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Google Meyer's Buckeyes have holes to fill - Youngstown Vindicator

Meyer's Buckeyes have holes to fill - Youngstown Vindicator
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer's Buckeyes have holes to fill
Youngstown Vindicator
Ezekiel Elliott, one of the best running backs in Buckeyes history, departed early for the NFL, as did defensive end Joey Bosa. Both were stalwarts in the 2014 national championship run and right on through last season. Just six starters from last year ...
Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for first intrasquad scrimmageMyDaytonDailyNews
Urban Meyer ready to lead young Ohio State Buckeyes into 2016WKYC-TV
Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll wincleveland.com
UPI.com -247Sports -Dayton Daily News
all 95 news articles »


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LGHL Malik Hooker looks a lot like Ohio State’s next elite safety

Malik Hooker looks a lot like Ohio State’s next elite safety
Ian Hartitz
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa-today-9043208.0.jpg

Mike Doss...Donte Whitner...Vonn Bell...Malik Hooker?

During Ohio State’s 2016 spring game you may have noticed an unfamiliar face making familiar plays in the Buckeyes’ secondary. With 10 tackles and 2 interceptions, Malik Hooker announced his arrival as Ohio State’s new starting safety in a big way. Hooker got his feet wet in 2015 to the tune of 10 tackles on the season, but the time for Hooker to take the next step is finally here thanks to the early departures of Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell.

Part of the Buckeyes’ 2014 recruiting class, Hooker’s three-star recruiting ranking is a bit misleading. Often we think of three-star recruits as either great players who lack the measurables to really thrive at the next level, or underachieving players with fantastic athleticism. Hooker is the rare three-star who found himself slightly underrated due to the fact that he only played football for his final two years of high school. It’s easy to see why this was the case, as Hooker’s ridiculous athleticism made him a beast on the hardwood:


Luckily for Ohio State, Urban Meyer and company were able to persuade Hooker into pursuing football, and now the Silver Bullets have a 6’2 205 lb. freak athlete patrolling the middle of their secondary. While Hooker will need to prove that he can produce on Saturdays, there’s a reason for the hype surrounding number 24. Mainly, the fact that Hooker made his presence felt on the practice field in a big way during 2015:


That fool @MalikHooker23 has a record of the most practice ints so this ain't a surprise lol

— Eli Apple (@EliApple13) April 16, 2016

The above tweet came in reaction to Hooker’s aforementioned 2 interceptions in the 2016 spring game, and when 10th overall pick Eli Apple is giving you props, that’s a very good thing. These (alleged) ball skills are certainly encouraging, but it’s Hooker’s athleticism that makes him such an enticing prospect.

For Ohio State to run their base cover 4 scheme, the safeties need to be able to keep up with speedy slot receivers. Meyer loved to bring up Bell’s ability to cover like a corner, and while Hooker has a ways to go to reach Bell’s coverage ability, having prototypical size and athletic ability is a good place to start.

"[Ohio State assistant coach] Luke Fickell called me the other night and said Malik ran a [4.56-second] 40 at a workout, with no technique and basically just standing from a ready, set, go position. He said their strength and conditioning coach looked at him and said, 'Oh my God, I can do something special with this kid.' " - New Castle basketball coach Ralph Blundo


New secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator Greg Schiano has been training his safeties to play both free and strong safety in order to get the best players on the field, regardless of position. While some defenses may prefer to have a prototypical strong and free safety (think Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas respectively of the Seattle Seahawks), having a pair of safeties who can interchangeably switch responsibilities gives the defense a lot of flexibility. Not only can they rotate seamlessly on the field, but having versatile safeties also offers the defense a chance to better disguise coverages, since the offense will not always know who is playing what.

With the loss of three starters in the secondary, the Silver Bullets will need to replace a lot of playmaking, and it’s telling that Hooker has all but secured one of the newly open spots on a depth chart full of question marks. Ohio State’s first three opponents in 2016 all had top 20 passing offenses in 2015 (in terms of passing yards/game), and there is no question they will all test a young Buckeyes’ secondary early and often. 2014 saw Gunner Kiehl (still in college, somehow) shred an Ohio State secondary with three touchdowns over 60 yards early in the season, and this new secondary must grow up fast to avoid another early season scare.

