• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

LGHL Ohio State may not be able to replace Curtis Samuel with just one player

Ohio State may not be able to replace Curtis Samuel with just one player
Christopher Jason
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9786403.0.jpg

But thankfully, Ohio State has plenty of options.

After most likely receiving a very favorable grade by his advisers, Curtis Samuel decided to pass up a chance to win the Heisman in his hometown of New York City to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.

Samuel left Ohio State with a national title, a trio of gold pants, the most memorable walk-off touchdown of the Ohio State- Michigan rivalry and Urban Meyer’s most electrifying playmaker since the days of Percy Harvin. The offense stalled when he wasn’t involved, and the offense was borderline unstoppable when the offensive staff found different ways to get him the football. The Brooklyn native racked up 771 yards and 8 touchdowns on only 97 carries, and easily led the team with 74 receptions and 865 receiving yards.

With Kevin Wilson now calling the shots, Ohio State will continue to run the power spread, but they will also look to spread defenses out horizontally by implementing more quick hitters on the perimeter. Samuel’s attributes would have fit perfectly into Wilson’s offense, but the Buckeyes will need to find other playmakers to pick up his role. Let’s see who will replace Samuel’s 74 receptions, 1,636 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns.

Demario McCall


The North Ridgeville, OH product was highly touted out of high school, as he was ranked the No. 2 all-purpose back of the 2016 class. His skill set coming out of high school was reminiscent of Dontre Wilson’s and Curtis Samuel’s, meaning he would eventually take over at the H-back position once those two departed — but it was surprising that he flashed so early in camp that he saw game action in mop-up duty in Ohio State’s opener against Bowling Green.

Our signing day scouting report on McCall described him as this:


Demario McCall has the talent and ability to become what most thought Dontre Wilson would become when he committed to Ohio State. Wilson hasn't lived up to the hype, but McCall has the chance to. McCall is small in stature, standing at 5'9.5 and 171 pounds, but his speed and quickness more than make up for it.

McCall's acceleration is off the charts. He has the ability to see a crease, burst through the hole, make a defender miss and get to top speed very quickly to outrun defenders en route to the end zone.

In his first game action, he displayed all of those attributes. McCall took a swing pass from Joe Burrow 36-yards to the end zone for his first touchdown, and then he added another score on a 16-yard run in which he bounced a carry outside and used his elite speed to leave the would-be-tacklers in the dust.


Demario McCall gets to the edge with ease. #wheels https://t.co/Ca9rGk7Tjl

— Christopher Jason (@cjason112) October 1, 2016

McCall will start the year as Samuel’s main replacement and get the majority of the snaps out of the H. The sophomore will get a good amount of carries — as he is a natural running back — but we haven’t seen him as a route runner on the perimeter, which opens up room for more receiver types.

Eric Glover-Williams


One player that looks to be switching to the offensive side of the ball is the uber-talented Eric Glover-Williams, hailing from McKinley High School in Canton, OH. Glover-Williams came to Ohio State as a highly touted cornerback, who was a do-everything player in high school. He is highly regarded as one of the best pure athletes on the team, but struggled to find his way into the lineup on defense.

Throughout the season, Glover-Williams would play on the offensive side of the ball on the scout team, representing the opposing team’s most electric player, such as Clemson’s Deshaun Watson. It’s not surprising to us that EGW is flipping to the offensive side of the ball, as we had this to say in our signing day scouting report on the talented player:


Eric Glover-Williams is electric with the ball in his hands, which is why I do not see him staying in the crowded Buckeye defensive backfield for long. He possesses elite quickness and vision which makes him a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the football. Glover-Williams is a one-cut and go runner, which is a credit to his short area quickness. He makes his cuts at one speed and his acceleration from the second he touches the ball really jumps off the screen. He was a do-everything type player in high school and would be this class’ Jalin Marshall 2.0 if he stays on the offensive side of the ball.

At McKinley, Glover-Williams put up 1,574 yards and 22 touchdowns on 243 carries. He is the most intriguing prospect on this list, as it will be tough to predict his exact usage in Kevin Wilson’s offense. One would believe that he would get more carries than receptions, but it will be something to monitor throughout camp.

Parris Campbell


Parris Campbell sort of came out of nowhere in 2015, when he started at receiver in the opener against Virginia Tech. His inconsistencies were observed that night, when he dropped an early touchdown pass on a bomb from Cardale Jones. Since then, he has shown that he is an above-average kick returner and although he is inconsistent as a receiver, he can make plays after the catch and get open at times.

