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Khalan Laborn (former RB Florida State)
- By Jaxbuck
- College Football
- 21 Replies
Obviously Mike Norvell doesn't run a "tight ship" like Jimbo did.....
My first thought was "someone has video"
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LGHL Column: Ohio State’s most intriguing out-of-conference matchups
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Column: Ohio State’s most intriguing out-of-conference matchups
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Plus, happy adoption day, Ruthie!
Today happens to be my dog’s adoption day, so happy “birthday,” Ruthie! Sports are one of the best things ever, and dogs probably are the best ever, so putting these two together makes for some pretty tremendous happiness. Anyway, here’s a pic of my dog repping her favorite bandanas. Enjoy!
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Okay, so it’s been a minute, but in my column from July 6 (a moment, perhaps, when I was more optimistic about having a college football season), we started parsing out the ideal conferences for out of conference matchups in the hopes of getting to the ideal out-of-conference opponent for Ohio State. That thought came out of a column from Brett Ludwiczak on the top matchups the Buckeyes have never had. Those matchups are headlined by Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Iowa State.
(Unrelated, I still find it shocking Ohio State hasn’t played Iowa State. I guess I just associate our win in the 2013 NCAA Tournament as being encompassing of all sports. Thanks, Aaron Craft!)
To recap the conference discussion: IMHO, the Pac-12 offers the best opportunity, in terms of historical panache and a comparatively different style of play than what we see week-in and week-out in the Big Ten. The SEC, meanwhile, is irksome in every way, and that’s coming from a self-proclaimed annoying Ohio State fan.
Given the Big Ten’s announcement this month that the football season would be limited to conference play only, the point of this article is entirely moot. But hey, we’ve got to have all our ducks in a row for when we get a COVID-19 vaccine and hopefully have a 2021 college football season...assuming the inherent economics of the system don’t cause widespread, irreversible collapse before then.
Alright, enough of me being a Negative Nancy. Back to the question at hand: Who are the best out-of-conference matchups for the Buckeyes?
Since there are 130 FBS teams, I’ll continue to take the conference-by-conference approach:
ACC
The most frequent opponent for Ohio State in the ACC happens to be Pitt, over whom the Buckeyes hold a 19-5-1 advantage. But the Panthers are certainly not top of the list in the ACC as a future non-conference matchup for the Buckeyes.
Who is? Obviously the revenge tour (which will be something of a theme here) would be great to allow Ohio State to overcome its deficits to Clemson (0-4) and Florida State (0-3). Louisville and NC State, over whom the Buckeyes hold 2-0 marks, would be cool to see in certain years as well (imagine watching Lamar Jackson vs. Nick Bosa).
Big 12
While there are several intriguing matchups coming out of the Big 12 — including two that Ohio State has had home-and-homes with in recent memory (Oklahoma and Texas) — West Virginia and TCU happen to be the most common opponents for the Buckeyes. Ohio State holds a 5-1-1 record over the Horned Frogs, its most recent win coming in 2018, and 5-1-0 mark over the Mountaineers.
That being said, Texas has to be the most intriguing opponent from the Big 12 — now more than ever, in fact. First, the Longhorns are the only Big 12 team that the Buckeyes have a losing record against (1-2). Evening up that score is a tremendous value prop for Ohio State. Then there’s the fact Tom Herman, former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Urban Meyer at Ohio State, is head coach at Texas. Finally, Texas, like Ohio State, is one of the biggest college football brands in the nation with one of the most prominent and, I’ll say it again, annoying fan bases in the sport. Plus, the Buckeyes already have a home-and-home scheduled for 2025-26 with Texas, so I’ll take that as confirmation that I’m right.
Pac-12
As alluded to above, the Pac-12 presents probably the best conference worth of opponents for Ohio State. Frankly, there are few Pac-12 teams that wouldn’t be exciting opponents to watch (Oregon State being one of them). But between USC, Stanford, Oregon, Utah, Arizona State, Washington and others, the Buckeyes have a laundry list of opponents whom they’ve mainly faced in bowl games, but who would be cool in week one or two, too.
The Buckeyes hold their best record over Oregon (9-0), and yet the Ducks still offer a unique matchup for Ohio State whenever they face off. The only two teams Ohio State has losing records against, USC (10-13-1) and Stanford (2-3), are squads that the Buckeyes could certainly go on a revenge tour against.
SEC
Okay, here goes the list I care least about top-to-bottom. The Buckeyes hold losing records against six SEC teams (Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia), but the biggest margin is just two games. So it would be great to rectify these records, but I also have zero desire to deal with Tennessee fans (even though their dog is super cute) or traveling to the state of Alabama.
That being said, there is an obvious buzz around the Buckeyes’ home-and-home against Bama, scheduled for 2027 and 2028. And yeah, despite what I just said...I’m looking forward to it.
Non-Power-5
Where to begin here, because there are actually some exciting teams outside the Power-5 who have proven chippy in the past and who remain interesting matchup possibilities looking forward. As Brett mentioned, Boise State, a team Ohio State has never faced in program history, has been a killer of giants en route to the Broncos transforming almost into giants themselves. My personal favorite Boise State moment (and probably everyone else’s) was the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, when the Broncos stuck it to Oklahoma in overtime on a Statue of Liberty, after which the tailback Ian Johnson proposed to his girlfriend. All the feels.
But then there’s UCF, whom Ohio State has only faced once — a win in 2012. The Golden Knights have been getting pretty darn close to Boise State’s level in recent years, culminating in their 2018 Peach Bowl win over Auburn. UCF has won the American Athletic Conference two of the last three seasons, and presents a stronger opponent from the AAC than, say, Cincinnati.
Independents
Okay, I could have lumped this group in with the non-Power-5 group, but just wanted to explicitly say that Notre Dame doesn’t count. The Buckeyes hold a 4-2 record over the Irish, their most recent wins coming in 2006 and 2016 Fiesta Bowls. Note that Notre Dame’s last win over Ohio State came in 1936. They should just join a conference already. Maybe a season where they’re shut out of competition when the rest of the major players stick to conference-only play will motivate them to do so.
On that note, bye for now.
Continue reading...
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Plus, happy adoption day, Ruthie!
Today happens to be my dog’s adoption day, so happy “birthday,” Ruthie! Sports are one of the best things ever, and dogs probably are the best ever, so putting these two together makes for some pretty tremendous happiness. Anyway, here’s a pic of my dog repping her favorite bandanas. Enjoy!
Okay, so it’s been a minute, but in my column from July 6 (a moment, perhaps, when I was more optimistic about having a college football season), we started parsing out the ideal conferences for out of conference matchups in the hopes of getting to the ideal out-of-conference opponent for Ohio State. That thought came out of a column from Brett Ludwiczak on the top matchups the Buckeyes have never had. Those matchups are headlined by Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Iowa State.
(Unrelated, I still find it shocking Ohio State hasn’t played Iowa State. I guess I just associate our win in the 2013 NCAA Tournament as being encompassing of all sports. Thanks, Aaron Craft!)
To recap the conference discussion: IMHO, the Pac-12 offers the best opportunity, in terms of historical panache and a comparatively different style of play than what we see week-in and week-out in the Big Ten. The SEC, meanwhile, is irksome in every way, and that’s coming from a self-proclaimed annoying Ohio State fan.
Given the Big Ten’s announcement this month that the football season would be limited to conference play only, the point of this article is entirely moot. But hey, we’ve got to have all our ducks in a row for when we get a COVID-19 vaccine and hopefully have a 2021 college football season...assuming the inherent economics of the system don’t cause widespread, irreversible collapse before then.
Alright, enough of me being a Negative Nancy. Back to the question at hand: Who are the best out-of-conference matchups for the Buckeyes?
Since there are 130 FBS teams, I’ll continue to take the conference-by-conference approach:
ACC
The most frequent opponent for Ohio State in the ACC happens to be Pitt, over whom the Buckeyes hold a 19-5-1 advantage. But the Panthers are certainly not top of the list in the ACC as a future non-conference matchup for the Buckeyes.
Who is? Obviously the revenge tour (which will be something of a theme here) would be great to allow Ohio State to overcome its deficits to Clemson (0-4) and Florida State (0-3). Louisville and NC State, over whom the Buckeyes hold 2-0 marks, would be cool to see in certain years as well (imagine watching Lamar Jackson vs. Nick Bosa).
Big 12
While there are several intriguing matchups coming out of the Big 12 — including two that Ohio State has had home-and-homes with in recent memory (Oklahoma and Texas) — West Virginia and TCU happen to be the most common opponents for the Buckeyes. Ohio State holds a 5-1-1 record over the Horned Frogs, its most recent win coming in 2018, and 5-1-0 mark over the Mountaineers.
That being said, Texas has to be the most intriguing opponent from the Big 12 — now more than ever, in fact. First, the Longhorns are the only Big 12 team that the Buckeyes have a losing record against (1-2). Evening up that score is a tremendous value prop for Ohio State. Then there’s the fact Tom Herman, former offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Urban Meyer at Ohio State, is head coach at Texas. Finally, Texas, like Ohio State, is one of the biggest college football brands in the nation with one of the most prominent and, I’ll say it again, annoying fan bases in the sport. Plus, the Buckeyes already have a home-and-home scheduled for 2025-26 with Texas, so I’ll take that as confirmation that I’m right.
Pac-12
As alluded to above, the Pac-12 presents probably the best conference worth of opponents for Ohio State. Frankly, there are few Pac-12 teams that wouldn’t be exciting opponents to watch (Oregon State being one of them). But between USC, Stanford, Oregon, Utah, Arizona State, Washington and others, the Buckeyes have a laundry list of opponents whom they’ve mainly faced in bowl games, but who would be cool in week one or two, too.
The Buckeyes hold their best record over Oregon (9-0), and yet the Ducks still offer a unique matchup for Ohio State whenever they face off. The only two teams Ohio State has losing records against, USC (10-13-1) and Stanford (2-3), are squads that the Buckeyes could certainly go on a revenge tour against.
