim Knowles for recognizing that change is absolutely essential for the success of the 2023 defense. In an interview with several local beat reporters after the conclusion of Ohio State’s spring practices, Knowles said:
What will we see from the 2023 Ohio State defense under Jim Knowles? Based upon other excerpts from the interview, it sounds like more defensive rotation throughout the unit, as well as a lofty goal that Ohio State fans will likely be eager to see upon the season’s conclusion.
“There’s the opportunity to be the best, in my mind,” he said. “There’s the opportunity to be the best. To make across-the-board improvements from what was already an improved defense, but the expectation to be a top-five defense that everyone can count on all the time. And that’s there...”
Ever since the 1996 season, when former Ohio State defensive coordinator Fred Pagac took over the role, theOSU defense has enjoyed the nickname of “The Silver Bullets.” Will 2023 be a season when the Buckeyes can truly claim that nickname? That is a Burning Question that Jim Knowles will be expected to answer this coming season.
Continue reading...
LGHL Buck Off Podcast: Recruiting update, meaningless official visits, the worst coach rankings ever
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- 0 Replies
Buck Off Podcast: Recruiting update, meaningless official visits, the worst coach rankings ever
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/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State has been hosting a long list of visitors and we have hit full offseason mode
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On today’s episode of “Buck Off with Christopher Renne,” I’m joined by Jordan Williams to discuss all the news surrounding Ohio State recruiting and other fun stories from around the country.
To get the show started, we get into the future Chip Trayanum propaganda that will be on this podcast from here on out. Then we turn to Ohio State’s 2025 quarterback commitment and the next steps after Tavien St. Clair announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.
After that, we turn our attention to official visits in college football, and why they are now a meaningless indicator in recruiting. There should be less worry about elite recruits taking visits, they are allowed to take as many as schools are willing to offer. Plus on the player Ohio State fans are most concerned about, there is no reason to carry that concern as long as Brian Hartline is employed.
We return from the break with a game called Ohio State versus the field. In this game, we are predicting if certain Ohio State recruiting prospects are going to be Buckeyes or choose to go to school somewhere else.
After the game, we read off the worst coach rankings of all time, and we get into why seeing the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean is a terrible idea to begin with.
Connect with the Show:
Twitter: @BuckOffPod
Connect with Chris Renne:
Twitter: @ChrisRenneCFB
Connect with Jordan Williams
Twitter: @JordanW330
Continue reading...
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/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State has been hosting a long list of visitors and we have hit full offseason mode
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Buck Off with Christopher Renne,” I’m joined by Jordan Williams to discuss all the news surrounding Ohio State recruiting and other fun stories from around the country.
To get the show started, we get into the future Chip Trayanum propaganda that will be on this podcast from here on out. Then we turn to Ohio State’s 2025 quarterback commitment and the next steps after Tavien St. Clair announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.
After that, we turn our attention to official visits in college football, and why they are now a meaningless indicator in recruiting. There should be less worry about elite recruits taking visits, they are allowed to take as many as schools are willing to offer. Plus on the player Ohio State fans are most concerned about, there is no reason to carry that concern as long as Brian Hartline is employed.
We return from the break with a game called Ohio State versus the field. In this game, we are predicting if certain Ohio State recruiting prospects are going to be Buckeyes or choose to go to school somewhere else.
After the game, we read off the worst coach rankings of all time, and we get into why seeing the Titanic at the bottom of the ocean is a terrible idea to begin with.
Connect with the Show:
Twitter: @BuckOffPod
Connect with Chris Renne:
Twitter: @ChrisRenneCFB
Connect with Jordan Williams
Twitter: @JordanW330
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeyes set to host arguably the two most important remaining 2024 targets
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- 0 Replies
Buckeyes set to host arguably the two most important remaining 2024 targets
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
With Bryce West and Aaron Scott on campus this weekend, it’s go time for the Buckeyes.
If it’s been said once it’s been said hundreds of times, but the point remains the same when it comes to the recruitment of in-state cornerbacks Aaron Scott and Bryce West. Simply put, these are arguably the two most important targets in the 2024 class, and for no other reason than they both are down to Ohio State and Michigan as their finalists. The Buckeyes must land both, and sure, their position for both is one of great need, but more than anything, OSU has to keep them away from its biggest rival.