With McCall being the natural running back of this group, a player like Campbell can fit into Wilson’s quick hitting system, where they can line Campbell up in the slot and get him touches on bubble screens and quick hitters. He has also shown the ability to take the carry the ball on jet sweeps (coming across the formation from the slot) and gain positive yardage. Campbell is more of your prototypical slot receiver who will give the opposing defense a different look than McCall.

K.J. Hill


Hill is another player in the mold of Campbell, who is a natural wideout but also possesses certain attributes that make him a pretty good option to replace Samuel’s 74 receptions. As a member of the 2015 class, Hill did everything for Little Rock High in Arkansas. Hill tallied 58 receptions for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 386 yards and seven more scores.

Our signing day scouting report described him like this:


Add K.J. Hill to the list of speedy playmakers in Coach Meyer's offense. Hill looks like a prototypical slot receiver, standing at 6'0, 188-pounds. He is a fluid, natural runner who possesses the awareness to find holes in zone defenses and run by defenders. Hill is a great route runner, who will do most of his damage from the slot. He has soft hands and great leaping ability which allows him to go up and high point the football in traffic. Hill uses his quickness to make plays after the catch and he will be a star in the screen/quick game.

Judging by Hill’s qualities, he should star in Wilson’s offense. Get the ball to Hill quickly in the slot and watch him make plays. Expect Hill’s 18 receptions in 2016 to double with the departure of Noah Brown on the outside and Samuel in the slot. Judging by his skill set, Hill is more of a slot-type, but expect him to line up on both the outside and the inside next season.

Tyjon Lindsey and J.K. Dobbins


Tyjon Lindsey and J.K. Dobbins are the two incoming recruits of the highly touted 2017 class who will do their best to see early action. Lindsey is more in the Samuel or Wilson mold, while Dobbins could be used a little more in the backfield as a change of pace to the ground-and-pound Mike Weber.

Lindsey is arriving at Ohio State as one of the most electrifying players in the country in the mold of De’Anthony Thomas -- primarily because of their similar stature, speed and open field abilities. Unfortunately, Lindsey tore his meniscus in his final season at Bishop Gorman, so may be a little slow developing as an early contributor. He also is checking in around 160 lbs, which may present a durability problem as a true freshman. But maybe Lindsey can get a few touches a game as a gadget player or as a returner. Lindsey brings too much potential to the offense to redshirt in 2017.


Dobbins, on the other hand, presents more natural running back traits than Lindsey, but he is still electric with the ball in his hands. He is a guy who can be used on outside zone runs and as a change of pace back, such as how Curtis Samuel was used in 2014 with Ezekiel Elliott. Samuel made the most of his 58 carries as a true freshman on a National Championship team, which is something that Dobbins could do with the more physical Weber and Antonio Williams ahead of him on the depth chart.

***

Overall, Curtis Samuel’s departure leaves a large amount of offensive production to be filled in 2017. But with the amount of elite athletes that have been recruited by Urban Meyer to fit into his system, it may be a more fluid transition than most would believe. It won’t just be one player to replace Samuel’s 171 touches, 1,636 yards and 15 touchdowns — it will be an array of players with a different skill-sets. Per usual, it will be next man up for the Buckeyes.

Continue reading...

Google Three questions for 2017: Ohio State Buckeyes - ESPN (blog)

Three questions for 2017: Ohio State Buckeyes - ESPN (blog)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Three questions for 2017: Ohio State Buckeyes
ESPN (blog)
Despite all the comparisons to the 2014 title-winning Buckeyes and the success Urban Meyer had right away with so many youngsters this season, they were probably a year away from taking the next step and claiming some meaningful hardware. But even ...
Football: Expectations for the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes | The LanternOSU - The Lantern
Ohio State podcast: What does Clemson's College Football Playoff championship mean for the Buckeyes?Landof10.com
Buckeyes finish 6th in AP poll; Oklahoma 5th247Sports
Columbus Dispatch -Eleven Warriors -cleveland.com
all 18 news articles »


Continue reading...

LGHL The rest of the early 2017 Top 25s really love Ohio State

The rest of the early 2017 Top 25s really love Ohio State
Matt Brown
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9787721.0.jpg

Ohio State is going to have high expectations yet again.

