• Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
  • Consider registering! Fewer and higher quality ads, no emails you don't want, access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Even if you just want to lurk, there are a lot of good reasons to register!

Google Bucknuts 90: Riding the offseason wave - 247Sports

  • Thread starter Buckeyes - Google News
  • Start date

Buckeyes - Google News

Guest
Bucknuts 90: Riding the offseason wave - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Bucknuts 90: Riding the offseason wave
247Sports
Sure, there are no real games being played. But we still have plenty to deal with when it comes to the Buckeyes. What's next for the Buckeyes? Make sure you're in the loop -- take five seconds to sign up for our FREE Buckeyes newsletter now! Mark Neal ...


Continue reading...
 
Ohio State looking to speed up offseason with Indiana looming
Ian Cuevas
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


usa_today_9786442.0.jpg

The Buckeyes won’t have a cupcake team to play in the first week of the season and are preparing accordingly.

“We are not playing preseason games. We are in the Big Ten conference, Game One. So sometimes I'll count those games as a chance to get guys ready. We don't have that luxury this year. This year, you're in it.”

- Urban Meyer via Associated Press, ESPN


Ohio State enters the 2017 season in some unfamiliar territory. The Buckeyes tend to open a new season playing against a team that is generally outmanned and outmatched that would likely be an easier win than most of the games remaining on the schedule. This year is different. Ohio State heads to Bloomington to face off against the Indiana Hoosiers for the first game of the season, meaning the margin for error will be much smaller than in previous years.

Of course, the Buckeyes know what sort of challenge that is and are preparing with drills in fall camp. They will have to be sharp from the first day in order to be ready for the Hoosiers. Only nine days later, Urban Meyer’s squad will have to host Oklahoma which will be a primetime game on ABC. The depth chart will start to take shape after this Saturday, when the Buckeyes have their first scrimmage with pads.

“Once again, I'd rather have that conversation than say we don't have anybody. I've never had that issue (on defense), and it remains to be seen. I think Larry Johnson and Greg Schiano know how to handle it and have had conversations I've been involved in, too. It's be creative.”

- Urban Meyer via Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com


Just a couple of years ago, Ohio State had a problem with having too many weapons on offense. A team that featured two starting quarterbacks, Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett, also included dynamic playmakers such as Ezekiel Elliott, Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall, and Curtis Samuel. When you have that many weapons, as coach Meyer alluded to above, it can be difficult to determine who gets the ball in certain situations and if everyone is getting enough touches. It’s hard to involve everyone, but the question has been raised about the defense entering this fall and if the Buckeyes have too much talent to go around.

The simple answer is that there’s no such thing as too much talent and maybe it’s even less important on defense. There’s no worry about getting touches, but there is a fair point about who’s on the field and who isn’t. Still, it’s a no-lose situation when you have a defensive line that includes Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis, Nick Bosa, and Jayln Holmes. It will be up to Greg Schiano and Larry Johnson to sort out who gets what, but at the end of the day it will be harder to find a combination that isn’t doing well than it will be to find several that do work well.

“But what’s the problem? Why do some organizations have these great, great teams, and why do these great certain companies have great companies even during hard times? The term we come up with around here is they own it. It’s theirs. It’s their property.”

- Urban Meyer via Tim May, The Columbus Dispatch


Each season brings on a new slogan for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2014 it was “The Chase.” In 2015, “The Grind,” and in 2016, “The Edge.” Each one brought a different type of motivation for the Buckeyes, and for the upcoming season, they’ve seemed to settle on “One Strong.” However, Coach Meyer also talks about how he wants his coaching staff and players to “own it” this season, and he used former Ohio State linebacker Curtis Grant as an example of someone who embodies that attitude. Grant, of course, was a starting linebacker when the Buckeyes won the national championship in 2014 and Meyer had an interesting observation:

“I just noticed when Curtis Grant walks around here, he walks in this building, and he thinks he owns the thing, because he does. And he should walk around like that. And with that comes responsibility. You see someone treating it not nice — it’s your home. So that was a central theme. We’ll continue that through training camp or part of it.”

It’s clear that Meyer is ready for the new season and to “own it,” and he’s looking for his team to do the same as fall camp has ramped up and the season draws closer each day.

