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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
SPRING PREVIEW: FIVE OHIO STATE POSITION BATTLES TO WATCH
The majority of open starting jobs at Ohio State usually aren't solidified until the end of fall camp.
Frontrunners certainly emerge during spring practice, though.
And like every team in the country, the Buckeyes have some spots to fill as they begin preparation for the 2017 campaign. Ohio State starts spring practice Tuesday, March 7.
Our preview section rolls along today with some of the top position battles surrounding the Buckeyes as they head into spring ball.
OFFENSE
OFFENSIVE GUARD
The candidates: Malcolm Pridgeon, Demetrius Knox, Matthew Burrell, Josh Myers
Breakdown: Ohio State lost just one starter on its offensive line from last season: center Pat Elflein. Billy Price is slated to move from guard to center in 2017 which leaves one spot — right guard — open up front for the Buckeyes.
As things stand right now, there appear to be four candidates vying for that job in the spring: Malcolm Pridgeon, Demetrius Knox, Matthew Burrell and Josh Myers. This likely won't be decided until the fall.
Pridgeon transferred to the program last season from junior college and was expected to challenge for a starting position on the line before he injured his knee in fall camp and missed the entire year. It's unclear right now how much he'll participate in spring practice, but even though he's probably more of a natural fit at tackle, Ohio State often just plays its best five linemen regardless of position. He could be in the mix for this guard spot.
Knox and Burrell each have multiple years in the program, but neither has been able to see the field much. Knox was injured for most of last season, but when Michael Jordan went down in the Fiesta Bowl with an injury, it was Knox who stepped in as his replacement. Pridgeon wasn't healthy enough to play, but perhaps that signaled Knox was ahead of Burrell.
Myers is a highly-touted recruit who enrolled in January. Normally, you'd say a true freshman starting on the offensive line would be a longshot, but Jordan did it last season and Urban Meyer had awfully high praise for Myers back on National Signing Day and said he expects the four-star prospect to compete for playing time.
Author's note: Isaiah Prince had an up-and-down season at right tackle for Ohio State last year, and even though his job likely isn't 100 percent locked down, he'll enter spring ball as the Buckeyes' starting right tackle. Thus, right tackle isn't included on this list as the starter from last season returns.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...iew-five-ohio-state-position-battles-to-watch
The majority of open starting jobs at Ohio State usually aren't solidified until the end of fall camp.
Frontrunners certainly emerge during spring practice, though.
And like every team in the country, the Buckeyes have some spots to fill as they begin preparation for the 2017 campaign. Ohio State starts spring practice Tuesday, March 7.
Our preview section rolls along today with some of the top position battles surrounding the Buckeyes as they head into spring ball.
OFFENSE
OFFENSIVE GUARD
The candidates: Malcolm Pridgeon, Demetrius Knox, Matthew Burrell, Josh Myers
Breakdown: Ohio State lost just one starter on its offensive line from last season: center Pat Elflein. Billy Price is slated to move from guard to center in 2017 which leaves one spot — right guard — open up front for the Buckeyes.
As things stand right now, there appear to be four candidates vying for that job in the spring: Malcolm Pridgeon, Demetrius Knox, Matthew Burrell and Josh Myers. This likely won't be decided until the fall.
Pridgeon transferred to the program last season from junior college and was expected to challenge for a starting position on the line before he injured his knee in fall camp and missed the entire year. It's unclear right now how much he'll participate in spring practice, but even though he's probably more of a natural fit at tackle, Ohio State often just plays its best five linemen regardless of position. He could be in the mix for this guard spot.
Knox and Burrell each have multiple years in the program, but neither has been able to see the field much. Knox was injured for most of last season, but when Michael Jordan went down in the Fiesta Bowl with an injury, it was Knox who stepped in as his replacement. Pridgeon wasn't healthy enough to play, but perhaps that signaled Knox was ahead of Burrell.
Myers is a highly-touted recruit who enrolled in January. Normally, you'd say a true freshman starting on the offensive line would be a longshot, but Jordan did it last season and Urban Meyer had awfully high praise for Myers back on National Signing Day and said he expects the four-star prospect to compete for playing time.
Author's note: Isaiah Prince had an up-and-down season at right tackle for Ohio State last year, and even though his job likely isn't 100 percent locked down, he'll enter spring ball as the Buckeyes' starting right tackle. Thus, right tackle isn't included on this list as the starter from last season returns.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...iew-five-ohio-state-position-battles-to-watch
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
SPRING PREVIEW: BILLY PRICE SLIDES TO CENTER TO LEAD OHIO STATE'S OFFENSIVE LINE, ONE OF FOUR RETURNING STARTERS UP FRONT
More than any unit, Clemson exposed Ohio State's offensive line in its 31-0 whipping of the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback J.T. Barrett hardly had time to do anything, as Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Carlos Watkins constantly ripped into the backfield.
The Tigers recorded 11 tackles for loss and three sacks of Barrett, who threw two interceptions. When left guard Michael Jordan went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter, Greg Studrawa tapped Demetrius Knox to replace him.
The results weren't great.
Jordan returns in 2017, as does stud left tackle Jamarco Jones, right tackle Isaiah Prince plus soon-to-be four-year starter and team captain Billy Price. The latter replaces 2016 Rimington Trophy recipient Pat Elflein who graduated and is headed to the NFL.
So while the Buckeyes have four players back on their offensive line that started last season, a massive hole must be filled at right guard with Price's shift to center. More depth also gravely needs to be established.
