Ohio State opens football practice for family weekend
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


We might not be getting much access to practice, but players’ families are.

While the on-going investigation into head coach Urban Meyer’s handling of domestic abuse allegations against former assistant Zach Smith might be keeping the media away from practices, another group of people got a much closer look over the weekend; the players’ families.

On Saturday and Sunday, families were invited to campus to see how things were progressing for the Buckeyes as they work towards the Sept. 1 matchup against the Oregon State Beavers. Despite all of the turmoil going on around the program, it appears that things are progressing according to plan over at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

With all of the hard work going on during camp, and the uncertainty swirling around the coaching staff, it looks like the players were extra happy to have their families in town as a temporary distraction from the difficult (physically and emotionally) first two weeks of camp.

This might be the exact thing that the players needed right now to get over the hump of both training camp and the working group’s investigation. There’s nothing like a hug from momma to make you feel like everything’s gonna be alright.




The family weekend also brought another occasion for the football program to release some practice footage, and things seem to be going pretty well on both sides of the ball.




And what would a family weekend be without some photo opportunities in The Horseshoe?




And finally, the Buckeye specialists are one special group indeed.


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To Be or Not to Be a Buckeye, That's the Question for Local Phenom Zach Harrison - Bleacher Report
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


To Be or Not to Be a Buckeye, That's the Question for Local Phenom Zach Harrison
Bleacher Report
LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — It is seven days before his 17th birthday, and Zach Harrison can't stop dancing. Outkast. 50 Cent. Michael Jackson. Nirvana. Queen. Whatever the portable black speaker sitting along the sideline spins, Harrison finds a rhythm.


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Ohio State makes the cut for 4-star power forward
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 another standout senior.

Our weekends are for friends and family, but don’t miss out on the latest news in the world of Ohio State recruiting.

Land-Grant Holy Land has your back.

OSU makes cut for 2019 forward


Holding verbal pledges from class of 2019 prospects Alonzo Gaffney, and DJ Carton, Chris Holtmann and the Ohio State staff are looking to close out their haul of future Buckeyes with another highly sought after recruit.

With offers still out to a few prospects, one of those potential Buckeyes took to his Twitter page on Sunday afternoon to let the world know his current college leaders.

Cutting things down from nearly 20 offers, four-star 2019 Power forward Omar Payne of Florida’s Montverde Academy is now concentrating on seven programs.

Making the leader list for the 6-foot-9, 195-pounder are Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, Central Florida, Louisville, Texas and LSU.


Although signs point towards him staying in the south, Payne the ninth power forward, and 42nd overall prospect in the 2019 class, according to the 247Sports Composite, wouldn’t be the first Montverde product to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray. A list that could certainly grow, current New Jersey Nets guard D’Angelo Russell, and OSU big man Micah Potter both spent time with the Eagles.

4-star PF plans trip to Columbus


While Payne has OSU among his current leaders list, another class of 2019 power forward will make the trek to Columbus later this month to see what the Buckeyes have to offer in person.

Making a summer’s end visit to universities, the report is that Chris Holtmann and the OSU staff will have the Minnesota native and four-star prospect Zeke Nnaji on campus August 25.

Looking to add scorers to their roster, Nnaji can definitely fill up the scorecard. A big time player for Hopkins High in Hopkins, Minnesota, the Third Team all-state selection averaged 19 points per game to help pace the Royals to an overall record of 26-2 last season as a junior.

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And don’t forget.

Cormontae Hamilton, still committed to Ohio State, gives insight into how Buckeyes coaches are proceeding in ... - The Athletic
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Cormontae Hamilton, still committed to Ohio State, gives insight into how Buckeyes coaches are proceeding in ...
The Athletic
Cormontae Hamilton's phone started ringing uncontrollably about an hour after Brett McMurphy's report hit the internet Aug. 1. His iPhone was buzzing nonstop as texts and calls poured in from friends and college coaches who were trying to figure out ...
Buckeye recruit told 'Coach Meyer did everything by the books'247Sports

all 2 news articles »

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Ohio State football | Parris Campbell grows into top receiver for Buckeyes - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Parris Campbell grows into top receiver for Buckeyes
The Columbus Dispatch
Parris Campbell laughed when asked how the new NCAA rule allowing freshmen to play in up to four games but still maintain their redshirt status might have benefited him four years ago. “I don't think it would have benefited me at all, because I was ...