STICK TO SPORTS


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State basketball: After tumultuous offseason, Buckeyes hope to ... - Akron Beacon Journal
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State basketball: After tumultuous offseason, Buckeyes hope to ...
Akron Beacon Journal
First the Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season, finishing 7-11 in the Big Ten. Center Trevor Thompson left early for the ...
Ohio State men's basketball | Why the Buckeyes aren't playing a ...The Columbus Dispatch

all 3 news articles »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State football: Filling hole at center might be biggest offseason task for Buckeyes - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Filling hole at center might be biggest offseason task for Buckeyes
Landof10.com
Ohio State-Ohio State football-Ohio State Buckeyes-Matthew Burrell-center- Matthew Burrell could find a home at center next season for Ohio State. (Land of 10/file photo). Price has already given his seal of approval to Taylor sliding into that spot ...
5 instant-impact Ohio State signees247Sports

all 2 news articles »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Who Needs a Good Offseason for the Buckeyes to Succeed in 2018? - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Who Needs a Good Offseason for the Buckeyes to Succeed in 2018?
Eleven Warriors
The college football season formally ends tonight but it ended more than a week ago for the Buckeyes. Ohio State's program right now is taking stock of the holes on the roster made by attrition knowing well that more departures are likely as players ...


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State football: With NFL on hold, Buckeyes embrace offseason work - The Columbus Dispatch
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: With NFL on hold, Buckeyes embrace offseason work
The Columbus Dispatch
Parris Campbell, left, and Terry McLaurin, right, decided not to leave early for the NFL and are instead back in the the grind laid out by Ohio State football performance coordinator Mickey Marotti. [Adam Cairns]. By Tim May The Columbus Dispatch ...

and more »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Offseason Blues: The Signal Callers
Richard Tongohan
via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


From the time the clock hit zeroes at the Cotton Bowl, the reality began to set in after JT Barrett’s last game in the scarlet and gray. The end was inevitable and you could see it on his face. Coach Meyer will be starting over in his quest for Barrett’s successor at the Quarterback position to run his offense to his liking and to the standard of previous starters.

The age-old argument, of who should and shouldn’t be starting will die down, but for how long will the silence last? Barrett started due to his ability to flatly win ball games, no matter how pretty or ugly the win was achieved, he won them with his style of play.

Now, we are looking at a changing of the guard that places four new hopefuls that are looking to succeed Barrett and catch Coach Meyer’s eye. It will surely be a battle and it will be fierce, but may the best man win.

Dwayne Haskins

Haskins has the inside track in this quarterback battle, often spelling JT Barrett and earning the primary backup spot for the entirety of the year. He did pretty well and opened some eyes during both, mop up duty and during the TTUN game where he rocketed a pass through defenders, for a sorely needed first down conversion while Barrett sat out with an injury.

Haskins has the arm strength, which is why I’d say half Buckeye Nation fans were adamant and just downright negative about Barrett remaining the starter. He is a decent runner, but he isn’t as fleet-footed as JT, but there will be no need for that many QB runs this season because Haskins can fling it with accuracy and velocity. Barrett is now out of the picture (God bless his heart) and now hopefully Haskins learned from him during his time there.

The offense under Haskins will be scary if he figures it out early and with a full complement of Zone 6 returning for one more go, along with both Tote Nation stars, the balance will return to Ohio State. It will only be a matter of time.

Joe Burrow

Burrow is a bit of a wildcard in this equation. He led early as for backup duties, but an injury to his hand cost him in the end. There have been rumors about a potential transfer, but nothing has been confirmed, yet.

Like Haskins, he can throw and is just as accurate, but during spot duty, he was up and down during those games. He isn’t terrible, but this spring game will be fun and it will tell a lot about both competitors.

Personally, I don’t think a transfer is in the cards just yet, and even if he becomes the backup, he will stay until he graduates, then becoming a graduate transfer would be in the cards. This is just my opinion, so don’t shoot the messenger and I have no inside knowledge, just thinking logically.

Tate Martell

Martell is another wildcard in the quarterback competition. His skill set is pretty similar to JT, being a dual-threat, but he can throw better. Tate is shifty and he is deadly accurate when he is set or on the run, which makes him the dark horse this spring.

