• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

LGHL Everything you need to know about Buckeyes in the 2018 NFL Draft

Everything you need to know about Buckeyes in the 2018 NFL Draft
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10044455.0.jpg

Ohio State could add to their NFL delegation big-time in 2018.

Despite a season that may not have ended as Buckeye Nation had hoped, Ohio State has the potential to send another large group of Buckeyes to the NFL this spring.

After a long offseason, the 2018 NFL Draft is finally among us, with Round 1 getting underway on Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m. ET (on NFL Network, Fox, ESPN), Rounds 2 and 3 continuing on Friday, April 27 at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 finishing things up on Saturday, April 28 at Noon ET.

First stop on the path to the draft was the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where 11 Buckeyes went through the full workup of medical evaluations, measurements, media sessions and on-field workouts and position drills. Players like Jerome Baker, Sam Hubbard, Jalyn Holmes, and Denzel Ward stood out in Indy, while guys like J.T. Barrett, Marcus Baugh, Damon Webb, and Chris Worley didn’t stand out in a good, or bad, way. Tyquan Lewis (flu) and Billy Price (pec tear) weren’t able to be full participants due to injuries.

The Buckeyes had another opportunity to show off in front of scouts at Ohio State pro day in late-March. Players like Michael Hill (DT), Erick Smith (SAF), and Tracy Sprinkle (DL) weren’t invited to the combine, but did get a chance to chat with teams at pro day, and are still hoping to see some interest throughout draft weekend. All 32 NFL teams sent representatives to Columbus to attend the event.

Did anyone do enough to increase their draft stock? Keep your eyes here for all the latest Ohio State-NFL Draft news.

Continue reading...

BTN NFL Draft History: Big Ten TEs in last 10 drafts

NFL Draft History: Big Ten TEs in last 10 drafts
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

When it comes to having tight ends drafted, no Big Ten school can match Iowa. The Hawkeyes have had four tight ends picks since 2008: Brandon Myers in the sixth round in 2009 to the Raiders; Tony Moeaki to the Chiefs in 2010; C.J. Fiedorowicz in 2014 to the Texans; George Kittle in 2017 to the 49ers.

Continue reading...

BTN NFL Draft History: Big Ten defensive linemen in last 10 drafts

NFL Draft History: Big Ten defensive linemen in last 10 drafts
Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer via Big Ten Network

Penn State traditionally is known as “Linebacker U.” But you also can think about it as “Defensive Line U,” as the Nittany Lions have had more d-linemen picked than any other Big Ten school in the last 10 NFL drafts. Penn State has had nine defensive linemen taken since 2008, including two first-rounders: Aaron Maybin in 2009 and Jared Odrick in 2010. Michigan is just one behind the Nittany Lions with eight defensive linemen selected in the last 10 NFL drafts, including two first-rounders: Brandon Graham was tabbed in the first round in 2010 and Taco Charlton in 2017. Iowa

Continue reading...

LGHL As Comcast drops the Big Ten Network, fans away from home are the ones to suffer

As Comcast drops the Big Ten Network, fans away from home are the ones to suffer
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10366414.0.jpg

Ohio State football played two games on BTN in 2017, while men’s basketball had 17.

Four months after I graduated from The Ohio State University, I left Ohio, the only state I’d ever really called home. My parents had already moved south, and I had an internship working for the Big Ten Conference just outside of Chicago. In my year with the B1G, the plans for what would become the Big Ten Network were just beginning to take shape. However, after my time with the conference, I moved on, and 13 years later, I have yet to move back to Ohio, or even inside the now-expanded Big Ten footprint.

Through the years, as opportunities took me to new states— often further south—, I felt my connection to home not exactly fading, as I was still a fiercely proud Buckeye; by both birth and diploma; but simply retreating ever slowly from the forefront of my identity.

With physical distance, came a weakening in the connection to home, especially in terms of OSU athletics. No longer could I easily listen to former Buckeyes talk upcoming games on local radio. No longer could I commiserate why Tressel wouldn’t open up the offense with the kid bagging my groceries. No longer could I take pride in the camaraderie of our omnipresent fandom. Those connections were now severed.

Growing up in Ohio, it was odd if you went somewhere, anywhere, and didn’t see a dozen people wearing Ohio State apparel. So, as I ventured further into Big XII, ACC, and SEC Country, at first I would be excited to see a fellow Buckeye repping the Scarlet and Gray, and I would give them a subtle “Go Bucks” as I passed.