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Kurelic: Football is back for OSU fans! Garrett Wilson update - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: Football is back for OSU fans! Garrett Wilson update
247Sports
Good evening Bucknuts subscribers! There is plenty going on with Ohio State football recruiting so let's get started! I will of course have plenty more throughout the night and tomorrow. 1) I have heard more than once in the past week how Buckeye fans ...


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Gilmer seniors look to inspire young Buckeyes - easttexasmatters.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Gilmer seniors look to inspire young Buckeyes
easttexasmatters.com
GILMER, Texas (KETK) -- As we continue to get ready for high school football, we turn our attention to Gilmer, who have some major roster holes to fill, but also return plenty of senior leaders, as well as that always present, Buckeye pride. It's the ...


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Buckeye recruit told 'Coach Meyer did everything by the books' - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeye recruit told 'Coach Meyer did everything by the books'
247Sports
Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven tight end Cormontae Hamilton is a favorite of many Buckeye fans. Hamilton rode a Greyhound bus alone over... To read this article and more, subscribe now —. 7-Day Free Trial. Get access to this article and all of the in ...


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Buckeyes talking to receiver everyday, up against Bama, Michigan - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes talking to receiver everyday, up against Bama, Michigan
247Sports
According to a report by college football writer Brett McMurphy, Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer had knowledge of domestic abuse allegations back in 2015 against ex-OSU assistant Zach Smith regarding his then-wife Courtney Smith. Zach remained on ...
Zach Smith Will Reportedly Ask For His Job BackThe Spun (blog)
Zach Smith Wants OSU Job BackThe Sports Post (blog)
Rob Oller | Dollars may affect Urban Meyer's fate, but how much?The Columbus Dispatch
ESPN -Land-Grant Holy Land -Buckeye Wire -The Columbus Dispatch
all 183 news articles »

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Sights and Sounds: OSU welcomes families for Saturday scrimmage - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Sights and Sounds: OSU welcomes families for Saturday scrimmage
247Sports
Ohio State wrapped its first full week of preseason practice with a scrimmage inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on a rainy Saturday. Except for a 30-minute window on Tuesday (when the Big Ten Network attended practice), Ohio State's practices have ...
Highlight's From Ohio State's Saturday ScrimmageEleven Warriors

all 3 news articles »

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Next Man Up: Center - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Next Man Up: Center
247Sports
Ohio State kicked off fall camp on Friday, August 3. As the Buckeyes prepare for their season opener against Oregon State from a Xs and Os standpoint, they're also trying to figure out some personnel openings left by departed players from last year's team.


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Ohio State Football: Vegas high on Buckeyes - Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State Football: Vegas high on Buckeyes
Scarlet and Game
So what if he has yet to start a game, much less a full season? Reports from camp say Haskins has looked the part of a star QB. If he has a stellar year and the Buckeyes win the Big 10, Haskins will have to be a favorite to bring home the Heisman hardware.
Highlights From Ohio State's First Fall ScrimmageThe Ozone

all 2 news articles »

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Dynamite Dozen: Before he joins Buckeyes, Jake Wray sets goal of anchoring Marietta line - MDJOnline.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Dynamite Dozen: Before he joins Buckeyes, Jake Wray sets goal of anchoring Marietta line
MDJOnline.com
With his brother, Max, entering his freshman season on the Buckeyes' offensive line, Jake Wray felt like he had always known he would end up at Ohio State. Wray said the Buckeyes made an official offer to him shortly after he visited the campus for the ...


