Posted on Tue, Aug. 29, 2006email thisprint this
Unproven Buckeyes await chance to shine
By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal
(MCT)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - It's not unusual for Ohio State players to be highly touted before getting the chance to be highly productive.
Upperclassmen raved about how quarterback Troy Smith threw the ball, were amazed by the swagger receiver Santonio Holmes had from the minute he arrived and wondered why a receiver as athletic as Roy Hall never played.
That's the kind of buzz surrounding the unproven Buckeye defense going into Saturday's season opener against Northern Illinois. OSU lost nine starters from a unit that finished No. 1 in the nation against the run. Six of the nine were drafted into the NFL, three in the top 18 picks.
Among the linebackers and defensive backs listed first on this week's depth chart, only three of the seven - James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins and Brandon Mitchell - have started a game for Ohio State.
That doesn't bother senior defensive tackle David Patterson. Patterson, a Warrensville Heights product, is eager to see those stepping in for the likes of A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter.
"I've watched a guy like Marcus Freeman who has been making plays in practice for years," Patterson said of the new starting strong-side linebacker. "I've seen these guys do major things in practice. I can't wait to see them do it in a game. I really can't wait for you guys to see what they can do.
"It's like you have a little brother or cousin and you know he's good at football and you play with him in the backyard. No one else gets to see him but you. Then finally they play a game and their talents are on display for everyone."
Smith, now a Heisman Trophy candidate, is confident the replacements will be fine.
"They give us fits and troubles every day in practice," Smith said. "They're going to be fast. They're going to come after you. We've got some defensive backs who are going to make some plays on some balls, not to say we didn't have any in the past. We've got guys with a nose for the ball."
Say what you will about the talented 2005 defense, but it had just six interceptions and six fumble recoveries in 12 games. The Buckeyes committed 21 turnovers.
Patterson said defensive end Vernon Gholston, redshirted last year with a hand injury, has made great strides. All-American candidate Quinn Pitcock, a fifth-year senior defensive tackle, said strong safety Mitchell has stepped up as a leader in the secondary after contributing mainly as a nickel back last season.
The defense gets an immediate test because Northern Illinois boasts the nation's leading returning rusher in senior tailback Garrett Wolfe. The 5-foot-7, 177-pounder has totaled 3,286 yards the past two seasons.
"I know our defensive coaches and I have a lot of confidence in this defense," OSU coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday. "I also know we have some great challenges, Garrett Wolfe and these guys coming in. Look down the road at the rest of the people we play. They better grow."
Tressel said the starting lineup probably will be in flux until the Sept. 23 Big Ten opener against Penn State. Ohio State also faces No. 3 Texas and Cincinnati before then.
"Maybe at the start of the Big Ten schedule you'll really see what our depth chart is," Tressel said. "I don't know that there will be great changes. I'm saying I think we'll know."
Pitcock said the front four needs to carry the young defense early in the season. He and Patterson are the two returning starters and team captains along with Smith and center Doug Datish.
"We feel like it is our responsibility," Pitcock said of the defensive line. "If we can make a play quick and give them time, not have to worry as much and get used to game speed. . . . It should always be on us at all times."
Smith thinks that will happen naturally.
"Our front four, I can't say enough about them," Smith said. "David Patterson and Quinn Pitcock are probably two of the best interior guys I've ever played against. They're going to give teams fits."
Tressel believes the defense has the talent to replace the standouts it lost.
"The assessment is two or threefold," he said. "Do they have similar athletic abilities? I think the answer to that is yes. The next assessment is all about playing football, and playing football over time. The thing about A.J. Hawk, Nate Salley, (and) Donte Whitner is they were always there. I remember when Donte Whitner had knee surgery and was back in eight days.
"The original assessment of height, weight, speed, I think we're fine. Now we'll find out footballwise and that's what the season's for."
Patterson doesn't sound the least bit worried.
"It's kind of a fun thing," he said. "I can remember yesterday, everybody's like, `Let's get ready fellas, it's game week.' I remember walking up to Marcus Freeman in the locker room like, `It's showtime, baby. Let's show everybody you can play with the best of them.' "
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