Let's examine the options Studrawa has to fill that open spot and more with Ohio State's offensive line.
THE RETURNERS
Fact: Ohio State lost a first round draft pick (Taylor Decker), a multi-year starter (Jacoby Boren) and a member of the NFL team that just won the Super Bowl, albeit on the practice squad (Chase Farris) from its 2015 offensive line and still led the Big Ten in rushing last fall. By a significant margin, too, 33 yards per game more than Michigan, who finished second.
Fact: The Buckeyes allowed 28 sacks in 2016, just shy of the most in one season during Urban Meyer's tenure. Defenders got to Braxton Miller and Kenny Guiton 29 times in 2012.
“The offensive line must do — we gave up [28] sacks this year,” Meyer said on National Signing Day. “That's not acceptable.”
Pass protection was an issue that never went away in 2016, with it becoming more prevalent against the top defenses Ohio State faced. A nightmare evening for Isaiah Prince at Penn State ended with six sacks for the Nittany Lions, Michigan got to Barrett eight times in the regular season finale and Clemson three in the Playoff. If it weren't for some Houdini-like moves from Barrett in the pocket, the 28 sacks very easily could have been higher.
To his credit, Prince did play better in the Fiesta Bowl than he had at times in the regular season. Clemson's speed and depth overwhelmed the entire offense, though, showing how far the Buckeyes were from being in the same conversation as the truly elite teams in the country.
Still, Ohio State should feel somewhat comfortable with four of the same faces that played up front last season back in the fray. Price is the unquestioned leader and doing what Elflein did a year ago. Jordan showed promise and a penchant for finishing plays hard, plus he has an excellent frame (6-foot-7, 310 pounds with long arms). Jones should work himself into the first round draft pick discussion a year from now. Prince showed improvement and also has great size.
The question now is if the group can take a collective step forward in Year 2 under Studrawa.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-lead-ohio-states-offensive-line-one-of-four
More than any unit, Clemson exposed Ohio State's offensive line in its 31-0 whipping of the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the College Football Playoff. Quarterback J.T. Barrett hardly had time to do anything, as Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Carlos Watkins constantly ripped into the backfield.
The Tigers recorded 11 tackles for loss and three sacks of Barrett, who threw two interceptions. When left guard Michael Jordan went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter, Greg Studrawa tapped Demetrius Knox to replace him.
The results weren't great.
Jordan returns in 2017, as does stud left tackle Jamarco Jones, right tackle Isaiah Prince plus soon-to-be four-year starter and team captain Billy Price. The latter replaces 2016 Rimington Trophy recipient Pat Elflein who graduated and is headed to the NFL.
So while the Buckeyes have four players back on their offensive line that started last season, a massive hole must be filled at right guard with Price's shift to center. More depth also gravely needs to be established.
Let's examine the options Studrawa has to fill that open spot and more with Ohio State's offensive line.
THE RETURNERS
Fact: Ohio State lost a first round draft pick (Taylor Decker), a multi-year starter (Jacoby Boren) and a member of the NFL team that just won the Super Bowl, albeit on the practice squad (Chase Farris) from its 2015 offensive line and still led the Big Ten in rushing last fall. By a significant margin, too, 33 yards per game more than Michigan, who finished second.
Fact: The Buckeyes allowed 28 sacks in 2016, just shy of the most in one season during Urban Meyer's tenure. Defenders got to Braxton Miller and Kenny Guiton 29 times in 2012.
“The offensive line must do — we gave up [28] sacks this year,” Meyer said on National Signing Day. “That's not acceptable.”
Pass protection was an issue that never went away in 2016, with it becoming more prevalent against the top defenses Ohio State faced. A nightmare evening for Isaiah Prince at Penn State ended with six sacks for the Nittany Lions, Michigan got to Barrett eight times in the regular season finale and Clemson three in the Playoff. If it weren't for some Houdini-like moves from Barrett in the pocket, the 28 sacks very easily could have been higher.
To his credit, Prince did play better in the Fiesta Bowl than he had at times in the regular season. Clemson's speed and depth overwhelmed the entire offense, though, showing how far the Buckeyes were from being in the same conversation as the truly elite teams in the country.
Still, Ohio State should feel somewhat comfortable with four of the same faces that played up front last season back in the fray. Price is the unquestioned leader and doing what Elflein did a year ago. Jordan showed promise and a penchant for finishing plays hard, plus he has an excellent frame (6-foot-7, 310 pounds with long arms). Jones should work himself into the first round draft pick discussion a year from now. Prince showed improvement and also has great size.
The question now is if the group can take a collective step forward in Year 2 under Studrawa.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...o-lead-ohio-states-offensive-line-one-of-four
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Ohio State 2017 Spring Positional Preview: H-Backs
Can the Buckeyes regroup at H-back following the loss of Curtis Samuel?
Last season, Curtis Samuel showed everyone the full potential of the H-back in Ohio State's offense. Had the passing game been better, he could have had a shot at becoming the first FBS player to ever have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. Instead, he "only" ended up with 771 yards rushing and 865 yards receiving. Those numbers are going to be hard to top.
Replacing Samuel likely won't be put upon one player's shoulders, nor should it be. Samuel could do so many things, so in order to replicate his services, the Buckeyes will need to use multiple players. Who those players are, however, isn't totally known at this point. We don't even know which running backs and receivers will be lining up in the slot -- and for our purposes here, if you are in the slot, you're an "H-back". We've got some guesses as to the names you will see, however.