“Great job, he’s had an excellent spring...The thing he’s missing is the on-field arrogance of a guy like Vonn Bell, Tyvis Powell. I should word that differently. Not to the point you’re taunting and all that, I’m not talking about that, but the confidence level.” - Head Coach Urban Meyer


Watching Vonn Bell let the offense hear it after a big play was great to watch, but what Meyer is really hoping to see from Hooker is the confidence to play up to his enormous ceiling. Safeties make their living stepping in front of a pass that no one thought they had a chance at (even Lane Kiffin), and this ability requires the safety to play without a doubt or fear in their mind. Safeties need to be conservative to an extent to prevent the big play of course, but they’re on the field to make their own big plays, and this happens through confidence in their immense ability.

Watching the young Buckeyes’ defense in 2016 will have it’s fair share of ups and downs. Big plays will be forced, and big plays will be allowed. Look for the versatile Malik Hooker to be at the forefront of the new-look Buckeye defense, and don’t tune out once the play is made, as once Hooker gets the ball in his hands, look out: because the fun has just begun:

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Google Honoring Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller and more - new NFL Buckeyes added...

Honoring Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller and more - new NFL Buckeyes added to Ohio State practice signs - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Honoring Ezekiel Elliott, Cardale Jones, Braxton Miller and more - new NFL Buckeyes added to Ohio State practice signs
cleveland.com
Braxton Miller (5) and Cardale Jones (12) joined Kenny Guiton (left), who previously had this sign to himself. Miller played receiver for the Buckeyes in 2015 in his final year in Columbus, and was drafted in the third round as a receiver by the ...


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Google NFL preseason local tracker: Ohio State rookies make early impact - Dayton Daily News

NFL preseason local tracker: Ohio State rookies make early impact - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


NFL preseason local tracker: Ohio State rookies make early impact
Dayton Daily News
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 11: Jalin Marshall #89 of the New York Jets is tackled by Dwayne Gratz #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars after a long kick return during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 11, 2016 ...

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Google Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for first intrasquad scrimmage - MyDaytonDailyNews

Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for first intrasquad scrimmage - MyDaytonDailyNews
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for first intrasquad scrimmage
MyDaytonDailyNews
Practice turned tougher for the Buckeyes on Friday when they held their first of four two-a-days. They'll go twice three times next week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. “Our camp is not easy,” Barrett said Thursday after the first day in full pads ...
Urban Meyer ready to lead young Ohio State Buckeyes into 2016WKYC-TV
Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaignQuad City Times
Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll wincleveland.com
UPI.com -Dayton Daily News -247Sports
all 82 news articles »


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Google Cydrus seeing success with Buckeyes' crew - Chillicothe Gazette

Cydrus seeing success with Buckeyes' crew - Chillicothe Gazette
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Cydrus seeing success with Buckeyes' crew
Chillicothe Gazette
While attending an activities fair on campus, Cydrus was asked to join the Buckeyes' rowing team. She thought "why not," and Ohio State had nabbed themselves a diamond in the rough. "Honestly, the recruiting process was to take place at Ohio Stadium ...


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Google Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd up at practice - cleveland.com

Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd up at practice - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd up at practice
cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Kerry Coombs, the Ohio State cornerbacks coach never short on energy, might be the perfect person to mic up during a Buckeyes practice. So Coombs was mic'd up during a Buckeyes practice. Ohio State football released a video on its ...

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Google Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes? - 247Sports

Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes?
247Sports
Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! Yet, despite the high expectations, very few people are seriously considering the Buckeyes to be national title contenders in 2016, let alone picking ...

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tBBC Making The List: Ford Hiroshi Konno

Making The List: Ford Hiroshi Konno
jcollingsworth
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


The weather for these next two days here on the East Coast is predicted to be oven-like. 105˚ to 110˚ with what is termed as the heat-factoring is predicted. With all of that in mind and the Olympics now in full-swing – Michael Phelps ruling in the swimming category – certainly no surprise – I feel it should be refreshing to mention another swimmer to our growing list.