Of the two recruitments, the feeling around Bryce West has been less dramatic recently, considering that he seems to be more pro-Ohio State than the alternative, but no deal is done yet. Yes, being a Cleveland Glenville product may ease some worries considering the long-standing pipeline from the high school to Columbus, but to this point in his process, West has long been the guy that seems to be more of a sure thing for the Buckeyes.
That feeling may have been backed further by the recent realization that West opted not to visit Ann Arbor before making this weekend’s trip to Columbus. The No. 49 player nationally, West will be on campus for a multiple-day stay and will join his cornerback counterpart as the Buckeyes do their best to once again prove why staying home is the best option; not only for the next few years, but for life after college as well.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
Moving to the other important CB guest this weekend, the Buckeyes of course also play host to Aaron Scott for his official visit. After spending last weekend in Ann Arbor, it’s Ohio State’s turn to roll out the red carpet. The No. 53 player nationally and the fifth-best cornerback in the country per the 247Sports Composite grades, Scott too is also down to just the Buckeyes and Wolverines.
The recruitment that has sent Ohio State followers into a scurry multiple times now, Scott may not be very vocal, but his interest in Michigan is no joke and this weekend is a massive one for the Buckeyes to make sure that they have the upper hand. Knowing how important the next couple of days — are not only for this 2024 class, but also keeping their rivals out of their territory — it will be a full-court press to show Aaron why he needs to stay home and play alongside the other part of this dynamic duo.
Both players have multiple 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions in favor of the Buckeyes from some of the best recruiting analysts in the country, so that is a positive for OSU fans. While that obviously doesn’t guarantee anything, this weekend will almost assuredly be a deciding factor in how it all plays out.
The No. 9 player nationally and the second-best edge rusher in the country per the 247Sports Composite Ratings, five-star Dylan Stewart shared on Thursday that he would be trimming his top schools' list. The betting favorites to still be in the fold include Georgia, Miami, Alabama, South Carolina, and Ohio State.
One of the top players in the country, regardless of position, Stewart has well over 30 offers to his name, and seeing his individual ranking proves he’s coveted by every school out there.
Narrowing it down shows he’s seriously going through the process now en route to a final decision. While the Buckeyes will likely make the cut, they have some work to do to make this a real possibility.
Currently, all of the crystal ball predictions favor the Buckeyes for Lockhart and if this weekend ends up being another successful trip, he could be next in line to make the call for Ohio State’s 2024 class as he plans to announce his decision July 6.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
With Bryce West and Aaron Scott on campus this weekend, it’s go time for the Buckeyes.
Two of the most important visits of the 2024 class
If it’s been said once it’s been said hundreds of times, but the point remains the same when it comes to the recruitment of in-state cornerbacks Aaron Scott and Bryce West. Simply put, these are arguably the two most important targets in the 2024 class, and for no other reason than they both are down to Ohio State and Michigan as their finalists. The Buckeyes must land both, and sure, their position for both is one of great need, but more than anything, OSU has to keep them away from its biggest rival.
Of the two recruitments, the feeling around Bryce West has been less dramatic recently, considering that he seems to be more pro-Ohio State than the alternative, but no deal is done yet. Yes, being a Cleveland Glenville product may ease some worries considering the long-standing pipeline from the high school to Columbus, but to this point in his process, West has long been the guy that seems to be more of a sure thing for the Buckeyes.
That feeling may have been backed further by the recent realization that West opted not to visit Ann Arbor before making this weekend’s trip to Columbus. The No. 49 player nationally, West will be on campus for a multiple-day stay and will join his cornerback counterpart as the Buckeyes do their best to once again prove why staying home is the best option; not only for the next few years, but for life after college as well.
It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
Moving to the other important CB guest this weekend, the Buckeyes of course also play host to Aaron Scott for his official visit. After spending last weekend in Ann Arbor, it’s Ohio State’s turn to roll out the red carpet. The No. 53 player nationally and the fifth-best cornerback in the country per the 247Sports Composite grades, Scott too is also down to just the Buckeyes and Wolverines.
The recruitment that has sent Ohio State followers into a scurry multiple times now, Scott may not be very vocal, but his interest in Michigan is no joke and this weekend is a massive one for the Buckeyes to make sure that they have the upper hand. Knowing how important the next couple of days — are not only for this 2024 class, but also keeping their rivals out of their territory — it will be a full-court press to show Aaron why he needs to stay home and play alongside the other part of this dynamic duo.