Ohio State was pretty dang good in 2016. We have a hunch they’ll be at least as good, if not better, next season. This was a very young team, and they’re returning an excellent QB, an ace RB, a nasty defensive line, and outside of their secondary, most of just about everybody else.

But hey, we’re an Ohio State site, so we’re probably more likely to take an optimistic view of Ohio State’s chances. But right now, we’re not the only ones. We took a look at the other biggest Too Early Top 25s that are floating around the internet, and basically everybody agrees, Ohio State should be pretty good. In fact, most of the other national voices seem to like Ohio State even more than we do.

Here’s a list of where folks are picking the Buckeyes:

ESPN: 6th

Fox Sports: 2nd

USA TODAY: 3rd

CBS: 2nd

San Jose Mercery News: 3rd

Athlon: 2nd

The Big Lead: 2nd

Scout: 2nd

The argument for Ohio State being second or third does make sense, as Urban Meyer is the best coach in the sport outside of Nick Saban, and Ohio State has recruited better than just about anybody outside of Alabama. And that 2017 class? Well, it might even be better than what Alabama puts together, once it’s all said and done.

We’re a little more skeptical about the secondary and the passing game, but I think we can all agree, Ohio State should be really, really good again in 2017.

Continue reading...

Google Buckeyes bounce Lady Raiders - Point Pleasant Register

Buckeyes bounce Lady Raiders - Point Pleasant Register
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes bounce Lady Raiders
Point Pleasant Register
BIDWELL, Ohio — In a season of running into buzz-saws, the Lady Raiders ran headlong into the Buckeyes on Monday night. That's because host River Valley, in being outscored 56-27 through the opening three quarters, couldn't keep pace with the ...


Continue reading...

Google Ohio State podcast: What does Clemson's College Football Playoff championship mean for the...

Ohio State podcast: What does Clemson's College Football Playoff championship mean for the Buckeyes? - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State podcast: What does Clemson's College Football Playoff championship mean for the Buckeyes?
Landof10.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio — On the Land of 10 “Inside the Shoe” Ohio State podcast on Tuesday, Ben Axelrod and Ryan Ginn discuss Clemson's win over Alabama in the College Football Playoff Championship Game and what it means for the Buckeyes. You can ...
Buckeyes finish 6th in AP poll; Oklahoma 5th247Sports
Ohio State Finishes 6th In Final AP Poll of 2016 SeasonEleven Warriors
Ohio State football ranked No. 6, behind Oklahoma, in final AP poll of 2016 seasoncleveland.com

all 6 news articles »


Continue reading...

Google Minnesota, Coffey beat Buckeyes - Warren Tribune Chronicle

Minnesota, Coffey beat Buckeyes - Warren Tribune Chronicle
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Minnesota, Coffey beat Buckeyes
Warren Tribune Chronicle
Akeem Springs scored 18 points on 5-for-8 shooting from 3-point range for the Gophers (15-2, 3-1), who have already topped their Big Ten win total of last season and beat the Buckeyes for only the second time in the last 12 meetings. “You've just got ...
Ohio State women's basketball | Freshmen have expanded Buckeyes' rotationColumbus Dispatch
Ohio State football: Buckeyes' defense belongs to Chris Worley in 2017cleveland.com
Five-star safety Jeffrey Okudah commits to Ohio StateESPN
Landof10.com -KARE -Dayton Daily News -247Sports
all 132 news articles »


Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State commits pick up more accolades from U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Ohio State commits pick up more accolades from U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Dan Hessler
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


5049253.0.jpg

Two members of Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class were selected as top performers in the Bowl.

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl has wrapped up and Ohio State entered the contest with a total of nine commitments representing the program on Saturday—many of which were able to show off their prestigious rankings. Two of these future Buckeyes stood out even more than the others and were recognized by Rivals.com as being some of the top performers of the weekend.

Five-stars Chase Young (Hyattsville, MD / DeMatha Catholic) and Wyatt Davis (Bellflower, CA / St. John Bosco) proved all week why they are viewed as two of the top recruits in the country. Leading up to the game on Saturday, both had provided strong showing in practices and the two looked equally as impressive in the game.

Young, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound defensive-end, impressed throughout the entire week, including Saturday’s game. Young looked explosive off the line, no matter who was blocking him and looks to have a bright future in Columbus.