Martell went out on a limb and pretty much guaranteed a CFB Championship game berth next season. I think if the teams gels quickly, it is definitely possible, but with CFB, you never truly know what will happen. They all just need to focus and play hard every single game, and whatever happens, happens. The goals are set and it is up to the team to put their nose on the grindstone and work for what they want to achieve.

Matthew Baldwin



Baldwin will be the new kid on the block and he will most likely see a redshirt year, to be honest. He suffered a major injury during the playoffs, and I am positive that the injury would not be completely healed.

After viewing his Hudl footage, this kid is a beastly addition to a talented quarterback room. He can throw from everywhere on the field and is deadly accurate. I was in awe and I was pleased that the coaches took him over Emory Jones, who was committed until things happened. Things happen for a reason, but we got another gem in the rough.

Conclusion

This battle is far from over, but this year’s competition will be one to watch because the future of the program is at stake. You cannot go wrong with any name in this talented quarterback room, but one will win out in the end.

Each signal-caller brings an arm and accuracy, with decent mobility with the exception of Martell and Baldwin. The passing game and balance will be the focus this year, with fewer quarterback runs. It will be an exciting change for the team that is looking for a new leader.




hppcvZ_a-1A


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Urban Meyer's slightly more ruthless Ohio State offseason: Buckeye Talk Podcast - cleveland.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Urban Meyer's slightly more ruthless Ohio State offseason: Buckeye Talk Podcast
cleveland.com
In the wake of the departure of cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs for the NFL, the hiring of defensive assistant Alex Grinch, the promotion of offensive coordinator Ryan Day and the move of defensive coordinator Greg Schiano that's coming one day, we ...


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State recruiting mailbag: What offseason coaching changes mean for Buckeyes - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State recruiting mailbag: What offseason coaching changes mean for Buckeyes
Landof10.com
You could make a convincing argument that trying to turn Barrett into a pocket passer would have been bad for the 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes, even if that scheme would have been better for the future of the program. This is an argument that should be ...
Which new Buckeye wanted to go to Ohio State before he started high school? OSU recruiting surveycleveland.com
Ohio State Basketball: Buckeyes in top 10 is the best story of the ...Scarlet and Game
10 burning questions facing the Buckeyes in 2018247Sports
OSU - The Lantern -Waiting For Next Year -Daily Illini
all 26 news articles »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Some big name Buckeyes in the NFL are facing free agency this offseason
Alexis Chassen
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


900139722.jpg.0.jpg

Following the NFL Combine, free agency madness will get underway.

As we inch closer to the NFL Scouting Combine and eventual 2018 NFL Draft, teams also have to decide what to do with players who are no longer under contract. There’s only so much of a roster teams can fill with rookie talent, and free agency affords teams the opportunity to either lock down stars with longterm deals, or to explore other options that maybe weren’t available in 2017.

There are eight former Ohio State players who could be on the move this offseason, including some big name offensive weapons, like Carlos Hyde and Terrelle Pryor Sr., and three Buckeye offensive guards, Alex Boone, Jack Mewhort, and Andrew Norwell. Rounding out the list are former undrafted free agent (UDFA) Tyvis Powell, and special teamers Nate Ebner and Jake McQuaide.

I’d expect most of the 2018 free agents who used to don the Scarlet and Gray to at least be added to a team’s roster heading into training camp this offseason. Most will likely earn several year deals worth millions, but a few others will probably need to come down to Earth a bit with their expectations in relation to their production (talking to you TP).

Alex Boone (Guard)


The journeyman (and verbose) offensive guard out of Ohio State has made his way around the NFL, but landed with the Arizona Cardinals ahead of the 2017 season. The team has a new offensive line coach, Ray Brown, who is expected to shake things up a bit this offseason -- and that could mean shedding some of the dead weight, including Boone.

After dominating performances for the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals seemed to get a shell of what Boone previously had been. He finished the year ranked No. 66 among guards, according to his ProFootball Focus grade (39.5). By comparison (see below) Jack Mewhort’s grade was much higher (78.9) at the same position and in a season that ended short.

So, what will happen in 2018? Boone is turning 31 this year, and the decline in his production could lead to some difficulty signing a new deal. One thing’s for sure, I wouldn’t expect him to be playing for Arizona this fall, if for any team at all. IF he does find a suitor, expect him to be signed to a short, one-year deal.

