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TE Jake Ballard (Super Bowl Champion)

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itownbuckeye;1454061; said:
I was looking at an early list of the top 25 players by position for the 2010 draft and was somewhat surprised to see that Ballard is not on the list for TE's. Guess I probably shouldn't be surprised given how little he has been used in the passing game but I just think he's extremely talented and will get drafted based on size/athleticism alone. Of course, hopefully he will be more involved in the offense and can get some recognition that way as well. Then again I've been hoping for more TE involvement in the OSU offense for year. Anyway, I believe that Ballard is the most talented TE at OSU since Dudley and it would be a shame for him to continue to be underutilized.

Scout.com: 2010 NFL Draft - Top Tight End Prospects
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I wouldn't put much weight into this list...As far as their 2010 draft predictions the first Buckeye they have coming off the board is Kurt Coleman....IN THE 7TH ROUND!!! Bogus...
 
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FB: Ballard on John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 07/29/2009

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Senior tight end had his best year in 2007 when he caught 13 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns

Manhasset, N.Y. (July 29, 2009) - The 2009 John Mackey Award watch list has been released by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 John Mackey winner will be announced on December 10, 2009.
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FB: Ballard on John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List - The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com
 
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2009 NFP scouting series: Ohio State
Buckeyes prospects worth watching this season.
Wes Bunting
July 28, 2009

This summer, the National Football Post is breaking down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.

The Ohio State Buckeyes again have a talented group of NFL prospects and are definitely one of the favorites to capture the Big Ten title.

Offense

Jake Ballard: No. 86, TE, 6-6, 256

A big, physical tight end who lacks flexibility in his stance and struggles really firing off the ball and reaching defenders at the second level. However, he possesses good length and natural power on contact. Does a nice job extending his long arms into blocks and shuffling his feet through the play. Is a Velcro player who consistently is able to win initial hand battles and seal opposing linemen away from the ball.

Impression: Doesn?t offer much at all as a receiver, but can certainly be a factor in the run game. Should at least be in an NFL training camp competing as a blocking tight end on a team?s roster.
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2009 NFP scouting series: Ohio State | National Football Post
 
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Most Gullible Buckeye? It's talked about every year, then it never happens. Since the 2002 season when Ben Hartsock was an important part of the offense the tight end has been the forgotten man in the OSU passing game. Every year the talk is of getting the ball to the tight end, but it never seems to materialize. Despite the history, tight end Jake Ballard is drinking the "This is the year we actually throw it to the tight end" Koolaid.

"Spring ball was a lot different this year," said Ballard.

"We had a lot of balls coming our way. They trust a little bit more and there has been more of an incentive to get the tight ends the ball. I really think it's going to change.

"I've been hearing it for three years. It does get old, but I have a good feeling. Tress had been telling me a lot of stuff," Ballard said.

We've heard it all before, but there is something else to consider this time around. One of them is who isn't still on the OSU roster, namely one Chris "Beanie" Wells, and that says Ballard is reason to believe the tight ends may actually see the football some this year.

"You can't replace Beanie Wells," Ballard said.

"Brandon (Saine) and Dan (Heron) are different types of backs but they're not Beanie Wells. That's why I think we're going to spread the ball around, because I don't know if our running backs are 25-30 carry backs. They might be 10 or 15 apiece and maybe help out in the receiving game, so I think the ball is going to be spread out and spread around a lot."

Consider this as well. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jake Stoneburner has been moved to tight end. To ignore him as a receiver when he is on the field would be a real waste of talent.

"Jake is a different case," said Ballard.

"He was a 6-4 receiver that they wanted to stay at 215. The kid was weighing in at 225, 230. It wasn't going to work, so he bumped down to tight end because that's where he's going to be best for Ohio State and maybe even at the next level."

Ballard says his own receiving skills have also improved.

"I'm faster than I ever have been, I'm running routes better and my knowledge of the receiving game is a lot better. I think the coaches are realizing that and they realize I could be a big weapon for us. Hopefully they give me a chance and a shot."