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Next Man Up: Left Tackle - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Next Man Up: Left Tackle
247Sports
Ohio State kicked off fall camp on Friday, August 3. As the Buckeyes prepare for their season opener against Oregon State from a Xs and Os standpoint, they're also trying to figure out some personnel openings left by departed players from last year's team.

and more »

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Jeff Snook says Tom Herman was whistleblower in Ohio State saga - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Jeff Snook says Tom Herman was whistleblower in Ohio State saga
247Sports
Following that, Snook reported that former Ohio State assistant, Tom Herman, who was a part of the Buckeyes' 2014 national championship-winning team and is now the head coach at Texas, was the "tipster who initiated Brett McMurphy's reporting.".
Tom Herman wasn't the Ohio State scandal tipster, per the reporter and the Hermans themselvesSB Nation
Latest on Ohio State: Urban Meyer banned from players; Courtney Smith's mom defends Zach SmithAL.com
Tom Herman and Brett McMurphy deny report that Herman was the Ohio State scandal tipsterBurnt Orange Nation
The Spun (blog) -Heavy.com -ESPN
all 159 news articles »

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Vincent, Snead and Curtis have their black stripe removed - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Vincent, Snead and Curtis have their black stripe removed
247Sports
The Buckeyes are heading into their second week of fall practice and a 5-star recruit from their heralded 2018 recruiting class is the newest official Buckeye. Defensive tackle Taron Vincent from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG has had the black stripe removed ...
Scarlet Saturday: Three Buckeyes Lose Black StripesThe Ozone
Taron Vincent, Brian Snead and Kory Curtis Lose Their Black StripesEleven Warriors

all 3 news articles »

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Lost Files: Prince now viewed as leader on OSU's offensive line - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Lost Files: Prince now viewed as leader on OSU's offensive line
247Sports
Prince, a product of Greenbelt (Md.) Roosevelt High School, redshirted at OSU in 2014 as the Buckeyes won the national championship. He cracked the two-deep and worked behind tackles Taylor Decker and Chase Farris in 2015. He finally made the ...

and more »

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Jeff Snook responds to doubters on Ohio State bombshell - 247Sports
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Jeff Snook responds to doubters on Ohio State bombshell
247Sports
There are few things that grind a journalist's gears more than their own objectivity being questioned, which is why Buckeyes insider and Ohio State alumnus Jeff Snook is fighting back at doubters. Snook's bombshell report this week detailing Lynn Bruce ...


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Ohio State 2020 targets most likely to commit to the Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State 2020 targets most likely to commit to the Buckeyes
247Sports
1 the 2020 prospects that are most likely to join the Buckeyes' six current commitments and sign with Ohio State. I give my thoughts on each prospect and also include what the Crystal Ball says regarding the prospect. Want daily inside scoop on the ...
Dynasty '19 Tracker: Season PreviewEleven Warriors

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Meyer issue has "no effect" on DeaMonte Trayanum's view of OSU - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer issue has "no effect" on DeaMonte Trayanum's view of OSU
247Sports
Despite his smaller stature, Ward showed in preseason camp that he's able to handle bigger receivers, matching up with a bigger receiver target in Cleveland's Josh Gordon. He definitely showed his toughness on this play. Buckeye fans will not be ...


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Kurelic: OSU leads Michigan for Michigan star; Harrison update - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Kurelic: OSU leads Michigan for Michigan star; Harrison update
247Sports
Not only does the current Urban Meyer situation not impact Fincher's interest in the Buckeyes, but he says Ohio State is a top two choice. “It doesn't affect my interest in Ohio State at all,” Fincher said. “They are in my top two.” Fincher said the ...


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Buckeye 2019 O-tackle target: 'Ohio State is in the running' - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeye 2019 O-tackle target: 'Ohio State is in the running'
247Sports
Despite his smaller stature, Ward showed in preseason camp that he's able to handle bigger receivers, matching up with a bigger receiver target in Cleveland's Josh Gordon. He definitely showed his toughness on this play. Buckeye fans will not be ...

and more »

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Buckeye rookies made their NFL debut in Week 1 of the preseason
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Plus, a look at which Ohio State alums are sidelined with injuries, and who still has yet to play this weekend.

The NFL preseason got underway on Thursday, and while not every Ohio State alumnus currently on a roster participated in the first night of action, there were plenty of Buckeyes making impressive plays,including several making their NFL debuts.

Before we get into a pretty comprehensive breakdown of who did what, and which rookies made a strong impression, there was a nice moment for one of OSU’s favorite linebackers during the Eagles-Steelers pre-game warmups.

Ryan Shazier is already out for the entire 2018 season as he continues to rehab his injured back, but he was seen in the huddle, swaying with his teammates as they got riled up for the first action since last season.

It’s amazing how far Shazier has come since that scary day in December, but whether or not he’s actually out on the field, he’s always got his teammates back on the sideline.