The Players
30 Demario McCall (5-9 182) Sophomore
Played in six games last season...rushed for 270 yards on 49 carries (5.5 avg)...caught four passes for 84 yards...scored four touchdowns total...will he make the standard move from running back to H-back in his second season, as Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel did?...
14 K.J. Hill (6-0 200) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in 11 games last season, missing two with a high ankle sprain...valuable member of the passing game...finished with 18 receptions for 262 yards (14.6 avg) and a touchdown...tough matchup in the slot and strong enough to break tackles...isn't an interior ball carrier, but neither was Philly Brown...could he move outside instead like Jalin Marshall did?...
19 Eric Glover-Williams (5-9 178) Junior
Moved over from safety in the winter...incredibly quick athlete who excelled at running the ball in high school...likely too light to do much inside running for OSU, but is trouble in space...
21 Parris Campbell (6-1 208) Redshirt Junior
Has dabbled here and there at H-back, so he's included here just because of the uncertainty...given his high school history as a tailback, there is some merit here...incredibly fast and getting stronger every year, could provide a matchup problem that he has yet to be able to consistently provide outside...
83 Terry McLaurin (6-0 204) Redshirt Junior
Like Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin has had experience at running back in high school...given his various skills and speed, he could emerge as a sleeper at the spot even though he's mostly spent his years out wide...
NA J.K. Dobbins (5-10 208) Freshman
J.K. Dobbins is being included here so that people won't ask why he wasn't included...while he has the skills to help out at this spot, generally they want freshmen running backs to get acclimated at their natural spot before they think about moving him...I don't know that there will be any reason to move him next year, however...
The Depth Chart
30 Demario McCall OR
14 K.J. Hill OR
21 Parris Campbell OR
83 Terry McLaurin
19 Eric-Glover Williams
The Storyline
Remember 'Predator 2' when Danny Glover took over the franchise from Arnold Schwarzenegger? It just wasn't the same. It was barely one step above having Alf take over the Alien franchise. In this analogy, Curtis Samuel is Schwarzenegger and the guys vying to fill his shoes are trying to avoid being Danny Glover. And it's not that Glover was bad in the movie, but it just wasn't the same. Bruce Willis or Denzel Washington or somebody not so sidekickish would have been better. Can Demario McCall and K.J. Hill or whomever else carry this film and leave people believing the franchise is in good hands? Or will the H-back this spring go the way of the Predator franchise and have to wait for a reboot down the line?
Three Questions
1. Who are the candidates?
2. Will this be a two-man operation, or even more than that?
3. How fluid of a situation will this be throughout the spring?
Best Case Scenario
The best-case scenario for the Buckeyes here would be to find a couple of guys right out of the gate so that they can use the entire spring to get up to speed on the intricacies of the position and any changes that Kevin Wilson may bring with him. My initial thought is still Demario McCall and K.J. Hill providing a dual air and ground attack. It's not exactly "thunder and lightning", and I don't know if it would qualify as "lightning and lightning", but as long as they provide some kind atmospheric changes in Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes will take it.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Football/2016/News/Ohio-State-2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-H-Backs
Can the Buckeyes regroup at H-back following the loss of Curtis Samuel?
Last season, Curtis Samuel showed everyone the full potential of the H-back in Ohio State's offense. Had the passing game been better, he could have had a shot at becoming the first FBS player to ever have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. Instead, he "only" ended up with 771 yards rushing and 865 yards receiving. Those numbers are going to be hard to top.
Replacing Samuel likely won't be put upon one player's shoulders, nor should it be. Samuel could do so many things, so in order to replicate his services, the Buckeyes will need to use multiple players. Who those players are, however, isn't totally known at this point. We don't even know which running backs and receivers will be lining up in the slot -- and for our purposes here, if you are in the slot, you're an "H-back". We've got some guesses as to the names you will see, however.
The Players
30 Demario McCall (5-9 182) Sophomore
Played in six games last season...rushed for 270 yards on 49 carries (5.5 avg)...caught four passes for 84 yards...scored four touchdowns total...will he make the standard move from running back to H-back in his second season, as Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel did?...
14 K.J. Hill (6-0 200) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in 11 games last season, missing two with a high ankle sprain...valuable member of the passing game...finished with 18 receptions for 262 yards (14.6 avg) and a touchdown...tough matchup in the slot and strong enough to break tackles...isn't an interior ball carrier, but neither was Philly Brown...could he move outside instead like Jalin Marshall did?...
19 Eric Glover-Williams (5-9 178) Junior
Moved over from safety in the winter...incredibly quick athlete who excelled at running the ball in high school...likely too light to do much inside running for OSU, but is trouble in space...
21 Parris Campbell (6-1 208) Redshirt Junior
Has dabbled here and there at H-back, so he's included here just because of the uncertainty...given his high school history as a tailback, there is some merit here...incredibly fast and getting stronger every year, could provide a matchup problem that he has yet to be able to consistently provide outside...
83 Terry McLaurin (6-0 204) Redshirt Junior
Like Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin has had experience at running back in high school...given his various skills and speed, he could emerge as a sleeper at the spot even though he's mostly spent his years out wide...
NA J.K. Dobbins (5-10 208) Freshman
J.K. Dobbins is being included here so that people won't ask why he wasn't included...while he has the skills to help out at this spot, generally they want freshmen running backs to get acclimated at their natural spot before they think about moving him...I don't know that there will be any reason to move him next year, however...
