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LGHL Raekwon McMillan tears ACL in first NFL preseason game, per reports
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Raekwon McMillan tears ACL in first NFL preseason game, per reports
Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The next product of Ohio State’s #LBU will be sidelined his rookie season.
Former Ohio State star linebacker Raekwon McMillan was sidelined during his first NFL preseason game with a right knee injury after punt coverage. It’s being reported that he has torn his ACL and is expected to miss the remainder of his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins.
I can confirm the Dolphins believe rookie LB Raekwon McMillan tore his ACL, as @thewiwitos reported.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) August 11, 2017
McMillan was drafted at No. 54 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and was expected to be a starter to begin his rookie season. After an impressive spring and an equally impressive training camp, he was primed to be a big contributor for the Dolphins’ defense. The linebacker is building off a three-year Ohio State career, one that included 275 total tackles (18.0 for loss), 6.0 sacks and a pick-6.
The Buckeye was a fan favorite on and off the field, and he’ll keep that reputation at the next level. Even though he won’t be able to contribute as expected on the field, he’ll still be a valuable asset to the Dolphins’ locker room.
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Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The next product of Ohio State’s #LBU will be sidelined his rookie season.
Former Ohio State star linebacker Raekwon McMillan was sidelined during his first NFL preseason game with a right knee injury after punt coverage. It’s being reported that he has torn his ACL and is expected to miss the remainder of his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins.
I can confirm the Dolphins believe rookie LB Raekwon McMillan tore his ACL, as @thewiwitos reported.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) August 11, 2017
McMillan was drafted at No. 54 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and was expected to be a starter to begin his rookie season. After an impressive spring and an equally impressive training camp, he was primed to be a big contributor for the Dolphins’ defense. The linebacker is building off a three-year Ohio State career, one that included 275 total tackles (18.0 for loss), 6.0 sacks and a pick-6.
The Buckeye was a fan favorite on and off the field, and he’ll keep that reputation at the next level. Even though he won’t be able to contribute as expected on the field, he’ll still be a valuable asset to the Dolphins’ locker room.
Continue reading...
Google Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff - Madison.com
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Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff - Madison.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff
Madison.com
The 22-year-old Texan is again in the driver's seat in an Urban Meyer offense that's been a revolving door for coordinators who haven't found the right formula to get Barrett back to the kind of consistent play that propelled the Buckeyes to the 2014 ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff
Madison.com
The 22-year-old Texan is again in the driver's seat in an Urban Meyer offense that's been a revolving door for coordinators who haven't found the right formula to get Barrett back to the kind of consistent play that propelled the Buckeyes to the 2014 ...
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Google Buckeyes in the hunt for many on initial Top 100 for 2020 - 247Sports
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Buckeyes in the hunt for many on initial Top 100 for 2020 - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes in the hunt for many on initial Top 100 for 2020
247Sports
Starting at the top, the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix, if not the favorite, for the class's number one overall player in DE Bryan Bresee. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder from Damascus (MD) has already made multiple trips to Columbus, and the 247Sports ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes in the hunt for many on initial Top 100 for 2020
247Sports
Starting at the top, the Buckeyes are firmly in the mix, if not the favorite, for the class's number one overall player in DE Bryan Bresee. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder from Damascus (MD) has already made multiple trips to Columbus, and the 247Sports ...
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Google Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff - Washington Post
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Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff - Washington Post
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff
Washington Post
The 22-year-old Texan is again in the driver's seat in an Urban Meyer offense that's been a revolving door for coordinators who haven't found the right formula to get Barrett back to the kind of consistent play that propelled the Buckeyes to the 2014 ...
Best bet to enter bowl season unbeaten is Buckeyes (not Tide)ESPN
Urban Meyer, Buckeyes Have a History of Bouncing Back Nicely Following Decommitments on the Recruiting TrailEleven Warriors
Buckeyes could land country's No. 1 prospect two straight years247Sports
Land-Grant Holy Land -Ashland Times Gazette (subscription) -cleveland.com
all 51 news articles »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Veteran Barrett, loaded Buckeyes expect return to playoff
Washington Post
The 22-year-old Texan is again in the driver's seat in an Urban Meyer offense that's been a revolving door for coordinators who haven't found the right formula to get Barrett back to the kind of consistent play that propelled the Buckeyes to the 2014 ...
Best bet to enter bowl season unbeaten is Buckeyes (not Tide)ESPN
Urban Meyer, Buckeyes Have a History of Bouncing Back Nicely Following Decommitments on the Recruiting TrailEleven Warriors
Buckeyes could land country's No. 1 prospect two straight years247Sports
Land-Grant Holy Land -Ashland Times Gazette (subscription) -cleveland.com
all 51 news articles »
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LGHL Ohio State’s wide receivers have all the tools for a bounce-back season in 2017
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Ohio State’s wide receivers have all the tools for a bounce-back season in 2017
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
An increase in tempo and a lot of young talent could see the Buckeye passing attack greatly improved this year.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had a receiver with as high a ceiling as he has. He’s a 6-5 kid with a 7-foot wingspan who can run. He’s loose. He can get in and out of breaks. He plays physical at times. He still has to grow up and mature. But he has a skill set where he does some things and you’re like ‘Whoa’.”
Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith on Binjimen Victor via Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
It won’t be hard for Ohio State to top last year’s output from their wide receivers, but there are a couple of receivers who could help the Buckeye passing game return in a big way this year. Towards the end of last year, Binjimen Victor started to see more playing time, and it is likely that he’ll be one of Ohio State’s featured wide receivers this season. When asked who he patterns his game after, Victor quickly responded that he tries to play like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. If Victor is able to mirror any of what Green did not only at Georgia, but has done in the NFL with the Bengals, you’ll see Ohio State take to the air far more this year than they did last year.
Another wide receiver who could be primed for a big season is K.J. Hill. After redshirting during the 2015 season, Hill made a little noise last year, hauling in 18 catches for 262 yards and a touchdown. With Hill entering his third year in the program, he is one of the more senior wide receivers, and Smith believes that Hill can build on what he did on the field a season ago.