Both players have multiple 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions in favor of the Buckeyes from some of the best recruiting analysts in the country, so that is a positive for OSU fans. While that obviously doesn’t guarantee anything, this weekend will almost assuredly be a deciding factor in how it all plays out.
Quick Hits:
- Though the majority of the attention this weekend will be on the official visitors, a top Ohio State target will take the next step in his recruitment by narrowing his offer list down to just five schools.
The No. 9 player nationally and the second-best edge rusher in the country per the 247Sports Composite Ratings, five-star Dylan Stewart shared on Thursday that he would be trimming his top schools' list. The betting favorites to still be in the fold include Georgia, Miami, Alabama, South Carolina, and Ohio State.
One of the top players in the country, regardless of position, Stewart has well over 30 offers to his name, and seeing his individual ranking proves he’s coveted by every school out there.
Narrowing it down shows he’s seriously going through the process now en route to a final decision. While the Buckeyes will likely make the cut, they have some work to do to make this a real possibility.
- In addition to Scott and West, another top target cornerback will be on site this weekend when Arizona native, Miles Lockhart makes the trek back to Columbus. The No. 357 player nationally, Lockhart is the 31st best cornerback in the class per the 247Sports Composite grades. A recruit that may not jump out at you with his ranking, he is a take in this class that wants four cornerbacks in the fold.
Currently, all of the crystal ball predictions favor the Buckeyes for Lockhart and if this weekend ends up being another successful trip, he could be next in line to make the call for Ohio State’s 2024 class as he plans to announce his decision July 6.
Continue reading...
LGHL ‘Burning Questions’: Will Julian Fleming (finally) become a household name in 2023?
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- 0 Replies
‘Burning Questions’: Will Julian Fleming (finally) become a household name in 2023?
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
As the former No. 1 WR in his own recruiting class, this veteran’s talent is on-par with each and every one of his peers.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
Julian Fleming was the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2020 recruiting class, highlighting a group that included Paris Johnson Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and C.J. Stroud. He was the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall player in that historic class, in addition to being the first (of many) ‘big fish’ recruited and reeled in by Brian Hartline. Not only that, but when Fleming pledged his allegiance to OSU, he (temporarily) became the Buckeyes’ third highest-rated commit of all-freaking-time. His commitment was a BIG DEAL.
Unfortunately for both player and program, Fleming’s Ohio State career has not gone according to plan. Seemingly banged up since the minute he stepped on campus in Columbus, the now-veteran has never played 12 games in a single season. He has battled shoulder, lower body, and core injuries, resulting in 26 appearances over the course of his three-year collegiate career. And he missed yet another OSU spring game in April, raising doubts about his overall health heading into the upcoming 2023 season.
But when available, Fleming has flashed high-end talent and potential. Which is why yours truly bought up serious real estate on Fleming Island and has refused to sell... Even though my money people have been begging me to cut my losses. The problem is, I have seen and remember too much.
I remember that it was Fleming, not JSN, who started the 2020 Big Ten championship game as a true freshman – and led the Buckeyes in receiving – in place of Chris Olave. I’ve seen the leaping catches and sideline catches that should have been, as well as Fleming’s ability to get open, run after the catch, and block for peers downfield. Watch the 2022 Rose Bowl (shoutout Brodie) for examples of all. The dude can play! But can he stay healthy?
“Can Fleming stay healthy?” is sort of the first Burning Question here, if you’ll allow me to transition into LGHL’s weekly theme. And to be completely honest, I have no idea. Fleming has yet to do so consistently, but I am not one of those people who believes that availability is necessarily an ‘ability’.
I know how the saying goes, but all it takes is one look at Fleming to realize that he takes care of his body. Shoulder injuries are rarely a result of negligence. Lower body injuries are a dime-a-dozen. And core ones, well, they’re a bit for fluky, but it’s not like Fleming is running around out of shape. Sh*t happens, and some athletes are more cursed than others.
Now, as for the (other) burning question of is this Julian Fleming’s year? I doubt it, at least in terms of a ‘big’ statistical output. But my own personal doubt has little to do with Fleming’s talent and/or health. If healthy, he will likely be given plenty of opportunities. And when previously given opportunities, he has generally produced.
However, Ohio State no longer boasts the likes of Justin Fields and/or C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Kyle McCord or Devin Brown will be the new man behind center, and both are unproven (especially Brown). This is not to say that one or the other can’t take the QB job and run with it, but Fields and Stroud were two of the most accomplished and productive passers in Big Ten history. Even they occasionally struggled to spread the wealth to three, four, or five targets.
