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- Thread starter bukIpower
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LovelandBuckeye
You never lose to those pricks. Ever. Ever. - UFM
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
2019 SPRING PREVIEW: LUKE FARRELL, RASHOD BERRY, JEREMY RUCKERT PROVIDE INTRIGUING OPTIONS AT TIGHT END FOR OHIO STATE
With spring football set to begin at Ohio State on March 4, Eleven Warriors is taking a position-by-position look at how the Buckeyes' roster is shaping up entering the year's first practice.
Without losing a single tight end to graduation or an early exit to the NFL, Ohio State enters the spring with a strong mix of experience and upside at a typically overlooked position.
Between Luke Farrell, Rashod Berry and Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State has a trio of intriguing options at tight end entering the spring. Both Farrell and Berry have been around the program for at least four years, and Ruckert is entering his second season as a Buckeye after not factoring much into the offense last season. Plus, it's a make-or-break year for Jake Hausmann, who is entering his fourth season in college.
Tight end at Ohio State has always been a bit of a nebulous position with no one knowing quite how much to expect from the unit in the passing game. A similar sentiment remains as the program enters the Ryan Day era, and the newest head coach makes his adjustments to the offense. There's uncertainty surrounding how he intends to use the position group.
But with whatever alterations Day makes, he'll be able to get creative with how he uses the tight-end position. Farrell, Berry and Ruckert each offer the coaching staff different, fascinating ways to attack defenses.
WHAT WE KNOW
Though it seemed like Berry would get the majority of the tight-end snaps as Ohio State entered the 2018 season, Farrell took over midway through the season and had the majority of the playing time as the year progressed.
With Farrell returning from his 20-catch, 205-yard, 1-touchdown season, he'll be expected to earn his first full season of reps as a starter. He went under the radar last season, for he doesn't have the explosiveness of some of Ohio State's top wideouts, but he was steady both as a receiver and as a blocker.
Farrell will have a high floor in Day's offense. He's a solid pass-catcher and a solid blocker. As the 2018 season progressed, he earned praise from Urban Meyer for his play, and that should propel him into 2019 viewed as a starter without much downside.
Alongside Farrell, Berry played 403 snaps but had just nine catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn't risen to become much of a threat as a receiver, but there's no doubting his athletic potential. Berry is one of the most athletically gifted players on the team and is a former defensive end, so he's able to use his physicality as a blocker.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...ntriguing-options-at-tight-end-for-ohio-state
With spring football set to begin at Ohio State on March 4, Eleven Warriors is taking a position-by-position look at how the Buckeyes' roster is shaping up entering the year's first practice.
Without losing a single tight end to graduation or an early exit to the NFL, Ohio State enters the spring with a strong mix of experience and upside at a typically overlooked position.
Between Luke Farrell, Rashod Berry and Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State has a trio of intriguing options at tight end entering the spring. Both Farrell and Berry have been around the program for at least four years, and Ruckert is entering his second season as a Buckeye after not factoring much into the offense last season. Plus, it's a make-or-break year for Jake Hausmann, who is entering his fourth season in college.
Tight end at Ohio State has always been a bit of a nebulous position with no one knowing quite how much to expect from the unit in the passing game. A similar sentiment remains as the program enters the Ryan Day era, and the newest head coach makes his adjustments to the offense. There's uncertainty surrounding how he intends to use the position group.
But with whatever alterations Day makes, he'll be able to get creative with how he uses the tight-end position. Farrell, Berry and Ruckert each offer the coaching staff different, fascinating ways to attack defenses.
WHAT WE KNOW
Though it seemed like Berry would get the majority of the tight-end snaps as Ohio State entered the 2018 season, Farrell took over midway through the season and had the majority of the playing time as the year progressed.
With Farrell returning from his 20-catch, 205-yard, 1-touchdown season, he'll be expected to earn his first full season of reps as a starter. He went under the radar last season, for he doesn't have the explosiveness of some of Ohio State's top wideouts, but he was steady both as a receiver and as a blocker.
Farrell will have a high floor in Day's offense. He's a solid pass-catcher and a solid blocker. As the 2018 season progressed, he earned praise from Urban Meyer for his play, and that should propel him into 2019 viewed as a starter without much downside.
