Robiskie, O'Neal, Amos, and MoW
Canton Rep
8/27
<hr style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --> Sunday special: True freshmen may make early OSU contributions
Sunday, August 28, 2005 Sunday special Todd Porter
Preparation for the opener against Miami University begins in earnest now. Neither Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel nor his seniors have shied from their goal.
The Buckeyes believe they can contend for a national title.
If that’s going to happen, Tressel will have to get some production from a handful of incoming freshmen. Tressel said there are usually a half-dozen true freshmen who make a contribution every year.
Who are they?
Tressel isn’t exactly saying, but we do have information that points in the direction of some of those players.
Indications are defensive end Lawrence Wilson will see time. The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School has been impressive. His frame would indicate ideal end pass-rushing ability in a 3-4 defense. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, from Piscataway (N.J.) High School, has pushed himself into the defensive back rotation.
In addition to Jenkins, young defensive backs Andre Amos (Middletown) and Jamario O’Neal are likely to see action. O’Neal, a cornerback in high school, has been getting work at safety.
Running back Maurice Wells will play, not just because OSU lacks depth at the position, but he’s been better in Columbus than coaches thought he’d be as a freshman. Wells rushed for nearly 6,000 yards and scored 55 touchdowns at his high school in Jacksonville, Fla.
Perhaps the surprise freshman of summer camp was wide receiver Brian Robiskie. He was a late offer by the Buckeyes, but the son of Cleveland Browns wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie may end up being the fourth wide receiver. He’s made plays in practice and has a great knowledge of the game. His athleticism also is better than first thought. Unfortunately, Coach Robiskie’s duties with the Browns won’t allow him to catch any of his son’s games.
“That’s just the way it is,� he said. “I’ll have a time to be there.�
If Robby Schoenhoft played any other position as well as he has quarterback, he’d be in line for playing time. Barring injuries, suspensions and the like, Schoenhoft will redshirt. Alex Boone should play along with starter Doug Datish at left tackle.
Other freshmen to keep an eye on include Austin Spitler and James Laurinaitis, a pair of young linebackers.
Redshirt seasons are not declared at the beginning of a season. Rather, they occur at the end of the year. If a freshman participates in just one varsity snap during the year, he cannot redshirt. GlenOak wide receiver Brian Hartline, who’s had a very impressive summer camp, will probably redshirt.
Want Texas tickets?
The Ohio State-Texas game in two weeks may be the toughest ticket in college football the entire year. The game has long been sold out, but tickets can be had ... on eBay.
The best seats we came by early Saturday morning were four seats in the A-deck near the 40-yard line. The top bid when we checked? $3,750. We did find two tickets in the C-deck (bring the binoculars) for the bargain price of $700.
Downing most improved
Jim Bollman, OSU’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, believes GlenOak High School graduate T.J. Downing is the most improved lineman since last year. Downing is starting alongside Perry graduate Kirk Barton on the line.
