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LGHL Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud agrees to rookie deal with the Houston Texans
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Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud agrees to rookie deal with the Houston Texans
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 Michael Owens/Getty Images
Plus a recap of recent news involving former Buckeyes in the NFL.
NFL training camps are opening up around the country, and we are just a couple weeks away from the start of preseason games. Lately there has been plenty of news involving former Ohio State players, which we’ll try and recap neatly here.
After starring for two years at Ohio State, the Houston Texans made quarterback C.J. Stroud the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft back in April. On Tuesday, Stroud and the Texans came to terms on the quarterback’s rookie deal. Stroud’s first professional contract is a four-year, $36.3 million dollar deal. Included in the contract is a $23.38 million dollar signing bonus.
During his time in Columbus, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. The 85 touchdowns thrown by Stroud broke the Big Ten record that was previously held by Purdue’s Drew Brees. In his two years as a starter for the Buckeyes, Stroud was invited to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Even though Houston general manager says Stroud will be competing with Davis Mills for the starting quarterback job, the Texans would like Stroud to earn the job sooner rather than later, especially after using the second overall pick in the draft on Stroud. In 28 games over the last two seasons for Houston, Mills has thrown for 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, but it is obvious that Mills isn’t a franchise quarterback like Stroud has the potential to be.
Along with agreeing to terms with Stroud, the Texans agreed to a contract extension with offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who was their first round pick back in 2019. Houston had already agreed to extensions with offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and guard Shaq Mason, so when Stroud does become the starter he will be well protected. The first preseason game for Stroud and the Texans will be on August 10th at New England.
While one second overall pick from Ohio State recently signed a contract, another is looking for a big second professional deal. Nick Bosa was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft, and has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the game since stepping on the field. Not only has Bosa been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Last season Bosa recorded a career-high 18.5 sacks.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24812362/1458916663.jpg "NFC Divisional Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v San Francisco 49ers")
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
The next time we see Bosa on the field is unknown, as the defensive end is holding out as he is looking for a big money contract extension. Back in 2020, the Los Angeles Chargers and Joey Bosa agreed to a five year, $135 million dollar contract extension. The younger Bosa will likely be seeking even more money since he has been even more dominant since arriving in the NFL.
With the 49ers seen as one of the favorites in the NFC to make it to the Super Bowl, it’s likely the team and Bosa come to an agreement on an extension before the season begins. The only worry is if the holdout stretches deep into training camp, it could limit the amount of time Bosa is on the field early in the regular season as he works himself into game-shape.
On Monday the Washington Commanders released former Ohio State offensive lineman Andrew Norwell. The guard went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. When Norwell hit free agency following the 2017 season, he became the highest-paid guard in the league when he signed a five-year, $66.5 million dollar contract. After signing a two-year deal with Washington in March 2022, Norwell started 16 games for the Commanders last season.
The release of Norwell isn’t much of a surprise, though. Back in May, Norwell was placed on the PUP list back in May because of an elbow injury. It shouldn’t take Norwell too long to find a new home, as he is an experienced lineman that doesn’t make many mistakes. Since entering the league in 2014, Norwell has started 127 games.
One Washington player that won’t have to worry about latching on with a new team anytime soon is Terry McLaurin. The former Ohio State wide receiver was recently named as the 94th best player in the NFL, as voted on by his peers. “Scary Terry” was selected by Washington in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and didn’t take long to become a force in the league. McLaurin became the first player in league history to catch at least five passes and a touchdown in each of the first three games of his NFL career.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24812360/1452228939.jpg "Washington Commanders v San Francisco 49ers")
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Heading into his fifth season in the NFL, McLaurin has caught 299 passes for 4,281 yards, reaching the end zone 21 times. While other receivers might get more attention, McLaurin has established himself as one of the most consistent receivers in the league. Last year McLaurin earned his first Pro Bowl appearance after catching 77 passes for a career-high 1,191 yards.
Last week the player ratings for Madden NFL 24 were revealed. While he just missed out on being rated a 99 in the game, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was the top-rated former Buckeye, checking in with a 98 rating. Along with Bosa, four other Ohio State alums received at least a 90 rating in the game. Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward earned a 93 rating, Terry McLaurin received a 92 rating, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was given a 91 rating, and New Orleans defensive back Marshon Lattimore was placed with a 90 overall rating.