Davis, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive-guard worked hard to keep his team in the game all day. The five-star OG is viewed as the best at his position in the country and continued to prove why at this game. The big guy’s specialty is run-blocking, which will come in handy at Ohio State, as head coach Urban Meyer has shown to favor the run in his offense.

Also selected as one of the top performers of the event, was Buckeye target Jay Tufele (South Jordan, UT / Bingham.) Tufele is one of the few remaining targets for the Buckeyes in this class and after his showing Saturday, teams across the country will be focusing on him even more. The four-star defensive-tackle was arguably the most consistent competitor all week, and showed his elite talent is matched with an elite work-ethic.

The Buckeyes are competing with BYU, Michigan, USC and hometown school Utah for Tufele after he narrowed his list of suitors down to five during the festivities last week.

Who’s left for Ohio State in 2017


With both the Under Armour All-American and Army All-American games completed, the 2017 recruiting cycle is coming to an end. Ohio State has secured 18 commitments in what has been recognized as one of the best classes in the country, along with being one of the best classes in program history. Of the 18 commitments, seven are five-star talents and the remaining 11 are all seen as four-star prospects or the best at their position.

National Signing Day is Feb. 1 and there looks to be four recruits the Buckeyes will focus on to close out the class.

  • Marvin Wilson (Bellaire, TX / Episcopal) is the biggest name left on the Buckeyes recruiting big board. Wilson is arguably the top overall talent in the 2017 class, and Ohio State has been making a push in his recruitment over the last few months. Early on in 2016, Ohio State looked to be a long shot, but after an official visit for the Ohio State vs Michigan game, the program has been gaining momentum in his recruitment and should be seen as a legitimate contender. Wilson only has one more official visit scheduled as he is set to visit LSU later this week.
  • Jay Tufele was mentioned above when discussing the top performers during Army week, and after the performance he gave, look for the Buckeyes to increase their efforts in landing him. Interior defensive-linemen are tough to come by and Tufele is showing he has everything you want in one. Tufele was another visitor for the Ohio State vs Michigan game and still has official visits lined up for USC and Utah before he makes a decision. Utah looks to be Ohio State’s strongest competitor in this one.
  • Jaylen Harris (Cleveland, Oh / Cleveland Heights) will likely choose Ohio State when it is all said and done. The four-star WR has longtime been viewed as leaning heavily towards the Buckeyes, the biggest question in his recruitment has always been the limited space in this year’s class. With two elite WR’s already committed to the Buckeyes in Trevon Grimes and Tyjon Lindsey, it was never a foregone conclusion that there would be room for Harris. However, with the news of Ohio State WR Noah Brown and H-Back Curtis Samuel declaring for the draft, there is now more of a need for a third WR in this year’s class. This one isn’t 100 percent yet, but it is getting closer.
  • Thayer Munford (Massillon, OH / Washington) is the last recruit the Buckeyes seem to be focusing on as the 2017 recruiting cycle comes to a close. While being an Ohio native, the four-star OT has not been to Ohio State’s campus in almost six months. Early in Munford’s recruitment, Ohio State was seen as a favorite to earn his commitment, but the program has seen less official communication with him as of late. Kentucky looks to be the school to beat in this one, but the Buckeyes are still contenders if they want to be. Munford is probably the least likely of the bunch to choose Ohio State, but with Urban Meyer at the helm, anything can happen.

Continue reading...

Google Gophers break into top 25 after win over Buckeyes - Minnesota Daily

Gophers break into top 25 after win over Buckeyes - Minnesota Daily
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Gophers break into top 25 after win over Buckeyes
Minnesota Daily
We took ownership from them and we got better from it. We didn't point fingers.” The Buckeyes came as close as three points away from Minnesota, but the Gophers pulled away by hitting nine of their last 12 free throws. “We were up 18, came out ready to ...
Gophers move into tie for first place in Big 10 with win over BuckeyesINFORUM
Bucknuts 90: Commitments, exits and staff changes, oh my!247Sports

all 17 news articles »


Continue reading...

U.S. Army All-American Bowl (Sat 1/7 @ 1pET on NBC)

I wouldn't use this game as an indication of the best RB. Especially with Harris running behind some of the best O lineman in the country every year. Harris will follow the line of RBs that Saban seems to produce every Year and have success in their system. Harris will fit Bama to a T, and an all star game is hard to sinuate what he'll do in their offense.