SEC
Okay, here goes the list I care least about top-to-bottom. The Buckeyes hold losing records against six SEC teams (Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia), but the biggest margin is just two games. So it would be great to rectify these records, but I also have zero desire to deal with Tennessee fans (even though their dog is super cute) or traveling to the state of Alabama.
That being said, there is an obvious buzz around the Buckeyes’ home-and-home against Bama, scheduled for 2027 and 2028. And yeah, despite what I just said...I’m looking forward to it.
Non-Power-5
Where to begin here, because there are actually some exciting teams outside the Power-5 who have proven chippy in the past and who remain interesting matchup possibilities looking forward. As Brett mentioned, Boise State, a team Ohio State has never faced in program history, has been a killer of giants en route to the Broncos transforming almost into giants themselves. My personal favorite Boise State moment (and probably everyone else’s) was the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, when the Broncos stuck it to Oklahoma in overtime on a Statue of Liberty, after which the tailback Ian Johnson proposed to his girlfriend. All the feels.
But then there’s UCF, whom Ohio State has only faced once — a win in 2012. The Golden Knights have been getting pretty darn close to Boise State’s level in recent years, culminating in their 2018 Peach Bowl win over Auburn. UCF has won the American Athletic Conference two of the last three seasons, and presents a stronger opponent from the AAC than, say, Cincinnati.
Independents
Okay, I could have lumped this group in with the non-Power-5 group, but just wanted to explicitly say that Notre Dame doesn’t count. The Buckeyes hold a 4-2 record over the Irish, their most recent wins coming in 2006 and 2016 Fiesta Bowls. Note that Notre Dame’s last win over Ohio State came in 1936. They should just join a conference already. Maybe a season where they’re shut out of competition when the rest of the major players stick to conference-only play will motivate them to do so.
On that note, bye for now.
Continue reading...
LGHL Leaders of the Room: Will there be a go-to guy at running back for Ohio State this year?
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Leaders of the Room: Will there be a go-to guy at running back for Ohio State this year?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Short answer: I don’t think so.
Over the past few weeks, we have been running through the leaders of each position group for the Ohio State Buckeyes in our Leaders of the Room series, and so far, it’s been a fairly cut and dry endeavor. While there might have been a room or two that was a bit more difficult to determine than the others, for the most part, it’s been a pretty painless process. However, we’ve saved the most complicated for last, as now it’s time to venture into Tony Alford’s running back room.
With J.K. Dobbins’ departure for the NFL, the Ohio State running backs began the offseason as a group of young and injured guys with a whole lot to prove. While Master Teague III earned a Big Ten third-team honor during his red-shirt freshman year in 2019, he suffered an Achilles injury during the first workout of the pandemic-shortened spring practices. There is optimism that he could be ready to go for the fall season — whether it starts on time or not — but no one really knows for sure.
However, this video from Thursday includes a decent look of what appears to be a pretty darn healthy MT3, so perhaps he might actually be ready to go by the time a season theoretically kicks off:
Don't blink or you'll miss us #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/PL3fr1vI0B
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 23, 2020
As for another injured RB, after showing promise in his freshman campaign, Marcus Crowley tore his right ACL during OSU’s November win over Maryland. Again, Ryan Day’s staff is hopeful that Crowley will be healthy enough to return to action, but even with how modern medicine has sped up the healing process for ACL tears, there’s no guarantee when he will be back to form.
That leaves now-redshirt freshman Steele Chambers and criminally under-utilized, ninth-year senior Demario McCall from last year’s squad. Technically McCall might not be considered a running back anymore (I can’t keep up at this point), but these two should both be fully available if either wins a job in the rotation, or circumstances necessitate them stepping up.
Heading into the pandemic-created lockdown, that would have been the OSU running back room, but on March 22, Alford and Day welcomed a new back to the fold in former Oklahoma Sooner Trey Sermon. The graduate transfer comes to Columbus with one year of eligibility remaining, having already rushed for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career.
As a freshman and sophomore in 2017-18, Sermon was a major factor in the OU offense, wracking up 285 carries, 1,691 yards, and 18 TDs. But in 2019, he was relegated to a third running option as transfer-quarterback Jalen Hurts became the team’s leading rusher, and sophomore Kennedy Brooks went for his second straight thousand-yard season.
Then, in the Sooners’ Nov. 11 game against Iowa State, Sermon suffered a season-ending knee injury. Though the expectations are that he is already back to full strength, adding another back with a recent injury history to the crew could be a bit concerning.
So, now that we’ve established the whos of the running back room, let’s figure out the whats and whens. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Buckeyes having a distinct leader in this room; rather I expect Day to employ a RB-by-committee approach, especially if Teague is approaching 100 percent as the season progresses.
We still don’t really know what the Buckeyes’ schedule is going to look like, so I won’t put a definitive guess on actual yardage totals, but I see the season starting with Sermon getting about 50-60 percent of the carries, with the staff easing Teague into things, getting about 20-30, and then all other healthy backs splitting the final 20.
I’d say you see Sermon for most of the first quarter, but Teague gets the fourth series of the game. Then, as OSU you builds a lead, Sermon gets two series in the second quarter, before both being shut down sometime in the third.
As the season goes on, and Teague proves that he is able to shoulder the weight of increased carries, I think that we end up seeing him and Sermon meeting in the middle at about 40 percent each (give or take a few on either side), and everyone else taking the remaining 20 percent in clean-up duties.
Let’s face it, Ohio State isn’t likely to have a difference-making back in 2020 like fans have gotten used to in recent years with the likes of Dobbins and Ezekiel Elliott. However, with perhaps the best offensive line in the country, and more depth at QB, I do think that the backs could be effective, especially with an increased running threat from quarterback Justin Fields.
Having a viable option to pick up four to five yards per carry (even if they don’t have regular home run potential) might be enough to give Fields the opportunity to bust loose a time or two per drive. And, with the big-play potential on the outside, I really think that might be enough to render even the best defenses on OSU’s schedule helpless.
This year’s running back group will undoubtedly be one of transition, no matter how successful or productive they end up being. With the nation’s best back, TreVeyon Henderson, coming in January 2021 (after exploring reclassifying into this class), whomever ends up carrying the load for the Buckeyes will likely be a bridge to even brighter future.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Short answer: I don’t think so.
Over the past few weeks, we have been running through the leaders of each position group for the Ohio State Buckeyes in our Leaders of the Room series, and so far, it’s been a fairly cut and dry endeavor. While there might have been a room or two that was a bit more difficult to determine than the others, for the most part, it’s been a pretty painless process. However, we’ve saved the most complicated for last, as now it’s time to venture into Tony Alford’s running back room.
With J.K. Dobbins’ departure for the NFL, the Ohio State running backs began the offseason as a group of young and injured guys with a whole lot to prove. While Master Teague III earned a Big Ten third-team honor during his red-shirt freshman year in 2019, he suffered an Achilles injury during the first workout of the pandemic-shortened spring practices. There is optimism that he could be ready to go for the fall season — whether it starts on time or not — but no one really knows for sure.
However, this video from Thursday includes a decent look of what appears to be a pretty darn healthy MT3, so perhaps he might actually be ready to go by the time a season theoretically kicks off:
Don't blink or you'll miss us #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/PL3fr1vI0B
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 23, 2020
As for another injured RB, after showing promise in his freshman campaign, Marcus Crowley tore his right ACL during OSU’s November win over Maryland. Again, Ryan Day’s staff is hopeful that Crowley will be healthy enough to return to action, but even with how modern medicine has sped up the healing process for ACL tears, there’s no guarantee when he will be back to form.
That leaves now-redshirt freshman Steele Chambers and criminally under-utilized, ninth-year senior Demario McCall from last year’s squad. Technically McCall might not be considered a running back anymore (I can’t keep up at this point), but these two should both be fully available if either wins a job in the rotation, or circumstances necessitate them stepping up.
Heading into the pandemic-created lockdown, that would have been the OSU running back room, but on March 22, Alford and Day welcomed a new back to the fold in former Oklahoma Sooner Trey Sermon. The graduate transfer comes to Columbus with one year of eligibility remaining, having already rushed for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career.
As a freshman and sophomore in 2017-18, Sermon was a major factor in the OU offense, wracking up 285 carries, 1,691 yards, and 18 TDs. But in 2019, he was relegated to a third running option as transfer-quarterback Jalen Hurts became the team’s leading rusher, and sophomore Kennedy Brooks went for his second straight thousand-yard season.
Then, in the Sooners’ Nov. 11 game against Iowa State, Sermon suffered a season-ending knee injury. Though the expectations are that he is already back to full strength, adding another back with a recent injury history to the crew could be a bit concerning.
So, now that we’ve established the whos of the running back room, let’s figure out the whats and whens. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Buckeyes having a distinct leader in this room; rather I expect Day to employ a RB-by-committee approach, especially if Teague is approaching 100 percent as the season progresses.
We still don’t really know what the Buckeyes’ schedule is going to look like, so I won’t put a definitive guess on actual yardage totals, but I see the season starting with Sermon getting about 50-60 percent of the carries, with the staff easing Teague into things, getting about 20-30, and then all other healthy backs splitting the final 20.
I’d say you see Sermon for most of the first quarter, but Teague gets the fourth series of the game. Then, as OSU you builds a lead, Sermon gets two series in the second quarter, before both being shut down sometime in the third.
As the season goes on, and Teague proves that he is able to shoulder the weight of increased carries, I think that we end up seeing him and Sermon meeting in the middle at about 40 percent each (give or take a few on either side), and everyone else taking the remaining 20 percent in clean-up duties.
Let’s face it, Ohio State isn’t likely to have a difference-making back in 2020 like fans have gotten used to in recent years with the likes of Dobbins and Ezekiel Elliott. However, with perhaps the best offensive line in the country, and more depth at QB, I do think that the backs could be effective, especially with an increased running threat from quarterback Justin Fields.