However, as time went on, especially as I ended up in the tourist haven of Central Florida, more often than not when I’d spot an OSU shirt in the crowd, if I offered an ever-so-subdued “OH,” instead of an “IO” in return, I would get a confused look, or an embarrassed explanation that the person wasn’t really an OSU fan, his brother-in-law went there, so he just has the shirt; or, she got it at a thrift store because she thought Brutus was cute. So, eventually, I just stopped greeting potential Buckeyes spotted in the wild. One more connection to home severed.

However, the one saving grace was knowing that, by virtue of Ohio State being Ohio State, every football Saturday, I wouldn’t have to hide my allegiance, or worry that my essential Buckeyeness was slipping, because no matter the opponent, OSU would be on TV.

And while those four-ish hours were but a small part of my week, they were important, because they allowed me to be fully me, and to celebrate (or commiserate) as one of millions across the country. As BTN grew and expanded, I started getting the same feeling from watching OSU basketball— men or women—, baseball, soccer, softball, heck, even track and field; and don’t get me started about how much I looked forward to a Columbus segment on “Campus Eats.”

These games and programs on a third-tier cable network; nestled in between the likes of the Outdoor Channel, beIN Sport, NBCSN, and others; were more than just games and programs. They were memories, they were pride, they were connection, and they were home.

However, earlier this month, Comcast, the largest broadband company in the country,


unceremoniously announced they that would be pulling BTN from its sports packages outside of the conference’s 11 states (although Comcast does not service Iowa or Nebraska). In my region, the change was almost immediate, as two days later, as I was planning to watch Ohio State’s spring game, I realized that the channel was already officially gone, and with the move, yet another connection was severed.

Fortunately for Buckeye fans, when it comes to football, this is far less of a problem than for many of our B1G brethren. OSU had only two early season games on the network last season, which they won by a combined 110-21. And for those two games, out-of-luck Comcast subscribers can find a friend or restaurant or alumni club with DirecTV to watch the games.

Unfortunately, fans of other schools and alumni in more out of the way locales who rely more on BTN for broadcasts might not be as lucky, and they might now be forced to miss games, and the dwindling feeling of home that they provide, because one of the largest media conglomerates in the world is worried about carriage fees.

Now, that doesn’t even begin to account for the loss of basketball and non-revenue sport contests. The Ohio State’s men’s basketball team played 17 games on BTN or its streaming service last season, that’s exactly half of their total games. So, fans like me— devoted, but out of state— can either subscribe to BTN’s online service, or go without the games; go without the lifeline to a place we love.

Am I being melodramatic? Probably, but we are talking about big time college athletics, when are fans not melodramatic? Not being able to watch BTN at home isn’t going to make me less of a Buckeye (especially as I will still be working for this website), but I fear that for many fans in the 39 non-B1G states, it might be one more missed connection to who they once were.

Continue reading...

Google Dorsey may not draft a Buckeye, but he puts more "OH" in Browns - New Philadelphia Times...

Dorsey may not draft a Buckeye, but he puts more "OH" in Browns - New Philadelphia Times Reporter
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Dorsey may not draft a Buckeye, but he puts more "OH" in Browns
New Philadelphia Times Reporter
He is an Ohio State Buckeye. For the Browns, drafting one of them would be a surprise. Ohio State has much to do with NFL drafts and little to do with Ohio's NFL teams. In the 19 selection meetings conducted since the Browns rejoined the NFL in 1999 ...

and more »


Continue reading...

Google Could Buckeyes' QB competition roll into preseason camp? - 247Sports

Could Buckeyes' QB competition roll into preseason camp? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Could Buckeyes' QB competition roll into preseason camp?
247Sports
There are a few options are on the table for Ohio State when it comes to choosing a starting quarterback. Could one of them be not making a decision in the near future and pushing the Joe Burrow-Dwayne Haskins competition into preseason camp in August ...


Continue reading...

LGHL Billy Price’s NFL Draft profile and injury update

Billy Price’s NFL Draft profile and injury update
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


862453088.jpg.0.jpg

The Buckeye made it through three reps on the bench press at the NFL Combine before his injury.

Regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects, Ohio State’s Billy Price adds to his draft stock with his experience and success at center as well. The Buckeyes have rotated a lineman to center over the past few seasons, and Price is just the latest three-year guard to make the move and excel at his new position.