Just going with the eye test is all to me Cam and Swift looked better, does it mean I think Najee won't be successful in Tuscaloosa not one bit...But just watching them all the other two looked better and I'd prefer either over him Dobbins as well.
Upvote 0

LGHL Ohio State is No. 5 in our way too early 2017 Preseason Top 25

Ohio State is No. 5 in our way too early 2017 Preseason Top 25
Matt Brown
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9787720.0.jpg

The Buckeyes should be ready to make another run at the College Football Playoff.

With Clemson’s surprise national championship, the 2016 season has finally drawn to a close. We may spend another few days trying to unpack what happened in 2016, but the real focus now is on next season.

The Buckeyes should be in position to contend again next year, as they’ll return J.T. Barrett for another year, along with most playmakers from this year’s offense (Curtis Samuel the notable exception), along with studs all along the defensive line. One of the nation’s youngest teams will be another year older.

But there are questions as well. With Ohio State’s secondary wracked by early departures to the NFL, which young players will step in those roles? Who will begin to produce at wideout? How will Ohio State integrate their new offensive coaches? Can their offensive line bounce back?

We took another stab at projecting our Way Too Dang Early Preseason Top 25, and we like the Buckeyes at 5th for next season, behind Alabama, Florida State, Clemson and Penn State. The Nittany Lions deserve some benefit of the doubt, now that they are projected to return almost all of a very good offense from 2016, including the best running back in the Big Ten, Saquon Barkley. The Bucks will get Penn State at home next season.

Here’s our best guess at a preseason Top 25 for 2017. We’re making these guesses without knowing everybody that is leaving for the NFL, which coaches are sticking around, and more, so hey, they’ll probably look different come say, June.

  1. Alabama
  2. Florida State
  3. Clemson
  4. Penn State
  5. Ohio State
  6. USC
  7. Oklahoma
  8. Washington
  9. LSU
  10. Michigan
  11. Oklahoma State
  12. Stanford
  13. Louisville
  14. Texas
  15. Auburn
  16. Wisconsin
  17. South Florida
  18. Miami
  19. Georgia
  20. Nebraska
  21. Oregon
  22. Virginia Tech
  23. Navy
  24. Kansas State
  25. Utah

Also considered in no particular order: App State, TAMU, Michigan State, Notre Dame, NC State, Boise State, Toledo, Pitt, BYU, Notre Dame, TCU, Colorado, West Virginia.

Continue reading...

Google Football: Expectations for the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes - OSU - The Lantern

Football: Expectations for the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes - OSU - The Lantern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Football: Expectations for the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes
OSU - The Lantern
Few words can describe how most of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team felt following a 31-0 blowout loss to Clemson in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl — devastation, anger and shock are a few of them. Although players were seen in tears following the ...

and more »


Continue reading...

Google Ohio State women's basketball | Freshmen have expanded Buckeyes' rotation - Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State women's basketball | Freshmen have expanded Buckeyes' rotation - Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State women's basketball | Freshmen have expanded Buckeyes' rotation
Columbus Dispatch
11 Buckeyes (14-4, 4-0 Big Ten) past the 90-point threshold for the third straight game in a 96-87 victory over Michigan. Tonight, the Buckeyes, who average 89.2 points per game, head to Michigan State in search of their sixth straight victory. “It's ...


Continue reading...

Google Buckeyes win big over Raiders, 72-41 - Athens Messenger (registration)

Buckeyes win big over Raiders, 72-41 - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes win big over Raiders, 72-41
Athens Messenger (registration)
Buckeyes win big over Raiders, 72-41. From staff reports; Jan 9, 2017 Updated 4 min ago; 0. BIDWELL — The River Valley Raiders did something only one other team has done against Nelsonville-York all season.

and more »


Continue reading...

Google Buckeyes have pair of winners at Steve Yinger Invitational - Athens Messenger (registration)

Buckeyes have pair of winners at Steve Yinger Invitational - Athens Messenger (registration)
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes have pair of winners at Steve Yinger Invitational
Athens Messenger (registration)
Buckeyes have pair of winners at Steve Yinger Invitational. From staff reports; Jan 9, 2017 Updated 7 min ago; 0. NELSONVILLE — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes had a pair of champions on Saturday.


Continue reading...

Cheat or go home: Coaches open up on cheating...

That doesn't really sound like a Tourette's symptom, unless you're talking about the verbal torrent he unleashed every time he missed (or made) a free throw.