The complete list of ratings for Madden NFL 24 can be found here. Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 15th.
Continue reading...
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 Michael Owens/Getty Images
Plus a recap of recent news involving former Buckeyes in the NFL.
NFL training camps are opening up around the country, and we are just a couple weeks away from the start of preseason games. Lately there has been plenty of news involving former Ohio State players, which we’ll try and recap neatly here.
C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans
After starring for two years at Ohio State, the Houston Texans made quarterback C.J. Stroud the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft back in April. On Tuesday, Stroud and the Texans came to terms on the quarterback’s rookie deal. Stroud’s first professional contract is a four-year, $36.3 million dollar deal. Included in the contract is a $23.38 million dollar signing bonus.
During his time in Columbus, Stroud threw for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. The 85 touchdowns thrown by Stroud broke the Big Ten record that was previously held by Purdue’s Drew Brees. In his two years as a starter for the Buckeyes, Stroud was invited to New York City as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Even though Houston general manager says Stroud will be competing with Davis Mills for the starting quarterback job, the Texans would like Stroud to earn the job sooner rather than later, especially after using the second overall pick in the draft on Stroud. In 28 games over the last two seasons for Houston, Mills has thrown for 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions, but it is obvious that Mills isn’t a franchise quarterback like Stroud has the potential to be.
Along with agreeing to terms with Stroud, the Texans agreed to a contract extension with offensive tackle Tytus Howard, who was their first round pick back in 2019. Houston had already agreed to extensions with offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and guard Shaq Mason, so when Stroud does become the starter he will be well protected. The first preseason game for Stroud and the Texans will be on August 10th at New England.
Nick Bosa
While one second overall pick from Ohio State recently signed a contract, another is looking for a big second professional deal. Nick Bosa was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft, and has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the game since stepping on the field. Not only has Bosa been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. Last season Bosa recorded a career-high 18.5 sacks.
The next time we see Bosa on the field is unknown, as the defensive end is holding out as he is looking for a big money contract extension. Back in 2020, the Los Angeles Chargers and Joey Bosa agreed to a five year, $135 million dollar contract extension. The younger Bosa will likely be seeking even more money since he has been even more dominant since arriving in the NFL.
With the 49ers seen as one of the favorites in the NFC to make it to the Super Bowl, it’s likely the team and Bosa come to an agreement on an extension before the season begins. The only worry is if the holdout stretches deep into training camp, it could limit the amount of time Bosa is on the field early in the regular season as he works himself into game-shape.
Andrew Norwell
On Monday the Washington Commanders released former Ohio State offensive lineman Andrew Norwell. The guard went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, signing with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent. When Norwell hit free agency following the 2017 season, he became the highest-paid guard in the league when he signed a five-year, $66.5 million dollar contract. After signing a two-year deal with Washington in March 2022, Norwell started 16 games for the Commanders last season.
The release of Norwell isn’t much of a surprise, though. Back in May, Norwell was placed on the PUP list back in May because of an elbow injury. It shouldn’t take Norwell too long to find a new home, as he is an experienced lineman that doesn’t make many mistakes. Since entering the league in 2014, Norwell has started 127 games.
Terry McLaurin
One Washington player that won’t have to worry about latching on with a new team anytime soon is Terry McLaurin. The former Ohio State wide receiver was recently named as the 94th best player in the NFL, as voted on by his peers. “Scary Terry” was selected by Washington in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and didn’t take long to become a force in the league. McLaurin became the first player in league history to catch at least five passes and a touchdown in each of the first three games of his NFL career.
Heading into his fifth season in the NFL, McLaurin has caught 299 passes for 4,281 yards, reaching the end zone 21 times. While other receivers might get more attention, McLaurin has established himself as one of the most consistent receivers in the league. Last year McLaurin earned his first Pro Bowl appearance after catching 77 passes for a career-high 1,191 yards.