Following in the footsteps of Pat Elflein before him, Price not only switched positions on the line, but also won the Rimington Trophy for being the best center in college football. For the first time in Rimington Trophy history, the same program won the award in back-to-back years, thanks to Elflein in 2016 and Price in 2017. Price is just the sixth Buckeye to ever win the award, and was also named Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace offensive lineman of the year, and earned unanimous All-American honors in 2017.

A leader on the field and in the locker room, the two-time captain also finished his collegiate career setting the record for starts (55) and consecutive starts (55) as a Buckeye — surpassing the former record (50) set by Luke Fickell from 1993-96. Price also tied Elflein and Tyquan Lewis for the school record for games played (55), meaning the NFL prospect had never played a game for Ohio State that he didn’t start — which is absolutely incredible.

Scouting Report


Here’s what the pros are saying in his NFL Combine Scouting Report:


STRENGTHS: Freaky strength and explosiveness. Expected to crush the bench press at the Combine. Plays with excellent snap to punch quickness. Lands hands under shoulders and snatches pads gaining control of the man across from him. Core strength and contact balance is a plus. Has redirect power to wipe out gap shooter and recover from early losses. Terrific bend and flexibility in hips unleash his drive blocking power. Works from consistently leveraged position. Generates push against bigger players. Considered highly intelligent by scouting community. Operational in space or in a phone booth. Keeps hands inside the frame in pass pro. Pass sets with wide base and strong anchor. Starting experience as both center and guard. Mean streak will not be an issue.

WEAKNESSES: Has had consistent tape where impatience gets him in trouble. Lunges out to find shade defenders causing him to over-set and lose balance. Early lunging may be a muscle memory concern. Lack of length makes it tough for him to sustain. Could be more static on second level climb so backs can set up his blocks. Can improve re-setting hands against longer defensive tackles. Feet need to follow hands more consistently on redirects rather than leaning. Feet begin to deaden in his mirror allowing athletic rushers to challenge him with counters. Needs to improve footwork to go with his brute force. Can be a challenging personality to deal with according to scouts.
Measurements

  • Height: 6-3 6/8”
  • Weight: 305 lbs
  • Hand size: 9 6/8”
  • Arm length: 32”
  • Wingspan: 75 2/8”
Combine Results


Price’s first event on Thursday was the bench press, and he didn’t get very far into the workout before seemingly injuring his chest and having to stop after just a couple reps.


#OSU OL Billy Price suffered an apparent chest or shoulder injury during his bench press at the Combine. Not good. pic.twitter.com/mkieyY9E0Y

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2018
Injury Info and Updates


Despite suffering an injury to his pec in Indy, Price didn’t rush out of town, and rather still met with the media to talk about his MRI results and how he thinks this will affect his draft stock. Notably, the Buckeye was very cognizant to emphasize — throughout his 13 minutes at the podium — that this is a very minor issue, and not something that will keep him out for any portion of the season.

The MRI results showed an “incomplete pec tear, with no grade, no issues like that.” He did mention that he is getting a second opinion about the need for surgery, but he won’t have a definitive answer on that until the MRI results are sent to the new doctor for review. He did point out that he wasn’t as sore as he expected the next morning, and also didn’t have any visible bruising — both good signs for how minor the tear really is.

While he didn’t get to finish his bench press, he told reporters he “was looking at 30s, for sure.” The only other injury he’s suffered since the onset of his Ohio State career was a minor MCL sprain that didn’t even keep him out of the next day’s practice. The irony was not lost on him that he played 55 games for the Buckeyes without any notable issue, and then finally saw an injury during the first event at the combine.

Since he wasn’t be able to finish the workout at the combine or participate at Ohio State’s pro day, Price said that he has a great relationship with the training staff and coaches at Ohio State and will happily defer to them if teams want to discuss his bench press ability, speed, or anything else he isn’t able to display ahead of the draft.

Price is confronting the situation head on, and when asked about whether the injury had him feeling down, the Buckeye said, “You’re really going to have to put a bullet between us Ohio State guys’ eyes to put us down.” (He’s not wrong.)

Lastly, the guard-turned-center was asked which spot he felt more comfortable lining up at, at the next level. Price explained, “I see myself as a center in this league. Again, being able to be accountable for the offense and orchestrating the line and making sure we’re efficient and on the same page.” Although, like many lineman before him, he acknowledged he’d be happy and successful at whatever spot his new team assigned him.