It's a form of... almost like compulsive behavior disorders. Here's a good article: http://articles.latimes.com/1994-03-27/sports/sp-38972_1_mahmoud-abdul-rauf
Upvote 0

Google Where do Buckeyes factor in odds for 2017 national title? - 247Sports

Where do Buckeyes factor in odds for 2017 national title? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Where do Buckeyes factor in odds for 2017 national title?
247Sports
The College Football Playoff national championship game was set to kick off tonight between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Clemson. But the Westgate Las Vegas sports book has already posted odds on which teams will contend for next year's national ...
National Championship Game: Interview with Clemson ExpertScarlet and Game

all 682 news articles »


Continue reading...

Google Darnay Holmes' decision and how it relates to Ohio State's pursuit of Kendall Sheffield;...

Darnay Holmes' decision and how it relates to Ohio State's pursuit of Kendall Sheffield; Buckeyes on Josh Moore's mind - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Darnay Holmes' decision and how it relates to Ohio State's pursuit of Kendall Sheffield; Buckeyes on Josh Moore's mind
Landof10.com
But by Friday night, the Buckeyes had been told it was UCLA, despite the “leak” of a USC commitment video. So with Holmes out, it's time to look a bit harder at who can be the next man in with the Buckeyes secondary. That would be former 5-star ...
Skull Session: Wrapping up Army WeekBuckeyeGrove.com (subscription)

all 2 news articles »


Continue reading...

Google Three Buckeyes named FWAA Freshman All-Americans - 247Sports

Three Buckeyes named FWAA Freshman All-Americans - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Three Buckeyes named FWAA Freshman All-Americans
247Sports
Dre'Mont Jones was not expected to be a starter for the Buckeyes, but was thrust into the role at defensive tackle when Tracy Sprinkle was injured in the season-opening win over Bowling Green. The redshirt freshman finished the season with 52 total ...

and more »


Continue reading...

Google Tyquan Lewis returning to Ohio State Buckeyes for senior season - WHIO

Tyquan Lewis returning to Ohio State Buckeyes for senior season - WHIO
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Tyquan Lewis returning to Ohio State Buckeyes for senior season
WHIO
The return of Lewis, who will be a fifth-year senior, means the Buckeyes will return their entire defense line. Sam Hubbard announced after the 31-0 loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 he will be back. Jalyn Holmes, Dre'Mont Jones, Michael ...


Continue reading...

Google JK Dobbins enrolled, moved in - Ohio State Football - 247Sports - 247Sports

JK Dobbins enrolled, moved in - Ohio State Football - 247Sports - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


JK Dobbins enrolled, moved in - Ohio State Football - 247Sports
247Sports
You can add running back J.K. Dobbins to the list of Ohio State recruits in the 2017 class that have arrived in Columbus and enrolled at OSU: Better late than ...

and more »


Continue reading...

Google Noah Brown leaving Buckeyes for NFL - NBC4i.com

Noah Brown leaving Buckeyes for NFL - NBC4i.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Noah Brown leaving Buckeyes for NFL
NBC4i.com
Ohio State wide receiver Noah Brown, rear, grabs a pass for a touchdown as Oklahoma's Michiah Quick (16) defends during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki).


Continue reading...

LGHL Which current Ohio State player is poised to have a breakout year in 2017?

Which current Ohio State player is poised to have a breakout year in 2017?
Meredith Hein
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9580727.0.jpg

Malik Hooker emerged from obscurity in 2016 to All-American status. Who will it be next season?

“We’re going to call that the Fragel award; (he) was a very below-average football player who turned out to be a very good football player for Ohio State University. Who’s going to be that guy that’s coming out of nowhere?”

-Urban Meyer, via Ben Axelrod, Land of 10


Reid Fragel began his Ohio State career as a mediocre tight end, remaining in that position for three years until moving to right tackle in Urban Meyer’s first year as head coach. Fragel went on to have such an impact that, just a year into swapping positions, Fragel was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. His improvement and the addition of his skillset to the offensive line proved to be an important contributor to the 2012 team going undefeated. Meyer later commented that there would be a “Fragel award” for such players who showed significant improvement from one year to the next. While an actual award has yet to be presented, safety Malik Hooker would be the obvious choice for this year’s honoree, and linebacker Darron Lee the year before.