The Depth Chart
30 Demario McCall OR
14 K.J. Hill OR
21 Parris Campbell OR
83 Terry McLaurin
19 Eric-Glover Williams
The Storyline
Remember 'Predator 2' when Danny Glover took over the franchise from Arnold Schwarzenegger? It just wasn't the same. It was barely one step above having Alf take over the Alien franchise. In this analogy, Curtis Samuel is Schwarzenegger and the guys vying to fill his shoes are trying to avoid being Danny Glover. And it's not that Glover was bad in the movie, but it just wasn't the same. Bruce Willis or Denzel Washington or somebody not so sidekickish would have been better. Can Demario McCall and K.J. Hill or whomever else carry this film and leave people believing the franchise is in good hands? Or will the H-back this spring go the way of the Predator franchise and have to wait for a reboot down the line?
Three Questions
1. Who are the candidates?
2. Will this be a two-man operation, or even more than that?
3. How fluid of a situation will this be throughout the spring?
Best Case Scenario
The best-case scenario for the Buckeyes here would be to find a couple of guys right out of the gate so that they can use the entire spring to get up to speed on the intricacies of the position and any changes that Kevin Wilson may bring with him. My initial thought is still Demario McCall and K.J. Hill providing a dual air and ground attack. It's not exactly "thunder and lightning", and I don't know if it would qualify as "lightning and lightning", but as long as they provide some kind atmospheric changes in Ohio Stadium, the Buckeyes will take it.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Football/2016/News/Ohio-State-2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-H-Backs
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
SPRING PREVIEW: FIVE OHIO STATE PLAYERS THAT MUST BREAK OUT IN 2017
Ohio State doesn't have nearly as much youth in its football program as it did a year ago when 44 freshmen entered fall camp. But Urban Meyer's team isn't that old all things considered, since it only lost six seniors and just one of them — All-American center Pat Elflein — was a full-time starter on either offense or defense.
The Buckeyes also lost six guys to the NFL that had eligibility remaining, four from a defense that ranked among the nation's best. Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore look like surefire first-round draft picks, while Gareon Conley could work his way into the discussion with a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine next week in Indianapolis. Elflein is one of the top linemen in this year's draft class, Curtis Samuel did everything and then some for Ohio State's offense in 2016, Raekwon McMillan put together a terrific three-year run at middle linebacker and Noah Brown is an intriguing prospect at wide receiver.
One thing that all of them have in common, however, is they leave behind noticeable holes on Ohio State's depth chart. Spring practice is the first opportunity the program has at deciding who gets the first crack at filling them.
Every year, a handful of names dominate headlines in Columbus as the breakout stars of spring drills. Let's pick five that need to make waves this time around.
DEMARIO MCCALL — RUNNING BACK
With Curtis Samuel onto the NFL, Ohio State has essentially zero proven game-breakers on its offense. Mike Weber is a known commodity after a terrific season where he became just the third Buckeye freshman ever to rush for 1,000 yards but he hasn't yet shown the breakaway speed and ability that set Samuel apart in his career.
Enter McCall. Not nearly as sturdy as Weber, the sophomore is fleet-footed and shifty in the open field. We saw that multiple times in mop-up duty last year, where McCall took either a swing pass or pitch to the outside, made one cut and beat everybody to the pylon. His best moments came against bad teams like Bowling Green, Maryland and Rutgers but it was apparent that McCall has the potential to be electric for Ohio State's offense. That is provided he gets his body built the way it needs to be to become more of a contributor. To make himself more effective, McCall should work on his route running and catching ability. Doing so would make him even more of a prime candidate to step in for Samuel.
The void in speed and playmakers with Samuel gone is evident. Weber will take another step this season but Ohio State's offense needs more of a "wow" factor to show up on Saturday afternoons. McCall is a young player eager to become more of a central piece. J.T. Barrett is at his best when he gets the ball to guys that make plays. McCall needs to become one of them.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...hio-state-players-that-must-break-out-in-2017
Ohio State doesn't have nearly as much youth in its football program as it did a year ago when 44 freshmen entered fall camp. But Urban Meyer's team isn't that old all things considered, since it only lost six seniors and just one of them — All-American center Pat Elflein — was a full-time starter on either offense or defense.
The Buckeyes also lost six guys to the NFL that had eligibility remaining, four from a defense that ranked among the nation's best. Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore look like surefire first-round draft picks, while Gareon Conley could work his way into the discussion with a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine next week in Indianapolis. Elflein is one of the top linemen in this year's draft class, Curtis Samuel did everything and then some for Ohio State's offense in 2016, Raekwon McMillan put together a terrific three-year run at middle linebacker and Noah Brown is an intriguing prospect at wide receiver.
One thing that all of them have in common, however, is they leave behind noticeable holes on Ohio State's depth chart. Spring practice is the first opportunity the program has at deciding who gets the first crack at filling them.
Every year, a handful of names dominate headlines in Columbus as the breakout stars of spring drills. Let's pick five that need to make waves this time around.
DEMARIO MCCALL — RUNNING BACK
With Curtis Samuel onto the NFL, Ohio State has essentially zero proven game-breakers on its offense. Mike Weber is a known commodity after a terrific season where he became just the third Buckeye freshman ever to rush for 1,000 yards but he hasn't yet shown the breakaway speed and ability that set Samuel apart in his career.