Madden NFL 24 ratings
Last week the player ratings for Madden NFL 24 were revealed. While he just missed out on being rated a 99 in the game, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was the top-rated former Buckeye, checking in with a 98 rating. Along with Bosa, four other Ohio State alums received at least a 90 rating in the game. Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward earned a 93 rating, Terry McLaurin received a 92 rating, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was given a 91 rating, and New Orleans defensive back Marshon Lattimore was placed with a 90 overall rating.
The complete list of ratings for Madden NFL 24 can be found here. Madden NFL 24 will be released on August 15th.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State offers 2025 Georgia commit, gets ready to host a big time guest this coming weekend
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Ohio State offers 2025 Georgia commit, gets ready to host a big time guest this coming weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State sends out their latest offer to a 2025 prospect.
Ohio State and their representatives were in Indianapolis for Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, and while these speaking engagements don’t really shed light on anything super important, it’s a sign of the season coming quickly.
With Ryan Day, J.T. Tuimoloau, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Cade Stover all in attendance, the Buckeyes were well represented by some of the more important leaders of the team. A main takeaway from yesterday: the team is ready, and knows exactly what they need to do in order to get back to being atop of the conference and competing for national championships.
Day, alluding to his 2022 squad being just a couple plays away from their goals, isn’t wrong when considering how close they were to advancing to the national title game. But beating the team up north was a theme for Wednesday’s speakers, and surely this underdog mentality will be fully embraced.
At any rate, fall camp is right around the corner, and on-field results will finally take the place of talking.
Even with camp quickly approaching in the coming days, Ohio State is still hard at work on the recruiting trail in both the current and future classes. On Tuesday, the Buckeyes hosted current Georgia commit, Micah DeBose. A 6-foot-5, 315 pound offensive tackle in the 2025 class, DeBose has been committed to Georgia since January, but is still open to taking other visits. Making the trek to campus, Day and company were happy to have him in Columbus for an unofficial visit.
The No. 18 player nationally, Micah is also the third best offensive tackle in the class and the fourth best player in Alabama for the 2025 cycle per the 247Sports Composite. Upon his arrival, DeBose had not yet been offered by the Buckeyes, but following his trip, Ohio State is now in the fold as Micah took to Twitter to share the Buckeyes were the latest program to enter his recruitment.
Now up to 24 offers, the four-star is still committed, but seeing his active summer plans like a stop to Florida State and collecting offers from other programs such as Florida and Oklahoma, it’s safe to say that this is still very much a recruitment worth getting involved in.
Sure, Georgia is at the top of the college football landscape right now, but Ohio State is one of the best programs in the country still —and certainly in recruiting — so if Justin Frye wants to get involved, it’s worth a shot.
Heading back to Ohio State this weekend for Friday’s big recruiting event, this will be his second trip to Columbus after receiving his Buckeye offer this past June following a strong camp performance. Making a return trip this soon shows his interest in what the Buckeyes have to offer him, but with his recruitment really taking off, it’s the early relationships that should help. Fortunately, Ohio State is all over that.
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
Ohio State sends out their latest offer to a 2025 prospect.
Ohio State and their representatives were in Indianapolis for Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, and while these speaking engagements don’t really shed light on anything super important, it’s a sign of the season coming quickly.
With Ryan Day, J.T. Tuimoloau, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Cade Stover all in attendance, the Buckeyes were well represented by some of the more important leaders of the team. A main takeaway from yesterday: the team is ready, and knows exactly what they need to do in order to get back to being atop of the conference and competing for national championships.
Day, alluding to his 2022 squad being just a couple plays away from their goals, isn’t wrong when considering how close they were to advancing to the national title game. But beating the team up north was a theme for Wednesday’s speakers, and surely this underdog mentality will be fully embraced.
At any rate, fall camp is right around the corner, and on-field results will finally take the place of talking.
Buckeyes offer 2025 Georgia commit
Even with camp quickly approaching in the coming days, Ohio State is still hard at work on the recruiting trail in both the current and future classes. On Tuesday, the Buckeyes hosted current Georgia commit, Micah DeBose. A 6-foot-5, 315 pound offensive tackle in the 2025 class, DeBose has been committed to Georgia since January, but is still open to taking other visits. Making the trek to campus, Day and company were happy to have him in Columbus for an unofficial visit.