Both Hill and Victor should benefit from the hiring of offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who is likely to have Ohio State push tempo this year. With opposing defenses having to try and keep up with the pace Ohio State will look to push this year, it should allow Victor, Hill, and the other wide receivers to slip into open spaces in the secondary for possible deep-ball opportunities. If the wide receivers are able to execute this plan, it will make Ohio State fans forget quickly about the ineffective passing attack the Buckeyes sported last season.
Congressman Anthony Gonzalez? Ex-Buckeye may seek seat in northeastern Ohio https://t.co/kyP0De7Tbt pic.twitter.com/CjmVxYZ4h8
— Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) August 10, 2017
With his career on the football field long over, former Ohio State wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez might be ready to step onto the political field. There is talk that the Cleveland-native could be ready to run for a seat in Ohio’s 16th congressional district, after Gonzalez recently met with the National Republican Congressional Committee. The district in northeast Ohio includes Cleveland’s southern suburbs, suburbs in Akron and Canton, and all of Wayne County. Republicans Christina Hagan of Stark County and Tom Patton of Strongsville are likely to be opponents of Gonzalez if he decides to join the race.
Gonzalez made a name for himself with Ohio State not only for what he did on the field, but also for what he was able to do in the classroom. The wide receiver was not only a Big Ten and Academic All-American at Ohio State while majoring in philosophy, but he received his MBA from Stanford after his playing career was over in 2014.
Gonzalez had a breakout season with the Buckeyes in 2006, when Ohio State lost to Florida in the BCS National Championship Game, catching 51 passes for 734 yards and eight touchdowns before declaring for the NFL Draft. Gonzalez was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round with the 32nd pick, but his NFL career was marred by injuries. The best year of Gonzalez’s five-year NFL career came in 2008 when he caught 57 passes, but was only able to haul in five passes in the following three seasons combined. After becoming a free agent following the 2011 season, Gonzalez signed briefly with the New England Patriots, but was released in May 2012, just two months after he signed with the team.
“He’s getting a lot better. He’s improved so much from last year. He understands the plays more. He’s more violent. He’s just overall a much better offensive lineman.”
Ohio State left guard Michael Jordan on offensive lineman Branden Bowen via Edward Sutelan, The Lantern
Even though he didn’t get a lot of time on the field last season, offensive lineman Branden Bowen appeared in all 13 games for Ohio State, serving primarily as right tackle Isaiah Prince’s backup. Reports are that Prince has improved greatly in the offseason, so it’s not likely that Bowen will be taking Prince’s spot anytime soon. With Billy Price having moved to center to replace Pat Elflein, Ohio State has added Bowen to the mix of candidates who are in the running to win the vacant starting right guard spot.
Even if Bowen isn’t able to beat out Malcolm Pridgeon, Matthew Burrell, and Demetrius Knox at right guard, it is giving the Buckeyes some versatility on the offensive line. Bowen has been practicing at both guard spots and both tackles spots during the offseason, which is helping to improve the depth Ohio State has on the offensive line.
The Buckeyes’ new-found depth on the offensive line is giving position coach Greg Studrawa a chance to breathe a little easier, as after last year, there wasn’t a whole lot of confidence in the backup offensive linemen.
The competition at right guard will be something to watch as Ohio State prepares for the season opener later this month at Indiana, with hopefully the competition bringing out the best in the offensive linemen involved.
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
An increase in tempo and a lot of young talent could see the Buckeye passing attack greatly improved this year.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had a receiver with as high a ceiling as he has. He’s a 6-5 kid with a 7-foot wingspan who can run. He’s loose. He can get in and out of breaks. He plays physical at times. He still has to grow up and mature. But he has a skill set where he does some things and you’re like ‘Whoa’.”
Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith on Binjimen Victor via Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
It won’t be hard for Ohio State to top last year’s output from their wide receivers, but there are a couple of receivers who could help the Buckeye passing game return in a big way this year. Towards the end of last year, Binjimen Victor started to see more playing time, and it is likely that he’ll be one of Ohio State’s featured wide receivers this season. When asked who he patterns his game after, Victor quickly responded that he tries to play like Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green. If Victor is able to mirror any of what Green did not only at Georgia, but has done in the NFL with the Bengals, you’ll see Ohio State take to the air far more this year than they did last year.
Another wide receiver who could be primed for a big season is K.J. Hill. After redshirting during the 2015 season, Hill made a little noise last year, hauling in 18 catches for 262 yards and a touchdown. With Hill entering his third year in the program, he is one of the more senior wide receivers, and Smith believes that Hill can build on what he did on the field a season ago.
Both Hill and Victor should benefit from the hiring of offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who is likely to have Ohio State push tempo this year. With opposing defenses having to try and keep up with the pace Ohio State will look to push this year, it should allow Victor, Hill, and the other wide receivers to slip into open spaces in the secondary for possible deep-ball opportunities. If the wide receivers are able to execute this plan, it will make Ohio State fans forget quickly about the ineffective passing attack the Buckeyes sported last season.
Congressman Anthony Gonzalez? Ex-Buckeye may seek seat in northeastern Ohio https://t.co/kyP0De7Tbt pic.twitter.com/CjmVxYZ4h8
— Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) August 10, 2017
With his career on the football field long over, former Ohio State wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez might be ready to step onto the political field. There is talk that the Cleveland-native could be ready to run for a seat in Ohio’s 16th congressional district, after Gonzalez recently met with the National Republican Congressional Committee. The district in northeast Ohio includes Cleveland’s southern suburbs, suburbs in Akron and Canton, and all of Wayne County. Republicans Christina Hagan of Stark County and Tom Patton of Strongsville are likely to be opponents of Gonzalez if he decides to join the race.