Enter McCall. Not nearly as sturdy as Weber, the sophomore is fleet-footed and shifty in the open field. We saw that multiple times in mop-up duty last year, where McCall took either a swing pass or pitch to the outside, made one cut and beat everybody to the pylon. His best moments came against bad teams like Bowling Green, Maryland and Rutgers but it was apparent that McCall has the potential to be electric for Ohio State's offense. That is provided he gets his body built the way it needs to be to become more of a contributor. To make himself more effective, McCall should work on his route running and catching ability. Doing so would make him even more of a prime candidate to step in for Samuel.
The void in speed and playmakers with Samuel gone is evident. Weber will take another step this season but Ohio State's offense needs more of a "wow" factor to show up on Saturday afternoons. McCall is a young player eager to become more of a central piece. J.T. Barrett is at his best when he gets the ball to guys that make plays. McCall needs to become one of them.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...hio-state-players-that-must-break-out-in-2017
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Ohio State 2017 Spring Positional Preview: Tight Ends
Marcus Baugh leads a deep and talented group of tight ends this spring
Ohio State returns all five scholarship tight ends from last year's team, though only two of them -- Marcus Baugh and A.J. Alexander -- have playing experience. Luke Farrell, Jake Hausmann, and Kierre Hawkins all redshirted as true freshmen a year ago, so this spring will be the first for each of them.
Even though the majority of this group has yet to play a single game, they were all highly-recruited players with offers from schools all over the nation. This is a very talented group that will use the spring to continue getting to know their new position coach Kevin Wilson. Wilson, obviously, will be using the time to get to know them as well.
The Players
85 Marcus Baugh (6-5 258) Redshirt Senior
Played and started in all 13 games last season...caught 24 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns...has improved consistently as a blocker...All-B1G candidate in 2017...
88 A.J. Alexander (6-2 254) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in every game in 2017, starting once...caught four passes for 27 yards, including three against Nebraska...
81 Jake Hausmann (6-4 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 4 tight end in the 2016 class per the 247Sports Composite...nearly played last season...excelled on scout team...
89 Luke Farrell (6-6 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 7 tight end in the 2016 class per the 247Sports Composite...had good things said about him for his scout team play during bowl practice...
24 Kierre Hawkins (6-3 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 11 tight end in the nation in 2016 per the 247Sports Composite...athletic receiver who could excel in the slot...
The Depth Chart
85 Marcus Baugh
88 A.J. Alexander OR
81 Jake Hausmann OR
89 Luke Farrell OR
24 Kierre Hawkins
The Storyline
A coming-of-age story about five college students who set off in search of a legend that is more myth than fact -- volume receptions for a Buckeye tight end. Stories have been around for generations, but proof is fleeting, and mostly based on old cave paintings at nearby caverns. Determined to turn hearsay into history, the five men go through a series of grueling ordeals before finally realizing that the treasure they seek will actually find them if they are worthy.
Three Questions
1. How good can Marcus Baugh become?
2. How much will the redshirt freshmen push the incumbents?
3. What can Kevin Wilson's addition to this offense do for this group?
Best Case Scenario
Marcus Baugh has looked good in past springs, and the best case here would be for that to continue. He will need help, however, and the Buckeyes need at least two of the redshirt freshmen to push A.J. Alexander in order to make this a more diverse and complete unit than it was a season ago. If Jake Hausmann and Luke Farrell can pick up where they left off in bowl practce, then that will make this unit deeper than it has been in a pretty long time. Kevin Wilson's input making this a more productive and dynamic group would also be a pretty good thing.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...ate-2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-Tight-Ends
Marcus Baugh leads a deep and talented group of tight ends this spring
Ohio State returns all five scholarship tight ends from last year's team, though only two of them -- Marcus Baugh and A.J. Alexander -- have playing experience. Luke Farrell, Jake Hausmann, and Kierre Hawkins all redshirted as true freshmen a year ago, so this spring will be the first for each of them.
Even though the majority of this group has yet to play a single game, they were all highly-recruited players with offers from schools all over the nation. This is a very talented group that will use the spring to continue getting to know their new position coach Kevin Wilson. Wilson, obviously, will be using the time to get to know them as well.
The Players
85 Marcus Baugh (6-5 258) Redshirt Senior
Played and started in all 13 games last season...caught 24 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns...has improved consistently as a blocker...All-B1G candidate in 2017...
88 A.J. Alexander (6-2 254) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in every game in 2017, starting once...caught four passes for 27 yards, including three against Nebraska...
81 Jake Hausmann (6-4 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 4 tight end in the 2016 class per the 247Sports Composite...nearly played last season...excelled on scout team...
89 Luke Farrell (6-6 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 7 tight end in the 2016 class per the 247Sports Composite...had good things said about him for his scout team play during bowl practice...
24 Kierre Hawkins (6-3 245) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...ranked the No. 11 tight end in the nation in 2016 per the 247Sports Composite...athletic receiver who could excel in the slot...
The Depth Chart
85 Marcus Baugh
88 A.J. Alexander OR
81 Jake Hausmann OR
89 Luke Farrell OR
24 Kierre Hawkins
The Storyline
A coming-of-age story about five college students who set off in search of a legend that is more myth than fact -- volume receptions for a Buckeye tight end. Stories have been around for generations, but proof is fleeting, and mostly based on old cave paintings at nearby caverns. Determined to turn hearsay into history, the five men go through a series of grueling ordeals before finally realizing that the treasure they seek will actually find them if they are worthy.