The No. 18 player nationally, Micah is also the third best offensive tackle in the class and the fourth best player in Alabama for the 2025 cycle per the 247Sports Composite. Upon his arrival, DeBose had not yet been offered by the Buckeyes, but following his trip, Ohio State is now in the fold as Micah took to Twitter to share the Buckeyes were the latest program to enter his recruitment.
Now up to 24 offers, the four-star is still committed, but seeing his active summer plans like a stop to Florida State and collecting offers from other programs such as Florida and Oklahoma, it’s safe to say that this is still very much a recruitment worth getting involved in.
Sure, Georgia is at the top of the college football landscape right now, but Ohio State is one of the best programs in the country still —and certainly in recruiting — so if Justin Frye wants to get involved, it’s worth a shot.
Quick Hits
- An early target for the Buckeyes, 2025 offensive lineman Matty Augustine is starting to really blow up in terms of his recruiting stock. A four-star prospect now thanks to a rankings update, Augustine has been active on Twitter this week sharing news that Miami, Florida, and Alabama have all offered the Connecticut native.
Heading back to Ohio State this weekend for Friday’s big recruiting event, this will be his second trip to Columbus after receiving his Buckeye offer this past June following a strong camp performance. Making a return trip this soon shows his interest in what the Buckeyes have to offer him, but with his recruitment really taking off, it’s the early relationships that should help. Fortunately, Ohio State is all over that.
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LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Bold Ohio State predictions, guaranteed to be 100% accurate
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Bold Ohio State predictions, guaranteed to be 100% accurate
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 FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images
This week, Josh welcomes in Matt Tamanini to discuss the potential future of Northwestern football, before pivoting to bold predictions for the upcoming season.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Matt Tamanini as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh welcomes in Matt Tamanini, LGHL’s co-managing editor. The guys kick things off by discussing the continuing fallout of the Pat Fitzgerald situation, but with a focus on the future of Northwestern football. Is the program now in a better place?
With the heavy stuff out of the way, Josh and Matt try to convince each other that linebacker recruiting is not an issue in Columbus. The latter also tells folks that while he could care less about alternate jerseys, Ohio State did make a solid and fashionable choice with their 2023 version.
And finally, it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is Bold Predictions, which allowed Josh to let the hot takes fly. He gives five of his boldest predictions, while Matt attempts to rein him in and tell them why they will likely not come to fruition.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
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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 FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images
This week, Josh welcomes in Matt Tamanini to discuss the potential future of Northwestern football, before pivoting to bold predictions for the upcoming season.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Matt Tamanini as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh welcomes in Matt Tamanini, LGHL’s co-managing editor. The guys kick things off by discussing the continuing fallout of the Pat Fitzgerald situation, but with a focus on the future of Northwestern football. Is the program now in a better place?
With the heavy stuff out of the way, Josh and Matt try to convince each other that linebacker recruiting is not an issue in Columbus. The latter also tells folks that while he could care less about alternate jerseys, Ohio State did make a solid and fashionable choice with their 2023 version.
And finally, it would not be a summer episode without at least some theme-week-related conversation. LGHL’s theme this week is Bold Predictions, which allowed Josh to let the hot takes fly. He gives five of his boldest predictions, while Matt attempts to rein him in and tell them why they will likely not come to fruition.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 38
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 38
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
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 are 38 days remaining.
The 38 points Ohio State scored against Wisconsin aren’t as significant for today’s countdown as what happened in between those touchdowns, as the Buckeyes got an otherworldly performance from Chase Young. The dominant edge rusher collected four sacks and five tackles for loss as the Badgers could not seem to send enough blockers his way to keep Young out of the backfield. On the other side, Justin Fields put up three total TDs (two passing, one rushing) and J.K. Dobbins ran for 163 yards and a pair of scores.
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Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
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 are 38 days remaining.
Play of the Day: Chase Young collects four sacks in 38-7 win vs. Wisco (2019)
The 38 points Ohio State scored against Wisconsin aren’t as significant for today’s countdown as what happened in between those touchdowns, as the Buckeyes got an otherworldly performance from Chase Young. The dominant edge rusher collected four sacks and five tackles for loss as the Badgers could not seem to send enough blockers his way to keep Young out of the backfield. On the other side, Justin Fields put up three total TDs (two passing, one rushing) and J.K. Dobbins ran for 163 yards and a pair of scores.