In the past we mentioned Yoshi Oyakawa who won Gold in the backstroke back in Helsinki’s 1952 Summer Olympics. So with all of this lapsed time why haven’t I mentioned Ford Konno?

Ford Hiroshi Konno was born January 1, 1933. His father had said to many who’d listen that his son was born to swim – because he came into the world doing the breast stroke. “His little arms were swaying magically – in total rhythm. The first thing I saw in these actions was a gold medal for my boy.” His father’s premonition would be on target.

Konno would attend McKinley High School in where he swam on the swimming team, setting numerous records while wining nearly every race he was in. He later received an athletic scholarship to attend The Ohio State University. With the Buckeyes would make the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-American Squad all of his four years with the Buckeyes. Konno would set world records of 2:03.9 in the 200-meter and 4:26.7 in the 400-meter freestyle during 1954 college meets.

He won four medals at the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics. At the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, Konno won gold medals in the men’s 1,500 meter freestyle and the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. His time of 18:30:3 in the 1,500 freestyle was a new Olympic record. He also won a silver medal in the 400-meter freestyle. Four years later at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, he won silver in the men’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay.
Konno is married to fellow 1952 Olympic medalist Evelyn Kawamoto. He is also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

It is also worth mentioning that a wonderful book exists: The Three Year Swim Club – the untold story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch kids and their quest for Olympic glory – by Julie Checkoway. Ford Konno has a nice detailing in this wondrous read.

Ford Konno is now a member of our deserving Buckeyes due their recognition – or re-recognition. It’s funny – often we do not think of certain sports especially when we are so ingrained in football, basketball, baseball, and perhaps something else, such as in my case, rugby. But swimming is a wonderful sport that is highly competitive. In my past conversation with Yoshi Oyakawa I told him that swimmers are the complete athletic package. I meant that. Try competitive swimming and find out how tiring it is – stamina is gold. And in Ford’s case it was twice.

The post Making The List: Ford Hiroshi Konno appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Ohio State gave everyone a glimpse at what camp is like

Ohio State gave everyone a glimpse at what camp is like
Geoff Hammersley
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa-today-9276227.0.jpg

Two-a-days in the sun means we’re closer to Buckeye football

First glance at the first week of camp


Friday morning, the Ohio State football’s Twitter page had a few great videos of the first week back at camp.

Two-a-days are happening, as are circle drills in the sweltering Columbus, Ohio summer. Even through all of this, J.T. Barrett is still making spectacular throws, and the ‘next man up’ mentality is in full effect as Buckeyes you’re not used to seeing are making impressive showings with their blocking, rushing and catching.

Take a look at the video below to see what I’m talking about.


As the #Buckeyes take the field for the 1st 2-a-day of the fall, check out their first day in pads earlier this week https://t.co/juXaPeY0K7

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 12, 2016

Speaking of talking, an offseason isn’t complete without coach Kerry Coombs being mic’d up. Yesterday it happened, and the video surfaced today on the OSU football’s Twitter. From the team getting off the bus, to stretches, to the actual practice itself, Coombs was fired up.


Need some #juice this morning?

Done.@OsuCoachCoombs went mic'd up yesterday #TheEdge #PowerOfTheUnit ⛽pic.twitter.com/iQWFmixjqn

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 12, 2016
“Sindelar was grouped with fellow Buckeyes John Cook and Rod Spittle, who shot 75 and 77, respectively. The trio was followed by fans in Ohio State gear who shouted “O-H” at them at the 16th tee and “Go Bucks” after their final shots on 18.”

– Adam Jardy & Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch


The U.S. Senior Open kicked off at Scioto Country Club on Thursday, and there were a few Buckeye graduates in the field.

Joey Sindelar, who was part of the Buckeyes 1979 National Championship golf team as well as three-time All-American, shot a 69 (-1) on the first day of The Open. According to the article by the Dispatch, this was the first time Sindelar hit under par in the Senior U.S. Open since 2012.

Joined by two other Buckeye graduates in John Cook and Rod Spittle, the group felt at home, as patrons yelled out the “O-H” chant at them, according to the report by the Columbus Dispatch.