Whether they throw it to the tight ends or not, they will be required to block. Ballard says that Stoneburner is definitely getting the hang of that part of playing tight end.

"He's getting better," said Ballard.

"Tress has been saying that we emphasize that you have to be able to both block receive. If you can't do one or the other you're not going to play as much. He's a decent blocker and he'll be getting better the more of it he does."
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The-Ozone, Ohio State Football, Wrestling, Softball, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball and More
 
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The top 20 Ohio State football players for 2009: No. 14, Jake Ballard
by Doug Lesmerises, The Plain Dealer
Thursday August 06, 2009

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OSU
Jake Ballard

No. 14: Senior tight end Jake Ballard

I happen to think Jake Ballard is very good at his job. Do you remember his one-handed touchdown catch as a freshman from Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith?

Do you know how many players have caught a touchdown pass from both Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor?

Actually, none. But Ballard and Ray Small are the only two Buckeyes with a chance to do it if Pryor leads them into the endzone this season.

But trying to put a tight end too high on a best players list in this offense makes no sense. I had Ballard higher originally, because I think he's going to play in the NFL, I think he's a great team spokesman and may very well be a captain and I think he brings a good combination of blocking and catching ability to the position. Then I was persuaded to come to my senses.

This is the time of year when stories about throwing to the tight end sprout like weeds. Optimism abounds. Last year, the tight ends combined for 11 catches - less than one per game.

When talk about that changing takes place this year, much of it centers on redshirt freshman Jake Stoneburner, who brings a receiver's athleticism to the position, even if he's still learning how to block. I talked with that Jake and will have something written about him coming up. When the Buckeyes do throw to the tight end, it might not be Ballard.

Still, I think he's good, maybe very good. You just may not notice it that much.
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The top 20 Ohio State football players for 2009: No. 14, Jake Ballard - cleveland.com
 
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Do you know how many players have caught a touchdown pass from both Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor?

Actually, none. But Ballard and Ray Small are the only two Buckeyes with a chance to do it if Pryor leads them into the endzone this season.
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The article is referring only to current players. Robiskie, Hartline, and Nicol all caught at least 2 TDs from both of those QBs.
 
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Parent Q & A: Jake Ballard
8/16/2009

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Jake Ballard may be able to belt out a country song with the best of him, but he is better known for his ability on the field. Being a multi sport athlete most of his life, he honed his skills in high school and put his full attention into basketball and football. Ohio State asked him to put 100% of his focus into their football program a little while later and he accepted. As a tight end for the past three years, Ballard has learned from each and every play in which he has participated. With the help of Debby Ballard, get to know #86, Jake Ballard.

Q: What year did your son start playing football?
A: 1997.

Q: When were you first aware that your son had the potential talent to play at the collegiate level?
A: Sophomore year of high school.

Q: Did he always dream of playing at OSU?
A: Definitely, yes.
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Ohio State Football: Parent Q & A: Jake Ballard
 
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MEET A BUCKEYE
TE JAKE BALLARD
Saturday, September 5, 2009
By Ken Gordon


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Kyle RobertsonDISPATCH

Jake Ballard appears to be the strong, silent type. It turns out that while he's certainly strong -- the senior tight end is a highly effective blocker -- he also has a fair amount to say, once he gets warmed up.

His golf game, twin brother and NBA dreams were among the topics of a recent conversation.

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But of course, with any Ohio State tight end, the talk eventually turns to the subject of his position not being very involved in the passing game:

QHow long have you been golfing?

AMy dad (Ben) has been taking me and my twin brother, Josh, since we were about 5 or 6.

QBetween you and Josh, who's the better golfer?

AHe's probably a 4 or 5 handicap; I'm probably 10 or 12.

QThat's not bad, 10 or 12.

AUmmmmm (looking sheepish) ... 10 or 12 on a good day.
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The Columbus Dispatch : MEET A BUCKEYE
 
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