Players to Wear the #38 (since 2010):
- Scott McVey (2010-11)
- Craig Fada (2012-16)
- Marvin Davies (2020-21)
- Cameron Kittle (2020-present)
- Jayden Fielding (2022-present)
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LGHL Bold Predictions: Ohio State will score on both a kickoff and punt return in 2023
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Bold Predictions: Ohio State will score on both a kickoff and punt return 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
Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
The Buckeyes have not returned a kick of any kind for a touchdown since 2014. But you heard it here first, the drought will end during this upcoming ‘23 season.
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 making predictions that may or may not be reasonable, in fact, some might say they are bold. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Bold Predictions” articles here.
On Nov. 22, 2014, Ohio State’s Jalin Marshall gave a truly legendary performance in The Shoe. In less than 15 minutes of game time, he scored four touchdowns against the Indiana Hoosiers and helped bring his team back from a six-point deficit.
OSU desperately needed a spark the week before their matchup with TTUN, and Marshall, a freshman who had recently been criticized for fumbling, was willing and able to provide. The Buckeyes also needed a win to keep their national title hopes alive.
They got one, and the rest is obviously history.
The first of Marshall’s four TDs that day was an electric 54-yard punt return. And surprisingly, his return TD turned out – or has turned out – to be the last of its kind (kickoff or punt) since that sunny season-saving day. So it has been almost nine years since Ohio State last found the endzone on a return! How does this happen!?
I know the Parker Fleming haters are probably yelling at me right now, telling me exactly how, but OSU’s return ‘issues’ clearly go back much further than 2018. And if you think nine years is a long time, wait until I remind you how long it has been since the Buckeyes last returned a kickoff for a TD.
How does 13 years sound? Crazy, I know, but I was young and dumb the last time it happened. Now I am only one of those things. That kickoff return came against TTUN in 2010, when Jordan Hall scampered 85 yards for a score, also doing so in The Shoe.
There have been several close calls since 2014, on both kickoff and punt returns, however, Ohio State continues to experience a dreadful drought. And just to give a little context here, there were 52 such return TDs in all of FBS last year. If 52 is right around the average, then we are talking about 400+ return TDs since the end of the 2014 season... Of which OSU has zero!
But we can safely assume that the return TD number is actually much, much higher, because only recently has the number of kickoff returns (in particular) been drastically reduced by rule changes.
Buckeyes struggling to make big plays in the return game can be especially frustrating for those of us who watched and/or remember Ted Ginn Jr. One of the many (and early) players from Cleveland Glenville, Ginn Jr. amassed eight total return TDs during his three seasons in Columbus. That is one for every completed season since Marshall’s punt return against Indiana. Yikes.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24800847/55312744.jpg)
But I believe that Ohio State’s return drought will end in 2023. So this is where I make a bold proclamation... Wait, that doesn’t sound right.
How about a bold prediction? Yep, that sounds much better. In honor of Bold Predictions week here at LGHL, I predict that OSU will score on both a kickoff return and a punt return during the 2023 season.
I am clearly setting myself up to look foolish on this one, seeing as though the Buckeyes have not scored via kickoff AND punt return (during the same season) since Ginn Jr. single-handedly did so in 2006. But the powers that be here at LGHL asked for bold, and I am nothing if not a company man.
I also happen to believe in the talent on this current Ohio State roster. So much so that I feel there are too many potential stars and not nearly enough spots on the field. And that is precisely why I am predicting multiple TD returns. Allow me to explain:
Ryan Day and his assistant coaches have typically (but not always) looked for creative ways to get their ‘backups’ on the field. Whether fans love the frequency with which they do so is a completely different story; one we do not have time for today. However, like most of their coaching peers, Day and Co. have been particularly stubborn when it comes to getting players involved in the return game.
Besides The GOAT Demario McCall, OSU has relied almost exclusively on dependable, sure-handed, experienced wide receivers: Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Johnson. And I have no major complaints, those guys are/were solid.