Having a viable option to pick up four to five yards per carry (even if they don’t have regular home run potential) might be enough to give Fields the opportunity to bust loose a time or two per drive. And, with the big-play potential on the outside, I really think that might be enough to render even the best defenses on OSU’s schedule helpless.
This year’s running back group will undoubtedly be one of transition, no matter how successful or productive they end up being. With the nation’s best back, TreVeyon Henderson, coming in January 2021 (after exploring reclassifying into this class), whomever ends up carrying the load for the Buckeyes will likely be a bridge to even brighter future.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State among early leaders for Florida safety
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Ohio State among early leaders for Florida safety
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Markeith Williams | Andrew Ivins/247Sports
The Buckeyes are still in the mix for a Sunshine State standout.
Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program are well on their way to a top notch recruiting class in 2022. Holding verbal pledges from defensive back Jyaire Brown, linebacker CJ Hicks, and offensive tackle Tegra Tshabola, numerous other highly sought after junior prospects have the Buckeyes sitting rather high on their leader list.
Over the weekend another class of 2022 standout took to his Twitter page to let the world know what college programs are currently sticking out to him at the moment. Taking a hard look at 11 schools now, four-star safety Markeith Williams is now contemplating taking his talents to either Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, Miami, Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, Louisville, or West Virginia.
Williams, the 11th safety and 163rd overall prospect in the class of 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, has been a ball hawk during his time with Orlando’s Evans High School. Helping the Trojans bounce back from a 1-9 season in 2018 to a 5-5 record last year as a sophomore, the 6-foot, 160-pounder snatched down seven interceptions from his spot in the defensive backfield and was named Orlando Sentinel All-Area first-team for his play on the gridiron.
Want to see Williams in action? Take a few minutes to check out what the Sunshine State standout could potentially add to the Buckeyes silver bullet secondary:
Quick Hits
Continue reading...
Charles Doss via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The Buckeyes are still in the mix for a Sunshine State standout.
Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program are well on their way to a top notch recruiting class in 2022. Holding verbal pledges from defensive back Jyaire Brown, linebacker CJ Hicks, and offensive tackle Tegra Tshabola, numerous other highly sought after junior prospects have the Buckeyes sitting rather high on their leader list.
Over the weekend another class of 2022 standout took to his Twitter page to let the world know what college programs are currently sticking out to him at the moment. Taking a hard look at 11 schools now, four-star safety Markeith Williams is now contemplating taking his talents to either Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, Miami, Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida State, Nebraska, Louisville, or West Virginia.
Williams, the 11th safety and 163rd overall prospect in the class of 2022, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, has been a ball hawk during his time with Orlando’s Evans High School. Helping the Trojans bounce back from a 1-9 season in 2018 to a 5-5 record last year as a sophomore, the 6-foot, 160-pounder snatched down seven interceptions from his spot in the defensive backfield and was named Orlando Sentinel All-Area first-team for his play on the gridiron.
Want to see Williams in action? Take a few minutes to check out what the Sunshine State standout could potentially add to the Buckeyes silver bullet secondary:
Quick Hits
- Class of 2022 offensive tackle Joey Tanona verbally committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish over the weekend. A four-star prospect from Zionsville, IN, Tanona chose to take his talents to South Bend over opportunities at Ohio State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and others.
- Ohio State basketball recently conducted a Zoom meeting with East Rockingham (VA) four-star power forward Tyler Nickel. The 6-foot-8, class of 2022 standout holds early scholarship offers from programs such as Clemson, LSU, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.
- Class of 2021 five-star defensive tackle Damon Payne committed to Alabama on Sunday. Payne, the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan, apparently was not even considering the in-state Wolverines when making his decision. The commitment has the Crimson Tide right on Ohio State’s heels in the class rankings, now in second place with 16 commits and an average player rating of 94.48 (Buckeyes have 19 commits with a 94.94 average).
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeye Bits: Justin Fields on Maxwell Award watch list, Ohio State targets talk postponed...
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Buckeye Bits: Justin Fields on Maxwell Award watch list, Ohio State targets talk postponed high school season, more
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
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Welcome to Buckeye Bits, your one-stop shop for all of the day’s Ohio State news. Despite an ongoing pandemic, sports are slowly making their return into our lives. If your favorite MLB team wasn’t in action last night, they will be today. The NBA bubble has seemingly begun without issue, and the NHL restart in Canada is slated to start next weekend. Most importantly for us, the Buckeyes have returned to the practice field.
Don't blink or you'll miss us #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/PL3fr1vI0B
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 23, 2020
We’re all still holding out hope that there is college football to be played this fall, and I'm sure Ryan Day and his staff are taking the same approach. So until we hear otherwise, I will assume we will see our beloved Buckeyes come September. With that being said, let’s move on to today’s headlines.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
Just because Ohio State has put together the nation’s top recruiting class in 2021 doesn’t mean Day and company get to take their foot off the gas, especially when it comes to building for the future. On Thursday, the Buckeyes offered a pair of 2023 offensive linemen from Florida, attempting to get out early on some potential forthcoming top prospects. Plus, one of the nation’s top tackles in 2021 has OSU in his top five.
There has been no shortage of elite linebacker talent to come through Ohio State in the program’s history. From Chris Spielman and Andy Katzenmoyer to Darron Lee and Raekwon McMillan, a bunch of incredible players have donned a Buckeye uniform at the position. If you could bring one of these guys back to play alongside the 2020 roster, who would you choose?
ICYMI, earlier this week George wrote about the idea of College Football Island, much like the UFC’s Fight Island. In his proposal, he drew up a single-elimination March Madness-style bracket for college football, played entirely in the Bahamas. While obviously a near impossible scenario, George draws up exactly how it would work, and it sounds pretty damn fun to me!
From around the gridiron...
The @MaxwellFootball club today announced its watch list for the 84th Maxwell Award presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Yes, indeed! 2019 semifinalist and Heisman Trophy finalist @justnfields is being watched. @OhioStateFB. #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/YjhS8y6KFe
— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) July 24, 2020
Johnson chose to play at Ohio State for the same reason most cornerbacks choose to play in Columbus: he wants to be a first-round NFL Draft pick. Kerry Coombs has a history of getting guys into the league, and he will now look to do the same with the nation’s No. 40 overall player in the 2021 class. His plan to get there is three simple steps: play special teams and get on the field a little as a freshman, start in year two, and compete for the Thorpe Award in year three.
The guys over at Lettermen Row continued their bold predictions series on Friday, this time with the defensive backs. Ohio State has a lot of question marks in the secondary this year outside of Shaun Wade, but there is a ton of upside in the unit. Some of these outside-the-box predictions reflect that high ceiling, including the idea that the Buckeyes produce two first-rounders this year, Cam Brown achieves All-Big Ten status, and a potential freshman starter.
Jeff Okudah didn't allow 50 yards in any of his 27 games the last two seasons pic.twitter.com/9kzFKGBy6t
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 24, 2020
It’s no secret that Emeka Egbuka and J.T. Tuimoloau are two of Ohio State’s top remaining targets in the 2021 class. The pair of five-star prospects from Washington are taking it slow in their recruiting process without the ability to take official visits as a result of COVID-19, but they now have decisions to make as the state has pushed all high school football to March. It appears both Egbuka and Tuimoloau plan on playing their senior season before enrolling at the college program of choice.
From everywhere else...
Sources told @Stadium, NCAA advises schools that after a student-athlete has a confirmed positive COVID test, they won’t have to test again for next 3 months unless they show symptoms. For example, players who test positive in July, will not have to test again until October
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 24, 2020
Breaking: Sources say the Blue Jays will be playing in Buffalo for sure this year. Not Baltimore. The wait is over.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) July 24, 2020
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
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Welcome to Buckeye Bits, your one-stop shop for all of the day’s Ohio State news. Despite an ongoing pandemic, sports are slowly making their return into our lives. If your favorite MLB team wasn’t in action last night, they will be today. The NBA bubble has seemingly begun without issue, and the NHL restart in Canada is slated to start next weekend. Most importantly for us, the Buckeyes have returned to the practice field.
Don't blink or you'll miss us #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/PL3fr1vI0B
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 23, 2020
We’re all still holding out hope that there is college football to be played this fall, and I'm sure Ryan Day and his staff are taking the same approach. So until we hear otherwise, I will assume we will see our beloved Buckeyes come September. With that being said, let’s move on to today’s headlines.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
- Buckeyes offer a pair of Florida offensive linemen
(Caleb Houser, LGHL)
Just because Ohio State has put together the nation’s top recruiting class in 2021 doesn’t mean Day and company get to take their foot off the gas, especially when it comes to building for the future. On Thursday, the Buckeyes offered a pair of 2023 offensive linemen from Florida, attempting to get out early on some potential forthcoming top prospects. Plus, one of the nation’s top tackles in 2021 has OSU in his top five.
- Which former Ohio State linebacker would you want back in Columbus?
(Gene Ross, LGHL)
There has been no shortage of elite linebacker talent to come through Ohio State in the program’s history. From Chris Spielman and Andy Katzenmoyer to Darron Lee and Raekwon McMillan, a bunch of incredible players have donned a Buckeye uniform at the position. If you could bring one of these guys back to play alongside the 2020 roster, who would you choose?
- College Football Island: Can the NCAA make it happen?
(George Eisner, LGHL)
ICYMI, earlier this week George wrote about the idea of College Football Island, much like the UFC’s Fight Island. In his proposal, he drew up a single-elimination March Madness-style bracket for college football, played entirely in the Bahamas. While obviously a near impossible scenario, George draws up exactly how it would work, and it sounds pretty damn fun to me!
From around the gridiron...
- To nobody’s surprise, Justin Fields has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list, an honor given annually to the most outstanding player in college football. After over 3,200 passing yards and 51 total touchdowns in his first season in Columbus, Fields finds himself on numerous national award watch lists, and is a candidate — if not the favorite — for the Heisman Trophy in 2020.