Three Questions
1. How good can Marcus Baugh become?
2. How much will the redshirt freshmen push the incumbents?
3. What can Kevin Wilson's addition to this offense do for this group?
Best Case Scenario
Marcus Baugh has looked good in past springs, and the best case here would be for that to continue. He will need help, however, and the Buckeyes need at least two of the redshirt freshmen to push A.J. Alexander in order to make this a more diverse and complete unit than it was a season ago. If Jake Hausmann and Luke Farrell can pick up where they left off in bowl practce, then that will make this unit deeper than it has been in a pretty long time. Kevin Wilson's input making this a more productive and dynamic group would also be a pretty good thing.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...ate-2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-Tight-Ends
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ScriptOhio
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Ohio State 2017 Spring Positional Preview: Offensive Line
The Buckeyes will need somebody other than Pat Elflein to lead them onto the field this season
Any time you head into a spring only having to replace one starting offensive linemen, you get to breathe a few sighs of relief. But when that one offensive lineman you are replacing is the Rimington Award winner, a few of those sighs can turn in to gasps here and there.
With playmakers littered throughout the Ohio State offense and a new offensive coordinator in charge of making the most of them, the OSU offensive line may be overlooked by some. If there are some of the same struggles this spring that we saw last season, however, there will be no looking past it.
The Players
54 Billy Price (6-4 315) Redshirt Senior
Has 41 starts in 41 career games played...moving from right guard to center to replace Pat Elflein...All-B1G...First-Team All-American...
59 Isaiah Prince (6-7 310) Junior
Started all 13 games last season after playing in nine games as a true freshman...up and down year, struggled with pass blocking at times...
61 Gavin Cupp (6-5 300) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...could project to tackle or guard...
64 Jack Wohlabaugh (6-3 290) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...future center...
66 Malcolm Pridgeon (6-7 315) Redshirt Junior
Redshirted last season following an injury...will challenge for a starting spot somewhere on the right side of the offensive line...
69 Matthew Burrell (6-4 305) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in 11 games last season...will challenge for open right guard spot...
72 Tyler Gerald (6-5 310) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...projects to guard...could compete for open spot...
73 Michael Jordan (6-7 310) Sophomore
Started all 13 games at left guard last season as a true freshman...expected to start at LG again this season...
74 Jamarco Jones (6-5 310) Senior
Started every game last season...Second-Team All-B1G last year...
76 Branden Bowen (6-7 315) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in every game last season on special teams and was also the team's No. 3 offensive tackle...if he's one of the five best offensive linemen this spring, they'll find a spot for him...
77 Kevin Feder (6-9 305) Redshirt Sophomore
Has battled injuries over his first two seasons...
78 Demetrius Knox (6-4 308) Redshirt Junior
Played in just four games last season due to injury...expected to challenge for the right guard spot...
79 Brady Taylor (6-5 300) Redshirt Junior
Has been the sem-backup center (behind Billy Price) for a while now...played in 11 games last season...will likely compete with Jack Wohlabaugh to be the No. 2 behind Billy Price...
NA Josh Myers (6-6 306) Freshman
Myers is an early enrollee and could compete for an open guard spot much like Michael Jordan did a year ago at this time...he is already doing solid work in the weight room...
The Depth Chart
Note: This is a projection of the depth chart for the first practice. There will be plenty of moving around and some players projected outside will move inside, and vice versa.
Left Tackle
74 Jamarco Jones
76 Branden Bowen
77 Kevin Feder
Left Guard
73 Michael Jordan
NA Josh Myers
Center
54 Billy Price
79 Brady Taylor OR
64 Jack Wohlabaugh
Right Guard
69 Matthew Burrell OR
72 Tyler Gerald OR
78 Demetrius Knox OR
61 Gavin Cupp
Right Tackle
59 Isaiah Prince
66 Malcolm Pridgeon
The Storyline
After a chaotic event, one gang of Slobs must come together if they are going to survive the madness that is about to take place. Wanted by other gangs for a crime they didn't commit, the Slobs have to find a way home (i.e. the end zone), and they must do this while also replacing their dear, departed leader. His trusted right-hand man now takes command, but does he have the confidence and respect to pull it off? Can he show this band what it truly means to be a Slob? And can he do this while being attacked from all sides by other gangs, including one that for some reason dresses up like baseball players? Will the Slobs come out to play-ay?
Three Questions
1. Can Isaiah Prince hold off Malcolm Pridgeon?
2. What can be expected of the redshirt freshmen?
3. Can Billy Price pick up where Pat Elflein left off?
Best Case Scenario
While Urban Meyer likes to have a depth chart by the end of the spring, perhaps the best-case scenario here would be offensive line coach Greg Studrawa having too many viable options at right guard to choose one already in spring. The same could be said for Isaiah Prince and Malcolm Pridgeon at right tackle. Then, as long as Jamarco Jones, Billy Price, and Michael Jordan are fine, this would seem like a nearly ideal situation.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-Offensive-Line
The Buckeyes will need somebody other than Pat Elflein to lead them onto the field this season
Any time you head into a spring only having to replace one starting offensive linemen, you get to breathe a few sighs of relief. But when that one offensive lineman you are replacing is the Rimington Award winner, a few of those sighs can turn in to gasps here and there.
With playmakers littered throughout the Ohio State offense and a new offensive coordinator in charge of making the most of them, the OSU offensive line may be overlooked by some. If there are some of the same struggles this spring that we saw last season, however, there will be no looking past it.
The Players
54 Billy Price (6-4 315) Redshirt Senior
Has 41 starts in 41 career games played...moving from right guard to center to replace Pat Elflein...All-B1G...First-Team All-American...