Nate Ebner (Special Teams)


Just before the Buckeye made headlines for making the 2016 U.S. Olympic Rugby team — requiring a short sabbatical from the NFL — the New England Patriots signed the special teams guru to a two-year deal worth $2.4 million. After his Olympic run, he joined the Patriots for the start of the 2016 season, and finished the year as the “best special teams tackler in the NFL”.

He wasn’t able to replicate that same production in 2017, but did amass seven total special team tackles, five solo, before getting injured. Ebner now faces free agency as a six-year veteran, coming off of a season that ended with him on IR with a shoulder injury.

So, what will happen in 2018? I’m not expecting the Patriots to put in as much effort to keep Ebner as they did with assistant coach Josh McDaniels. (Yikes. That was really bad.) Ebner still has some fuel in the tank, and should sign another one- to two-year deal with either the Patriots or another franchise looking to bolster its special teams. I don’t think the Buckeye will ever sign a contract worth big money, but he’s made over $4.5 million throughout his career, so he’s doing just fine.

Carlos Hyde (Running Back)


El Guapo hasn’t had the easiest first few seasons in the NFL, having gone through three head coaches with the San Francisco 49ers in his first three seasons in the league. There is no way that this much movement at head coach doesn’t affect players with constantly changing schemes and expectations.

Since Kyle Shanahan was brought in ahead of the 2017 season, Hyde may have found his groove, and might have forced the Niners hands to produce a big money deal for the running back this offseason. Of course, as an unrestricted free agent, he can field offers from teams throughout the league, but San Francisco seems to be on the upswing — despite a terrible season — and the potential to be among the top teams is there.

Hyde’s 2017 season was a long list of career-highs, including carries (240), total offensive yards (1290), rushing touchdowns (8), receptions (59), receiving yards (350), and first downs (61). It was also his first NFL season having played in all 16 regular season games.

So, what will happen in 2018? El Guapo is about to get paaaaaaid. Hyde is coming off his fourth year in the NFL and played on his final year of his rookie deal: 4 years, $3.69 million. With some of the veteran bulldozer-type rushers nearing the end of their career (think LaGarrette Blount, Marshawn Lynch) Hyde will be in high demand. There are a lot of teams who could (and need) to bolster their rushing corp. — Green Bay and Seattle, are just two examples of teams who would benefit by signing the Buckeye.

Jake McQuaide (Long Snapper)


It’s not often long snappers get the love and admiration they deserve for the service they provide for their team, but Buckeye Jake McQuaide is known as a valuable contributor for the Los Angeles Rams. McQuaide is coming off of his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, a fitting tribute to the player first signed by the Rams (then in St. Louis) in 2011, and who hasn’t missed a single game for the team in his seven seasons.


You could make an argument for Jake “American God” McQuaide to be #1 overall, and I’m not joking. He’s been pretty much perfect in his career.

—Joe McAtee, Turf Show Times

So, what will happen in 2018? I would imagine that the Rams try and nail down a multi-year deal with McQuaide, and continue their streak of not having to worry about long snaps. Ahead of the 2014 season, the Buckeye signed a 4-year deal worth $3.4 million, and it wouldn’t be crazy for him to get a similar deal this offseason. (Let’s all remember just how valuable a long snapper really is.)

Jack Mewhort (Guard)


One of the top guards available heading into free agency, Mewhort has been a starter for the Colts since they drafted him in 2014, but a myriad of injuries could curtail his chance for a big contract this offseason.


Mewhort has always been known to be a very good pass blocking offensive lineman. The Colts have suffered tremendously without him inside as Jacoby Brissett has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL. Improving the pass blocking efficiency of the offensive line will be extremely important going into this offseason, so re-signing Mewhort will be important on that basis alone.

—Andrew Aziz, Stampede Blue

Mewhort’s career has been a bit up and down, with the offensive guard having missed 19 games over his four season -- 17 in the past two years alone. His absence is not something that can be ignored either. In his 45 career starts, the Buckeye has allowed just four sacks. His ProFootball Focus grade for pass blocking in 2017 (78.9) is good enough to put Mewhort in the top 25 guards in the NFL.

So, what will happen in 2018? The Colts are an absolute mess. From the new head coach spurning the team to stay with the Patriots, to Andrew Luck still not being cleared to play, the only thing good about this Indianapolis team is how many Buckeyes they have on the roster. And, if they’re smart, they’ll keep that number high by retaining Mewhort. He can expect a three to four-year deal, and it should be in the area of about $20 million. That is, if Mewhort doesn’t decide to listen to other offers and find a better franchise situation than the one he’s in now.