Gonzalez made a name for himself with Ohio State not only for what he did on the field, but also for what he was able to do in the classroom. The wide receiver was not only a Big Ten and Academic All-American at Ohio State while majoring in philosophy, but he received his MBA from Stanford after his playing career was over in 2014.
Gonzalez had a breakout season with the Buckeyes in 2006, when Ohio State lost to Florida in the BCS National Championship Game, catching 51 passes for 734 yards and eight touchdowns before declaring for the NFL Draft. Gonzalez was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round with the 32nd pick, but his NFL career was marred by injuries. The best year of Gonzalez’s five-year NFL career came in 2008 when he caught 57 passes, but was only able to haul in five passes in the following three seasons combined. After becoming a free agent following the 2011 season, Gonzalez signed briefly with the New England Patriots, but was released in May 2012, just two months after he signed with the team.
“He’s getting a lot better. He’s improved so much from last year. He understands the plays more. He’s more violent. He’s just overall a much better offensive lineman.”
Ohio State left guard Michael Jordan on offensive lineman Branden Bowen via Edward Sutelan, The Lantern
Even though he didn’t get a lot of time on the field last season, offensive lineman Branden Bowen appeared in all 13 games for Ohio State, serving primarily as right tackle Isaiah Prince’s backup. Reports are that Prince has improved greatly in the offseason, so it’s not likely that Bowen will be taking Prince’s spot anytime soon. With Billy Price having moved to center to replace Pat Elflein, Ohio State has added Bowen to the mix of candidates who are in the running to win the vacant starting right guard spot.
Even if Bowen isn’t able to beat out Malcolm Pridgeon, Matthew Burrell, and Demetrius Knox at right guard, it is giving the Buckeyes some versatility on the offensive line. Bowen has been practicing at both guard spots and both tackles spots during the offseason, which is helping to improve the depth Ohio State has on the offensive line.
The Buckeyes’ new-found depth on the offensive line is giving position coach Greg Studrawa a chance to breathe a little easier, as after last year, there wasn’t a whole lot of confidence in the backup offensive linemen.
The competition at right guard will be something to watch as Ohio State prepares for the season opener later this month at Indiana, with hopefully the competition bringing out the best in the offensive linemen involved.
STICK TO SPORTS
- Land-Grant Brewing has teamed up with breweries from Dallas and Kansas City for the Supporters Series ahead of two upcoming Crew SC games.
- The delivery-only restaurant ClusterTruck is slated to open in Columbus later this month.
- The iPhone 8 could include facial recognition technology.
- Besides it being gross, here is why you shouldn’t ride with your feet on the dashboard in the car.
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Google Linebacker Booker eager to contribute for Buckeyes - MyDaytonDailyNews
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Linebacker Booker eager to contribute for Buckeyes - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Linebacker Booker eager to contribute for Buckeyes
MyDaytonDailyNews
The Buckeyes held their 12th of 28 preseason practices Thursday, three weeks before the season opener Aug. 31 at Indiana. Booker will enter that game with a sense of deja vu. He feels like a new starter even though he began last season as a new starter.
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Linebacker Booker eager to contribute for Buckeyes
MyDaytonDailyNews
The Buckeyes held their 12th of 28 preseason practices Thursday, three weeks before the season opener Aug. 31 at Indiana. Booker will enter that game with a sense of deja vu. He feels like a new starter even though he began last season as a new starter.
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LGHL How to watch former Ohio State stars in Week 1 of the NFL preseason
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How to watch former Ohio State stars in Week 1 of the NFL 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
Football is officially back...well, preseason football at least.
Last night, the NFL preseason kicked off with the Carolina Panthers taking on the Houston Texans. There were several former Ohio State studs taking part in the first contest of the year, including Braxton Miller and Kurt Coleman, with the rest of the NFL Buckeyes getting ready to suit up throughout the weekend.
The Panthers came away with the first preseason win of the season (27-17), but they did so without rookie offensive weapon Curtis Samuel. The former H-back, and current wide receiver, has been sidelined for all but one training camp practice and was forced to miss the Week 1 game as well.
Samuel isn’t the only Buckeye for Carolina though, Kurt Coleman snagged the start and a tackle, and Andrew Norwell also was in the starting lineup. On the other side of the ball, Texans’ wideout Braxton Miller made his way onto the first-team — likely enabled by position-mate Will Fuller breaking his collarbone — and saw three receptions for 10 yards.
Here’s a breakdown of when to catch all of the Buckeyes in the NFL for this weekend’s Week 1 preseason slate of games.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Thursday:
For the first slate of games Thursday, something to keep an eye on will be Raekwon McMillan taking reps with the first-team for Miami. He’s been dubbed the starter during training camp, but this is where he’ll cement his position on the depth chart. Likewise for Pat Elflein with the Vikings, the rookie is competing for the starting center spot and could gain a leg-up with a solid Week 1 performance.
Punter extraordinaire Cameron Johnston is the only other rookie suiting up on Thursday, but unlike his former teammates, Johnston signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent, and his spot on the final 53-man roster — or even on the practice squad -- could largely depend on how he makes it through the preseason.
Terrelle Pryor Sr. is looking to earn himself a big-money, longterm deal with Washington -- or any team — after this season, and his success will be largely connected to the success of another former Big Ten quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Thursday night’s game will be the first time the two will have a chance to evaluate their progress against actual opposition.
Things to watch for Friday:
Cam Heyward is back for the Steelers after missing most of the second-half of last season. He was a big contributor on the sideline, and his teammates will be eager to get him back in the fold.
Similarly, Mike Nugent never got to finish the 2016 regular season, as the Bengals released him in mid-December. After going unsigned through free agency and OTAs, he finally signed with the Giants at the beginning of training camp.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Saturday:
Another batch of rookies will suit up on Saturday for their first set of snaps as NFL players. Noah Brown saw some action during last week’s Hall of Fame game, a contest in which the Cowboys rested most of their starters, including Zeke. Gareon Conley is another rookie playing Saturday, but he’ll take snaps in the late-game on the West Coast. Conley is expected to make Oakland’s starting roster right away, and has already impressed his coaches.