Rookies


Some first-year Buckeyes don’t play until Friday or Saturday night, but there were still a lot of NFL debuts from players out of Ohio State on Thursday.

Sure, not every performance was super noteworthy, but J.T. Barrett got some snaps for the Saints late in their game, and other undrafted free agents, like LB Chris Worley (Bengals), DB Damon Webb (Titans), and DT Tracy Sprinkle (Panthers) saw some playing time too. Defensive end Sam Hubbard also saw the field with the Bengals, but had a few missed tackles and seemed to excel against the run game more than the pass rush.

Buckeye rookie Tyquan Lewis — along with second-year player Malik Hooker who is recently off of the PUP list — did not dress for the Colts first preseason game of the year.

Offensive tackle Jamarco Jones saw some playing time for the Seahawks, but was carted off the field late in the contest after getting rolled on. Seattle head coach Pete Carroll said after the game that Jones’ x-rays came back negative but he had a legit ankle sprain.

Some rookies who stood out with their new teams included Jerome Baker with the Dolphins and Billy Price with the Bengals.

On LB Jerome Baker in his debut with the Miami Dolphins — Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider


On center Billy Price’s first taste of NFL action — Josh Kirkendall, Cincy Jungle


Also, Denzel Ward may have killed a guy during his NFL debut, and Browns fans have got to be excited about their No. 4 overall draft pick so early on in his career. (I mean, he straight-up leveled the guy.)

Other notables

• Curtis Samuel was back in the Panthers lineup after a string of injuries since the beginning of his rookie year; he hauled in four receptions for 43 yards on Thursday.
• Running back Rod Smith did a great job filling in for Zeke last season, and he’s still clamoring for one of Dallas’ roster spots this fall. In the first preseason game he had 32 yards on eight carries, and a catch for six yards.
• Quarterback-turned-receiver Braxton Miller saw some considerable time for the Texans during their first preseason game, and finished the day with three receptions for 28 yards.
• Safety Tyvis Powell has gotten some first-team reps with teammate Richard Sherman tending to an injury during parts of training camp, and in Week 1 he made two tackles and had one pass breakup.
• On John Simon’s transition to DE for the Colts — Chris Blystone, Stampede Blue

Big Plays

Nick Vannett


The tight end for the Seahawks has been biding his time to be a featured player on offense, and it seems like his consistency as a blocker has earned him a few more looks downfield. In Seattle’s first preseason game, Vannett nabbed 20 yards on two catches, including this diving grab for a touchdown.

Cameron Johnston


The punter for the Philadelphia Eagles really let one fly late in Thursday’s game, getting about 70 yards through the air, and another 11 yards on the ground, for an 81-yard punt!

That’s just insane.

Injuries and Inactives

• WR Noah Brown did not travel West with the Cowboys this week, and was inactive as he deals with a hamstring issue.
• Brown’s Buckeye and Cowboy teammate RB Ezekiel Elliott was active, but didn’t see the field for the Cowboys’ first preseason game. Same with Cameron Heyward for the Steelers, who didn’t see any snaps on Thursday.
• Special teams maven Nate Ebner was recently removed from the Patriots’ PUP list following his 2017 season-ending knee injury, but wasn’t back in action for Week 1 of the preseason. Though he did give some epic side eye to three Patriot teammates.

Coming up


There are still a handful of games to get you through the weekend, and plenty of Buckeyes to keep an eye on:

Friday, Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
New York Jets (Darron Lee, Terrelle Pryor Sr.) vs. Atlanta Falcons

Friday, Aug. 10 at 10:30 p.m.
Detroit Lions (Taylor Decker) vs. Oakland Raiders (Marcus Baugh, Gareon Conley)

Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings (Pat Elflein, Jalyn Holmes) vs. Denver Broncos (Corey Brown, Jeff Heuerman, Bradley Roby)

Pat Elflein has been dealing with an injury most of the offseason, and Jeff Heuerman suffered a knee injury last week in camp. Both are expected to miss the preseason opener.

Saturday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers (Joey Bosa, Cardale Jones) vs. Arizona Cardinals

Bosa suffered a minor foot injury earlier in the week, so don’t be too surprised if he sits this one out — it’s not like the team really needs to see what he can do.

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