Andrew Norwell (Guard)


The Buckeye offensive guard is one of the highly coveted free agents about to hit the market this offseason. The Carolina Panthers kept Norwell from free agency in 2017; with the guard being a restricted free agent, the team decided to tag him with a second-round tender worth $2.746 million.

Now, with four years of experience under his belt, the former undrafted free agent is worth a lot more than he was as a rookie — hell, he’s worth a lot more now than he was last year. The 2017 season was Norwell’s best yet, and made him an essential part of Carolina’s o-line, and much more in demand with guard-needy teams.


He didn’t allow a sack or a hit all season, while surrendering just 15 total pressures across 1,140 snaps and 17 games including the playoffs. @PFF

— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) February 12, 2018

So, what will happen in 2018? The Buckeye guard is about to be rolling in money. Last year his counterpart, Trai Turner, was signed to a deal worth $45 million over four years. You can expect Norwell’s worth to be about the same, the question now is whether or not the Panthers will pay up, or consider using the franchise tag to keep his price lower while keeping him in Carolina.

Tyvis Powell (Safety)


Heading into what will be the third NFL season for former Buckeye standout Tyvis Powell, and the safety is still looking for a place to make an impact. After being a surprise omission from the 2016 NFL Draft, Powell fielded UDFA offers immediately after the seventh round of the draft, and eventually signed on with the Seattle Seahawks and the Legion of Boom.

He saw playing time in eight games his rookie season — mostly on special teams — and then spent the better part of last year’s offseason bouncing from the practice squad to practice squad before ultimately signing with the San Francisco 49ers and being activated for the final three games of the 2017 season.

The Niners did not have a good 2017, but the potential is definitely there. With the addition of the second-youngest head coach in the league, Kyle Shanahan, and bringing in Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garappolo mid-season, the team is finally looking like they are on the backend of their rebuild and Powell could fit into their younger vibe.

So, what will happen in 2018? This is a tough question, as I think Powell is great and his attitude alone is worth bringing into a locker room. He’ll definitely be on a roster during the offseason, and hopefully he’ll be able to impress his new set of coaches during the spring and land a role within the DB rotation. If not, he’s got one more season of practice squad eligibility left before he might have to look for other opportunities.

Terrelle Pryor Sr. (Wide Receiver)


Oh, boy. What a long, strange trip it’s been watching the NFL career of Terrelle Pryor. We are just a year removed from a career-season for the former Ohio State quarterback turned wide receiver. As a WR for the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Pryor finished the year as the team’s top target, claiming 77 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns. He wasn’t always the red zone target, but with an average of 13.1 yards per catch, his first down percentage was among the top in the league.

But, then.... he refused to take a deal that would have kept him in Cleveland and with Hue Jackson — the reason for Pryor finally having success in the NFL — and rather signed a one-year deal with Washington to play in 2017 for a chance at a big money, longterm contract in the following offseason.

Aside from finishing 2017 on IR thanks to an ankle injury and surgery, in nine games played, Pryor saw only 37 targets, good for 20 catches, 240 yards and one TD. His production was more than a little confusing, especially given his preseason love-fest with Washington QB Kirk Cousins, but the team didn’t do him any favors either. Near mid-season, Pryor was seeing only 1-to-2 targets a game and eventually saw time on the bench as a healthy scratch.

So, what will happen in 2018? So long as his ankle heals and he doesn’t have any lingering issues with route running or juke moves, I would be surprised if he didn’t land on a team’s roster — at least through training camp. He definitely didn’t help his cause for a longterm deal, and likely would only be signed to a one- or two-year contract. Pryor’s intention of using 2017 as a “prove it” season probably did more to hurt than help his chances.

Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Some big name Buckeyes in the NFL are facing free agency this offseason - Land-Grant Holy Land
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Some big name Buckeyes in the NFL are facing free agency this offseason
Land-Grant Holy Land
There are eight former Ohio State players who could be on the move this offseason, including some big name offensive weapons, like Carlos Hyde and Terrelle Pryor Sr., and three Buckeye offensive guards, Alex Boone, Jack Mewhort, and Andrew Norwell ...