Alongside Farrell, Berry played 403 snaps but had just nine catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn't risen to become much of a threat as a receiver, but there's no doubting his athletic potential. Berry is one of the most athletically gifted players on the team and is a former defensive end, so he's able to use his physicality as a blocker.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...ntriguing-options-at-tight-end-for-ohio-state
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
How Will Ohio State Replace… Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon
Last season, Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon combined to procure 77 receptions for 1,370 yards and 19 touchdowns.
For the first eight games, they were splitting reps at the Z receiver spot. Once Austin Mack was lost due to injury at the X, McLaurin moved over and shared reps with Binjimen Victor.
As the No. 1 Z receiver down the stretch, Dixon produced two of his three career 100-yard receiving games, and as the No. 1 X, McLaurin put up one of his two career 100-yard games.
Last year was the second year as co-starters for the pair, and when you tally up their production over the past two seasons it comes to 124 receptions for 2,228 yards and 33 touchdowns.
But their contributions go beyond simply statistics. There is blocking, precise route running for proper spacing, more blocking, and leadership.
All of the above will need to be replaced and none of it can be overlooked.
The Candidates
This isn’t about just replacing Dixon or McLaurin. It’s about replacing both of them. Each year since 2014, Ohio State has had a full rotation of six starting receivers, and that will continue under Ryan Day and Brian Hartline.
Fortunately, the Buckeyes got a pretty good look last year at one of the candidates to start this season. If there was a silver lining to the Austin Mack injury, it’s that it allowed Chris Olave to see the field. There had been talk that he was going to start playing more before the injury, but once Mack went down, Olave was in the rotation with Dixon.
Now as a sophomore who had some big moments last season down the stretch, he may no longer be viewed as an inexperienced player. As such, he is carrying some sizable expectations this year.
Redshirt freshman Kamryn Babb missed last season following an ACL tear in June. He was Ohio State’s top outside receiver signee a year ago and the No. 77 player in the nation.
Speaking of top receiver signees, freshman Garrett Wilson is the highest-ranked receiver signee for OSU in decades. He is a playmaker in every sense of the word and nobody would be surprised to see him break into the rotation as a true freshman.
Another possibility is redshirt sophomore Ellijah Gardiner, who could possibly end up at Z if there is a need.
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2019/02/ohio-state-replace-terry-mclaurin-johnnie-dixon/
Last season, Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon combined to procure 77 receptions for 1,370 yards and 19 touchdowns.
For the first eight games, they were splitting reps at the Z receiver spot. Once Austin Mack was lost due to injury at the X, McLaurin moved over and shared reps with Binjimen Victor.
As the No. 1 Z receiver down the stretch, Dixon produced two of his three career 100-yard receiving games, and as the No. 1 X, McLaurin put up one of his two career 100-yard games.
Last year was the second year as co-starters for the pair, and when you tally up their production over the past two seasons it comes to 124 receptions for 2,228 yards and 33 touchdowns.
But their contributions go beyond simply statistics. There is blocking, precise route running for proper spacing, more blocking, and leadership.
All of the above will need to be replaced and none of it can be overlooked.
The Candidates
This isn’t about just replacing Dixon or McLaurin. It’s about replacing both of them. Each year since 2014, Ohio State has had a full rotation of six starting receivers, and that will continue under Ryan Day and Brian Hartline.
Fortunately, the Buckeyes got a pretty good look last year at one of the candidates to start this season. If there was a silver lining to the Austin Mack injury, it’s that it allowed Chris Olave to see the field. There had been talk that he was going to start playing more before the injury, but once Mack went down, Olave was in the rotation with Dixon.
Now as a sophomore who had some big moments last season down the stretch, he may no longer be viewed as an inexperienced player. As such, he is carrying some sizable expectations this year.
Redshirt freshman Kamryn Babb missed last season following an ACL tear in June. He was Ohio State’s top outside receiver signee a year ago and the No. 77 player in the nation.
Speaking of top receiver signees, freshman Garrett Wilson is the highest-ranked receiver signee for OSU in decades. He is a playmaker in every sense of the word and nobody would be surprised to see him break into the rotation as a true freshman.
Another possibility is redshirt sophomore Ellijah Gardiner, who could possibly end up at Z if there is a need.
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2019/02/ohio-state-replace-terry-mclaurin-johnnie-dixon/
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bukIpower
Head Coach
I would love to see Ruckert on the slot a little if I'm being honest.... reason? He would maul a nickle DB in run blocking and is a nightmare for LBs.