59 Isaiah Prince (6-7 310) Junior
Started all 13 games last season after playing in nine games as a true freshman...up and down year, struggled with pass blocking at times...
61 Gavin Cupp (6-5 300) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...could project to tackle or guard...
64 Jack Wohlabaugh (6-3 290) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...future center...
66 Malcolm Pridgeon (6-7 315) Redshirt Junior
Redshirted last season following an injury...will challenge for a starting spot somewhere on the right side of the offensive line...
69 Matthew Burrell (6-4 305) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in 11 games last season...will challenge for open right guard spot...
72 Tyler Gerald (6-5 310) Redshirt Freshman
Redshirted last season...projects to guard...could compete for open spot...
73 Michael Jordan (6-7 310) Sophomore
Started all 13 games at left guard last season as a true freshman...expected to start at LG again this season...
74 Jamarco Jones (6-5 310) Senior
Started every game last season...Second-Team All-B1G last year...
76 Branden Bowen (6-7 315) Redshirt Sophomore
Played in every game last season on special teams and was also the team's No. 3 offensive tackle...if he's one of the five best offensive linemen this spring, they'll find a spot for him...
77 Kevin Feder (6-9 305) Redshirt Sophomore
Has battled injuries over his first two seasons...
78 Demetrius Knox (6-4 308) Redshirt Junior
Played in just four games last season due to injury...expected to challenge for the right guard spot...
79 Brady Taylor (6-5 300) Redshirt Junior
Has been the sem-backup center (behind Billy Price) for a while now...played in 11 games last season...will likely compete with Jack Wohlabaugh to be the No. 2 behind Billy Price...
NA Josh Myers (6-6 306) Freshman
Myers is an early enrollee and could compete for an open guard spot much like Michael Jordan did a year ago at this time...he is already doing solid work in the weight room...
The Depth Chart
Note: This is a projection of the depth chart for the first practice. There will be plenty of moving around and some players projected outside will move inside, and vice versa.
Left Tackle
74 Jamarco Jones
76 Branden Bowen
77 Kevin Feder
Left Guard
73 Michael Jordan
NA Josh Myers
Center
54 Billy Price
79 Brady Taylor OR
64 Jack Wohlabaugh
Right Guard
69 Matthew Burrell OR
72 Tyler Gerald OR
78 Demetrius Knox OR
61 Gavin Cupp
Right Tackle
59 Isaiah Prince
66 Malcolm Pridgeon
The Storyline
After a chaotic event, one gang of Slobs must come together if they are going to survive the madness that is about to take place. Wanted by other gangs for a crime they didn't commit, the Slobs have to find a way home (i.e. the end zone), and they must do this while also replacing their dear, departed leader. His trusted right-hand man now takes command, but does he have the confidence and respect to pull it off? Can he show this band what it truly means to be a Slob? And can he do this while being attacked from all sides by other gangs, including one that for some reason dresses up like baseball players? Will the Slobs come out to play-ay?
Three Questions
1. Can Isaiah Prince hold off Malcolm Pridgeon?
2. What can be expected of the redshirt freshmen?
3. Can Billy Price pick up where Pat Elflein left off?
Best Case Scenario
While Urban Meyer likes to have a depth chart by the end of the spring, perhaps the best-case scenario here would be offensive line coach Greg Studrawa having too many viable options at right guard to choose one already in spring. The same could be said for Isaiah Prince and Malcolm Pridgeon at right tackle. Then, as long as Jamarco Jones, Billy Price, and Michael Jordan are fine, this would seem like a nearly ideal situation.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...2017-Spring-Positional-Preview-Offensive-Line
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
CLEAN SLATE: RYAN DAY, J.T. BARRETT PROVING WORTH TO ONE ANOTHER EARLY IN OHIO STATE SPRING PRACTICE
The first thing out of J.T. Barrett's mouth when asked about new quarterbacks coach Ryan Day is a line or two about the latter's NFL experience. Barrett dreams of playing professional football like any other player that walks through the doors at Ohio State's Woody Hayes Athletic Center. As such, getting tutored by a man that has worked with Sam Bradford, Colin Kaepernick and others responsible for performing at the most important position in sports can't hurt.
“He had two years with Philadelphia and been with the 49ers. So he knows that level and he knows what it takes in order for you to play at that level,” Barrett said on March 9. “I think that being that I want to play in the NFL, he's helping me and giving me the tools where he's been able to do so.”
Barrett is on this third quarterbacks coach in five seasons at Ohio State. Day has something his predecessors do not: experience as an employee of the best football league in the world. Tom Herman is now the head coach at the University of Texas and Tim Beck is his quarterbacks coach. Day worked with Chip Kelly first in Philadelphia with the Eagles and then last season in San Francisco.
Barrett is under pressure from fans and Urban Meyer to work with Day and new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to get the Ohio State passing attack back to the same level it operated during the 2014 season. Herman called the offensive shots then and the Buckeyes won the inaugural College Football Playoff. But a tangible regression the past two seasons forced Meyer's hand and resulted in the exits of Beck and coordinator Ed Warinner.
“I want to see more accuracy,” Meyer said recently.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...rth-to-one-another-early-in-ohio-state-spring
The first thing out of J.T. Barrett's mouth when asked about new quarterbacks coach Ryan Day is a line or two about the latter's NFL experience. Barrett dreams of playing professional football like any other player that walks through the doors at Ohio State's Woody Hayes Athletic Center. As such, getting tutored by a man that has worked with Sam Bradford, Colin Kaepernick and others responsible for performing at the most important position in sports can't hurt.
