2008 Depth Chart Discussion

[matcar]

This season

Man, this season just got started and already we're singing about what a 'long, strange trip it's been'. It's clear from what has transpired over the past 2 weeks, that the coaching staff is making some big changes, but I do think the above poster's questions regarding how these changes are coming out after 3/4 games are legit questions. Somehow, it seems that the staff shoulda/coulda known if their team lacked the eye of the tiger/heart of the champion before now. It's also mildly disburbing to go back and read all the articles and threads about how prepared these fellas were and how hard they prepared.... I've no reason to discount these articles unless we chalk it up to an entire Buckeye Nation of fanboys who cannot see the truth. So, assuming that's not the case, I've got a big case of the "what gives???"

Having said that, I do like the idea of more Rose at DT as he seems to have a lot of upside there. Dunno why I say that..I should be cautious because he hasn't actually shown me anything other than freakish measurables so I don't know why I should assume he'll be any better than the others. Like LJB said, I'd like to see more of Rolle as he seems to bring the wood. I can only imagine that the staff has kept him off the field because he's not always bringing the wood where he's supposed to.

Cordle to guard. Interesting. Seems small compared to our mammoth guards...perhaps that's a good thing. I'd also like to see Posey playing more WR. But again, my desire is based upon action against YSU, so perhaps my assumptions of his readiness inacurrate. I'm confused...my small mind hurts.
:2004:

 

[strohs]

Its great to see the coaches shaking things up and making some necessary changes.

I for one am excited to start the big 10 schedule now...

 

[OregonBuckeye]

Love the changes, especially on the DL. Wilson, Heyward, Worthington, and Gibson gives us a huge upgrade in athleticism. Only thing left I'd like to see is Browning move down to RG and Shugarts take over at RT.

 

[OSUBuckeye4Life]

Love the changes on both lines. People really are not appreciating how well Cordle played Guard IMO.

Disappointed with Ray Small not being higher on some of those, but I'm sure something happened.

We have TOO MANY athletes to have the names we do returning kicks/punts IMO. Darn near a travesty.

 

[osugrad21]

I guess I just don't understand why all of these changes are being made or contemplated 4 games after this season has begun. I would have thought guys would be pretty well separated during preseason camp.

You cannot foresee complacency...at least not usually. As a coach, if you do see it, it is usually too late. You expect your returners to be hungry, play hard, etc. I'm not saying this as an absolute answer to the issues we are all seeing, but it at least should be in the conversation. Last year, guys had a possible "next year" in case of injury, etc...they were fighting for status, draft position, and ultimately money. This year, there is a guaranteed spot...and the performance was all but assumed. However, now there is no "next year" and an injury could cost millions. Maybe that is only a minor consideration...but even minor considerations can cause play to go from reckless abandon to just "hard"

Again, not saying this is the problem...but as I said before, given the choice between a group of veteran seniors or a group of hungry sophs and juniors, give me the pups every day of the week.

 

[Taosman]

This situation pretty much reflects the coaches values. Favoring loyalty and seniority. On one hand this breeds the family atmosphere. On the other hand it can lead to complacency. This is probably the first time we've seen this from a Tressel team. Also I think the number of lingering injuries/recoveries has had an effect on performance, particularly on offense. Guys aren't as strong as they might have been without the injuries/surgeries from the long season last year. But, long term for this year we will climb back up as long as we keep winning.
Just win, baby!

 

[LordJeffBuck]

A true freshman forcing a Butkus and Nagurski winner from his position? Now that would be some news.

JL played SAM as a true freshman behind Carpenter ... and he probably would've stayed there if D'Andrea could've given it a go in 2006. Also, I've got to think that JL moves outside in the NFL, as he is a bit light and too good in pass coverage to waste in the middle.

Somehow, it seems that the staff shoulda/coulda known if their team lacked the eye of the tiger/heart of the champion before now.

I kinda think that they did, hence all the quick moves. But you have to go with what got you there the past two seasons, and at least give them the chance to finish the job the thrid time around.

Love the changes on both lines. People really are not appreciating how well Cordle played Guard IMO.

Natural guard ... great movement ... still might be a bit light ... definite upgrade over either Person or Rehring ... will be interesting to see him progress this season, as Boren is waiting in the wings, and Browning will move down to guard soon ... and maybe Marcus Hall...?

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

JL played SAM as a true freshman behind Carpenter ... and he probably would've stayed there if D'Andrea could've given it a go in 2006. Also, I've got to think that JL moves outside in the NFL, as he is a bit light and too good in pass coverage to waste in the middle.

True, but JL still won those awards at MLB, and to have a true freshmen be good enough for the staff to think, "We can move JL outside and plug in Sabino in the middle with little to no dropoff", is quite something...

 

[Crashcup]

True, but JL still won those awards at MLB, and to have a true freshmen be good enough for the staff to think, "We can move JL outside and plug in Sabino in the middle with little to no dropoff", is quite something...

Very true, but playing the way we have and specifically vs SC is also "quite something."

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

Sabino over Spitler is a big statement. At the very least, it ends the debate at MLB for next season, after JL moves on. IMO, it's a move to work Sabino in at MLB gradually (let's not forget that the kid was here for spring ball and did well), get Laurinatis on the strong side and get Freeman back to the weakside where he and Homan can battle it out for that spot. Neither Freeman nor Homan is playing well enough to justify having both in the starting lineup, and the lack of push behind those two only compounds the problem. So Sabino looks to be a source for some added competition and perhaps a healthy Moeller will do that as well.

 

[osugrad21]

BSB--Plenty of changes in new depth chart

 

[mross34]

Sabino over Spitler is a big statement. At the very least, it ends the debate at MLB for next season, after JL moves on. IMO, it's a move to work Sabino in at MLB gradually (let's not forget that the kid was here for spring ball and did well), get Laurinatis on the strong side and get Freeman back to the weakside where he and Homan can battle it out for that spot.

Tressel said during his press conference today that Spitler is dinged up and won't be playing in Saturday's game.

 

[LitlBuck]

Kerr over JB at backup tackle and quite a few changes in the DL.

Ray Small must be in a very big doghouse. Not even listed as one of the two punt returns.

 

[akronbuck]

I love the wake up call for those that got demoted by the staff. Either wake up and play hard or watch from the bench. I remember, I posted the defense needs to change something up and I love that Tressel did that and isn't being loyal for the senior/upperclassmen like he has been since he become the coach at OSU . Play the top players that want to play.

 

[DaddyBigBucks]

I love the wake up call for those that got demoted by the staff. Either wake up and play hard or watch from the bench. I remember, I posted the defense needs to change something up and I love that Tressel did that and isn't being loyal for the senior/upperclassmen like he has been since he become the coach at OSU . Play the top players that want to play.

I'm not so sure that Tressel has changed. His circumstances have changed. More than any year in JT's tenure, this team has depth that isn't far behind the starters. If the starters don't give 100% effort, then the depth moves up. But only if they weren't far behind to start with.