Tidbits from Other Boards.....

[Oh8ch]

There are several of us who on occasion visit other team's boards. Sometimes we run across interesting info we would like to share, but we don't want to clutter an OSU board with threads on other schools. (And if we do we are sure to be reminded me that nobody here really cares what is going on at Dip[censored] U.)

So I thought it might be useful if we had a single thread dedictated to this purpose. Anybody who goes lurking at Michigan or ND and learns some interesting gossip can post it here. Those who don't want to be bothered can ignore this single thread.

If it is an item that direclty relates to OSU it probably doesn't belong here.
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That said, I was just over at USC and there is a persistent rumor that Whitney Lewis - heir apparent to Williams - may not be eligible this season. If this is true and Wlliams does not return (no consensus on whether that will happen) a young man we all know and love could see that coveted Frosh PT after all.

I also ran across this assessment of USC from one of their posters. I always enjoy this kind of insight (interesting that they are counting on Byers to contribute - and that they can't spell his name):

Areas where we will be stronger than at the start of last season:

1. Quarterback. Last year we had an untested Sophmore who had never taken a snap. This year our QB is in the Heisman discussions.

2. Running back. Last year after graduating our top three backs we had a returning soph. and three freshmen. This year we have preseason allamerican mentions.

3. Linebacker. Last year we had a shallow but talented group at outside linebackers with a transfere from Maine(a Div-2 school) at Middle LB.
our depth caught up with us to the point we had to start a walk on at the end of the season. This year we are deeper because of JuCo xfr's, and and new recuits expected to make an immediate impact.

4. Defensive backfield. Last year injuries reduced the cb's to the point where picked up a transfer with one year of eligibility(poole) and started a freshman at safety. This year the injured are returning and the young have one more year of experience and we are deeper due to JuCo xfr and recuiting.

5. The defensive line. Should be about a push with a slight drop off from Udeze to Cody at end and Cody to Wright at tackle. Depth should be significantly improved hence the overall effectiveness could imprive.

6. Special Teams. Some improvement due to overall team depth on the coverages and return teams. The kicking game should be a push.

7. Recievers. A significant drop off if we lose BMW or a slight drop off if he comes back. the wild card is the chemistry between Leinert and this new group. This area could be the make or break part of the team.

8. Offensive line. Almost a brand new unit! Carroll was high them coming out of spring football but my guess is their effectivness will depend on the availability of Drake, the big Samoan from Utah, and how fast Beyers acclimates to this offense.

9. Tight ends. Definatly an improvement from late last year when we were down to one deep in the depth chart and we had to add Cassell and Vanderboom(sp). We will be deep enough to use the two tight end set-up from time to time.

On balance I think we need a little luck on the offensive line--Drake backand rapid insertion of Lutui and Beyers- and hopefully we squeek by our Pac-10 road games in the Pacific Northwest. We are stronger in a lot of offensive areas, the key will be the return of BMW--his presence warps opposing defenses

[dcbuck]

First of all I'd like to say USC is quickly climbing my list of most hated teams, but they do appear stocked at the skill positions. But I've always felt football is won in the trenches and they breaking in a new line. I could really see them struggling at the beginning of the season and the media crying out that all of the talent was overestimated or they got big heads, when in reality it's that they are just have OL problems.

I say this, with great hope they lose early, because they do have incredible talent and could be scary to play.

[gbearbuck]

when you play in a league where you don't need a D that helps too

[LightningRod]

Speaking of USC, where is Fred? Given USC's sudden need for WRs, I would expect Fred to be an integral part of 7 on 7 drills. Is he hurt?

USC's 7 on 7 Highlites

7 on 7 passing workout
By Garry Paskwietz
Date: Jul 12, 2004

The Trojans held a 7 on 7 passing drill today on campus. Steve Smith and Reggie Bush put in the top performances for the offense with each catching several long passes from quarterback Matt Cassel. Click below for some highlights and photos:


* The first ones out on the field to warm-up were Matt Cassel, Steve Smith and Ryan Powdrell. The players who jumped out at me on first sight as having added size this summer were Dallas Sartz, Hershel Dennis, Lofa Tatupu and John Walker. Lofa is over 240 right now and looks solid, he and Dallas are much bigger in the upper body.

* Oscar Lua is weighing in at 240 pounds these days and says his knee “feels great, no problems at all”. Oscar didn’t wear a brace during the practice, another sign that the knee is doing good.

* Terrell Thomas had an early pick of a Cassel pass.

* Alex Holmes caught a deep ball down the middle.