The 2021 season, when Olave finished third amongst Buckeye wideouts with 936 yards, was an anomaly. Because OSU’s third-leading WR has typically finished with around 600 or 700 yards under Ryan Day, which is just slightly more than Fleming’s 2022 total of 533. And guess what? Fleming is still behind the same group of (2022) pass catchers, including tight end Cade Stover. Not to mention the fact that he will face stiff competition from young pups such as Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, and possibly even Brandon Inniss.
There are a lot of mouths to feed in Columbus, and only one, largely unproven QB – regardless of who wins the job – to distribute meals AKA footballs. So I just do not see the third or fourth option on this Ohio State team experiencing a true breakout in terms of receptions or yardage. Touchdowns could be a different story, though I will not be placing a wager on anyone other than Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead the Buckeyes in TD receptions.
That being said... all of it... I would be surprised if Fleming is not at least productive in his role in 2023. Call me crazy, but I am not yet willing to give up on this guy. And I am not the only one who clearly believes in his talent (I assume this is a reference to Fleming).
While 1,000 yards and 10 TD is not likely in 2023, Fleming does have a decent stretch of games during which he balled out. As a matter of fact, it took place just last year. After missing the Notre Dame and Arkansas State games due to yet another injury, he put together an impressive five-game run where he totaled 17 receptions for 327 yards and 6 TD.
Fleming’s production fell off a cliff after the Iowa game, but it is entirely possible that his body was worn down from playing so much. That is not a sarcastic dig, just pointing out that the 2022 season was almost like a traditional freshman season for the (then) third-year wideout. He may have hit the ‘freshman wall’ as an academic junior.
I fully expect Fleming to contribute in 2023, and he might even be the source of many highlights. However, I am not sure that his contributions and/or highlights (will) equate to a big-time statistical breakout. Because Ohio State has a full John Wick-esque array of weapons, with a new QB figuring out how to properly use them.
In a nutshell, my answer to these burning questions is “not likely”. But I will be rooting hard for Fleming and hoping that Buckeye fans get to see more than a flash of his star potential.
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
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
As the former No. 1 WR in his own recruiting class, this veteran’s talent is on-par with each and every one of his peers.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the most important questions yet unanswered for the season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Burning Questions” articles here.
Julian Fleming was the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2020 recruiting class, highlighting a group that included Paris Johnson Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and C.J. Stroud. He was the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall player in that historic class, in addition to being the first (of many) ‘big fish’ recruited and reeled in by Brian Hartline. Not only that, but when Fleming pledged his allegiance to OSU, he (temporarily) became the Buckeyes’ third highest-rated commit of all-freaking-time. His commitment was a BIG DEAL.
Unfortunately for both player and program, Fleming’s Ohio State career has not gone according to plan. Seemingly banged up since the minute he stepped on campus in Columbus, the now-veteran has never played 12 games in a single season. He has battled shoulder, lower body, and core injuries, resulting in 26 appearances over the course of his three-year collegiate career. And he missed yet another OSU spring game in April, raising doubts about his overall health heading into the upcoming 2023 season.
But when available, Fleming has flashed high-end talent and potential. Which is why yours truly bought up serious real estate on Fleming Island and has refused to sell... Even though my money people have been begging me to cut my losses. The problem is, I have seen and remember too much.
I remember that it was Fleming, not JSN, who started the 2020 Big Ten championship game as a true freshman – and led the Buckeyes in receiving – in place of Chris Olave. I’ve seen the leaping catches and sideline catches that should have been, as well as Fleming’s ability to get open, run after the catch, and block for peers downfield. Watch the 2022 Rose Bowl (shoutout Brodie) for examples of all. The dude can play! But can he stay healthy?
“Can Fleming stay healthy?” is sort of the first Burning Question here, if you’ll allow me to transition into LGHL’s weekly theme. And to be completely honest, I have no idea. Fleming has yet to do so consistently, but I am not one of those people who believes that availability is necessarily an ‘ability’.
I know how the saying goes, but all it takes is one look at Fleming to realize that he takes care of his body. Shoulder injuries are rarely a result of negligence. Lower body injuries are a dime-a-dozen. And core ones, well, they’re a bit for fluky, but it’s not like Fleming is running around out of shape. Sh*t happens, and some athletes are more cursed than others.