Second-year player Jalin Marshall is playing for his job at this point. Helping him, has been the litany of injuries that the Jets’ wide receivers have faced over the past few months. Marshall faces a four game suspension to start the season for violating the NFL’s PED policy, so showing improvement from his rookie campaign during the preseason will be paramount to him making the final 53-man roster.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Sunday:
Sunday’s two televised matchups will be great watches for Buckeye fans. The first involves so many former Silver Bullets for the Colts that you might feel like you’re actually watching the Ohio State defense. The team has made several Buckeye acquisitions during free agency to boost its front seven and secondary. There will be a lot of familiar names called during the first game on Sunday.
The second game features last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year (Bosa), the legend known as 12-gauge (Jones), and a special teams demon (Perry). This will be a big game to see where Cardale Jones fits in the depth chart, at No. 2 or 3, and will give Joshua Perry a chance to earn some additional snaps on defense, in addition to special teams. Joey Bosa is the given starter, and nothing is going to change that, but he’s worth watching for his shrug moniker alone. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Alexis Chassen via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Football is officially back...well, preseason football at least.
Last night, the NFL preseason kicked off with the Carolina Panthers taking on the Houston Texans. There were several former Ohio State studs taking part in the first contest of the year, including Braxton Miller and Kurt Coleman, with the rest of the NFL Buckeyes getting ready to suit up throughout the weekend.
The Panthers came away with the first preseason win of the season (27-17), but they did so without rookie offensive weapon Curtis Samuel. The former H-back, and current wide receiver, has been sidelined for all but one training camp practice and was forced to miss the Week 1 game as well.
Samuel isn’t the only Buckeye for Carolina though, Kurt Coleman snagged the start and a tackle, and Andrew Norwell also was in the starting lineup. On the other side of the ball, Texans’ wideout Braxton Miller made his way onto the first-team — likely enabled by position-mate Will Fuller breaking his collarbone — and saw three receptions for 10 yards.
Here’s a breakdown of when to catch all of the Buckeyes in the NFL for this weekend’s Week 1 preseason slate of games.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Thursday:
For the first slate of games Thursday, something to keep an eye on will be Raekwon McMillan taking reps with the first-team for Miami. He’s been dubbed the starter during training camp, but this is where he’ll cement his position on the depth chart. Likewise for Pat Elflein with the Vikings, the rookie is competing for the starting center spot and could gain a leg-up with a solid Week 1 performance.
Punter extraordinaire Cameron Johnston is the only other rookie suiting up on Thursday, but unlike his former teammates, Johnston signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent, and his spot on the final 53-man roster — or even on the practice squad -- could largely depend on how he makes it through the preseason.
Terrelle Pryor Sr. is looking to earn himself a big-money, longterm deal with Washington -- or any team — after this season, and his success will be largely connected to the success of another former Big Ten quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Thursday night’s game will be the first time the two will have a chance to evaluate their progress against actual opposition.
Things to watch for Friday:
Cam Heyward is back for the Steelers after missing most of the second-half of last season. He was a big contributor on the sideline, and his teammates will be eager to get him back in the fold.
Similarly, Mike Nugent never got to finish the 2016 regular season, as the Bengals released him in mid-December. After going unsigned through free agency and OTAs, he finally signed with the Giants at the beginning of training camp.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Saturday:
Another batch of rookies will suit up on Saturday for their first set of snaps as NFL players. Noah Brown saw some action during last week’s Hall of Fame game, a contest in which the Cowboys rested most of their starters, including Zeke. Gareon Conley is another rookie playing Saturday, but he’ll take snaps in the late-game on the West Coast. Conley is expected to make Oakland’s starting roster right away, and has already impressed his coaches.
Second-year player Jalin Marshall is playing for his job at this point. Helping him, has been the litany of injuries that the Jets’ wide receivers have faced over the past few months. Marshall faces a four game suspension to start the season for violating the NFL’s PED policy, so showing improvement from his rookie campaign during the preseason will be paramount to him making the final 53-man roster.
*Denotes rookie drafted in 2017
Things to watch for Sunday:
Sunday’s two televised matchups will be great watches for Buckeye fans. The first involves so many former Silver Bullets for the Colts that you might feel like you’re actually watching the Ohio State defense. The team has made several Buckeye acquisitions during free agency to boost its front seven and secondary. There will be a lot of familiar names called during the first game on Sunday.
The second game features last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year (Bosa), the legend known as 12-gauge (Jones), and a special teams demon (Perry). This will be a big game to see where Cardale Jones fits in the depth chart, at No. 2 or 3, and will give Joshua Perry a chance to earn some additional snaps on defense, in addition to special teams. Joey Bosa is the given starter, and nothing is going to change that, but he’s worth watching for his shrug moniker alone. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Google Are Jerome Baker, Dante Booker, Chris Worley as good as Buckeyes' defensive line? Ohio...
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Are Jerome Baker, Dante Booker, Chris Worley as good as Buckeyes' defensive line? Ohio State football analysis (video) - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Are Jerome Baker, Dante Booker, Chris Worley as good as Buckeyes' defensive line? Ohio State football analysis (video)
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano recently said that the Buckeyes' defensive line was better than any line he coached in his career, including his time in the NFL. But could the Buckeyes' starting linebacker trio of Jerome ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Are Jerome Baker, Dante Booker, Chris Worley as good as Buckeyes' defensive line? Ohio State football analysis (video)
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano recently said that the Buckeyes' defensive line was better than any line he coached in his career, including his time in the NFL. But could the Buckeyes' starting linebacker trio of Jerome ...
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Google Buckeyes push defending champs aside - The Daily Courier
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Buckeyes push defending champs aside - The Daily Courier
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes push defending champs aside
The Daily Courier
Defending Big Ten champion Penn State returns a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back and a record-setting quarterback, and the Nittany Lions generally are regarded as one of the 10 best teams in the country. They're not even picked to win their ...