Price went back to Indy for the combine re-check in mid-April, and told Land-Grant Holy Land that his recovery is going “excellent” and that he’s still on track to be cleared in June, and in time to participate in training camp.

Draft Projection


It’s harder than ever to try and peg when Price will be taken in the 2018 NFL Draft, especially given his torn pec that will now be a concern. As noted above, Price said the tear is minor and expects to be back in action in time for training camp. The problem though, is that training camp comes after rookie camp and OTAs, so Price will be behind the eight-ball getting on the field just a month of so ahead of the preseason.

Price might drop out of the first round thanks to this injury, but he should still be taken by the end of Day 2 of the draft — and if he doesn’t, some NFL team is getting a hell of a steal.

Continue reading...

Google Buckeyes lose key recruiting staffer to Big Ten foe - 247Sports

Buckeyes lose key recruiting staffer to Big Ten foe - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes lose key recruiting staffer to Big Ten foe
247Sports
Ohio State has been incredibly successful on the recruiting trail under Urban Meyer, mainly because of Meyer being a tremendous head coach recruiter, and due to director of player personnel Mark Pantoni being the best at his job in college football ...


Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State to hold public memorial for Earle Bruce on Wednesday

Ohio State to hold public memorial for Earle Bruce on Wednesday
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


12136359.0.jpeg

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Earle and Jean Bruce Alzheimer’s Research Fund.

In the days since his passing was announced, fans, former players, colleagues, and friends have turned to social media to share their fondest memories of former Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach Earle Bruce, who died at the age of 87 earlier this week, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

On Wednesday, they will have the chance to do that with others mourning the loss, as Ohio State has announced that there will be a public celebration of the former coach’s life held on campus this coming Wednesday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Arena.


Bruce’s funeral will be held the following day, and will be open to just close friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that mourners make a donation to the Earle and Jean Bruce Alzheimer’s Research Fund in Neurology, Fund #312531, Care of The Ohio State University Foundation, Attn. Gift Processing, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221.

Following the end of his coaching career, Bruce remained an important part of the Columbus community. In addition to coaching the city’s Arena Football team for a season, he also served as an analyst for WTVN radio, and as a resource for the coaches that followed him.

Bruce hired current head coach Urban Meyer as an OSU graduate assistant in 1986, and remained a mentor for the rest of his life. Bruce’s grandson, Zach Smith, is Ohio State’s wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.

Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State men’s volleyball wins MIVA Tournament, advances to NCAA Tournament

Ohio State men’s volleyball wins MIVA Tournament, advances to NCAA Tournament
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10046382.0.jpg

With the win against Loyola Chicago, head coach Pete Hanson picked up his 700th career victory.

The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s volleyball team punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night, as they won their conference tournament (MIVA) by defeating Loyola Chicago, 3-0.

All three sets were close, but the final box score had OSU winning 25-20, 25-23, 25-19. The win for the Scarlet and Gray came in a top-10 matchup, as the Ramblers came into the contest ranked No. 8, and the Buckeyes were slightly higher at No. 7. The win was even sweeter, as Ohio State clinched the tournament title at home in the friendly confines of St. John Arena.

Head coach Pete Hanson has been on a hot streak that has now stretched over three season. In each of the last three seasons, OSU has ended the season as MIVA tournament winners, with the last two seasons ending with the Buckeyes winning the national championship as well. By defeating Loyola Chicago, Hanson also hit a career milestone mark: 700 career wins.


The final point sends Ohio State into the NCAA Tournament. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/y36VHc1HLt

— OSU Men's Volleyball (@OhioState_MVB) April 22, 2018

Three Buckeyes (Sanil Thomas, Jake Hanes and Nicolas Szerszen) made the MIVA All-Tournament team, and will be names to watch out for in the NCAA Tournament.

At 1 p.m. ET Sunday, we’ll find out who OSU will be playing the NCAA Tournament, which will take place at Pauley Pavillion in Los Angeles.

Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State men’s tennis clinches 13th-straight Big Ten title

Ohio State men’s tennis clinches 13th-straight Big Ten title
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


13257459.0.jpeg

The Buckeyes join six other B1G programs with 13-consecutive conference crowns.