But I think that Day and his staff have left plenty of ‘meat on the bone’ by not branching out or going outside their comfort zone. They clearly love having a reliable WR back to field kicks, and I get that. But why not experiment? In a real game? They would not be taking a great risk against the likes of Indiana and/or Western Kentucky, so live a little. Otherwise, those hidden gems will remain hidden. And if Ohio State coaches continue to trust only a select few, then they might continue to lose players such as Kaleb Brown.
Now, when it comes to special teams and the return game, I am not suggesting that coaches throw all caution to the wind and roll out nothing but true freshman. BUT I am suggesting – nay, pleading – for OSU coaches to look further down the depth chart for help in the team’s return game. And I predict that they will in 2023, because their favorite, trusted unit is stacked beyond belief! Coaches can have their cake and eat it too, which is again what I am predicting.
It seems likely that Jayden Ballard, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss are all going to be listed as backups or second stringers on the Buckeyes’ depth chart. Handing them kickoff and/or punt return duties would be the perfect way to get these players onto the field while also keeping starters out of harm’s way. Not that we want anyone harmed, but you get the point. Not only that, but all three are dynamic athletes with return experience.
Ballard is one of the fastest players on the Ohio State roster, and both Tate and Inniss scored on kickoff returns in high school last year. The former two have seen return reps in Columbus already, either last season (Ballard) or during the spring (Tate), so it seems as if they are already being looked at as options. Inniss obviously arrived in the summer, but returning kicks does not require the same experience or knowledge of the playbook (as WR).
The options do not stop there for OSU, either. Egbuka is still very much in the fold, and he has nearly broken a handful of returns (already) as a Buckeye. Chip Trayanum is built like a tank with NOS under the hood, and he received a short audition as a returner last season. Then how about Evan Pryor, Dallan Hayden, or Lorenzo Styles Jr.? Those are just a few names that come to mind, but Ohio State has plenty to choose from.
So at some point, I predict that one or two of the players above will break a big one. Multiple actually, since I predicted a score via kickoff and punt return. And if I had to put money on it, my bet would be on Ballard... To do both. How’s that for bold!? I think the Massillon, Ohio native is due for a breakout season, and what better way to announce one’s name to the world than by replicating (some of) the success of Ted Ginn Jr.?
You heard it here first, folks. Joshstradamus out.
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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
The Buckeyes have not returned a kick of any kind for a touchdown since 2014. But you heard it here first, the drought will end during this upcoming ‘23 season.
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 making predictions that may or may not be reasonable, in fact, some might say they are bold. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Bold Predictions” articles here.
On Nov. 22, 2014, Ohio State’s Jalin Marshall gave a truly legendary performance in The Shoe. In less than 15 minutes of game time, he scored four touchdowns against the Indiana Hoosiers and helped bring his team back from a six-point deficit.
OSU desperately needed a spark the week before their matchup with TTUN, and Marshall, a freshman who had recently been criticized for fumbling, was willing and able to provide. The Buckeyes also needed a win to keep their national title hopes alive.
They got one, and the rest is obviously history.
The first of Marshall’s four TDs that day was an electric 54-yard punt return. And surprisingly, his return TD turned out – or has turned out – to be the last of its kind (kickoff or punt) since that sunny season-saving day. So it has been almost nine years since Ohio State last found the endzone on a return! How does this happen!?
I know the Parker Fleming haters are probably yelling at me right now, telling me exactly how, but OSU’s return ‘issues’ clearly go back much further than 2018. And if you think nine years is a long time, wait until I remind you how long it has been since the Buckeyes last returned a kickoff for a TD.
How does 13 years sound? Crazy, I know, but I was young and dumb the last time it happened. Now I am only one of those things. That kickoff return came against TTUN in 2010, when Jordan Hall scampered 85 yards for a score, also doing so in The Shoe.
There have been several close calls since 2014, on both kickoff and punt returns, however, Ohio State continues to experience a dreadful drought. And just to give a little context here, there were 52 such return TDs in all of FBS last year. If 52 is right around the average, then we are talking about 400+ return TDs since the end of the 2014 season... Of which OSU has zero!