Big Ten championship odds 2017: Who's next after Ohio State?SB Nation
Michigan State at Ohio StateEleven Warriors
all 39 news articles »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes push defending champs aside
The Daily Courier
Defending Big Ten champion Penn State returns a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back and a record-setting quarterback, and the Nittany Lions generally are regarded as one of the 10 best teams in the country. They're not even picked to win their ...
Big Ten championship odds 2017: Who's next after Ohio State?SB Nation
Michigan State at Ohio StateEleven Warriors
all 39 news articles »
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Google BM5: Wiltfong on Babb's future, Cook and Texas threat - 247Sports
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BM5: Wiltfong on Babb's future, Cook and Texas threat - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
BM5: Wiltfong on Babb's future, Cook and Texas threat
247Sports
As Texas and Tom Herman blossom on the recruiting front and now have the No. 2 class behind the Buckeyes, what does it mean for Ohio State's pursuit of 5-star corner and Lone Star State resident Anthony Cook? With Aeneas Hawkins headed elsewhere, ...
and more »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
BM5: Wiltfong on Babb's future, Cook and Texas threat
247Sports
As Texas and Tom Herman blossom on the recruiting front and now have the No. 2 class behind the Buckeyes, what does it mean for Ohio State's pursuit of 5-star corner and Lone Star State resident Anthony Cook? With Aeneas Hawkins headed elsewhere, ...
and more »
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LGHL Ohio State recruiting is (still) red hot heading into the 2017 season
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Ohio State recruiting is (still) red hot heading into the 2017 season
Colton Denning via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Recapping a big week in Ohio State recruiting news on our latest podcast.
Ohio State has had a busy August on the recruiting trail.
In the past week alone, the Buckeyes have gotten the commitments of 2018 linebacker K’Vaughan Pope and 2019 offensive lineman Doug Nester, plus a decommitment in the form of 2018 defensive end Andrew Chatfield. While Chatfield’s decision is obviously a bummer, the Buckeyes are still red hot on the recruiting trail, and you shouldn’t expect that to change any time soon.
On this episode of The Hangout in the Holyland, Landgrant contributor Patrick Mayhorn joins the show to break down all the recent Ohio State recruiting news, including:
You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.
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Colton Denning via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Recapping a big week in Ohio State recruiting news on our latest podcast.
Ohio State has had a busy August on the recruiting trail.
In the past week alone, the Buckeyes have gotten the commitments of 2018 linebacker K’Vaughan Pope and 2019 offensive lineman Doug Nester, plus a decommitment in the form of 2018 defensive end Andrew Chatfield. While Chatfield’s decision is obviously a bummer, the Buckeyes are still red hot on the recruiting trail, and you shouldn’t expect that to change any time soon.
On this episode of The Hangout in the Holyland, Landgrant contributor Patrick Mayhorn joins the show to break down all the recent Ohio State recruiting news, including:
- What type of linebacker Ohio State is getting in Pope, and why his commitment is rock solid.
- The Buckeyes’ recruiting presence in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
- Nester’s skillset and place as a leader in Ohio State’s 2019 class.
- Why Chatfield’s decommitment was expected.
- Whether Ohio State can finish with the highest ranked class of all-time, names in the 2018 class still on the Buckeyes’ radar, and more!
You can find the podcast on our iTunes page, and we encourage reviews, comments, criticisms, etc. to help us deliver the best possible audio product. The more we hear from you, the better we can make it. We’re also on Soundcloud, and you can subscribe via RSS on your Android and Windows Phone devices here.
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LLogan TuLLey-TiLLman (OL ttun, transfer to Akron, Transfer to UTEP)
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was browsing rotoworld this morning and this clown came upFinal destination - El Paso
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/cfb/135000/logan-tuley-tillman
We can watch him get ran over by Oklahoma in week 1
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Google Buckeyes push defending champs aside - Prescott Daily Courier
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Buckeyes push defending champs aside - Prescott Daily Courier
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes push defending champs aside
Prescott Daily Courier
Defending Big Ten champion Penn State returns a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back and a record-setting quarterback, and the Nittany Lions generally are regarded as one of the 10 best teams in the country. They're not even picked to win their ...
Big Ten championship odds 2017: Who's next after Ohio State?SB Nation
Big Ten 2017 College Football Betting Preview: Ohio State Clear Odds FavoriteBleacher Report
all 56 news articles »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes push defending champs aside
Prescott Daily Courier
Defending Big Ten champion Penn State returns a Heisman Trophy candidate at running back and a record-setting quarterback, and the Nittany Lions generally are regarded as one of the 10 best teams in the country. They're not even picked to win their ...
Big Ten championship odds 2017: Who's next after Ohio State?SB Nation
Big Ten 2017 College Football Betting Preview: Ohio State Clear Odds FavoriteBleacher Report
all 56 news articles »
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Google Kam Williams invites LeBron James to play with the Buckeyes - 247Sports
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Kam Williams invites LeBron James to play with the Buckeyes - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Kam Williams invites LeBron James to play with the Buckeyes
247Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors once again and, as is often the case for the greats when losing in the Finals, immediately got back to work. Then LeBron found out that teammate Kyrie Irving wants ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Kam Williams invites LeBron James to play with the Buckeyes
247Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers' superstar lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors once again and, as is often the case for the greats when losing in the Finals, immediately got back to work. Then LeBron found out that teammate Kyrie Irving wants ...
and more »
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Google Buckeyes line ready to prove itself - The Daily Times
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Buckeyes line ready to prove itself - The Daily Times
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes line ready to prove itself
The Daily Times
A chip on the shoulder may help make the Buckeyes linemen play nastier this season. Or at least motivated to prove they're not the team's weakest link. The unit absorbed a good amount of criticism last season when the passing game broke down against ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Buckeyes line ready to prove itself
The Daily Times
A chip on the shoulder may help make the Buckeyes linemen play nastier this season. Or at least motivated to prove they're not the team's weakest link. The unit absorbed a good amount of criticism last season when the passing game broke down against ...