Now, as for the (other) burning question of is this Julian Fleming’s year? I doubt it, at least in terms of a ‘big’ statistical output. But my own personal doubt has little to do with Fleming’s talent and/or health. If healthy, he will likely be given plenty of opportunities. And when previously given opportunities, he has generally produced.
However, Ohio State no longer boasts the likes of Justin Fields and/or C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Kyle McCord or Devin Brown will be the new man behind center, and both are unproven (especially Brown). This is not to say that one or the other can’t take the QB job and run with it, but Fields and Stroud were two of the most accomplished and productive passers in Big Ten history. Even they occasionally struggled to spread the wealth to three, four, or five targets.
The 2021 season, when Olave finished third amongst Buckeye wideouts with 936 yards, was an anomaly. Because OSU’s third-leading WR has typically finished with around 600 or 700 yards under Ryan Day, which is just slightly more than Fleming’s 2022 total of 533. And guess what? Fleming is still behind the same group of (2022) pass catchers, including tight end Cade Stover. Not to mention the fact that he will face stiff competition from young pups such as Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, and possibly even Brandon Inniss.
There are a lot of mouths to feed in Columbus, and only one, largely unproven QB – regardless of who wins the job – to distribute meals AKA footballs. So I just do not see the third or fourth option on this Ohio State team experiencing a true breakout in terms of receptions or yardage. Touchdowns could be a different story, though I will not be placing a wager on anyone other than Marvin Harrison Jr. to lead the Buckeyes in TD receptions.
That being said... all of it... I would be surprised if Fleming is not at least productive in his role in 2023. Call me crazy, but I am not yet willing to give up on this guy. And I am not the only one who clearly believes in his talent (I assume this is a reference to Fleming).
While 1,000 yards and 10 TD is not likely in 2023, Fleming does have a decent stretch of games during which he balled out. As a matter of fact, it took place just last year. After missing the Notre Dame and Arkansas State games due to yet another injury, he put together an impressive five-game run where he totaled 17 receptions for 327 yards and 6 TD.
Fleming’s production fell off a cliff after the Iowa game, but it is entirely possible that his body was worn down from playing so much. That is not a sarcastic dig, just pointing out that the 2022 season was almost like a traditional freshman season for the (then) third-year wideout. He may have hit the ‘freshman wall’ as an academic junior.
I fully expect Fleming to contribute in 2023, and he might even be the source of many highlights. However, I am not sure that his contributions and/or highlights (will) equate to a big-time statistical breakout. Because Ohio State has a full John Wick-esque array of weapons, with a new QB figuring out how to properly use them.
In a nutshell, my answer to these burning questions is “not likely”. But I will be rooting hard for Fleming and hoping that Buckeye fans get to see more than a flash of his star potential.
Continue reading...
LGHL Brice Sensabaugh drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft
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- 0 Replies
Brice Sensabaugh drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 28th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft
Connor Lemons 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
The All-Big Ten honoree rose up from an under-recruited four-star recruit to a one-and-done prospect in less than one calendar year.
With the 28th pick, the Utah Jazz select Brice Sensabaugh, a freshman forward from The ™ Ohio State University, in the 2023 NBA Draft.
And with that, Ohio State’s leading scorer from a year ago is off to the NBA, joining the Utah Jazz in what is sure to be in intriguing journey from this point on for the broad shouldered forward from Orlando, Florida.
Sensabaugh arrived at Ohio State one year ago with plenty of hype, although said hype came more from the mouth of head coach Chris Holtmann than anyone else. Sensabaugh was under-recruited out of high school, reaching No. 86 in the 2022 class by the time he arrived on campus. Agility and defense were always going to be a point of concern for the 6-foot-6, 235-pound forward, but Holtmann repeatedly praised his offensive moxie and wide skillset.
Sensabaugh backed up his coach’s talk, averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, both of which were team highs. He also shot 40.5 % from three-point land and 80.3% from the free throw line during his freshman season, appearing in 33 of Ohio State’s 35 games.
Sensabaugh was named to the All-Big Ten third team at the season’s conclusion. He becomes the second one-and-done player in two years for Ohio State, joining Malaki Branham (Spurs) — the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
One of the few bright spots during an otherwise dismal season in Columbus, Sensabaugh led the Buckeyes in scoring for 13 consecutive games from December 17 until Feb 2, a freshman record at Ohio State. He missed the final two games of the season — both in the Big Ten Tournament — due to a knee injury.