But we can safely assume that the return TD number is actually much, much higher, because only recently has the number of kickoff returns (in particular) been drastically reduced by rule changes.
Buckeyes struggling to make big plays in the return game can be especially frustrating for those of us who watched and/or remember Ted Ginn Jr. One of the many (and early) players from Cleveland Glenville, Ginn Jr. amassed eight total return TDs during his three seasons in Columbus. That is one for every completed season since Marshall’s punt return against Indiana. Yikes.
But I believe that Ohio State’s return drought will end in 2023. So this is where I make a bold proclamation... Wait, that doesn’t sound right.
How about a bold prediction? Yep, that sounds much better. In honor of Bold Predictions week here at LGHL, I predict that OSU will score on both a kickoff return and a punt return during the 2023 season.
I am clearly setting myself up to look foolish on this one, seeing as though the Buckeyes have not scored via kickoff AND punt return (during the same season) since Ginn Jr. single-handedly did so in 2006. But the powers that be here at LGHL asked for bold, and I am nothing if not a company man.
I also happen to believe in the talent on this current Ohio State roster. So much so that I feel there are too many potential stars and not nearly enough spots on the field. And that is precisely why I am predicting multiple TD returns. Allow me to explain:
Ryan Day and his assistant coaches have typically (but not always) looked for creative ways to get their ‘backups’ on the field. Whether fans love the frequency with which they do so is a completely different story; one we do not have time for today. However, like most of their coaching peers, Day and Co. have been particularly stubborn when it comes to getting players involved in the return game.
Besides The GOAT Demario McCall, OSU has relied almost exclusively on dependable, sure-handed, experienced wide receivers: Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, Xavier Johnson. And I have no major complaints, those guys are/were solid.
But I think that Day and his staff have left plenty of ‘meat on the bone’ by not branching out or going outside their comfort zone. They clearly love having a reliable WR back to field kicks, and I get that. But why not experiment? In a real game? They would not be taking a great risk against the likes of Indiana and/or Western Kentucky, so live a little. Otherwise, those hidden gems will remain hidden. And if Ohio State coaches continue to trust only a select few, then they might continue to lose players such as Kaleb Brown.
Now, when it comes to special teams and the return game, I am not suggesting that coaches throw all caution to the wind and roll out nothing but true freshman. BUT I am suggesting – nay, pleading – for OSU coaches to look further down the depth chart for help in the team’s return game. And I predict that they will in 2023, because their favorite, trusted unit is stacked beyond belief! Coaches can have their cake and eat it too, which is again what I am predicting.
It seems likely that Jayden Ballard, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss are all going to be listed as backups or second stringers on the Buckeyes’ depth chart. Handing them kickoff and/or punt return duties would be the perfect way to get these players onto the field while also keeping starters out of harm’s way. Not that we want anyone harmed, but you get the point. Not only that, but all three are dynamic athletes with return experience.
Ohio State 5️ WR Brandon Inniss takes off! He returns the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. https://t.co/J2OOt7Cjnrpic.twitter.com/4OTayYFmmE
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) September 3, 2022
Ballard is one of the fastest players on the Ohio State roster, and both Tate and Inniss scored on kickoff returns in high school last year. The former two have seen return reps in Columbus already, either last season (Ballard) or during the spring (Tate), so it seems as if they are already being looked at as options. Inniss obviously arrived in the summer, but returning kicks does not require the same experience or knowledge of the playbook (as WR).
The options do not stop there for OSU, either. Egbuka is still very much in the fold, and he has nearly broken a handful of returns (already) as a Buckeye. Chip Trayanum is built like a tank with NOS under the hood, and he received a short audition as a returner last season. Then how about Evan Pryor, Dallan Hayden, or Lorenzo Styles Jr.? Those are just a few names that come to mind, but Ohio State has plenty to choose from.
So at some point, I predict that one or two of the players above will break a big one. Multiple actually, since I predicted a score via kickoff and punt return. And if I had to put money on it, my bet would be on Ballard... To do both. How’s that for bold!? I think the Massillon, Ohio native is due for a breakout season, and what better way to announce one’s name to the world than by replicating (some of) the success of Ted Ginn Jr.?
You heard it here first, folks. Joshstradamus out.
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