Moving into next year, there are a number of players poised to have breakout seasons--players who showed some spark this year but have an opportunity to move into a highly impactful role come 2017:

  • Eric Glover-Williams: Credited as being one of the fastest players on the team, Glover-Williams saw playing time primarily on special teams last year. Listed as a safety on the roster, he could see playing time on defense or, at the very least, an expanded special teams role.
  • Demario McCall: Used primarily in clean up duty this year, McCall showed flashes of potential at running back, but could also fit into an H back role in the future. With H back Curtis Samuel \yet to declaring for the NFL Draft, McCall would prove an obvious choice to succeed the All-American.
  • Malik Harrison: The true freshman linebacker saw playing time on special teams last season. While the lineup of linebackers would seem to be set for next season, Harrison’s play would bring versatility to the corps.
  • Malcolm Pridgeon: The JUCO transfer and former four-star recruit didn’t crack the starting lineup of the offensive line this year, but judging how right tackle Isaiah Prince struggled this season, that could change.
  • Erick Smith: The redshirt junior could be the most likely candidate to fill the void left by Malik Hooker come next season. Though sidelined for injuries for much of his career at Ohio State, Smith, a four-star recruit from Cleveland Glenville, can make an impact if he can stay healthy.
“Like when the ball is in the air, you’ve got to go attack, you’ve got to go get the ball. We need to make some plays downfield, catch the ball. But that’s going to come. We’ve just got to keep working to get better.”

-Ohio State wide receiver Binjimen Victor, via Tim May, The Columbus Dispatch


It didn’t take long for Urban Meyer to make clear his offseason priority for the Ohio State offense following a crushing 31-point loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl: “Oh, we will become a good passing team, next year.” Especially in the final three games of the season, deficiencies in the passing game became shockingly obvious. Quarterback J.T. Barrett was picked off twice and sacked three times against Clemson. Against Michigan, Barrett was sacked eight times. While this shortfall could initially be placed on the offensive line, the other apparent issue is that there are simply no receivers getting open for Barrett to throw to, leading to more time spent in the pocket and the resulting sacks.

No doubt, there would be problems finding a replacement for Michael Thomas, who led all rookie receivers in the NFL in catches, yards and touchdowns this season in his first year with the Saints. But it would have seemed that, given young receivers like Binjimen Victor and Parris Campbell alongside Noah Brown and Corey Smith, who have at least been in the system for several years, the Buckeyes would have at least gotten something going in the passing game by the end of the season. As it stood at the end of the season, H back Curtis Samuel led the team in receptions with 74--more than double Noah Brown, the No. 2 receiver on the team, who finished the year with 32 receptions.

Meyer’s action to fix these problems was swift, as he brought on quarterback coach Ryan Day from the San Francisco 49ers to replace Tim Beck, who departed Ohio State to join Tom Herman at Texas. Day has been working under Chip Kelly for the past two seasons, and will be a step forward in helping Barrett to reach the success he found in 2014 under Herman and Beck’s offensive scheme. Meyer has also reportedly hired former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson as offensive coordinator, who could provide the needed schemes to make the passing game effective once more.


Buckeyes are ranked 10th in this week's @USCHO poll.

Ohio State hosts Arizona State Friday & Saturday in @TheSchott. #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/txZYfPUxMe

— Ohio State M Hockey (@OhioState_MHKY) January 9, 2017

Ohio State men’s hockey has officially cracked the top 10 of the latest USCHO poll. The Buckeyes are sitting at 10-4-4 on the season with a 2-2 conference mark. Headlining the team’s record are wins over now top-ranked Denver in Denver in Ohio State’s season opener. More recently, the Buckeyes split games with No. 4 Penn State in Columbus, including a 3-0 shutout Friday.

Ohio State forward Nick Schilkey leads the Big Ten with 15 goals on the season, including two in the Buckeyes’ losing effort versus the Nittany Lions yesterday. His goal mark is also good for third in the NCAA. Beyond Schilkey, the Buckeyes boast one of the most prolific scoring offenses in the country, and they are one of just three teams in the NCAA to average more than four goals per game.

The rest of the top 10 stands as:

  1. Denver
  2. Harvard
  3. Minnesota-Duluth
  4. Penn State
  5. Boston University
  6. Massachusetts-Lowell
  7. North Dakota
  8. Boston College
  9. Minnesota
  10. Ohio State

Full rankings can be found here.

STICK TO SPORTS


Continue reading...

Filter

Back
Top