The @MaxwellFootball club today announced its watch list for the 84th Maxwell Award presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Yes, indeed! 2019 semifinalist and Heisman Trophy finalist @justnfields is being watched. @OhioStateFB. #GoBuckeyes pic.twitter.com/YjhS8y6KFe
— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) July 24, 2020
- Jakailin Johnson and the three-year plan to be OSU’s next first-round NFL CB
(Stephen Means, Cleveland.com)
Johnson chose to play at Ohio State for the same reason most cornerbacks choose to play in Columbus: he wants to be a first-round NFL Draft pick. Kerry Coombs has a history of getting guys into the league, and he will now look to do the same with the nation’s No. 40 overall player in the 2021 class. His plan to get there is three simple steps: play special teams and get on the field a little as a freshman, start in year two, and compete for the Thorpe Award in year three.
- Five bold predictions as Buckeyes look to defend BIA status
(Lettermen Row Staff)
The guys over at Lettermen Row continued their bold predictions series on Friday, this time with the defensive backs. Ohio State has a lot of question marks in the secondary this year outside of Shaun Wade, but there is a ton of upside in the unit. Some of these outside-the-box predictions reflect that high ceiling, including the idea that the Buckeyes produce two first-rounders this year, Cam Brown achieves All-Big Ten status, and a potential freshman starter.
- Speaking of Ohio State defensive backs, this guy was pretty good...
Jeff Okudah didn't allow 50 yards in any of his 27 games the last two seasons pic.twitter.com/9kzFKGBy6t
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 24, 2020
- Agreed.
- Tuimoloau, Egbuka react to the new football season
(Brandon Huffman, 247Sports)
It’s no secret that Emeka Egbuka and J.T. Tuimoloau are two of Ohio State’s top remaining targets in the 2021 class. The pair of five-star prospects from Washington are taking it slow in their recruiting process without the ability to take official visits as a result of COVID-19, but they now have decisions to make as the state has pushed all high school football to March. It appears both Egbuka and Tuimoloau plan on playing their senior season before enrolling at the college program of choice.
From everywhere else...
- On Friday, the MAC announced the suspension of all fall sports, but not the MAC you’re thinking of. Middle-Atlantic, not Mid-American.
- This policy seems questionable at best, but what do I know?
Sources told @Stadium, NCAA advises schools that after a student-athlete has a confirmed positive COVID test, they won’t have to test again for next 3 months unless they show symptoms. For example, players who test positive in July, will not have to test again until October
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 24, 2020
- Get ready for the Buffalo Blue Jays!
Breaking: Sources say the Blue Jays will be playing in Buffalo for sure this year. Not Baltimore. The wait is over.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) July 24, 2020
- One thing we can all agree on: CampusParc absolutely sucks.
Continue reading...
LGHL Which former Ohio State linebacker would you want back in Columbus?
- News
- 0 Replies
Which former Ohio State linebacker would you want back in Columbus?
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 Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
State your case in the comments!
Ohio State’s linebackers should actually be really good heading into 2020. While the unit lost its top guy in Malik Harrison to the NFL Draft, it returns a pair of multi-year starters in Tuf Borland and Pete Werner — both of whom improved drastically in 2019 — and a potential star in Baron Browning, who split time at MLB with Borland last season but will now fill Harrison’s vacant spot in a full-time role.
The group should be one of the strengths of the Buckeyes’ defense as we (hopefully) head into what will be a weird, Big Ten-only campaign, and the talent at the position doesn’t stop with the starters. The team also features a myriad of highly-touted players waiting in the wings, including the likes of Dallas Gant, Teradja Mitchell, K’Vaughan Pope and Justin Hilliard — all of whom were four or five-star prospects who could all see their fair share of playing time in 2020.
With that being said, what if you could make this talented group of linebackers even better? While each of the guys on the current roster bring their own unique skillset to the table, what if you could add in a guy with a proven track record of success? If Ryan Day had the option to bring back one former Ohio State linebacker to add to this year’s unit, who would be at the top of that wish list?
There is no shortage of options to choose from in this regard. You could start by looking through the history books at some of the greatest linebackers ever to don the Scarlet and Gray.
A popular option for long-time fans of Ohio State would likely be Chris Spielman, a two-time All-American and Lombardi Award winner who racked up an astounding 546 tackles in his time in Columbus. You could also look at a guy like Andy Katzenmoyer, the first true freshman ever to start at linebacker for the Buckeyes who later became a consensus All-American and Dick Butkus Award winner.
Moving more into the 2000s, you run into options like A.J. Hawk and James Laurinaitis. Hawk was a member of the 2002 BCS National Championship team as a freshman, winning the Lombardi Award following his senior season in 2005 and being twice named a unanimous First Team All-American. Laurinaitis had an incredible career at Ohio State, winning the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, and the Lott Trophy over the span of his four years playing in Columbus.
Which brings us to more of the guys that I really got a chance to enjoy watching during my tenure as an Ohio State fan that only began shortly before I arrived on campus (not a ton of people in Long Island really pay attention to college football, unfortunately).
The more recent wave of outstanding Buckeye linebackers really begins with Ryan Shazier. Seemingly always in the right spot to make the big play, Shazier started every game for Ohio State in 2012, returning a game-winning interception for a touchdown against Penn State and making the game-saving tackle on 4th-and-inches on the goal line against Wisconsin in that same season. Shaz would go on to be named a First Team All-American, finishing his OSU career with 316 total tackles, 45.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
Ohio State had a pretty good run of linebackers from that point up until the disaster that was position coach Bill Davis, which included some very talented players among the likes of Darron Lee, Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker. Lee and McMillan were both members of the National Championship team in 2014, with Lee being named the Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl against Alabama in the prior contest. Baker was a guy I felt personally was always a bit underrated, as he went on to finish his mainly two playing seasons at OSU with 159 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
There are a lot of great options on the table, but personally, I somewhat surprisingly think I would go with Raekwon McMillan as my option to join this year's squad. Call it recency bias and the fact that I actually got to watch his career in person at The Shoe, but I really loved McMillan’s game. He was a great field general at the center of the Ohio State defense, and was one of the most sure tacklers on the team with a nose for the ball. With all due respect to Borland, I think his skillset would slot in real well alongside Browning and Werner to make a formidable group of linebackers in 2020.
I wrestled between he and Shaz, but I think either would be a more than suitable option.
So, let’s hear it.
Which former Ohio State linebacker would you want back in Columbus? Let us know in the comments!
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
State your case in the comments!
Ohio State’s linebackers should actually be really good heading into 2020. While the unit lost its top guy in Malik Harrison to the NFL Draft, it returns a pair of multi-year starters in Tuf Borland and Pete Werner — both of whom improved drastically in 2019 — and a potential star in Baron Browning, who split time at MLB with Borland last season but will now fill Harrison’s vacant spot in a full-time role.
The group should be one of the strengths of the Buckeyes’ defense as we (hopefully) head into what will be a weird, Big Ten-only campaign, and the talent at the position doesn’t stop with the starters. The team also features a myriad of highly-touted players waiting in the wings, including the likes of Dallas Gant, Teradja Mitchell, K’Vaughan Pope and Justin Hilliard — all of whom were four or five-star prospects who could all see their fair share of playing time in 2020.
With that being said, what if you could make this talented group of linebackers even better? While each of the guys on the current roster bring their own unique skillset to the table, what if you could add in a guy with a proven track record of success? If Ryan Day had the option to bring back one former Ohio State linebacker to add to this year’s unit, who would be at the top of that wish list?
There is no shortage of options to choose from in this regard. You could start by looking through the history books at some of the greatest linebackers ever to don the Scarlet and Gray.
A popular option for long-time fans of Ohio State would likely be Chris Spielman, a two-time All-American and Lombardi Award winner who racked up an astounding 546 tackles in his time in Columbus. You could also look at a guy like Andy Katzenmoyer, the first true freshman ever to start at linebacker for the Buckeyes who later became a consensus All-American and Dick Butkus Award winner.
Moving more into the 2000s, you run into options like A.J. Hawk and James Laurinaitis. Hawk was a member of the 2002 BCS National Championship team as a freshman, winning the Lombardi Award following his senior season in 2005 and being twice named a unanimous First Team All-American. Laurinaitis had an incredible career at Ohio State, winning the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, and the Lott Trophy over the span of his four years playing in Columbus.
Which brings us to more of the guys that I really got a chance to enjoy watching during my tenure as an Ohio State fan that only began shortly before I arrived on campus (not a ton of people in Long Island really pay attention to college football, unfortunately).
The more recent wave of outstanding Buckeye linebackers really begins with Ryan Shazier. Seemingly always in the right spot to make the big play, Shazier started every game for Ohio State in 2012, returning a game-winning interception for a touchdown against Penn State and making the game-saving tackle on 4th-and-inches on the goal line against Wisconsin in that same season. Shaz would go on to be named a First Team All-American, finishing his OSU career with 316 total tackles, 45.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
Ohio State had a pretty good run of linebackers from that point up until the disaster that was position coach Bill Davis, which included some very talented players among the likes of Darron Lee, Raekwon McMillan and Jerome Baker. Lee and McMillan were both members of the National Championship team in 2014, with Lee being named the Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl against Alabama in the prior contest. Baker was a guy I felt personally was always a bit underrated, as he went on to finish his mainly two playing seasons at OSU with 159 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
There are a lot of great options on the table, but personally, I somewhat surprisingly think I would go with Raekwon McMillan as my option to join this year's squad. Call it recency bias and the fact that I actually got to watch his career in person at The Shoe, but I really loved McMillan’s game. He was a great field general at the center of the Ohio State defense, and was one of the most sure tacklers on the team with a nose for the ball. With all due respect to Borland, I think his skillset would slot in real well alongside Browning and Werner to make a formidable group of linebackers in 2020.