On Friday, the No. 3 Ohio State men’s tennis team defeated No. 46 Indiana, 5-2, to secure at least a share of the program’s 13th-straight Big Ten title. The Buckeyes’ 10-0 conference record puts them one game ahead of No. 8 Illinois with the final matches of the regular season being played today.

OSU will visit Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., and the Fighting Illini will host Minnesota. The Big Ten Men’s Tennis Championships will be held at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Complex in Iowa City, Iowa this week from April 26-29. The Buckeyes and Illini are guaranteed of the top two seeds, and OSU defeated Illinois 4-0 in Columbus earlier this month.

In addition to their spotless B1G record, the Buckeyes are currently 25-2 overall on the season, with their only losses coming to No. 2 UCLA (1-4) and No. 19 Georgia (0-4) earlier this season.

With the conference crown, the Buckeyes become just the sixth program in conference history, regardless of sport, to earn 13-consecutive league championships.

The squad is led by senior Mikael Torpegaard, who is currently ranked fourth nationally. He is one of five Buckeyes ranked in the top 104 of the Oracle/ITA Division I Men’s Rankings.

OSU will be back in action today against the Boilermakers beginning at noon ET.

Continue reading...

LGHL Video: Take a look at the sights, sounds from Ohio State’s spring game in VR/360˚

Video: Take a look at the sights, sounds from Ohio State’s spring game in VR/360˚
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


VR_Thumbnail.0.jpg

A quick peek in 360˚ of the Buckeyes’ 2018 spring game. If you have a Virtual Reality headset, take an even more immersive look.

We here at Land-Grant Holy Land believe in pushing the envelope when it comes to creating content. We’ve upped our game when it comes to video, like creating backdrops and visual effects—and we’ll only get better with time.

Last week at the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game, we tried to do something even bolder: record video, with the hope of creating something that can be viewed in full 360 degrees and in Virtual Reality with the proper headset. Now, it’s finally done.

It’s a short video package that combines sights and sounds from the spring game, with Urban Meyer’s post game press conference (and another LGHL video) embedded within. If you took a look, tell us what you thought about it in the comment section.

Note: For best results, use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when viewing this video. If you have a Virtual Reality headset (e.g., Oculus), the video should play when accessing YouTube through the VR headset. If on mobile, the 360˚ view should be accessible using the latest version of YouTube.

Continue reading...

Google Ohio State football | Ex-Buckeyes know stress of QB competition - The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State football | Ex-Buckeyes know stress of QB competition - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Ex-Buckeyes know stress of QB competition
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State fans are eager to hear whom coach Urban Meyer will name the starting quarterback headed toward the fall, but imagine being in those quarterbacks' shoes as the wait continues. Stanley Jackson doesn't have to imagine. Neither does Kirk ...


Continue reading...

Google Bill Davis: Still no pecking order for Buckeyes' linebackers - 247Sports

Bill Davis: Still no pecking order for Buckeyes' linebackers - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bill Davis: Still no pecking order for Buckeyes' linebackers
247Sports
Ohio State second-year linebackers coach Bill Davis sat down for a lengthy Q&A with reporters recently. Here is a full transcript of the conversation: (Questions in italics.) What are you doing now that spring ball has ended? Bill Davis: We're ...


Continue reading...

Google Buckeyes Drop Series Opener vs. Indiana - 13abc Action News

Buckeyes Drop Series Opener vs. Indiana - 13abc Action News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes Drop Series Opener vs. Indiana
13abc Action News
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State baseball team dropped the series opener to No. 8 Indiana, 4-0, Friday night at Nick Swisher Field at Bill Davis Stadium. With the loss, the Buckeyes fall to 25-11 overall and 6-4 in league action, while the Hoosiers ...


Continue reading...

Google Six recruits who could be next to commit to the Buckeyes - 247Sports

Six recruits who could be next to commit to the Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Six recruits who could be next to commit to the Buckeyes
247Sports
The Ohio State is forming a very good base to to their 2019 recruiting class. The Buckeyes have commitments from running backs Sampson James and Steele Chambers, offensive linemen Doug Nester and Ryan Jacoby, defensive end Noah Potter, and athlete ...


Continue reading...

Google Ohio State football losing key recruiting staffer Eron Hodges to Purdue - cleveland.com

Ohio State football losing key recruiting staffer Eron Hodges to Purdue - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football losing key recruiting staffer Eron Hodges to Purdue
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- One of Ohio State's key recruiting staff members is leaving the Buckeyes for Purdue. Eron Hodges, who's been the Buckeyes' assistant director of player personnel since December 2016, will take the director of player personnel job for ...
Ohio State recruiting staffer Eron Hodges takes director of player personnel job at PurdueLandof10.com

all 3 news articles »


Continue reading...