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LGHL Ohio State has the attention of 4-star OT Bryan Hudson
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Ohio State has the attention of 4-star OT Bryan Hudson
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Could the Buckeyes be on the mind of another highly touted offensive tackle for 2019?
While the 2018 recruiting class is at the forefront for the Buckeyes, the coaching staff in Columbus is already building relationships and getting offers out for next year’s cycle. One name to keep an eye on going forward would be ‘19 OT Bryan Hudson of Scott County (GA).
Hudson is a 6'5, 292-pounder that has already garnered an offer from Ohio State. In addition to the offer from the Scarlet and Gray, the sixth-highest-graded Bluegrass State prospect in his class has also snatched up opportunities from 13 programs including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and more. With that being said, Hudson opened up about the Buckeyes’ standing in his recruitment.
In a brief interview with 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic, Hudson revealed that Ohio State was one of the programs that has his attention at this time.
“Ohio State, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, (but) by no means a top four,” Hudson said. “But those are (schools) standing out right now.”
While Hudson did mention three other programs, the Buckeyes should undoubtedly be confident in their position for the time being. At this moment, Hudson has two 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions: one in favor of Ohio State and the other going to the in-state Kentucky Wildcats. The interesting thing about that is Kentucky wasn’t mentioned to Kurelic from the Georgetown native. Who knows if that means the in-state program is not in play; in fact, I would doubt that is the case. But he did specifically mention the Buckeyes, so that’s definitely a good sign.
If Ohio State is ultimately able to land the four-star prospect, he would be paired with ‘19 OT Doug Nester of Spring Valley (WV), who committed to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes five days ago.
That would be a tremendous haul amongst the offensive line, make no mistake about it. Hudson is currently graded as the 217th overall player in the class and the 26th-best offensive tackle. Ohio State is also focused on guys like Devontae Dobbs of Belleville (MI), who recently visited for Friday Night Lights in July, and Quinn Carroll of Edina Senior (MN) at the position.
Former Buckeye target set to decide
Just about a year ago, Ohio State dropped an offer to '18 DT Aeneas Hawkins of Archbishop Moeller (OH), and would subsequently become the favorite for the Queen City standout.
However, despite a few stops in Columbus for unofficial visits, it was evident that the Buckeyes did not make a major push for the 6'3, 295-pounder. Hawkins, who is a low four-star prospect for now, still had plenty of great options on his plate.
The class's 23rd-highest-graded defensive tackle has compiled an offer sheet that consists of over two dozen programs. After sorting through offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and more, Hawkins finally has narrowed it down to two schools: The Nittany Lions and the hometown Cincinnati Bearcats. A decision is coming in just a few hours.
The time has come! Commitment coming to you tomorrow morning at 10am. Thank you to everyone who has made this dream possible.
— Aeneas Hawkins (@AeneasHawkins) August 10, 2017
With that being said, despite the fact that his father played at Clifton at Cincinnati, it looks like the Buckeyes will have to duke it out with Hawkins a few times on the next level. Right now, the 247Sports Crystal Ball currently favors Penn State.
We will see if the decision to not make a move on Hawkins comes back to bite Ohio State. Either way, the Buckeyes will take their chances, as five-star DT Taron Vincent of IMG Academy (FL) is already in the fold, and someone like Tommy Togiai of Highland (ID) may potentially join him.
Continue reading...
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Could the Buckeyes be on the mind of another highly touted offensive tackle for 2019?
While the 2018 recruiting class is at the forefront for the Buckeyes, the coaching staff in Columbus is already building relationships and getting offers out for next year’s cycle. One name to keep an eye on going forward would be ‘19 OT Bryan Hudson of Scott County (GA).
Hudson is a 6'5, 292-pounder that has already garnered an offer from Ohio State. In addition to the offer from the Scarlet and Gray, the sixth-highest-graded Bluegrass State prospect in his class has also snatched up opportunities from 13 programs including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and more. With that being said, Hudson opened up about the Buckeyes’ standing in his recruitment.
In a brief interview with 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic, Hudson revealed that Ohio State was one of the programs that has his attention at this time.
“Ohio State, LSU, Tennessee, Alabama, (but) by no means a top four,” Hudson said. “But those are (schools) standing out right now.”
While Hudson did mention three other programs, the Buckeyes should undoubtedly be confident in their position for the time being. At this moment, Hudson has two 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions: one in favor of Ohio State and the other going to the in-state Kentucky Wildcats. The interesting thing about that is Kentucky wasn’t mentioned to Kurelic from the Georgetown native. Who knows if that means the in-state program is not in play; in fact, I would doubt that is the case. But he did specifically mention the Buckeyes, so that’s definitely a good sign.
If Ohio State is ultimately able to land the four-star prospect, he would be paired with ‘19 OT Doug Nester of Spring Valley (WV), who committed to Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes five days ago.
That would be a tremendous haul amongst the offensive line, make no mistake about it. Hudson is currently graded as the 217th overall player in the class and the 26th-best offensive tackle. Ohio State is also focused on guys like Devontae Dobbs of Belleville (MI), who recently visited for Friday Night Lights in July, and Quinn Carroll of Edina Senior (MN) at the position.
Former Buckeye target set to decide
Just about a year ago, Ohio State dropped an offer to '18 DT Aeneas Hawkins of Archbishop Moeller (OH), and would subsequently become the favorite for the Queen City standout.
However, despite a few stops in Columbus for unofficial visits, it was evident that the Buckeyes did not make a major push for the 6'3, 295-pounder. Hawkins, who is a low four-star prospect for now, still had plenty of great options on his plate.
The class's 23rd-highest-graded defensive tackle has compiled an offer sheet that consists of over two dozen programs. After sorting through offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, and more, Hawkins finally has narrowed it down to two schools: The Nittany Lions and the hometown Cincinnati Bearcats. A decision is coming in just a few hours.