* Cassel had more success with deep passes than with short ones. He connected down the sideline to Steve Smith a couple times and also had a nice completion to Will Smith.

* Reggie Bush also had two deep passes toward the end of the 45 minute session. Reggie is ten pounds bigger right now and he just looks so explosive. Before the practice started Collin Ashton was punting a ball and it went sailing over Reggie’s head, Bush simply took a couple steps back and made an impressive over the shoulders grab.

* Dominique Byrd had a deep catch over the middle.

* Frostee Rucker and Sedrick Ellis were among the linemen who came to offer support. Frostee says the toe is fine and he’s ready to go for fall camp. Lawrence Jackson was also in attendance and he is excited for camp to start. Ryan Kalil and Ross Burruel were on hand to snap the ball to Cassel while John Drake stopped by for a visit as well.

* Matt Leinart did not throw but he did direct the warm-up sessions and drills.

* Ryan Powdrell has very quick feet.

Players in attendance included: Cassel, Leinart, Bush, Dennis, Woodert, L. White, Webb, S Smith, W Smith, Buchanan, McFoy, Holmes, Byrd, Vanderboom, Katnik, Tatupu, Sartz, Ashton, Williams, Lua, Rivers, Powdrell, Wyatt, Thomas, Walker, B Ting, R Ting, DeShaun (track, friend of Reggie Bush, worked at corner), Leach, Pinkard.

[Oh8ch]

Remnember Olu Hall, the DE OSU was after down to the end and who commited to Virginia? He did not qualify and will be going to military school.

[BB73]

On the USC site I saw that Jarrett was listed on the 2-deep at WR, while FD didn't show up at WR or at safety.

[coxew]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBill73

On the USC site I saw that Jarrett was listed on the 2-deep at WR, while FD didn't show up at WR or at safety.

Jarrett didn't report early did he? It seems odd that someone who went through spring ball would be behind someone who hasn't.

[methomps]

You were at Wearesc, yet you missed the biggest news of all?

All Summer there have been rumors about academic casualties. As many as 4 people have been named (including both starting WRs at the same time), but Lewis is the only name that has stuck. He's taking summer school now, so nobody is really sure what is going on.

Although certainly not as juicy as USC gossip, Mizzou go a commit from elite 11 QB Chase Daniels, which sparked a conversation about whether OSU was possibly days away from offering Brad Smith before Mizzou nabbed him.

http://mb1.theinsiders.com/fmissouri...cID=5550.topic

And in a stunning turn of events, Grassy now seems sharply divided between those who believe the news reports about Antrel Rolle and those who believe citing news articles is a form of rumor-mongering

[Oh8ch]

citing news articles is a form of rumor-mongering

I like that.

[LightningRod]

All Summer there have been rumors about academic casualties. As many as 4 people have been named (including both starting WRs at the same time), but Lewis is the only name that has stuck. He's taking summer school now, so nobody is really sure what is going on.

So where is Fred? Academic casualty, injury, not invited to play?

[methomps]

The USC mod who covered the 7-on-7 didn't know why neither Davis nor Jarrett weren't there.

[Oh8ch]

That amazes me. Can you imagine an OSU recruit not participating in some sort of activity or being in any kind of academic difficulty and folks on OSU boards not being all over it? (Reference Hiley for example.)

USC shouldn't be eligible for the NC until their fans give up the beach and all other remnants of a personal life and dedicate themselves to following their team.

[The KSB]

Off the scUM boards.

Mario Manningham is obviously the best player in Ohio since Woodson, is only ranked so low because of a great Buckeye conspiracy.

.5 /< 1
.5 = 1

Oh, and Darius Hiley going to JC is a transparent attempt by OSU to ward off an NCAA investigation that is going to lead to the program’s downfall. Enjoy the link. Skunkbears are cute.

http://mb7.theinsiders.com/fwolverin...icID=738.topic

[BuckNutty]

From the Penn State board...

List your most impressive non PSU Big Ten players.

[Oh8ch]

A poster on the Michigan board posted the following information as coming from guru Tom Beaver:

Michigan will have 14-16 ships this season.
Loss of Schoenhoft eliminates any possibility they will have a top 10 class.
Ginn is the most overrated prospect in the past 10 years (track star - not a FB player)
Tim Jamison from last years class (a DE who was their #2 get behind Henne) will not play for Michigan. Did not say why.

According to the USC board OSU will play at USC in 2008 and USC will come here in 2009. First I have heard this.

Also, there is a post from someone who sounds something like our own HH saying Whitney Lewis has dyslexia and is struggling with grades. Nothing definite on how that might turn out.