Google Lucasville man uses his love of Buckeye football to teach faith lessons in book - The...

Lucasville man uses his love of Buckeye football to teach faith lessons in book - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Lucasville man uses his love of Buckeye football to teach faith lessons in book
The Columbus Dispatch
A little more than a year ago, Del Duduit was yearning for a way to minister to others. The Lucasville man's wife sings in the church choir, their children preach and he's a good writer, but how could he use his talent? Then, with help from loved ones ...


Continue reading...

Google Ohio State football | Players recall Bruce's passion for Buckeyes - The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State football | Players recall Bruce's passion for Buckeyes - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football | Players recall Bruce's passion for Buckeyes
The Columbus Dispatch
It was just before Ohio State took the field for a game at Illinois in 1982 when then-fourth-year OSU coach Earle Bruce turned to assistant Glen Mason and delivered a stunning statement. “I'll never forget it. He said, 'Well bud, I'm coaching for my ...
Earle Bruce, who coached 21 college seasons, dies at age 87ESPN
Former Buckeyes' coach Earle Bruce dead at 87Ironton Tribune
Former Ohio State coach Earle Bruce dies at 87Dayton Daily News
247Sports -MyDaytonDailyNews -CBS Sports
all 127 news articles »


Continue reading...

Google Former Buckeyes coach Bruce passes away at 87 - The Albany Herald

Former Buckeyes coach Bruce passes away at 87 - The Albany Herald
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Former Buckeyes coach Bruce passes away at 87
The Albany Herald
Earle Bruce, who followed the legendary Woody Hayes as coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, died early Friday at the age of 87. His daughters released a statement through the University announcing the news. "He was a great man, a wonderful husband, father ...


Continue reading...

Google Ohio State Buckeyes: Seven young players to watch in 2018 - MyDaytonDailyNews

Ohio State Buckeyes: Seven young players to watch in 2018 - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes: Seven young players to watch in 2018
MyDaytonDailyNews
A number of Ohio State Buckeyes grabbed wheelbarrows and shovels Friday to perform their duties as losers of the spring game. Members of the Scarlet team, including quarterback Tate Martell and defensive end Nick Bosa, worked on improving the landscape ...
Ohio State recruiting: Latest news and notes on the BuckeyesLandof10.com
Report: Buckeyes hit with minor recruiting violations247Sports
Ohio State Spring Recap — Buckeyes Now Deeper at ReceiverThe Ozone
cleveland.com -Eleven Warriors -Land-Grant Holy Land -OSU - The Lantern
all 27 news articles »


Continue reading...

LGHL Jamarco Jones’ 2018 NFL Draft profile and combine results

Jamarco Jones’ 2018 NFL Draft profile and combine results
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_10294343.0.jpg

Can Jones follow in Taylor Deckers footsteps and make a first-round push in April’s NFL Draft?

Year after year, Ohio State produces NFL-caliber offensive linemen, and 2018 shouldn’t be any different. Two-year starter Jamarco Jones is the next in a long line of successful left tackles for the Buckeyes, and is already drawing interest from teams at the next level.

The Buckeye is looking to prove that he’s the “Next Man Up” behind proven NFL successes, like Mike Adams, Alex Boone, Jack Mewhort and Taylor Decker. Jones spent two years as the backup to Decker before the latter was taken in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He played nearly 100 percent of snaps his rookie season before an injury ahead of the 2017 preseason forced him to spend just over half the year on IR.

Jones took over the starting role at OSU after Decker’s departure, and went on to start in 27 consecutive games through his junior and senior seasons, totaling 50 games played in the Scarlet and Gray. The Buckeye also earned All-Conference honors twice, and was a key factor in Ohio State ranking among the Top 20 rushing teams in the country (No. 11 in 2016, No. 17 in 2017). The Buckeyes led the Big Ten in rushing in both seasons with Jones starting at left tackle, and in 2016, the o-line was one of three units named as a finalist for the Joe Moore Offensive Line of the Year Award.