I wrestled between he and Shaz, but I think either would be a more than suitable option.
So, let’s hear it.
Which former Ohio State linebacker would you want back in Columbus? Let us know in the comments!
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeyes offer a pair of Florida offensive linemen
- News
- 0 Replies
Buckeyes offer a pair of Florida offensive linemen
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC
It’s never too early to find elite talent as Ohio State offers two 2023 prospects
With August approaching quickly, Ohio State and other college programs around the country are still pursuing their fall camp start dates. While nothing has been set in stone yet, the one positive to take away right now is that no news is good news in terms of football updates. With Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announcing the Buckeyes are still working towards opening training camp as usual, that’s a step in the right direction for the season.
One thing is for certain, as it has been this entire pandemic — the Buckeyes coaching staff has been relentless on the recruiting trail. Even with practice dates coming in the near future, Ryan Day and his crew are still in full pursuit of finishing their current 2021 class as the nation’s best, and while doing so have started to really ramp up their efforts in the future classes.
Dishing out two new offers in the class of 2023
With the outcome of the games themselves decided in the trenches, Ohio State’s coaching staff knows it’s pivotal for them to not only bring in elite caliber linemen, but to stockpile them in a way that leads to those position groups being one of the key strengths of the overall roster. Specifically on the offensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have been able to more than meet their needs with bringing in top offensive linemen, which has had a direct correlation to their consistency on the field.
In the current 2021 cycle, Ohio State is still in full pursuit of landing another elite caliber offensive tackle to bolster the future in addition to current offensive guard commits in Ben Christman and Donovan Jackson. In 2022, the Buckeyes have already nailed down the commitment of in-state four-star tackle Tegra Tshabola. Ohio State still isn’t resting, as yesterday they proved it’s now time to start recruiting even further ahead into the future with two offers going out to offensive linemen in the 2023 class.
Checking in first, TJ Shanahan (Orlando, Florida/Timber Creek) a 6-foot-5, 300 pound monster announced via his Twitter account that the Buckeyes were the latest to throw their hat into the ring vying for his services. Only a high school sophomore this coming year, Shanahan already has the size of a big time DI football player. Still, when considering there’s three full prep seasons to develop his game both on and off the field, it’s not hard to see why the Buckeyes wanted to become the next program to enter this recruitment.
Without a ranking yet on 247Sports due to his class status and age, Shanahan will easily be one of the higherrated offensive linemen when his time comes, as he already holds offers from over 20 programs. With schools such as Florida State, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Tennessee, and a host of others already in the thick of things, it’s really only a matter of time before Shanahan becomes a household name with every top program in the country throwing him their best recruiting pitch. Ohio State has always held a strong presence in Florida and with an offer coming this early to a player with three years left before he signs, it gives the Buckeyes and Coach Studrawa plenty of time to create a lasting relationship that will help their chances at bringing another elite southern talent to Columbus.
I am truly blessed and very humbled to have earned an offer from THE Ohio State University! #GoBuckeyes @CoachTonyAlford @TCHSFB @CoachJayUConn @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/qOKZ5L7HT8
— Tj Shanahan (@TShanahan66) July 23, 2020
Staying in the Sunshine State, Clay Wedin (Tampa, Florida/Carrollwood Day) was the second OT prospect to announce he too had received an Ohio State offer. Checking in at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, like the aforementioned Shanahan, Wedin has incredible size that already portrays to a force on the offensive line for any top college program. Still too young to have a ranking or grade on 247Sports, it will be interesting to see where he finds himself, which will likely be among the nation’s best along the offensive line. Again, with three more years to develop his game and body, the sky is the limit for Wedin and his football career.
With nearly 20 offers to his name this early on as well, it’s pretty telling a Buckeye offer will one of many more to come as other top programs take note of his playing abilities and size. Schools such as Florida, Florida State, LSU, Kentucky, USC, Penn State, and more have already entered this recruitment, and while there’s still a few programs out there like Alabama and Clemson yet to pull the trigger on offering, it’s likely just a matter of time.
As the Buckeyes continue to evaluate and find the best players in the 2023 class, the pair of Shanahan and Wedin are obviously two names that are sure to be recurring mentions. It will be tough to pull this duo out of the south, but if any program has had success of bringing elite talent north each recruiting cycle, it’s been Ohio State.
BLESSED!! Thankful for receiving an offer from THE Ohio State University! #Buckeyes @CoachTonyAlford @OSUCoachKDub @CoachCookOL @OhioStateFB @MarshallMcDuf14 @MCJ1084 @CDS_FBall @Bill_Kurelic @njrivals1 @247recruiting @OhioStateRivals pic.twitter.com/3l1svPo30g
— Clay Wedin (@ClayWedin) July 23, 2020Quick Hits:
Blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University! #GoBuckeyes/@adidasD1MN pic.twitter.com/9Hld6VpIBL
— Camden Heide (@CamdenHeide) July 23, 2020
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
It’s never too early to find elite talent as Ohio State offers two 2023 prospects
With August approaching quickly, Ohio State and other college programs around the country are still pursuing their fall camp start dates. While nothing has been set in stone yet, the one positive to take away right now is that no news is good news in terms of football updates. With Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announcing the Buckeyes are still working towards opening training camp as usual, that’s a step in the right direction for the season.
One thing is for certain, as it has been this entire pandemic — the Buckeyes coaching staff has been relentless on the recruiting trail. Even with practice dates coming in the near future, Ryan Day and his crew are still in full pursuit of finishing their current 2021 class as the nation’s best, and while doing so have started to really ramp up their efforts in the future classes.
Dishing out two new offers in the class of 2023
With the outcome of the games themselves decided in the trenches, Ohio State’s coaching staff knows it’s pivotal for them to not only bring in elite caliber linemen, but to stockpile them in a way that leads to those position groups being one of the key strengths of the overall roster. Specifically on the offensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have been able to more than meet their needs with bringing in top offensive linemen, which has had a direct correlation to their consistency on the field.
In the current 2021 cycle, Ohio State is still in full pursuit of landing another elite caliber offensive tackle to bolster the future in addition to current offensive guard commits in Ben Christman and Donovan Jackson. In 2022, the Buckeyes have already nailed down the commitment of in-state four-star tackle Tegra Tshabola. Ohio State still isn’t resting, as yesterday they proved it’s now time to start recruiting even further ahead into the future with two offers going out to offensive linemen in the 2023 class.
Checking in first, TJ Shanahan (Orlando, Florida/Timber Creek) a 6-foot-5, 300 pound monster announced via his Twitter account that the Buckeyes were the latest to throw their hat into the ring vying for his services. Only a high school sophomore this coming year, Shanahan already has the size of a big time DI football player. Still, when considering there’s three full prep seasons to develop his game both on and off the field, it’s not hard to see why the Buckeyes wanted to become the next program to enter this recruitment.
Without a ranking yet on 247Sports due to his class status and age, Shanahan will easily be one of the higherrated offensive linemen when his time comes, as he already holds offers from over 20 programs. With schools such as Florida State, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Tennessee, and a host of others already in the thick of things, it’s really only a matter of time before Shanahan becomes a household name with every top program in the country throwing him their best recruiting pitch. Ohio State has always held a strong presence in Florida and with an offer coming this early to a player with three years left before he signs, it gives the Buckeyes and Coach Studrawa plenty of time to create a lasting relationship that will help their chances at bringing another elite southern talent to Columbus.
I am truly blessed and very humbled to have earned an offer from THE Ohio State University! #GoBuckeyes @CoachTonyAlford @TCHSFB @CoachJayUConn @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/qOKZ5L7HT8
— Tj Shanahan (@TShanahan66) July 23, 2020
Staying in the Sunshine State, Clay Wedin (Tampa, Florida/Carrollwood Day) was the second OT prospect to announce he too had received an Ohio State offer. Checking in at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, like the aforementioned Shanahan, Wedin has incredible size that already portrays to a force on the offensive line for any top college program. Still too young to have a ranking or grade on 247Sports, it will be interesting to see where he finds himself, which will likely be among the nation’s best along the offensive line. Again, with three more years to develop his game and body, the sky is the limit for Wedin and his football career.
With nearly 20 offers to his name this early on as well, it’s pretty telling a Buckeye offer will one of many more to come as other top programs take note of his playing abilities and size. Schools such as Florida, Florida State, LSU, Kentucky, USC, Penn State, and more have already entered this recruitment, and while there’s still a few programs out there like Alabama and Clemson yet to pull the trigger on offering, it’s likely just a matter of time.
As the Buckeyes continue to evaluate and find the best players in the 2023 class, the pair of Shanahan and Wedin are obviously two names that are sure to be recurring mentions. It will be tough to pull this duo out of the south, but if any program has had success of bringing elite talent north each recruiting cycle, it’s been Ohio State.
BLESSED!! Thankful for receiving an offer from THE Ohio State University! #Buckeyes @CoachTonyAlford @OSUCoachKDub @CoachCookOL @OhioStateFB @MarshallMcDuf14 @MCJ1084 @CDS_FBall @Bill_Kurelic @njrivals1 @247recruiting @OhioStateRivals pic.twitter.com/3l1svPo30g
— Clay Wedin (@ClayWedin) July 23, 2020
- Yesterday, Virginia native five-star offensive tackle, Tristan Leigh announced his top five schools and, as expected, the Buckeyes made the cut. Clemson, Oklahoma, Alabama, and LSU rounded out the others, with LSU seemingly being the biggest threat to Ohio State in this recruitment. Fortunately, no school other than OSU has made a bigger jump for Leigh as of late, and the momentum seems to be growing. Leigh is the No. 3 OT in the nation, and the No. 11 prospect in the 2021 class.
- Chris Holtmann was also busy on the recruiting trail on Thursday, sending out a new offer to 2022 forward Camden Heide. The 6-foot-5, 180-pound Minnesota native is currently the No. 14 PF and No. 74 player overall in the class, and Ohio State has gotten in early as one of just nine early offers. Other schools in on Heide at this point include Arizona, Creighton, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin, among others. It is just the 12th offer out for the Buckeyes in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports.
Blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University! #GoBuckeyes/@adidasD1MN pic.twitter.com/9Hld6VpIBL
— Camden Heide (@CamdenHeide) July 23, 2020
Continue reading...
LGHL Buckeye Bits: Football begins next practice phase Friday, Buckeye Donuts robbed, more
- News
- 0 Replies
Buckeye Bits: Football begins next practice phase Friday, Buckeye Donuts robbed, more
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Welcome back to Buckeye Bits, where we gather all of today’s best headlines and put ‘em all in one place. I’m going to work a little blue here to open up today’s column, so cover the eyes of any children reading along.
Hey, 2020! How f*cking dare you?!?!?!
Buckeye Donuts near Ohio State campus robbed at gunpoint https://t.co/WCN7WKqgIy #10TV pic.twitter.com/cdNsOgbV02
— 10TV (@10TV) July 23, 2020
Speaking of Columbus travesties:
Red panda Kora is still missing. We’re caring for her cubs, but really want her home. If you see a small red animal with a fluffy striped tail, please call us immediately at 614-582-1844. https://t.co/8d3WhPboqc pic.twitter.com/2U2TyRalWk
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) July 23, 2020
Ok, with all of that awfulness out of the way, let’s talk sports.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
Five-star Ohio State target announcing his Top 5 on Thursday
Tia Johnston, LGHL
As expected, Tristan Leigh named Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, and Oklahoma as his Top 5. If Ohio State lands the five-star offensive lineman, it would help get them closer to the highest-rated recruiting class in history. If the Tide get him, they could land the best offensive line haul of all time. I prefer the former, personally.
Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus?
Also Tia Johnston, LGHL
The responses to this have been phenomenal, from guys like <Jon Gruden voice> Dane Sanzenbacher to the late, great Terry Glenn. Perhaps because I am old, I would probably go either David Boston or Ted Ginn Jr.
From around the gridiron...
Ohio State football starts phase two of summer access tomorrow. It's a 14-day period of up to a combined 20 hours of weight training, walk throughs (but no contact or speed drills), and team meetings. Locker rooms, showers, and the players' lounge remain closed. pic.twitter.com/ezdYmsQiVI
— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) July 23, 2020
Ok, this has been pretty confusing as schedules have shifted with no real communication on definitive plans. But, with walk-throughs starting tomorrow and fall camp-proper kicking off on Aug. 7, that means that Ohio State believes that they will still be playing their first game of the season on Sept. 5 as initially planned.
247Sports’ Bill Kuerlic reported as much on Wednesday, but no one yet knows who or where the Buckeyes will play. But, the fact that they are wasting no time and starting the season in the already-planned Week 1 gives them as much flexibility as possible, should things go off the rails and games need to be shut down.
While this doesn’t mean that we are full engines go for a fall season, I do think that this is the best-case scenario to something resembling a fall season happening. Of course, should things get moved to the spring, it’s likely that a number of the Buckeyes’ best players will choose not to play; Shaun Wade’s parents have already said that he would be “outta here, baby.”
Why conference-only schedules could save fall college football
Brandon Marcello, 247Sports
When Ohio State AD Gene Smith and Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren talked about the league’s move to only play conference games earlier this month, they did so by emphasizing that the drastic step was made in order to ensure that the B1G has as much room to maneuver as possible if the situation on the ground gets worse than it already is.
That is essentially what Marcello is arguing in the piece, so it is confusing and frustrating that other conferences are game-planning schedules that go to 11 or 12 games. I’d probably be ok with going to 10, but if you’re going to play 11, why not just play 12, and if you’re going to play that many games, why cancel non-conference contests in the first place?
Look, I am all for having contingency plans, but — to me — this reeks of trying to have your cake and eat it too; cancel non-conference games to make it look like you care about the ongoing pandemic, but load up on extra conference games and try to squeeze some extra cash out of the networks.
I heard this yesterday about the Big 12 and almost fell over.
Also, some talk the ACC could go 10 + 1.
Playing 11 or 12 games seems pretty ambitious but if you shoot for a big number and some get wiped out you don't have the need to reschedule.
IDK, man. https://t.co/GUmtvj8NYC
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) July 23, 2020
How the Uncertain College Football Schedule Could Impact Ohio State’s 2020 Playoff Hopes
David Regimbal, Eleven Warriors
This is something that I haven’t spent much time thinking about yet. In a perfect world, of course a league taking measures in the time of a pandemic wouldn’t be held against its member institutions. However, we’ve seen how awful the Playoff Committee has been in sticking to any predetermined protocol and criteria in years past. So, I have very little faith in them being able to make logical conclusions in a world where the SEC and Big 12 play full seasons, but the B1G does not.
Ohio State Football: Can Chris Olave become a 1,000 yard receiver?
Alex Austin, Scarlet and Game
Can Chris Olave become a 1,000 yard receiver? Yes, he absolutely can, but there are two things standing in his way:
1) How many games will OSU play this year?
Will they stick to nine conference games? Will there be a B1G Title game? Will there be bowl games? A College Football Playoff?
That will obviously be a major factor in determining what stats players can wrack up this year.
2) There’s a lot of other really good receivers who are gong to need the ball as well.
Kamryn Babb, Mookie Cooper, Julian Fleming, Gee Scott Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Jameson Williams, Garrett Wilson, and more.
How much could CFB players make off their name, image, likeness?
Chris Hummer, 247Sports
A LOT OF MONEY! AND. THEY. DESERVE. EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY. OF. IT!
Speaking of deserving a poop-ton of money:
Washington No. 2 overall pick pass-rusher Chase Young has signed his 4-year, $34.56M contract with a $22.697M signing bonus, source said. He receives 100% of his signing bonuses up front. The highest pick yet to sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2020From around the hardwood...
Malaki Branham to Ohio State: A vital, sneaky good win for the Buckeyes (paywall)
Bill Landis, The Athletic
Ohio State men’s basketball is on a roll in recruiting recently. With the Wednesday commitment of Malaki Branham, they have now earned the pledge of three top-100 players (all native Ohioans) and they are looking to add an elite big man to the class.
Retention of top players has been a bit shaky for Chris Holtmann recently, but this commitment shows that it does not appear to be damaging his ability to attract top-line talent.
The ’s new kit is :
Kelsey Mitchell (@Kelz_Hoop)
No. 0⃣ x Year 3⃣#ThisIsBallin pic.twitter.com/9dzaKQHqSX
— Indiana Fever
(@IndianaFever) July 23, 2020From everywhere else...
Hey, Siri, show me how to properly unveil a new professional sports team name:
A legend from the deep awakens.
Meet the Seattle Kraken → https://t.co/to5BtVVPh1 pic.twitter.com/FQfOdaiGQQ
— Seattle Kraken (@NHLSeattle_) July 23, 2020
Hey, Siri, show me how not to unveil a new professional sports team name:
Effective immediately, Washington will call itself the “Washington Football Team”, pending adoption of a new name, sources tell ESPN.
This is not a final renaming and rebranding for team; this is the name it wants to use until pending adoption of a new name in the future. pic.twitter.com/sBs0Uo0ICm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2020
I actually don’t love the name The Kraken, it just feels like something you’d see from a Double A baseball team. But, the logos, the social media presence, and the eventual merch does look great.
And now for something completely different...
This is something that late Gen Xers and early Millennials need during this time of stress and uncertainty:
'Saved by the Bell' star Mark-Paul Gosselaar has never watched an episode of the hit Saturday morning series, until now! https://t.co/rWRdwHxFGr
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) July 23, 2020
This is something that absolutely no one needs:
No fans? Not on FOX Sports.
Thousands of virtual fans will attend FOX’s MLB games this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/z9oQU0rYuC
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 23, 2020
If we’re being honest, having no one in the stands is actually much closer to reality for most regular season baseball games than having CGI fans in the seats.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.
Welcome back to Buckeye Bits, where we gather all of today’s best headlines and put ‘em all in one place. I’m going to work a little blue here to open up today’s column, so cover the eyes of any children reading along.
Hey, 2020! How f*cking dare you?!?!?!
Buckeye Donuts near Ohio State campus robbed at gunpoint https://t.co/WCN7WKqgIy #10TV pic.twitter.com/cdNsOgbV02
— 10TV (@10TV) July 23, 2020
Speaking of Columbus travesties:
Red panda Kora is still missing. We’re caring for her cubs, but really want her home. If you see a small red animal with a fluffy striped tail, please call us immediately at 614-582-1844. https://t.co/8d3WhPboqc pic.twitter.com/2U2TyRalWk
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) July 23, 2020
Ok, with all of that awfulness out of the way, let’s talk sports.
From around Land-Grant Holy Land...
Five-star Ohio State target announcing his Top 5 on Thursday
Tia Johnston, LGHL
As expected, Tristan Leigh named Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, Alabama, and Oklahoma as his Top 5. If Ohio State lands the five-star offensive lineman, it would help get them closer to the highest-rated recruiting class in history. If the Tide get him, they could land the best offensive line haul of all time. I prefer the former, personally.
Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus?
Also Tia Johnston, LGHL
The responses to this have been phenomenal, from guys like <Jon Gruden voice> Dane Sanzenbacher to the late, great Terry Glenn. Perhaps because I am old, I would probably go either David Boston or Ted Ginn Jr.
From around the gridiron...
Ohio State football starts phase two of summer access tomorrow. It's a 14-day period of up to a combined 20 hours of weight training, walk throughs (but no contact or speed drills), and team meetings. Locker rooms, showers, and the players' lounge remain closed. pic.twitter.com/ezdYmsQiVI
— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) July 23, 2020
Ok, this has been pretty confusing as schedules have shifted with no real communication on definitive plans. But, with walk-throughs starting tomorrow and fall camp-proper kicking off on Aug. 7, that means that Ohio State believes that they will still be playing their first game of the season on Sept. 5 as initially planned.
