Ginn, Zwick, Smith and Snyder by Tressel

[NJ-Buckeye]

Interesting comments from JT... Ginn wants to play both ways, Zwick and Smith could be on field at same time... JT says Snyder would be an outstanding choice for Marshall

http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/11136103.htm

[jimotis4heisman]

can you copy and paste so we all dont have to register

[jwinslow]

Dustin Fox said today that he thinks the defense will be looking for Ginn to play corner...

[NJ-Buckeye]

A Ginn-Ginn situation brewing for Ohio State


Buckeyes star freshman looking to follow in Gamble's footsteps playing both ways

By Marla Ridenour

Beacon Journal staff writer

<!-- begin body-content --> CANTON - One of the most exciting players in college football last season already is lobbying Ohio State coaches for more chances in 2005.

Sensational freshman Ted Ginn Jr. has his eye on the starting cornerback spot vacated by senior Dustin Fox, OSU coach Jim Tressel said Monday in his annual visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon Club at the Four Winds restaurant.

Tressel said when a member of the sports information department asked recently for the updated two-deep for the March 31 opening of spring practice, Ginn happened to be in the vicinity.

``Ted penciled his name in at one corner,'' Tressel said.

The job opposite Ashton Yoboty is open, and Tressel said the leading candidates might be safeties Donte Whitner and Tyler Everett, coming off an injury and surgery this winter.

Ginn was recruited as a defensive back out of Glenville High School but played offense as a true freshman, earning third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press. The speedy Ginn touched the ball 32 times -- 15 punt returns, 13 rushes, 12 receptions and two kickoff returns -- and scored eight touchdowns. Tressel only can imagine the magic Ginn might create on interception returns.

Tressel brought up the possibility when asked if quarterbacks Justin Zwick and Troy Smith might find themselves on the field together.

``We want to be as explosive and creative as we can,'' he said. ``Once the season begins if you want to have a little wrinkle in, something like that might happen or something like Teddy playing a little corner.''

Tressel compared Ginn's situation to that of Chris Gamble, a split end who played both ways during OSU's 2002 national championship season. He recorded six interceptions as a rookie cornerback for the Carolina Panthers last year.

``When Chris moved to corner, he started playing in the red zone, then he played 50 (-yard line) and out, then he played a little everything,'' Tressel said. ``Those things happen a little bit down the road.''

At an OSU banquet in Cleveland last November, Ginn said he was waiting until the time was right to bring up the idea of playing defense as a sophomore.

``We'll get through the year and see what the coaches want to do,'' he said.

Tressel was vague about who will be the No. 1 quarterback at the start of spring ball. Zwick started seven games, Smith five as the Buckeyes went 8-4 last season, including an Alamo Bowl victory over Oklahoma State. Smith turned in a stunning 386 yards of total offense in a 37-21 upset of Michigan but was suspended from the bowl game for accepting money from a booster.

Tressel expects Smith's suspension to include the opener Sept. 3 against Miami University.

``I'm hoping prior to spring we'll have a little idea what the NCAA has in mind from Troy's standpoint,'' Tressel said. ``If we don't know, I would guess I would start with the idea that Troy would probably miss the opener.''

Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder is one of the leading candidates for the coaching job at Marshall, Tressel said. Bob Pruett resigned last week. Born in Ironton, Snyder was an All-American defensive back at Marshall.

``Mark would be perfect for that job,'' Tressel said. ``Eleven of the last 15 years he's been on my staff and every year on his goal sheet was to be the head coach at Marshall University.''


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[Lazlo]

Originally Posted by Jim Tressel

``We want to be as explosive and creative as we can,'' he said.

Did i read that right?

[Oneshot]

Well... I guess that answers just about every question we had for the upcoming season. :P.

Cheers to the new "explosive and creative" offense!

[scooter1369]

I'm all for explosive and creative. But I prefer efficient and unpredictable.

[MistriBuck]

Cheers to the new "explosive and creative" offense!

that's good to hear, atleast he's saying the right things, let's hope they can follow through

[MililaniBuckeye]

I've been saying at every opportunity that Ginn would not play defense except as either a last resort or in occasional nickle/dime packages. But, since Tressel is openly talking about it at luncheons, I would guess it's a done deal about him playing corner.

[BrutusBobcat]

Not so fast, my friend.

"The job opposite Ashton Yoboty is open, and Tressel said the leading candidates might be safeties Donte Whitner and Tyler Everett, coming off an injury and surgery this winter."

Sounds like Ginn wants to be there, but that coach might have other ideas.

[osugrad21]

``Mark would be perfect for that job,'' Tressel said. ``Eleven of the last 15 years he's been on my staff and every year on his goal sheet was to be the head coach at Marshall University.''

Translation: Contract talks are underway and if the numbers are agreed upon, Coach Snyder is gone.

[cincibuck]

Originally Posted by NJ-Buckeye

``We want to be as explosive and creative as we can,'' he said. ``Once the season begins if you want to have a little wrinkle in, something like that might happen or something like Teddy playing a little corner.''

Sounds like a little pre-season fog and mirrors stuff. He opens saying, "We want to be..." but the last half sounds vague. Reminds me of Woody saying, "We're thinking about opening it up a bit this year." Which turned out to mean, "If we can't run and we're down by 14 with a quarter to go, we might throw."

[MolGenBuckeye]

``We want to be as explosive and creative as we can,'' he said.

I'll just start the thread now.

RUMOR: Tressel to design plays with both Turano and Trapasso on field.

[BuckBackHome]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

I've been saying at every opportunity that Ginn would not play defense except as either a last resort or in occasional nickle/dime packages. But, since Tressel is openly talking about it at luncheons, I would guess it's a done deal about him playing corner.

Hey, Youngstown, where's my vmoney?!? Of course, maybe I should wait until Ginn actually takes a snap at CB in a game.

[jwinslow]

I've felt Snyder has been gone for some time, and this seems like the perfect situation. I am ok with hiring another coach, I just wish it had happened in January so we could have hired a better replacement. If Snyder does go, Tucker's departure will truly sting.

I really think Ginn will slowly work his way into more plays at corner. Perhaps if JamO is ready to start (he has been quoted as saying the coaches want him at corner next year and then safety after that... not necessarily that he'll start but where he'll be playing) then we will not need Ginn as much on D. However Breaston and especially Bush can create matchup problems, and I think he'd be very helpful at taking those two playmakers out of the game. And if he is gonna do this he will need a decent amount of experience.