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
12 Buckeyes who have added weight this offseason - 247Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


12 Buckeyes who have added weight this offseason
247Sports
Here are 12 players in particular who had noticeable changes since the last roster was released in August of 2017, going from biggest change in weight to smallest. 1. Sophomore defensive end Chase Young has gained 25 pounds, and is now listed at 6-foot ...


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State: Starting with Keita Bates-Diop's NBA decision, intriguing offseason ahead for Buckeyes - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State: Starting with Keita Bates-Diop's NBA decision, intriguing offseason ahead for Buckeyes
Landof10.com
Keita Bates Diop-Ohio State-Ohio State basketball-NBA Draft-projection- Keita Bates-Diop paced Ohio State with 28 points in the second-round NCAA Tournament loss. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images). Those losses are going to be significant for the Buckeyes ...
Bates-Diop asked about future plans after OSU's tournament loss247Sports

all 20 news articles »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Offseason Blues: Tote Nation
Richard Tongohan
via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State has one of the most talented groups in the nation at the running back position. Tote Nation will return both starters from a season ago in a J.T. Barrett-less offense that will feature a new signal-caller at the helm. With that change, the offense will look different and the sheer excitement of a balanced offense would likely result in more touches for everyone, especially the running backs.

J.K. Dobbins:

Dobbins, the starter for the majority of last season will look to retain his spot at the top of the running back depth chart, but with the surprise return of his stablemate Weber, things could get interesting this spring. Dobbins was the workhorse for the Buckeyes en route to 1,403 yard and 7 touchdown season on the ground and had 22 catches for 135 yards and 1 touchdown receiving.

Barring an unexpected injury in the spring, I expect Dobbins to go out there this spring and win the top spot on the depth chart. He has a lot going for him from his vision in the backfield and his ability to separate from defenders after hitting the opening with a purpose. His running style is what separates him from the pack, but he definitely needs to improve in pass protection. He has the basic skills necessary, but he until he can block effectively like Zeke, the sky is the limit for this kid.

Mike Weber:

Weber was in and out of the lineup for most of last season, but his presence on the field was felt by all who opposed him once he got on the field. He racked up 626 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns and snagged 10 passes for 96 yards. He will try to beat out Dobbins for the starting role during the spring and try to hold off Williams and newcomer Master Teague.

Weber can be a terror if unleashed, and if the offense leans more on their tandem at running back, the Buckeyes could be as dangerous as that Georgia backfield was a season ago. We won’t know until the season begins, but is fun to speculate about what the offense can or could look like in the near future, depending on whoever wins the quarterback job in the spring.

Antonio Williams:

Williams is a bit of a forgotten man behind two bonafide players, Dobbins and Weber, but he makes the best of his time behind the two co-starters. He earned 57 carries and ran for 290 yards and scored 3 times in limited minutes.

Once again, he will sit behind the duo as he attempts to secure the #3 spot on the depth chart because of true freshman Master Teague was signed this past signing day, and the staff has high hopes for him. Regardless, this should be an entertaining battle to see develop, but iron sharpens iron and we will have to wait and see.

Master Teague:

Teague will be a workload and he is one heck of a player fresh out of high school. I don’t know if you watched his senior year highlights, but wow. He was on a different level and he will look toward his college years and develop into the player he and his coaches think he could be.

There were a ton of Zeke comparisons floating around, but I am pretty sure that he wants to be himself and that he would like to develop into a well-rounded player in the future.

Walk-Ons:

Ohio State has a few talented walk-ons on their roster in Mitch Rossi, Amari McMahon, and Jeremiah Knight. The running back room is filled with talent, but the walk-ons at Ohio State, regardless of position always contribute to the team. All three players have the potential to be like C.J. Saunders and we will see where the competition takes them.


PGxiLHuOevA


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Ohio State football: Offseason to-do list for Buckeyes to defend Big Ten title - Landof10.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".


Ohio State football: Offseason to-do list for Buckeyes to defend Big Ten title
Landof10.com
Plenty of reps in the quarterback battle. Aside from a key injury at linebacker, there's a largely healthy roster. The talent across the board is starting to look like it could be the deepest coach Urban Meyer has had with the program. And Ohio State ...

and more »


Continue reading...
 
Upvote 0
Back
Top