Below is video on Sindelar via the Columbus Dispatch.

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.

Before going to the PGA Tour Champions (the senior tour), Sindelar first punched his ticket to the PGA Tour in 1981. Throughout his career, he placed in the top 10 in both the PGA Championship (1997) and U.S. Open (1992) and won a handful of tour events.

“We’re not very good yet, but we’re working our tails off,” defensive coordinator and safeties coach Greg Schiano said. “I think Malik Hooker is showing he has the ability to be a very good player. Now we need to do it consistently. Damon Webb is showing that in spurts. We need to do it consistently.”

Greg Schiano, as reported by Bill Rabinowitz (Columbus Dispatch)


As the first week of camp closes down, coaches now have the ability to see what cards they will be playing with as the season begins.

On the defensive side of the ball, Greg Schiano talked about the secondary and how they are a work in progress, but they are working to have spectacular results this season.

In the article by Bill Rabinowitz, he talked about how Malik Hooker, Cam Burrows, Damon Webb and Erick Smith are all vying for starting spots left by Buckeyes now in the NFL. With experience gone on defense, it’s up to the new guys to fill the voids left.

However, the brain and athletic drain left doesn’t appear to be that bad. Hooker said that Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell “taught me a lot,” according to the Columbus Dispatch. If you had anyone to learn from, having those former Buckeyes as mentors were the best possible, as they played huge roles in the 2014 College Football Championship win over Oregon.

As camp rolls on, look for an Ohio State squad to get better with each passing day.

“A quiet leader is still a leader, and it sounds like [Marcus] Baugh has the necessary mentality to become one for the Buckeyes. And while his leadership skills may be considered a work in progress, it’s evident that the junior has everything it takes to become a leader for the Scarlet and Gray.”

– Chris Cullum, Ohio State athletics communications


With the Buckeyes returning only six starters – three on offense, and three on defense – this upcoming season, there is a need for the underclassman to rise up to the occasion.

Enter red shirt junior tight end Marcus Baugh. While he only caught a couple of passes last season and started in only four games, the spotlight article written by OSU athletics communication member Chris Cullum delves into what the coaches see in Baugh, and how his experience with the scarlet and gray will translate him into a leader this season.

Cullum caught up with offensive coordinator Ed Warriner, who said that ““Marcus is quiet by nature. But in our small group [of tight ends] he does a great job with the younger guys. Talking to them, leading them, trying to understand the right way, the Buckeye way, to do things.”

Baugh said that the coaches are pushing him onto the path of becoming a leader. He acknowledged that he may be quiet, but will lead if the time came. This isn’t atypical at the tight end position, though. In recent years, Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett became the leaders of the team, and played huge roles in Ohio State’s dominance since Urban Meyer came to Columbus.

Here’s hoping that Baugh will be the next great bruising blocker and pass catcher for the Buckeyes.

STICK TO SPORTS


• New Ohio State shoes are getting dropped at Buckeye Corner.

• It’s Mike Gundy’s birthday. A decade ago (when he was 40), his memorable presser took place.

• Ryan Lochte would’ve been Michael Phelps, except for the fact that Phelps is Phelps.

• In more Olympic news, green is the new blue.

• All aboard the Feels Trip as the New Yorker talks about Rick Rescorla, a hero during one of America’s darkest days.

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Google Urban Meyer ready to lead young Ohio State Buckeyes into 2016 - WKYC-TV

Urban Meyer ready to lead young Ohio State Buckeyes into 2016 - WKYC-TV
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Urban Meyer ready to lead young Ohio State Buckeyes into 2016
WKYC-TV
After a run to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014 and a one-loss season last fall, the Buckeyes lost 14 players to the 2016 NFL Draft, including seven defensive and five offensive starters, as well as key playmaker Braxton Miller.
Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaignThe Southern
Ohio State football: 2016 season preview for Buckeyes, J.T. BarrettUPI.com
Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes?247Sports
cleveland.com -Dayton Daily News -MyDaytonDailyNews
all 70 news articles »


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Google Simone Biles Is An Ohio State Fan - College Spun

Simone Biles Is An Ohio State Fan - College Spun
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Simone Biles Is An Ohio State Fan
College Spun
Simone Biles, the greatest female gymnast of all-time, is also a college football fan. Kind of. Simone Biles, 19, is from Columbus, Ohio. So, she appropriately roots for Ohio State. In January 2015, she tweeted good luck to the Buckeyes ahead of their ...