The time has come! Commitment coming to you tomorrow morning at 10am. Thank you to everyone who has made this dream possible.
— Aeneas Hawkins (@AeneasHawkins) August 10, 2017
With that being said, despite the fact that his father played at Clifton at Cincinnati, it looks like the Buckeyes will have to duke it out with Hawkins a few times on the next level. Right now, the 247Sports Crystal Ball currently favors Penn State.
We will see if the decision to not make a move on Hawkins comes back to bite Ohio State. Either way, the Buckeyes will take their chances, as five-star DT Taron Vincent of IMG Academy (FL) is already in the fold, and someone like Tommy Togiai of Highland (ID) may potentially join him.
Continue reading...
Google OSU's Rising Receiving Stars: Binjimen Victor, KJ Hill - 247Sports
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OSU's Rising Receiving Stars: Binjimen Victor, KJ Hill - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
OSU's Rising Receiving Stars: Binjimen Victor, KJ Hill
247Sports
With his size and speed, Victor could be a prime candidate to get deep for the Buckeyes. The deep ball was in short supply for OSU in 2016. “It's very important,” Victor said. “That's what we worked on all summer with me, J.T. (Barrett) and the receivers.
and more »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
OSU's Rising Receiving Stars: Binjimen Victor, KJ Hill
247Sports
With his size and speed, Victor could be a prime candidate to get deep for the Buckeyes. The deep ball was in short supply for OSU in 2016. “It's very important,” Victor said. “That's what we worked on all summer with me, J.T. (Barrett) and the receivers.
and more »
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Google Kurelic: Young stud thinking Buckeyes; flip target; center - 247Sports
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Kurelic: Young stud thinking Buckeyes; flip target; center - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Kurelic: Young stud thinking Buckeyes; flip target; center
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) Damascus (Md.) 2020 defensive lineman Bryan Bresee made the ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Kurelic: Young stud thinking Buckeyes; flip target; center
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) Damascus (Md.) 2020 defensive lineman Bryan Bresee made the ...
and more »
Continue reading...
Google Texas 5-star WR likes Ohio State, Longhorns pushing for Anthony Cook, and more - Landof10.com
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Texas 5-star WR likes Ohio State, Longhorns pushing for Anthony Cook, and more - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Texas 5-star WR likes Ohio State, Longhorns pushing for Anthony Cook, and more
Landof10.com
In fact, old pal Tom Herman and his Texas Longhorns, with the Tuesday addition of 4-star tight end Malcolm Epps, have moved ahead of Mark Richt's Hurricanes and now are sitting directly behind the Buckeyes with the second-ranked class in the nation.
and more »
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
Texas 5-star WR likes Ohio State, Longhorns pushing for Anthony Cook, and more
Landof10.com
In fact, old pal Tom Herman and his Texas Longhorns, with the Tuesday addition of 4-star tight end Malcolm Epps, have moved ahead of Mark Richt's Hurricanes and now are sitting directly behind the Buckeyes with the second-ranked class in the nation.
and more »
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Google The Football Fever: Barrett on SI cover, analyst Ben Buchanan on the 2017 Buckeyes -...
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The Football Fever: Barrett on SI cover, analyst Ben Buchanan on the 2017 Buckeyes - ABC6OnYourSide.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
The Football Fever: Barrett on SI cover, analyst Ben Buchanan on the 2017 Buckeyes
ABC6OnYourSide.com
The former Buckeye punter fielding several questions for our Sunday sitdown that will air Sunday night on FOX-28 and ABC-6 at 10 and 11 respectively. Tonight, Buchanan handles a pair of questions including "What's the vibe you're getting about this ...
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via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".
The Football Fever: Barrett on SI cover, analyst Ben Buchanan on the 2017 Buckeyes
ABC6OnYourSide.com
The former Buckeye punter fielding several questions for our Sunday sitdown that will air Sunday night on FOX-28 and ABC-6 at 10 and 11 respectively. Tonight, Buchanan handles a pair of questions including "What's the vibe you're getting about this ...
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LGHL Ohio State receiver Johnnie Dixon is ready to live up to expectations
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Ohio State receiver Johnnie Dixon is ready to live up to expectations
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Also, Dabo’s giving the Buckeyes plenty of bulletin board material.
“For the first time in his Ohio State career, Dixon is able to stack good practice and scrimmage performances on top of each other. It’s another indicator that a player who always had outstanding ability also appears to have reliability.”
- Tim May, Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State’s wide receivers have a lot to prove. Johnnie Dixon has a lot to prove. The West Palm Beach-native came to Columbus as a top recruit in 2014 with sky-high expectations, but has never been able to get healthy enough to be a consistent contributor on the field.
Following the Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson in January, Dixon considered ending his playing career because of chronic knee pain. However, after sitting down with head coach Urban Meyer, receivers coach Zach Smith, and the team’s medical staff, he decided that he was going to accept the pain and try to play through.
Now on the other side of that decision, Dixon is establishing himself as one of the Buckeyes’ most exciting playmakers during camp. Reports indicate that he is showing the explosion that has alluded him in years past, and May reports that the staff is getting ready to make the call to his family, letting them know that Dixon is going to be a starting receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s WRs, affectionately known as Zone 6, have been a point of concern for OSU fans for a few years. Despite seemingly top-line talent, the wide receiver corps hasn’t been able to recreate the big-play ability that helped the Buckeyes earn the first CFP title following the 2014 season. However, this season with Dixon, Binjimen Victor, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack, and others (not to mention Parris Campbell who moved from WR to H-back in the off-season), new offensive coordinators Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day should have plenty of weapons to rebuild the passing game around.
If J.T. Barrett is able to reestablish the team’s vertical passing game, it will give running backs Mike Weber and Demario McCall much more room to operate around the line of scrimmage, and hopefully more opportunities to put points on the board.
“The Buckeyes are replacing three starting defensive backs for the second straight season. Expect junior cornerback Denzel Ward to take full advantage of his newfound playing time and set the tone for the secondary.”
