Ohio State football: The position battles
Posted by Doug Lesmerises August 04, 2008
Ohio State starts practice today without a lot of intrigue. With 19 starters back, the competition is limited, no matter how much everyone says the young guys are pushing the old guys.
The real jobs open are scarce. Here's a preview of what positions will garner the most interest over the next three weeks.
Strongside linebacker
Replacing: Larry Grant
The candidates: Senior Curtis Terry, Sophomore Ross Homan, Sophomore Tyler Moeller
The word: Terry is listed as the starter with Moeller his backup, while Homan is listed as Marcus Freeman's backup on the weakside. Terry, though, also has some duties ahead at fullback, it appears, and it's hard to believe the coaches would be working a starting linebacker at fullback sometimes. In the end, this position probably is on the field less than half the time with the Buckeyes in a nickel defense so much with an extra defensive back. And there has always been talk of Moeller, a former safety, working as sort of a hybrid linebacker/safety in some of those situations.
But I can't get away from Homan. The coaches thought he was good enough to share snaps with Freeman last season before he got hurt and redshirted. So I still believe he's their third-best linebacker and a way will be found to get the three best linebackers on the field together.
The guess: Homan most of the time, Terry in certain situations
Defensive end
Replacing: Vernon Gholston
The candidates: Senior Lawrence Wilson, Sophomore Cameron Heyward, Sophomore Thaddeus Gibson, Junior Rob Rose
The word: Replacing Gholston is a lot to ask and will take more than one guy, so who actually starts probably won't matter a lot. The Buckeyes have always rotated their defensive tackles a lot and now at end could end up playing Wilson, Heyward and Gibson in some sort of three-man rotation to keep them fresh. Gibson might be the most natural fit in that Leo position Gholston played, both rushing the passer and dropping into coverage at times. But Marcus Freeman said Sunday that Wilson, returning from a broken leg that cost him all of last season, is the defensive player to watch during camp. Rose, off two shoulder injuries, said he is 100 percent healthy for the first time since his junior year at Glenville High and could make this a rolling four-man situation. Rose said he also could play at defensive tackle.
The guess: Wilson, Heyward and Gibson all play a lot, with Wilson and Heyward starting
Right tackle
Replacing: Kirk Barton
The candidates: Sophomore Bryant Browning, Freshman Evan Blankenship, Freshman Mike Adams
The word: His teammates seem to have confidence in Browning, who looks to be in good shape, slimmer than in previous years, and has always been known as a smart guy and smart player. He's the leader now, though Adams, a true freshman, could create a battle if he really is recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. Blankenship, who redshirted last year, is listed as Browning's backup on the depth chart.
The guess: Browning, with Adams ready if Browning doesn't take control of the job
Fullback
Replacing: Dionte Johnson, Tyler Whaley
The candidates: Ryan Lukens, Curtis Terry
The word: A position that's on the field less than half the time, especially if the Buckeyes do play tailbacks Brandon Saine and Beanie Wells together. Saine looks like he bulked up, and Wells raved about what a good blocker he is, so a true fullback may not be needed much. Wells also had praise for Lukens and Terry, both of whom are shifting over from linebacker.
The guess: Lukens in the middle of the field when a real fullback is rarely needed, Terry on the goalline and key short-yardage plays
Third receiver
Replacing: No one
The candidates: Junior Ray Small, Sophomore Dane Sanzenbacher, Sophomore Taurian Washington, Sophomore Grant Schwartz, Freshman Devier Posey
The word: This was Small's job a year ago, though Sanzenbacher filled in pretty well when Small was hurt. But after a rough offseason, Small will need to prove that he deserves to hold this job. Schwartz apparently looked good this summer, while Posey is the true freshman other than Terrelle Pryor who could make a real contribution this year.
The guess: Small straightens out and starts to fulfill some of his potential, but Posey also make plays in a limited role, earning more time as the season goes on.
Nickelback
Replacing: No one
The candidates: Senior Jamario O'Neal, Sophomore Chimdi Chekwa, Senior Shaun Lane, Sophomore Aaron Gant
The word: Last year, Chekwa was the cornerback added to Donald Washington, Malcolm Jenkins, Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell when the Buckeyes went to a fifth defensive back on passing downs. But in the spring, O'Neal was getting a lot of talk as the guy pushing for that spot. That was before Washington and O'Neal were disciplined for an off-field issue, and their status for camp and the start of the season was called into question.
For now, Jim Tressel's website at
The Official Site of Ohio State Football Head Coach, Jim Tressel lists Lane, a solid special teams player, as the starter at nickel, backed up by Chekwa. Lane could turn out to be a senior surprise, like cornerback Antonio Smith was two years ago. But O'Neal has always had talent, if he can put it together.
The guess: Changes during camp, and even into the season. In the end, Chekwa might be the safest bet.