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Google Buckeyes have three on list of Big Ten impact freshmen - 247Sports

Buckeyes have three on list of Big Ten impact freshmen - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Buckeyes have three on list of Big Ten impact freshmen
247Sports
Ohio State brought in the nation's fourth overall class for the 2016 247Sports Composite Team Recruiting Rankings, so its no surprise that a number of the players in that class are already fighting for playing time this fall. But what is a bit ...
Ohio State football | Buckeyes practice with Big Ten Network watchingColumbus Dispatch
The Hurry Up: Cornerback Commit Sets Date for Official Visit, Buckeyes Continue Chase for Top-Rated JUCO ...Eleven Warriors
Ohio State Football: First Impressions from 2016 Fall CampBleacher Report
Scout -cleveland.com -Land-Grant Holy Land
all 89 news articles »


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Google BM5: Lattimore or Ward? Smith or Webb? - 247Sports

BM5: Lattimore or Ward? Smith or Webb? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


BM5: Lattimore or Ward? Smith or Webb?
247Sports
Bucknuts contributor Jonah Booker drops by to give his take on that, plus anything that stood out to him about Ohio State through the first week of training camp. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign ...

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Google Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd ... - cleveland.com

Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd ... - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Watch Buckeyes assistant Kerry Coombs mic'd ...
cleveland.com
Ohio State released a video of comes mic'd up from the Buckeyes practice on Thursday.

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Google Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign - The Southern

Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign - The Southern
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign
The Southern
Ezekiel Elliot, one of the best running backs in Buckeyes history, departed early for the NFL, as did defensive end Joey Bosa. Both were stalwarts in the 2014 national championship run and right on through last season. Just six starters from last year ...
Ohio State football | Buckeyes practice with Big Ten Network watchingColumbus Dispatch
The Hurry Up: Cornerback Commit Sets Date for Official Visit, Buckeyes Continue Chase for Top-Rated JUCO ...Eleven Warriors
Ohio State Football: First Impressions from 2016 Fall CampBleacher Report
Scout -247Sports -cleveland.com
all 89 news articles »


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Google Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign - Journal Times

Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign - Journal Times
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign
Journal Times
Ezekiel Elliot, one of the best running backs in Buckeyes history, departed early for the NFL, as did defensive end Joey Bosa. Both were stalwarts in the 2014 national championship run and right on through last season. Just six starters from last year ...
Ohio State football | Buckeyes practice with Big Ten Network watchingColumbus Dispatch
The Hurry Up: Cornerback Commit Sets Date for Official Visit, Buckeyes Continue Chase for Top-Rated JUCO ...Eleven Warriors
Ohio State Football: First Impressions from 2016 Fall CampBleacher Report
Scout -247Sports -cleveland.com
all 89 news articles »


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Google Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes? - 247Sports

Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes? - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes?
247Sports
Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! Yet, despite the high expectations, very few people are seriously considering the Buckeyes to be national title contenders in 2016, let alone picking ...
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Cam Burrows 100 percent healthyMyDaytonDailyNews
Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll wincleveland.com
Ohio State football | New wave of safeties ready for their shotColumbus Dispatch
Scout -College Spun -Scarlet and Game
all 19 news articles »


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Google Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll...

Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll win - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: The Buckeyes battling for starting safety spots tell you why they'll win
cleveland.com
Malik Hooker, Damon Webb, Erick Smith, Cam Burrows and Eric-Glover Williams are vying for the jobs left vacant by Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell. Buckeyes safeties coach Greg Schiano said Hooker and Webb have the leg up right now. Smith and Burrows will ...
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Cam Burrows 100 percent healthyMyDaytonDailyNews
Better prepared for title run: 2014 or 2016 Buckeyes?247Sports
Ohio State football | New wave of safeties ready for their shotColumbus Dispatch
Scout -Scarlet and Game -College Spun
all 20 news articles »


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tBBC No Need For OSU To Feel Defensive About Playing These True Freshmen

No Need For OSU To Feel Defensive About Playing These True Freshmen
chipminnich
via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


On August 7th, Ohio State began their fall camp. While expectations are always high for Ohio State football, what type of expectations await the true freshmen who will be Buckeyes? Considering how young Ohio State is across the board, are there any true freshmen who will possibly be able to make an impact?

On defense, Ohio State has several options. Some of these players’ names will not surprise you, as Buckeye fans have been hearing about some of these names since February, when the players signed their letters of intent with Ohio State.

Let us begin with the defensive freshman who has fairly, or unfairly, been the focal point of the 2016 recruiting class ever since he committed to Ohio State – Nick Bosa. Bosa is coming off a knee injury that ended his high school career, and Ohio State has pledged to not rush Bosa into the lineup. That being said, below are some points being made about Nick Bosa that should excite Ohio State fans as the 2016 season approaches…


@OhioStAthletics d-line coach Larry Johnson told me he never has had a true freshman like DE Nick Bosa. pic.twitter.com/oaRbkM3p7v

— Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) August 9, 2016

Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer has never struck me as being a very patient man. I believe it will be extremely difficult to remain patient with Nick Bosa, especially when the talent Bosa possesses is staring Coach Meyer and Coach Johnson in the face every day at practice. Bosa may not start, but look for Bosa to be in the rotation along the defensive line a lot this season.

Linebacker is not a position of need for Ohio State this season. With Raekwon McMillan returning, and players such as Chris Worley and Dante Booker ready to contribute at the outside linebacker positions, the idea of not playing some of the true freshmen at linebacker must have crossed Coach Meyer’s mind, right? Think again…


Urban Meyer tells 97.1 The Fan that he has no doubt that linebacker Keandre Jones will play his freshman year.

— Lori Schmidt (@LoriSchmidt) July 26, 2016

Lastly, I am going to name Jordan Fuller from the secondary as a probable true freshman who can make an impact this season for Ohio State. Fuller was recruited as a cornerback, but has also been receiving practice time at safety. Fuller is too good of a player, and the Ohio State secondary inexperienced at three positions, that it makes sense that Fuller will get some playing time at various points this coming season.







The post No Need For OSU To Feel Defensive About Playing These True Freshmen appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.

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LGHL Ohio State is on 4-star athlete’s visit list

Ohio State is on 4-star athlete’s visit list
Caleb Houser
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


4680934.0.0.jpg

The 2016 season is fast approaching, but positive recruiting news is still heading to Columbus almost daily.

The Buckeyes have nearly completed their first full week of fall camp and updates have been a plenty. Urban Meyer and Ohio State have no shortage of talent and he has made that abundantly clear in several interviews with the media. Countless times, Meyer has mentioned that while there is youth, the talent on the team is what excites the staff the most. The reason the talent in Columbus is off of the charts is due to one thing: recruiting. The off the field efforts Ohio State's staff has done to bring top talent from all over the country is easily noticed by anyone, and that doesn't look like it will be changing any time soon.

Bell plans OSU official visit


To be one of the members of Ohio State's 2017 recruiting class, or to even receive the coveted offer, you almost have to be either a 5-star or 4-star prospect and considered to be atop of the list in the country in terms of recruiting rankings. So far, Ohio State has been able to assemble what will be an historical class when it's all said and done.

Yesterday, one of the recruits who owns an Ohio State offer made it known that the Buckeyes would be one of the teams that receive an official visit this coming fall. Markquese Bell, (Bridgeton, NJ / Bridgeton) said in an article with sportstalksc.com that Ohio State along with Michigan, Clemson, Maryland and Florida would all be schools not only receiving an official visit, but also to be in his final five schools considered to land his services.