- Sports Illustrated Staff
The best and brightest over at Sports Illustrated have released their preseason Top 25, and Ohio State comes in at No. 3. With Alabama (natch) and Florida State in the top two spots, the SI crew thinks that cornerback Denzel Ward will be a major factor in getting the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff.
Given his productivity as a rotational player last season, with OSU losing three defensive backs to the first round of the NFL Draft, Ward is now the de facto leader in the secondary. As the article notes, it doesn’t hurt to be playing behind a dominant front seven either.
In addition to Ward, there are four SI Top 100 players suiting up for the Buckeyes in quarterback Barrett, defensive ends Tyquan Lewis and Nick Bosa, and center Billy Price. Alabama has nine such players, FSU has six, as does No. 5 Southern California. The fourth-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys are the only top-five team to have fewer than the Buckeyes, coming in with just two.
OSU is one of four Big Ten teams to make the Top 25. Penn State comes in at No. 8 on SI’s list, with Michigan at 11 and Wisconsin at 12.
“And then we get ready to play Ohio State and I start watching the tape, I watch every single game, and I go in and tell our guys. I’m like, 'Boys, these guys are in trouble.'”
- Dabo Swinney, via Alex Kirshner, SBNation
Urban Meyer better make some room on the bulletin board at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, because Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is not only continuing to rub salt in the Buckeyes’ wounds following the embarrassing 31-0 Fiesta Bowl blowout, but he’s also taking the entire Big Ten Conference to task.
Swinney has never been one to mince words, and in a radio interview on WCCP in South Carolina earlier this week, he took the opportunity to pump up his conference at the expense of the Big Ten.
He continued in the interview, “I mean, I've watched the whole league. I've gone through the whole league both sides. These guys are in trouble. And that's exactly what happened. Again, that’s a credit to our league.”
To be fair, Ohio State was completely outmatched and out-coached in last season’s College Football Playoff Semifinal, but football starts anew in 22 days, and time will tell if the Buckeyes get an opportunity to redeem themselves against the Tigers and/or the ACC.
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Also, Dabo’s giving the Buckeyes plenty of bulletin board material.
“For the first time in his Ohio State career, Dixon is able to stack good practice and scrimmage performances on top of each other. It’s another indicator that a player who always had outstanding ability also appears to have reliability.”
- Tim May, Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State’s wide receivers have a lot to prove. Johnnie Dixon has a lot to prove. The West Palm Beach-native came to Columbus as a top recruit in 2014 with sky-high expectations, but has never been able to get healthy enough to be a consistent contributor on the field.
Following the Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson in January, Dixon considered ending his playing career because of chronic knee pain. However, after sitting down with head coach Urban Meyer, receivers coach Zach Smith, and the team’s medical staff, he decided that he was going to accept the pain and try to play through.
Now on the other side of that decision, Dixon is establishing himself as one of the Buckeyes’ most exciting playmakers during camp. Reports indicate that he is showing the explosion that has alluded him in years past, and May reports that the staff is getting ready to make the call to his family, letting them know that Dixon is going to be a starting receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s WRs, affectionately known as Zone 6, have been a point of concern for OSU fans for a few years. Despite seemingly top-line talent, the wide receiver corps hasn’t been able to recreate the big-play ability that helped the Buckeyes earn the first CFP title following the 2014 season. However, this season with Dixon, Binjimen Victor, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack, and others (not to mention Parris Campbell who moved from WR to H-back in the off-season), new offensive coordinators Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day should have plenty of weapons to rebuild the passing game around.
If J.T. Barrett is able to reestablish the team’s vertical passing game, it will give running backs Mike Weber and Demario McCall much more room to operate around the line of scrimmage, and hopefully more opportunities to put points on the board.
“The Buckeyes are replacing three starting defensive backs for the second straight season. Expect junior cornerback Denzel Ward to take full advantage of his newfound playing time and set the tone for the secondary.”
- Sports Illustrated Staff
The best and brightest over at Sports Illustrated have released their preseason Top 25, and Ohio State comes in at No. 3. With Alabama (natch) and Florida State in the top two spots, the SI crew thinks that cornerback Denzel Ward will be a major factor in getting the Buckeyes back to the College Football Playoff.
Given his productivity as a rotational player last season, with OSU losing three defensive backs to the first round of the NFL Draft, Ward is now the de facto leader in the secondary. As the article notes, it doesn’t hurt to be playing behind a dominant front seven either.
In addition to Ward, there are four SI Top 100 players suiting up for the Buckeyes in quarterback Barrett, defensive ends Tyquan Lewis and Nick Bosa, and center Billy Price. Alabama has nine such players, FSU has six, as does No. 5 Southern California. The fourth-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys are the only top-five team to have fewer than the Buckeyes, coming in with just two.
OSU is one of four Big Ten teams to make the Top 25. Penn State comes in at No. 8 on SI’s list, with Michigan at 11 and Wisconsin at 12.
“And then we get ready to play Ohio State and I start watching the tape, I watch every single game, and I go in and tell our guys. I’m like, 'Boys, these guys are in trouble.'”
- Dabo Swinney, via Alex Kirshner, SBNation
Urban Meyer better make some room on the bulletin board at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, because Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is not only continuing to rub salt in the Buckeyes’ wounds following the embarrassing 31-0 Fiesta Bowl blowout, but he’s also taking the entire Big Ten Conference to task.
Swinney has never been one to mince words, and in a radio interview on WCCP in South Carolina earlier this week, he took the opportunity to pump up his conference at the expense of the Big Ten.
He continued in the interview, “I mean, I've watched the whole league. I've gone through the whole league both sides. These guys are in trouble. And that's exactly what happened. Again, that’s a credit to our league.”
To be fair, Ohio State was completely outmatched and out-coached in last season’s College Football Playoff Semifinal, but football starts anew in 22 days, and time will tell if the Buckeyes get an opportunity to redeem themselves against the Tigers and/or the ACC.
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