247Sports’ Bill Kuerlic reported as much on Wednesday, but no one yet knows who or where the Buckeyes will play. But, the fact that they are wasting no time and starting the season in the already-planned Week 1 gives them as much flexibility as possible, should things go off the rails and games need to be shut down.
While this doesn’t mean that we are full engines go for a fall season, I do think that this is the best-case scenario to something resembling a fall season happening. Of course, should things get moved to the spring, it’s likely that a number of the Buckeyes’ best players will choose not to play; Shaun Wade’s parents have already said that he would be “outta here, baby.”
Why conference-only schedules could save fall college football
Brandon Marcello, 247Sports
When Ohio State AD Gene Smith and Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren talked about the league’s move to only play conference games earlier this month, they did so by emphasizing that the drastic step was made in order to ensure that the B1G has as much room to maneuver as possible if the situation on the ground gets worse than it already is.
That is essentially what Marcello is arguing in the piece, so it is confusing and frustrating that other conferences are game-planning schedules that go to 11 or 12 games. I’d probably be ok with going to 10, but if you’re going to play 11, why not just play 12, and if you’re going to play that many games, why cancel non-conference contests in the first place?
Look, I am all for having contingency plans, but — to me — this reeks of trying to have your cake and eat it too; cancel non-conference games to make it look like you care about the ongoing pandemic, but load up on extra conference games and try to squeeze some extra cash out of the networks.
I heard this yesterday about the Big 12 and almost fell over.
Also, some talk the ACC could go 10 + 1.
Playing 11 or 12 games seems pretty ambitious but if you shoot for a big number and some get wiped out you don't have the need to reschedule.
IDK, man. https://t.co/GUmtvj8NYC
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) July 23, 2020
How the Uncertain College Football Schedule Could Impact Ohio State’s 2020 Playoff Hopes
David Regimbal, Eleven Warriors
This is something that I haven’t spent much time thinking about yet. In a perfect world, of course a league taking measures in the time of a pandemic wouldn’t be held against its member institutions. However, we’ve seen how awful the Playoff Committee has been in sticking to any predetermined protocol and criteria in years past. So, I have very little faith in them being able to make logical conclusions in a world where the SEC and Big 12 play full seasons, but the B1G does not.
Ohio State Football: Can Chris Olave become a 1,000 yard receiver?
Alex Austin, Scarlet and Game
Can Chris Olave become a 1,000 yard receiver? Yes, he absolutely can, but there are two things standing in his way:
1) How many games will OSU play this year?
Will they stick to nine conference games? Will there be a B1G Title game? Will there be bowl games? A College Football Playoff?
That will obviously be a major factor in determining what stats players can wrack up this year.
2) There’s a lot of other really good receivers who are gong to need the ball as well.
Kamryn Babb, Mookie Cooper, Julian Fleming, Gee Scott Jr., Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Jameson Williams, Garrett Wilson, and more.
How much could CFB players make off their name, image, likeness?
Chris Hummer, 247Sports
A LOT OF MONEY! AND. THEY. DESERVE. EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY. OF. IT!
Speaking of deserving a poop-ton of money:
Washington No. 2 overall pick pass-rusher Chase Young has signed his 4-year, $34.56M contract with a $22.697M signing bonus, source said. He receives 100% of his signing bonuses up front. The highest pick yet to sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2020
Malaki Branham to Ohio State: A vital, sneaky good win for the Buckeyes (paywall)
Bill Landis, The Athletic
Ohio State men’s basketball is on a roll in recruiting recently. With the Wednesday commitment of Malaki Branham, they have now earned the pledge of three top-100 players (all native Ohioans) and they are looking to add an elite big man to the class.
Retention of top players has been a bit shaky for Chris Holtmann recently, but this commitment shows that it does not appear to be damaging his ability to attract top-line talent.
The ’s new kit is :
Kelsey Mitchell (@Kelz_Hoop)
No. 0⃣ x Year 3⃣#ThisIsBallin pic.twitter.com/9dzaKQHqSX
— Indiana Fever
(@IndianaFever) July 23, 2020Hey, Siri, show me how to properly unveil a new professional sports team name:
A legend from the deep awakens.
Meet the Seattle Kraken → https://t.co/to5BtVVPh1 pic.twitter.com/FQfOdaiGQQ
— Seattle Kraken (@NHLSeattle_) July 23, 2020
Hey, Siri, show me how not to unveil a new professional sports team name:
Effective immediately, Washington will call itself the “Washington Football Team”, pending adoption of a new name, sources tell ESPN.
This is not a final renaming and rebranding for team; this is the name it wants to use until pending adoption of a new name in the future. pic.twitter.com/sBs0Uo0ICm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2020
I actually don’t love the name The Kraken, it just feels like something you’d see from a Double A baseball team. But, the logos, the social media presence, and the eventual merch does look great.
And now for something completely different...
This is something that late Gen Xers and early Millennials need during this time of stress and uncertainty:
'Saved by the Bell' star Mark-Paul Gosselaar has never watched an episode of the hit Saturday morning series, until now! https://t.co/rWRdwHxFGr
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) July 23, 2020
This is something that absolutely no one needs:
No fans? Not on FOX Sports.
Thousands of virtual fans will attend FOX’s MLB games this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/z9oQU0rYuC
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 23, 2020
If we’re being honest, having no one in the stands is actually much closer to reality for most regular season baseball games than having CGI fans in the seats.
Continue reading...
LGHL Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus?
- News
- 0 Replies
Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus?
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
State your case in the comments!
Now, let me start this off by saying there is absolutely nothing wrong with Ohio State’s current wide receiver unit. It’s loaded with both experienced and fresh talent, and with Justin Fields as their quarterback, they’re set up to have a remarkable season.
Last season, junior WR Chris Olave was Fields’ go-to guy, catching 48 balls for 480 yards and 12 touchdowns, while then-freshman Garrett Wilson tallied 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns. These two were major contributors to the team’s success last season, along with K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack (who are now all NFL bound).
As for the aforementioned fresh talent, freshmen Julian Fleming, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Gee Scott Jr. and Mookie Cooper are all at WR coach Brian Hartline’s disposal this fall.
Fleming was the No. 3 prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle and the No. 1 receiver. He is the highest-ranked recruit to sign with the Buckeyes since Terrelle Pryor in 2008. Smith-Njigba was the fifth-ranked receiver in the 2020 class, due to the 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns he racked up during his high school career. Scott Jr. and Cooper have similar resumes, ranked No. 10 and No. 16 at the position, respectively.
Other receivers to keep an eye on this season include sophomore Kamryn Babb— who has massive potential but has been held back due to knee injuries, sixth-year senior C.J. Saunders (assuming he is healthy), senior Jaylen Harris, redshirt junior Ellijah Gardiner and sophomore Jameson Williams.
So yeah, Fields has options. But again, for the sake of this new series we’ve started up, let’s say Olave or Garett are unavailable for whatever reason in the season opener (opponent yet to be determined), or the freshmen studs aren’t able to adjust to the collegiate level due to lack of in-person training, and Coach Day was allowed to pluck any former Ohio State wide receiver and put him on this year’s roster. Who would you want back in Columbus catching passes from QB1?
Gun to my head— I’m choosing Ted Ginn Jr. every time (assuming he’d also be utilized on kick/punt return). But, if I were to dive into my options a little more, I’d also be interested to see the numbers Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin could produce with Fields’ arm (no offense, J.T.)
Maybe you’d rather stick to your guns and pick a surefire winner, in which case you’d go with David Boston (1996-1998), who holds the Ohio State record for receiving receptions in a single game (14), receiving yards in a single season (1,435 in ‘98) and receiving touchdowns in a career (34). Joining Boston in several categories of the Ohio State record books include Michael Jenkins, Cris Carter, Terry Glenn, K.J. Hill, Parris Campbell and DeVier Posey— none of which would let us down. Or, does the 2020-21 roster need the likes of a multifaceted receiver, like a Curtis Samuel or a Braxton Miller?
Choose your fighter.
We all have our favorite Ohio State wide receivers, and your first choice will likely be based on the many fond memories watching that particular player. But, I urge you to pick your player based on the current 2020-21 roster, coaching staff and schedule.
So, let’s hear it.
Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus? Let us know in the comments!
Continue reading...
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
State your case in the comments!
Now, let me start this off by saying there is absolutely nothing wrong with Ohio State’s current wide receiver unit. It’s loaded with both experienced and fresh talent, and with Justin Fields as their quarterback, they’re set up to have a remarkable season.
Last season, junior WR Chris Olave was Fields’ go-to guy, catching 48 balls for 480 yards and 12 touchdowns, while then-freshman Garrett Wilson tallied 30 receptions for 432 yards and five touchdowns. These two were major contributors to the team’s success last season, along with K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack (who are now all NFL bound).
As for the aforementioned fresh talent, freshmen Julian Fleming, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Gee Scott Jr. and Mookie Cooper are all at WR coach Brian Hartline’s disposal this fall.
Fleming was the No. 3 prospect in the 2020 recruiting cycle and the No. 1 receiver. He is the highest-ranked recruit to sign with the Buckeyes since Terrelle Pryor in 2008. Smith-Njigba was the fifth-ranked receiver in the 2020 class, due to the 5,346 receiving yards and 82 touchdowns he racked up during his high school career. Scott Jr. and Cooper have similar resumes, ranked No. 10 and No. 16 at the position, respectively.
Other receivers to keep an eye on this season include sophomore Kamryn Babb— who has massive potential but has been held back due to knee injuries, sixth-year senior C.J. Saunders (assuming he is healthy), senior Jaylen Harris, redshirt junior Ellijah Gardiner and sophomore Jameson Williams.