#STRecruiting: Officials to tell the tale for Bell - DB Markquese Bell of Bridgeton, NJ is set for all five of ... https://t.co/lEhoARuNBf

— SCRN (@ScrnMarketing) August 10, 2016

The talented New Jersey athlete is ranked as the sixth best athlete in the country and the third best player in the Garden State for the 2017 class. A 6-foot-3, 194-pound product, Bell has the ability to be a force on both sides of the ball with his size and speed. As of now, the 247sports crystal ball predictions have Bell leaning towards staying home and playing for Rutgers, but with the Scarlet Knights not even listed in his final five, it is anyone's race to win to land the talented 4-star.

With numbers tight for Ohio State's remaining spots in the 2017 class, Urban Meyer can be selective. If Bell wants in, it will have to be a love affair from both sides.

Blue Smith tops the charts


Huber Heights Wayne just North of Dayton, Ohio has been no stranger to Ohio State. The legendary quarterback Braxton Miller is just one of the former Warriors to dawn the Scarlet and Gray. Currently, Robert Landers is the most recent Warrior to make the short trek East on I-70 to play for the Buckeyes. The connection between Wayne and Ohio State has been strong and that's something both sides can easily see continuing in the future.

Current Wayne product L'Christian "Blue" Smith, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound monster on the football field is easily the most coveted Warrior Ohio State is after. With exceptional talent in both football and basketball, "Blue" has not made a final decision if it will be the gridiron or the hardwood for his sport of choice at the next level. While he will easily excel at either, many believe football will be the one to win it.

Yesterday, the attention surrounding L'Christian continued as he was given an incredible honor as being ranked as Rivals.com's top athlete in the 2018 class. Made publicly via his Twitter, "Blue" let it be known that his satisfaction has not been met as this ranking will only push the talented 4-star to continue to work on his craft and show why he's the nation's No.1 athlete.


I wanna thank GOD my Family and my Team for making me who I am today..The #1 athlete in the country ain't to bad...! pic.twitter.com/wI2mIq6DqJ

— Błå° (@bluesmith_) August 11, 2016

Jay Minton, head coach of the Warriors, was another to mention the drive and attitude L'Christian sets forth proving that his head is in the right place during the recruiting process. Buckeye fans will hear this household name for the next two years to come and will hope to have him in what has started off to be another incredible recruiting class in 2018.

Buckeyes lead for 2018 LB


Via landoften.com's Jeremy Birmingham, Ohio State is leading for another top prospect. This time, class of 2018 linebacker Adrian Jackson (Denver, CO / Mullen) has mentioned that currently the Buckeyes are the leader in his recruitment. The nation's ninth best outside linebacker and Colorado's top prospect in 2018 went as far as to say that he is not considering any other schools for the time being.


2018 linebacker Adrian Jackson says the Buckeyes lead and he’s not looking at any other schools right now. https://t.co/SkItyPrmSe

— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) August 11, 2016

With good news surrounding Ohio State's 2018 class lately, the Buckeyes will hope to secure another top national prospect in Jackson. Look for his recruitment to only escalate from here on.

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Google Ohio State Football: Despite Clear Leaders, Buckeyes Still Sorting Out Depth At Safety - Scout

Ohio State Football: Despite Clear Leaders, Buckeyes Still Sorting Out Depth At Safety - Scout
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State Football: Despite Clear Leaders, Buckeyes Still Sorting Out Depth At Safety
Scout
The back end of the Ohio State defense is notable for its absences. Gone are 227 tackles, 17 interceptions and 77 games of experience. In replacing safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell, the Buckeyes re trying to replicate that level of play. As the ...
Ohio State football | New wave of safeties ready for their shotColumbus Dispatch
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Schiano: No Timetable to Decide Battle for Ohio State's Two Open Safety SpotsEleven Warriors
247Sports.com
all 7 news articles »


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Google Five things to know about Ohio State Buckeyes offense - Dayton Daily News

Five things to know about Ohio State Buckeyes offense - Dayton Daily News
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Five things to know about Ohio State Buckeyes offense
Dayton Daily News
Giant, black tubs full of ice water sit outside the doors of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The Ohio State Buckeyes recover from practice by resting in the cold water for seven minutes. A fan blows a cool mist over all the tubs. A big chunk of the ...


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