“He had two years with Philadelphia and been with the 49ers. So he knows that level and he knows what it takes in order for you to play at that level,” Barrett said on March 9. “I think that being that I want to play in the NFL, he's helping me and giving me the tools where he's been able to do so.”
Barrett is on this third quarterbacks coach in five seasons at Ohio State. Day has something his predecessors do not: experience as an employee of the best football league in the world. Tom Herman is now the head coach at the University of Texas and Tim Beck is his quarterbacks coach. Day worked with Chip Kelly first in Philadelphia with the Eagles and then last season in San Francisco.
Barrett is under pressure from fans and Urban Meyer to work with Day and new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson to get the Ohio State passing attack back to the same level it operated during the 2014 season. Herman called the offensive shots then and the Buckeyes won the inaugural College Football Playoff. But a tangible regression the past two seasons forced Meyer's hand and resulted in the exits of Beck and coordinator Ed Warinner.
“I want to see more accuracy,” Meyer said recently.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...rth-to-one-another-early-in-ohio-state-spring
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
PARRIS CAMPBELL CONTINUES TO WORK IN THE SLOT, MORE TONY ALFORD BANTER, FOCUS ON THE DEEP BALL AND MORE FROM OHIO STATE'S OFFENSE
“Get your depth, Johnnie. Make sure you get your depth!”
Urban Meyer shouted that at redshirt junior wide receiver Johnnie Dixon on Tuesday morning at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Dixon beat Shaun Wade on a comeback route and reeled in a pass from J.T. Barrett, but would not have gotten many yards if it were live tackle.
That play came from the "mini-field" portion of practice, the most interesting part of the roughly one hour the program allowed the media to watch.
Below are more observations from the Ohio State offense from the team's third practice — and first back from spring break — this spring.
NOTES:
“Get your depth, Johnnie. Make sure you get your depth!”
Urban Meyer shouted that at redshirt junior wide receiver Johnnie Dixon on Tuesday morning at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Dixon beat Shaun Wade on a comeback route and reeled in a pass from J.T. Barrett, but would not have gotten many yards if it were live tackle.
That play came from the "mini-field" portion of practice, the most interesting part of the roughly one hour the program allowed the media to watch.
Below are more observations from the Ohio State offense from the team's third practice — and first back from spring break — this spring.
NOTES:
- The team practiced in full pads for the first time this spring on Tuesday.
- Tight end Marcus Baugh returned to the field and ran laps around it during practice. He was not seen on March 7 and a team spokesman said it was due to an offseason shoulder procedure. Baugh had a brace on his shoulder while he ran.
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Lots of positive praise from UFM on the WR positions, which is very encouraging to hear. Says Campbell is coming up big and is our #1 WR right now, says McLaurin has improved, and Victor is as talented as any WR he has ever had. Also good things to say about Hill. Considering how candid UFM has been in the past (calling our WR group a "clown show"), I will take this as a big plus.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
MIKE WEBER: OHIO STATE'S PLAY-CALLING ‘A LITTLE PREDICTABLE’ DURING UP-AND-DOWN 2016 SEASON
Mike Weber used a fairly telling word Thursday when he was asked about Ohio State’s offense from the 2016 season.
“Last year, I kind of felt we was a little predictable when it came to our play-calling,” the Buckeyes starting running back said after practice.
Ohio State fans would likely agree with that assessment.
The Buckeyes led the Big Ten in total offense (459.2 yards per game) and were second in scoring offense (39.4 points per game), but against top competition — mainly Penn State, Michigan and Clemson — seemed to sputter. The result was a significant offensive staff changeup at season's end that saw Ed Warinner and Tim Beck move on elsewhere and Urban Meyer hired Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day as replacements.
Wilson, of course, was the former head coach at Indiana known for his high-octane offenses. The Hoosiers racked up a ton of yards and scored plenty of points throughout Wilson’s six-year tenure and they turned into a team Meyer admitted recently he never wanted to play.
Ohio State is seven practices into spring ball following Tuesday’s workout and Weber said he’s already seeing results similar to what was discussed prior to spring.
“Yeah, I have actually,” he said. “This year, it’s more creative. It’s different. It’s what defenses haven’t seen from us and that’s what I’m excited about.”
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...le-predictable-during-up-and-down-2016-season
Mike Weber used a fairly telling word Thursday when he was asked about Ohio State’s offense from the 2016 season.
“Last year, I kind of felt we was a little predictable when it came to our play-calling,” the Buckeyes starting running back said after practice.
Ohio State fans would likely agree with that assessment.
The Buckeyes led the Big Ten in total offense (459.2 yards per game) and were second in scoring offense (39.4 points per game), but against top competition — mainly Penn State, Michigan and Clemson — seemed to sputter. The result was a significant offensive staff changeup at season's end that saw Ed Warinner and Tim Beck move on elsewhere and Urban Meyer hired Kevin Wilson and Ryan Day as replacements.
Wilson, of course, was the former head coach at Indiana known for his high-octane offenses. The Hoosiers racked up a ton of yards and scored plenty of points throughout Wilson’s six-year tenure and they turned into a team Meyer admitted recently he never wanted to play.
Ohio State is seven practices into spring ball following Tuesday’s workout and Weber said he’s already seeing results similar to what was discussed prior to spring.
“Yeah, I have actually,” he said. “This year, it’s more creative. It’s different. It’s what defenses haven’t seen from us and that’s what I’m excited about.”
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...le-predictable-during-up-and-down-2016-season
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