We really need to involve Ruckert next season and I think we will.
This offense is so freaking scary and so versatile.
1. Fields is dual threat
2. Dobbins
3. McCall is lethal catching passes out of the backfield
4. We are big out wide
5. We are fast out wide
6. We are ridiculous at TE
IMO this is the most versitale team we've had since 06' in my opinion. Yes everyone thinks the OL is a concern but I'm not as concerned. Davis, Munford, Bowen, and Alabi have experience. Meyer and PF are highly rated kids
We really need to involve Ruckert next season and I think we will.
This offense is so freaking scary and so versatile.
1. Fields is dual threat
2. Dobbins
3. McCall is lethal catching passes out of the backfield
4. We are big out wide
5. We are fast out wide
6. We are ridiculous at TE
IMO this is the most versitale team we've had since 06' in my opinion. Yes everyone thinks the OL is a concern but I'm not as concerned. Davis, Munford, Bowen, and Alabi have experience. Meyer and PF are highly rated kids
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scarletngray
Gold Pants
How and how much they are going to use McCall and Gill is intriguing to me. The return game, the running game and the receiving game are all options on the table. These two are too talented to keep off the field.
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ShowMeBuck
You know what? Chicken butt.
I wonder if Alabi could play inside at LG?
I was just daydreaming about NPF emerging and taking the RT spot so it would be
Munford, Alabi, Josh, Wavy, NPF
If some guys stepped up and this group could gel I’d love to see that.
And I only leave Bowen off because he had a few surgeries and I haven’t seen him move yet.
I was just daydreaming about NPF emerging and taking the RT spot so it would be
Munford, Alabi, Josh, Wavy, NPF
If some guys stepped up and this group could gel I’d love to see that.
And I only leave Bowen off because he had a few surgeries and I haven’t seen him move yet.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
2019 SPRING PREVIEW: WITH JUST ONE RETURNING STARTER, MANY QUESTIONS SURROUND OHIO STATE'S OFFENSIVE LINE
There might not be a positional outlook as foggy as the offensive line heading into spring practice.
Ohio State returns just one starter from last season's first-team offensive line, and it's the one who had the least experience heading into the 2018 season. Outside of Thayer Munford – the lone returning starter – the Buckeyes have a number of players with meaningful in-game experience, but no obvious way the depth chart will shake out.
In addition to the cloudy nature of the first-team offensive line, depth is a concern at the backup positions as well. With few proven players behind the starters, the Buckeyes will need some unproven players to step up when given the chance in spring practice.
There are certainly concerns, and Ryan Day still may be in the midst of solving those problems by addition with his pursuit of a graduate transfer offensive lineman. So far, there seems to be mutual interest between Ohio State and Rutgers graduate transfer Jonah Jackson as well as Virginia graduate transfer R.J. Proctor.
But however it all shakes out, Ohio State is going to have a new-look offensive line next season and will desperately need some young players to emerge behind the starters.
WHAT WE KNOW
Thayer Munford is the unit's lone starter, starting 13 of 14 games last season as a first-year starter, missing only the Rose Bowl due to injury.
Munford was quietly one of the most consistent and reliable members of the offensive line, holding down the ever-important left tackle position. He'll likely be the anchor of the unit this season as the coaching staff looks to fill out the other four spots.
Aside from Munford, the Buckeyes do have a few players with quality first-team experience.
Branden Bowen earned a starting spot at guard ahead of the 2017 season and started six games before a broken leg cost him the remainder of the 2017 and most of the 2018 season. Though he started at guard previously, he has the skillset and frame to play tackle, and that may be his preferred position.
Wyatt Davis was never supposed to start a game last season, but he was ready when his time came. When starter Demetrius Knox went down with foot injury in the final two minutes of Ohio State's blowout win over Michigan, Davis was the next man up and started both the Big Ten Championship Game and the Rose Bowl Game at guard, doing a fine job in both games.
Joshua Alabi was also thrust in to the starting lineup late in the season, filling in for an injured Munford in the Rose Bowl, and performing well. Alabi, a converted defensive end, saw action previously as a reserve tackle but figures to be in the thick of starting tackle race.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...questions-surround-ohio-states-offensive-line
There might not be a positional outlook as foggy as the offensive line heading into spring practice.