Scouting Report


Here’s what the pros are saying in his NFL Combine Scouting Report:


STRENGTHS: Pass sets feature adequate balance, a flat back and chin tucked. Looked much more confident in pass protection this year. Hands are efficient and quick and punches are well-timed. Patient pass slider who waits until target is in range to let hands go. Lands early to disrupt rusher’s rhythm. Has adequate reactive athleticism against inside moves. Mirror isn’t perfect but is good enough. Has some anchor to sit down against bull-rush. Flexes upper body power to jolt on redirect and down blocks. Catches base block with upward strike and cranks feet to secure. Works double teams with good technique. Impressive agility to adjust to moving targets. Has athletic ability and radar to spring big runs with second level blocks. Comes off first block with smoothness and times up linebackers.

WEAKNESSES: Doesn’t have optimal height/length for tackle. Needs to close distance and speed up hands against long edge-setters. Hip bend is average and pad level is high. Struggles to find optimal leverage at point of attack. May improve balance as drive blocker with wider base. Body control is below average. Power ends can stack and dislodge him. Approach angles and post-contact footwork are inconsistent. Outside hand is a little weak in pass protection. Will lunge against edge speed at top of the rush rather than sliding feet to protect the arc. Gets fooled by end/tackle twists. Tape shows potential concerns against good inside rush counters. Would like to see a little more edge in his play demeanor.
Measurements

  • Height: 6-4
  • Weight: 299 lbs
  • Hand size: 9 4/8”
  • Arm length: 35 1/8”
  • Wingspan: 85 1/8”
Combine Results


Bench press: DNP

40-yard dash: 5.50 sec (official time)

Vertical jump: 24”

Broad jump: 102.0”



3-cone drill: 8.32 sec

Position drills:


Jamarco Jones kick slide drill pic.twitter.com/7R5lmw33VP

— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) March 2, 2018
Interview Notables and Quotables


Jamarco Jones has seemingly gone under the radar as he gets ready for the NFL Draft, but despite deciding not to play in the East-West Shrine Game, he’s spent the past couple of months training with a Buckeye and NFL legend. And it’s not just legend LeCharles Bentley, but the host of players (young and old) who train with him in the offseason.


“LeCharles Bentley, he knows what he’s talking about. He’s one of the most respected guys in the league when it comes to training players, and all the other NFL guys there, it’s nice just to be around those guys and get insight into what to expect especially going into this rookie year and this whole process of pre-draft and stuff like that, so it’s just nice to have those veterans there to give us a heads up on what to expect.”

Jones doesn’t have the stereotypical build for a tackle, but he doesn’t think that means he needs to shift positions. (It’s so strange that he’s considered short at 6-4, but that’s the new norm.) He thinks he could move to guard, but essentially will lineup wherever his new team tells him to. Paying attention to details is something Bentley has stressed during Jones’ Combine prep, and he’s hoping that’ll also help negate issues with his height.


“For one, my arm span definitely helps. I’m not necessarily 6’7’’ but I have the arm span of some of the guys that are 6’7’’ so that definitely helps me and I think I move my feet pretty well on the edge when it comes to pass blocking and things like that.”

Offensive lineman are one of the most successful position groups to transition from college ball at Ohio State to the NFL. Over the years, guys like Orlando Pace, Alex Boone, and Taylor Decker have shown what Buckeyes can do at the next level. Jones knows that he has a reputation to uphold, but he is up for the challenge.


“You want to continue that success. OSU has a long history of offensive linemen in general going to the NFL and producing and just being able to gain a lot of insight from those guys that have done it before me and use it to my benefit and hopefully help and prolong my career.”
Draft Projection


Despite Jones flying under the radar thus far in the draft process, he’s still considered a solid mid-round pick. He chose to skip the East-West Shrine Game, making the NFL Combine his first chance to impress scouts. He finished pretty middle-of-the-road among the group of offensive lineman, and probably ended the weekend with the same draft stock as when he got to Indy.

He did meet with a lot of teams during his days at the combine, including an informal meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bleeding Green Nation’s Ben Natan had one of the more reasonable scouting reports on the Buckeye.


Jones was a highly recruited guy out of high school and turned into a solid blocker for Ohio State. Jones will not overwhelm with physical tools, but his long arms and general playing strength make him a dependable part of a line. Jones might get outshone by his peers at the combine, but he could end up having a very steady career.

We’ll have to wait to see if his pro day showing did anything to boost his status a bit, but either way the Buckeye should expect to hear his name called.

Continue reading...

Filter

Back
Top