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WR Ray Small (official thread)

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CPD
Junior receiver Ray Small was not given a full page in the media guide like the rest of the scholarship players, relegated instead to the walk-on page. Tressel claimed no knowledge of the situation - "I haven't pored over the media guide yet," - but he said Small's status on the team wasn't in question. Nevertheless, a message has been sent. Small, previously stripped of his No. 4 for off-field issues, is listed as No. 82.
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Ohio State football: Ray Small says he's ready
by Doug Lesmerises
Friday August 01, 2008

medium_raysmall.jpg

Marvin Fong/ The Plain Dealer
Ray Small

With 19 of 22 starters returning on offense and defense, Ohio State doesn't have a lot of questions to answer when players report for preseason practice Sunday.

Ray Small, by my count a returning starter as the No. 3 receiver, is one of those questions.

Coach Jim Tressel said last week that Small's status on the team wasn't in question, either. But after an offseason in which his jersey number was changed from No. 4 to No. 82 and he was relegated to the back of the media guide with the walkons, it was clear repeated messages were being sent to Small for off-field issues. The question was whether Small, who caught 20 passes for 267 yards last season, was receiving them.

In the end, Small's role isn't his call. The coaches will determine whether the junior from Glenville remains Ohio State's No. 3 receiver after catching 20 passes for 267 yards last season.

But Wednesday, surrounded by his teammates at a video game charity event, Small said he feels he has taken the necessary steps to prepare himself to contribute.

"I went through all the tasks I needed to go through," Small said, "and now I can't wait until Sunday.

"I mean, I knew I had messed up at the moment, so I was willing to do whatever it took to get back with the team. It was kind of hard, but I knew it would come out all right."

But the jersey, the media guide ... shots to the ego?

"It wasn't that big a deal," Small said. "Everybody has their ups and downs. I felt like I had my downs, so it's time for me to have my ups."
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Ohio State football: Ray Small says he's ready - Buckeye Blog by The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises - cleveland.com
 
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DaddyBigBucks;1220218; said:
He appears to have as good an attitude about this as you could hope for, and better than we have any right to expect.
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Yup, pretty good attitude. Not sure if I was mature enough at that age. Actually, not sure I am now!

We'd all love Ray to show that talent and quickness all over the field this year...let's hope this is his year.
 
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We really need Ray to step up imo. Beanie is our big play threat and yes, Pryor will help, but I want to see someone else emerge as a danger in open space. Thomas and Posey are chomping at the bit to be that guy I'm sure, so Small will have to step it up. However, I know Ray has great ability and as long as his heads in the game, he can be a star.
 
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Depends on where Sain is. Do they make him strictly Beanie's back up, or do they give him some roles in the slot. He's proven he has good hands, speed and the ability to put the hurt on DBs in the open field.

May be a question of are there enough footballs to go around on this offense, because there are a great many kids who will want touches.
 
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osugrad21;1229660; said:
BN$--Going Deep: Jake Stoneburner, Ray Small

Ray understands the lessons that are being thrown his way with the number change and media guide. He plans to work hard to show the coaches he is ready to live up to his potential.
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Let's hope for everyone's sake, 'specially his, that he reaches that potential on and off the field.

Looking forward to this young man earning his digit back... and keeping it.

:oh:
 
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I think Ray deserves some recognition for his play yesterday. I thought he played a solid game and if the way he played yesterday is any intication then I think he's buying in and is trying to turn things around. One other thing I liked from what I saw from Ray yesterday was when Devier scored his touchdown Ray was the first person there to congratulate him. Keep it up Ray!
 
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Ozone
Return Game Spark: Ray Small played well at wide receiver against YSU and also provided a spark in the return game as a punt returner where he brought back four kicks for 79 yards. His best return of the game, however, was shortened by a penalty, though he was credited for a 45 yard return on the play.
"At least the people (blocking for him) were trying," said Small. "That's all that counts. We're going to get one sooner or later."
Brian Hartline teams with Small as OSU's punt return tandem. Backing them up is freshman wide receiver DeVier Posey who says those two players, along with Brian Robiskie, are mentoring him not only as a returner but as a receiver as well.



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Buckeye Nut;1244314; said:
I think Ray deserves some recognition for his play yesterday. I thought he played a solid game and if the way he played yesterday is any intication then I think he's buying in and is trying to turn things around. One other thing I liked from what I saw from Ray yesterday was when Devier scored his touchdown Ray was the first person there to congratulate him. Keep it up Ray!
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Agreed.

Is it just me, maybe the extra number on his jersey, or something else, but he looks like he hit the weights pretty hard. He just looked...bigger.
 
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