So yeah, Fields has options. But again, for the sake of this new series we’ve started up, let’s say Olave or Garett are unavailable for whatever reason in the season opener (opponent yet to be determined), or the freshmen studs aren’t able to adjust to the collegiate level due to lack of in-person training, and Coach Day was allowed to pluck any former Ohio State wide receiver and put him on this year’s roster. Who would you want back in Columbus catching passes from QB1?
Gun to my head— I’m choosing Ted Ginn Jr. every time (assuming he’d also be utilized on kick/punt return). But, if I were to dive into my options a little more, I’d also be interested to see the numbers Michael Thomas and Terry McLaurin could produce with Fields’ arm (no offense, J.T.)
Maybe you’d rather stick to your guns and pick a surefire winner, in which case you’d go with David Boston (1996-1998), who holds the Ohio State record for receiving receptions in a single game (14), receiving yards in a single season (1,435 in ‘98) and receiving touchdowns in a career (34). Joining Boston in several categories of the Ohio State record books include Michael Jenkins, Cris Carter, Terry Glenn, K.J. Hill, Parris Campbell and DeVier Posey— none of which would let us down. Or, does the 2020-21 roster need the likes of a multifaceted receiver, like a Curtis Samuel or a Braxton Miller?
Choose your fighter.
We all have our favorite Ohio State wide receivers, and your first choice will likely be based on the many fond memories watching that particular player. But, I urge you to pick your player based on the current 2020-21 roster, coaching staff and schedule.
So, let’s hear it.
Which former Ohio State wide receiver would you want back in Columbus? Let us know in the comments!
Continue reading...
Upvote
0
Upvote
0
Ohio High School Football Coaches Association
- By ScriptOhio
- High School Football Updates
- 0 Replies
OHIO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION PROPOSES HEALTH AND SAFETY CHANGES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
If Ohio high school football is played this fall, it's going to look quite different.
With the state still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association saw it fit to propose some changes to the upcoming high school football season in an effort to allow football to be played safely.
"With the uncertainty surrounding the State of Ohio during the Coronavirus pandemic, it has
become clear that there needs to be a voice from the Ohio High School Football Coaches
Association concerning the ability of the 709 schools in Ohio playing 11-man football to
compete in the fall of 2020," the OHSFCA said in a news release.
The proposed changes are primarily to allow for distancing whenever possible, to encourage sanitization and health awareness and to limit the amount of physical contact between participants.
The proposal made a point to address the CDC recommendation of less than 15 minutes of continuous contact. As a result, the OHSFCA plans for a two-minute break after every 6 minutes of game clock time, to eliminate that 15 minutes of continuous contact. The OHSFCA also estimated that even an offensive lineman – who sees the most contact during a game – will average a little over 5 minutes of continuous contact per game if they play every play on the offensive side of the ball.
Here are some of the biggest changes the OHSFCA is planning to implement this fall.
PRACTICE
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...h-and-safety-changes-amidst-covid-19-pandemic
If Ohio high school football is played this fall, it's going to look quite different.
With the state still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association saw it fit to propose some changes to the upcoming high school football season in an effort to allow football to be played safely.
"With the uncertainty surrounding the State of Ohio during the Coronavirus pandemic, it has
become clear that there needs to be a voice from the Ohio High School Football Coaches
Association concerning the ability of the 709 schools in Ohio playing 11-man football to
compete in the fall of 2020," the OHSFCA said in a news release.
The proposed changes are primarily to allow for distancing whenever possible, to encourage sanitization and health awareness and to limit the amount of physical contact between participants.
The proposal made a point to address the CDC recommendation of less than 15 minutes of continuous contact. As a result, the OHSFCA plans for a two-minute break after every 6 minutes of game clock time, to eliminate that 15 minutes of continuous contact. The OHSFCA also estimated that even an offensive lineman – who sees the most contact during a game – will average a little over 5 minutes of continuous contact per game if they play every play on the offensive side of the ball.
Here are some of the biggest changes the OHSFCA is planning to implement this fall.
PRACTICE
- Players will have a health check performed at arrival.
- Players will report with their own water bottle/container.
- All practice periods, including team periods, will be no longer than nine minutes in pods.
- Full contact practice sessions are limited to two nine-minute periods as opposed to two 12-minute periods.
- Single practice sessions will not exceed 3 hours during the preseason.
- No practice will exceed 2 hours and 15 minutes during the season.
- A running clock might be used during the first half if both coaches agree to it and the guidelines for the continuous clock are met.
- Six feet social distancing must be maintained on the sidelines.
- Coaches should wear masks on the sideline.
- 12-minute halftime (instead of 20).
- The team box will be from 10-yard line to 10-yard line instead of 20-yard line to 20-yard line.
- Temperature is taken for all attendees.
- Footballs must be sanitized throughout the game.
- A two-minute break after every 6 minutes of game clock time.
- During timeouts, coaches will meet players at the bottom of numbers on the field, with players socially distanced. Players must sanitize their hands during timeouts.
- No handshakes.
- Postgame meetings must be conducted on the field with social distancing protocols.
- Players are asked to exit the field immediately, not stopping to talk to family or friends, after the postgame meeting.
- Social distancing will be enforced on all bus trips – one player per seat, and everyone must wear masks.
- Players must wear masks in the locker room and keep socially distant.
- Avoid the use of the locker room during halftime if possible.
- Temperature is taken for all attendees.
- Six feet of social distancing must be maintained.
- Face coverings must be worn.
- Nobody will be permitted to stand on the fence line.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...h-and-safety-changes-amidst-covid-19-pandemic
Tramp Stamp Barbie
- By exhawg
- Open Discussion (Work-safe)
- 38 Replies
I was tempted to come up with one for Evangelical Barbie, but it would have been shit like this. Me making fun of Evangelicals is pretty much like Christians making fun of atheists except my jokes would be based on science rather than fairly tales.
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LGHL BOOOOM! Four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham commits to Ohio State
- News
- 0 Replies
BOOOOM! Four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham commits to Ohio State
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo courtesy of Jon Lopez | 247Sports
Branham is the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked commit since D’Angelo Russell in 2014.
Ryan Day isn’t the only Ohio State head coach that gets to have some fun on the recruiting trail! On Wednesday afternoon, four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham announced that he will stay in-state to play for Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes when the 2021 season rolls around.
New Beginnings
@TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/emJrq8892e
— Malaki Branham (@MalakiBranham) July 22, 2020
Branham, an Ohio native who plays at powerhouse St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound guard who Holtmann and his staff have been recruiting for over two years. He is the fifth-highest ranked shooting guard in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports, the No. 1 player in the state of Ohio, and with a strong senior season at SVSM, could potentially achieve five-star status.
247’s Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer called Branham a, “quality ball handler who can pass on the move,” as well as a “versatile defender who rebounds at a high level.” Meyer goes on to say that Branham’s specialty is his ability to get to the rim as a slashing type of guard, but that his outside shot is improving. It is early, but they project him as a potential NBA draftee when all is said and done. The last Ohio State player to get drafted was Keita Bates-Diop in 2018.
Below is a short clip of Branham playing in Columbus this past season against Sierra Canyon, which is also the school of LeBron James’ son Bronny James. Also noteworthy is the fact that Ohio State men’s basketball announcer Matt Leinenger called this game when it took place in downtown Columbus.
In just over a year, he’ll be calling Branham’s name once again, this time when he’s donning scarlet and gray rather than green and gold.
Branham (No. 27 overall) joins fellow four-star guard Meechie Johnson (No. 89) and four-star wing Kalen Etzler (No. 90). Whether it was by design or not, Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class is now comprised of the the top three players in the state of Ohio, without a single recruit coming from anywhere outside of the Buckeye state. The OSU basketball program is beginning to assert dominance recruiting within the state, which will certainly pay dividends in the years to come.
With the addition of Branham, Ohio State now has the second-ranked recruiting class for the 2021 cycle, just behind Baylor. The Buckeyes boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the Big Ten as well.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Branham is the Buckeyes’ highest-ranked commit since D’Angelo Russell in 2014.
Ryan Day isn’t the only Ohio State head coach that gets to have some fun on the recruiting trail! On Wednesday afternoon, four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham announced that he will stay in-state to play for Chris Holtmann and the Buckeyes when the 2021 season rolls around.
New Beginnings
@TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/emJrq8892e— Malaki Branham (@MalakiBranham) July 22, 2020
Branham, an Ohio native who plays at powerhouse St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound guard who Holtmann and his staff have been recruiting for over two years. He is the fifth-highest ranked shooting guard in the class of 2021 according to 247Sports, the No. 1 player in the state of Ohio, and with a strong senior season at SVSM, could potentially achieve five-star status.
247’s Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer called Branham a, “quality ball handler who can pass on the move,” as well as a “versatile defender who rebounds at a high level.” Meyer goes on to say that Branham’s specialty is his ability to get to the rim as a slashing type of guard, but that his outside shot is improving. It is early, but they project him as a potential NBA draftee when all is said and done. The last Ohio State player to get drafted was Keita Bates-Diop in 2018.
Below is a short clip of Branham playing in Columbus this past season against Sierra Canyon, which is also the school of LeBron James’ son Bronny James. Also noteworthy is the fact that Ohio State men’s basketball announcer Matt Leinenger called this game when it took place in downtown Columbus.
In just over a year, he’ll be calling Branham’s name once again, this time when he’s donning scarlet and gray rather than green and gold.
Branham (No. 27 overall) joins fellow four-star guard Meechie Johnson (No. 89) and four-star wing Kalen Etzler (No. 90). Whether it was by design or not, Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class is now comprised of the the top three players in the state of Ohio, without a single recruit coming from anywhere outside of the Buckeye state. The OSU basketball program is beginning to assert dominance recruiting within the state, which will certainly pay dividends in the years to come.
With the addition of Branham, Ohio State now has the second-ranked recruiting class for the 2021 cycle, just behind Baylor. The Buckeyes boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the Big Ten as well.
Continue reading...