Ohio State returns just one starter from last season's first-team offensive line, and it's the one who had the least experience heading into the 2018 season. Outside of Thayer Munford – the lone returning starter – the Buckeyes have a number of players with meaningful in-game experience, but no obvious way the depth chart will shake out.
In addition to the cloudy nature of the first-team offensive line, depth is a concern at the backup positions as well. With few proven players behind the starters, the Buckeyes will need some unproven players to step up when given the chance in spring practice.
There are certainly concerns, and Ryan Day still may be in the midst of solving those problems by addition with his pursuit of a graduate transfer offensive lineman. So far, there seems to be mutual interest between Ohio State and Rutgers graduate transfer Jonah Jackson as well as Virginia graduate transfer R.J. Proctor.
But however it all shakes out, Ohio State is going to have a new-look offensive line next season and will desperately need some young players to emerge behind the starters.
WHAT WE KNOW
Thayer Munford is the unit's lone starter, starting 13 of 14 games last season as a first-year starter, missing only the Rose Bowl due to injury.
Munford was quietly one of the most consistent and reliable members of the offensive line, holding down the ever-important left tackle position. He'll likely be the anchor of the unit this season as the coaching staff looks to fill out the other four spots.
Aside from Munford, the Buckeyes do have a few players with quality first-team experience.
Branden Bowen earned a starting spot at guard ahead of the 2017 season and started six games before a broken leg cost him the remainder of the 2017 and most of the 2018 season. Though he started at guard previously, he has the skillset and frame to play tackle, and that may be his preferred position.
Wyatt Davis was never supposed to start a game last season, but he was ready when his time came. When starter Demetrius Knox went down with foot injury in the final two minutes of Ohio State's blowout win over Michigan, Davis was the next man up and started both the Big Ten Championship Game and the Rose Bowl Game at guard, doing a fine job in both games.
Joshua Alabi was also thrust in to the starting lineup late in the season, filling in for an injured Munford in the Rose Bowl, and performing well. Alabi, a converted defensive end, saw action previously as a reserve tackle but figures to be in the thick of starting tackle race.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...questions-surround-ohio-states-offensive-line
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ShowMeBuck
You know what? Chicken butt.
At the risk of sounding desperate, I think this team absolutely MUST land a grad transfer on the O Line.
When you really look at replacing 4 starters let alone trying to imagine a 2 deep it’s downright scary.
Urban left the cupboards bare!!!!!!!!!
Hahahah. Seriously though, this group is just way behind.
When you really look at replacing 4 starters let alone trying to imagine a 2 deep it’s downright scary.
Urban left the cupboards bare!!!!!!!!!
Hahahah. Seriously though, this group is just way behind.
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ShowMeBuck
You know what? Chicken butt.
Elated.Well, then, you must be a happy puppy this evening.
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ShowMeBuck
You know what? Chicken butt.
I’ll say this. I was a big fan of Bowen and I’m really hoping he can come back from multiple surgeries. If he gets back to form and earns a spot then that is clearly a best case scenario. But until I hear strong evidence I’m gonna hold back because it’s never a given that you can come back from injuries like he had. You can basically write Munford, Jackson and Davis in pen. They are all gonna be starters. But where Jackson plays is flexible but I hope he sticks at LG. Word was Myer started to really emerge mid season and Urb raved about him so I’m expecting he’s the Center. Now it’s just one spot to fill out of NPF, Alabi and Bowen. I’m a huge NPF fan and his film, grades, and interviews seem to indicate his lofty ranking was dead on. If he can emerge and lock the RT spot down I’ll go from being very concerned to only mildly so. Especially if Bowen does come back to form eventually and he and Alabi can provide 2 good options for depth. That’s what I’m hoping for.
Edit: another thing with that line up is everyone but Jackson would return for the following season
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scarletngray
Gold Pants
Lots of options now that Jackson is in the mix. Both he and Bowen can play two different positions and so that's a big plus. Hopefully NPF is too good to keep off the field and its Bowen, Jackson and Davis fighting for the two Guard positions. And who knows, maybe Jackson slides over to Center.
Munford (Alibi)
Bowen (Jackson)
Jackson (Myers)
Davis (Myers)
NPF (Alibi or Bowen)
Munford (Alibi)
Bowen (Jackson)
Jackson (Myers)
Davis (Myers)
NPF (Alibi or Bowen)
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