http://www.dispatch.com/football/football.php?story=dispatch/2004/12/11/20041211-F8-00.html&chck=t
The take fromthe dispatch
Tressel would understand transfer by Zwick
Deposed QB might not want to sit on the bench
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Ken Gordon and Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Calling him "a competitive kid who wants to get out there and show everyone what he can do," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel yesterday said he would understand if deposed quarterback Justin Zwick wanted to transfer.
"It hasn’t (come up), but I understand those kinds of things being talked about because that seems to be the way things are nowadays," Tressel said. "There are times to really start talking about that if it becomes real, and that’s after the conclusion of the season."
Zwick practiced yesterday in preparation for the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl. He is fully recovered from a separated throwing shoulder (suffered Oct. 16) that prevented him from playing the next three or four weeks.
In Zwick’s absence, Troy Smith posted a 4-1 record, including a 37-21 win over Michigan in which he accounted for 386 yards.
Tressel repeatedly has said Smith is the unquestioned starter at quarterback. That has prompted speculation that Zwick might not want to sit behind Smith for the next two seasons. Both players are third-year sophomores.
If Zwick transfers, it likely would be to a Division I-AA school so he would not have to sit out next season.
Tressel spoke after player availability was over yesterday, so Zwick was not around to comment. Zwick’s coach at Massillon, Rick Shepas, did not return a phone call earlier this week.
Also yesterday, junior linebacker A.J. Hawk and third-year sophomore receiver Santonio Holmes reiterated their plans to return next season rather than turn pro. Both had made that pledge in November.
No clear - cut winner
If several members of the Ohio State football team had a Heisman Trophy vote, running backs Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma and Reggie Bush of Southern California would be looking good, quarterbacks Matt Leinart of USC and 2003 winner Jason White of Oklahoma would be in trouble, and Utah quarterback Alex Smith wouldn’t have a chance.
Consider these opinions:
• Holmes — "I would like to think that Reggie Bush would get it. He has been an outstanding player . . . and really, a team leader."
• Running back Branden Joe — "Adrian Peterson. Give it to the freshman. I want Archie (Griffin) to be the only two-time guy. Nothing against Jason."
• Receiver Bam Childress — "Reggie Bush. Just overall, he does everything. He’s more valuable to the team."
• Running back Lydell Ross — "I like Adrian Peterson . . . he’s a freshman and you have upperclassmen who don’t even do the things he’s doing."
• Cornerback Dustin Fox — "I think it is White, hands down, running away with it. I’m not saying he is the best player in the country. . . . I think Bush probably deserves it."
• Tressel — "The first name that popped into my mind was Leinart."
• Guard Mike Kne — "I’m torn between Peterson and Bush."
What about Leinart?
"Even I could throw for 150 yards just tossing it to Bush out there," Kne said.
Studying hard
Ohio State had 22 players named Academic All-Big Ten this week, more than any other conference school.
To be eligible, players must be letter-winners in at least their second academic year and carry a career grade-point average of 3.0 or better.
The next-best team was Indiana with 17. Next were Penn State (16), Michigan State (13), Minnesota (11), Wisconsin (10), Northwestern (9), Iowa (8), Michigan (8), Illinois (7) and Purdue (6).
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