• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

2008 tOSU Special Teams discussion (official thread)

Jump to latest Follow Reply
plum diamonds buckeye planet
Sort by date Sort by votes
Rivals $

5/26

'Spring cram session: ST' by Brandon Castel. Talks about the expectations of the upcoming season and also prospects for ST positions for '09 and beyond.
 
Upvote 0
TS10HTW;1170767; said:
how about consistently explosive:wink2:
Click to expand...

Boy, did TGII spoil us or what? :)

I'd at least like to see the threat of explosiveness back there. But I think JT will settle for an older guy who takes care of the ball as opposed to the younger guy who is too green. I keep thinking Thomas would be a great threat though. I guess we shall see.
 
Upvote 0
I've always wondered why Jenkins hasn't ever seriously been considered as a kick returner (not that I'm aware of, anyway)? Whenever he returns ints, i always think "this should be the guy who returns kicks".. Or at least that's what I thought all of last year, not so much in 2006 when we had Ginn.. :biggrin:
 
Upvote 0
scarletngray;1170800; said:
O'Neal, M. Wells, Hartline, Small, Thomas, Saine are the likely candidates, imo. I would like to see O'Neal and Thomas return punts and Small and Saine return Kickoffs.
:osu:
Click to expand...

JM2cW but it seems like the most effective punt returners are the quick, elusive and small backs like Thomas or Small. Finding seams in coverage or evading the gunners and field contain of punt coverage usually requires quick accelaration or lateral movements.

The more effective kickoff returners often have straight line speed and heavier builds to get passed the outside contain or bust through wedges and get upfield fast.
These qualities would give an edge to Saine and Herron, if coaches would chose to use them on ST.
An upgrade in the return teams would be a most welcome benefit for the offensive play calling and field position battle.
 
Upvote 0
buckeyes_rock;1170783; said:
Boy, did TGII spoil us or what? :)

I'd at least like to see the threat of explosiveness back there. But I think JT will settle for an older guy who takes care of the ball as opposed to the younger guy who is too green. I keep thinking Thomas would be a great threat though. I guess we shall see.
Click to expand...


Tedd Ginn Jr. is the exception to all returners period. I like one of the previous posts that says PR is a smaller quicker guy who can beat field contain, split seams in coverage and gunners & KR have the straight line speed and have heavier builds...TGII was everything but heavy.

He wouldn't truck dudes but he could run left and get the whole team to turn and chase, put a foot in the ground and out run everyone to the opposite side. Quickness, straightline speed and pure athleticism from a home grown Ohio kid. Damn, if he didn't get that ankle busted up that night in the desert that game is waaaaaaaaaaaaay different!!!!

I think Thomas maybe the closest thing to TGII on the roster now. Only time will tell...comparing any true freshmen this year to TGII in his freshmen yr is pretty unfair...expectations were not nearly as high in 04 as this 08 team. This 08 team has TONS of talent...I don't see how they don't find four explosive guys to play consistently.

rule 1 - catch the ball

rule 2 - make the first guy miss

rule 3 - secure the ball at all times



The staff will find guys who consistently do this and with all the WR and RB depth it should be a good mix for PR and KR spots.
 
Upvote 0
If Hartline or Wells are returning any types of kicks.. it's a sign we're being way too conservative, and valuing merely securing the ball as the goal of kick returns, not making plays..

I would personally like to see Saine and Small on kickoffs.. Jenkins and Small on punt returns..
 
Upvote 0
I think you almost have to put Saine back there...he's got that explosiveness. However I'm kind of skeptical with Small back there considering we tried it out last year and he did absolutely diddly squat. I know it would never happen, nor would I like it to happen, but can you imagine Beanie getting that much of a run start right towards 170-180lb gunners? HAHAHAHA
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top