Sensabaugh’s best tool is clear — his ability to score the ball. Whether it be off the pass or dribble, he has shown the ability to score in bunches and at a highly efficient level. He shot 40% from three-point range last season, but his best shot actually comes in the mid-range area. Sensabaugh got to the elbow or just a bit in from the elbow time and time again last season, creating space for himself before knocking down a one-legged jumper from 12-15 feet out. He’s also an above average finisher below the basket, a great cutter, and a highlight reel dunker. There’s not much missing in the offensive toolbox.
His shortcomings lie on the defensive end, and in a major way. As the season progressed, Sensabaugh proved to be — at best — a vulnerable defender and at times a glaring liability. Teams would isolate Sensabaugh and find ways to attack him specifically, hoping to get an easy basket, draw a foul on the freshman, or perhaps both. During a brutal stretch where Ohio State lost 14 of 15 games, there were times Holtmann had to keep Sensabaugh on the bench for extended stretches due to poor defense.
It’s obvious that if Sensabaugh struggled on the defensive end in college, he will in the NBA as well. But the ability to create your own shot is as valuable now as it has ever been in the league, so the Jazz are willing to live with the defense for now. It’s also possible that Sensabaugh’s knee injury from March caused him to slip a few spots.
Congrats to Brice on being drafted to the Jazz. We’ll always be pulling for you here at LGHL!
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The All-Big Ten honoree rose up from an under-recruited four-star recruit to a one-and-done prospect in less than one calendar year.
With the 28th pick, the Utah Jazz select Brice Sensabaugh, a freshman forward from The ™ Ohio State University, in the 2023 NBA Draft.
And with that, Ohio State’s leading scorer from a year ago is off to the NBA, joining the Utah Jazz in what is sure to be in intriguing journey from this point on for the broad shouldered forward from Orlando, Florida.
Sensabaugh arrived at Ohio State one year ago with plenty of hype, although said hype came more from the mouth of head coach Chris Holtmann than anyone else. Sensabaugh was under-recruited out of high school, reaching No. 86 in the 2022 class by the time he arrived on campus. Agility and defense were always going to be a point of concern for the 6-foot-6, 235-pound forward, but Holtmann repeatedly praised his offensive moxie and wide skillset.
Sensabaugh backed up his coach’s talk, averaging 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, both of which were team highs. He also shot 40.5 % from three-point land and 80.3% from the free throw line during his freshman season, appearing in 33 of Ohio State’s 35 games.
Sensabaugh was named to the All-Big Ten third team at the season’s conclusion. He becomes the second one-and-done player in two years for Ohio State, joining Malaki Branham (Spurs) — the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
One of the few bright spots during an otherwise dismal season in Columbus, Sensabaugh led the Buckeyes in scoring for 13 consecutive games from December 17 until Feb 2, a freshman record at Ohio State. He missed the final two games of the season — both in the Big Ten Tournament — due to a knee injury.
Sensabaugh’s best tool is clear — his ability to score the ball. Whether it be off the pass or dribble, he has shown the ability to score in bunches and at a highly efficient level. He shot 40% from three-point range last season, but his best shot actually comes in the mid-range area. Sensabaugh got to the elbow or just a bit in from the elbow time and time again last season, creating space for himself before knocking down a one-legged jumper from 12-15 feet out. He’s also an above average finisher below the basket, a great cutter, and a highlight reel dunker. There’s not much missing in the offensive toolbox.
His shortcomings lie on the defensive end, and in a major way. As the season progressed, Sensabaugh proved to be — at best — a vulnerable defender and at times a glaring liability. Teams would isolate Sensabaugh and find ways to attack him specifically, hoping to get an easy basket, draw a foul on the freshman, or perhaps both. During a brutal stretch where Ohio State lost 14 of 15 games, there were times Holtmann had to keep Sensabaugh on the bench for extended stretches due to poor defense.
It’s obvious that if Sensabaugh struggled on the defensive end in college, he will in the NBA as well. But the ability to create your own shot is as valuable now as it has ever been in the league, so the Jazz are willing to live with the defense for now. It’s also possible that Sensabaugh’s knee injury from March caused him to slip a few spots.
Congrats to Brice on being drafted to the Jazz. We’ll always be pulling for you here at LGHL!
Continue reading...