Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "'Now that spring practice is complete, I'll have five thoughts on each Ohio State position group this week: receivers, defensive line, offensive line, running backs, quarterbacks, linebackers and defensive backs. We're done with the receivers and defensive line, so we're on to group three, the offensive line.'..."
Ohio State offensive line:
Thought No. 5, April 30, 2009 - Justin Boren has the look: Justin Boren is a different shape than the rest of the Ohio State offensive linemen.
Thought No. 4, April 30, 2009 - Offensive line decisions should come sooner than later: The starting offensive line needs to be figured out sooner rather than later.
Thought No. 3, April 30, 2009 - If asked, Cordle's choice would be center: Jim Cordle is a center at heart.
Thought No. 2, April 30, 2009 - Where does Shugarts fit into the line?: J.B. Shugarts will be a starter somewhere on the line.
Thought No. 1, April 29, 2009 - Filling the hole at left tackle: For at least the first part of the season, Alex Boone will be missed.
Like Kryptonite for Line Talent
April 30, 2009 Source: Eleven Warriors - "We try our hardest not to be that blog. You know, the one where the writers rant and complain all day and in between call for the firing of various coaches...But reflecting on the fact that only two Buckeye offensive linemen have been drafted in the past three years — none higher than in the 6th round — and it’s time to speak up a little. After all, Jim Bollman is playing with our emotions. Since 2004, Ohio State has brought in some of the top line talent in the country coming out of high school, but it just hasn’t translated at Columbus. Let’s recap..."
Premature Assessments: Welcome, finally, to the Terrelle Pryor Show (we think)
April 30, 2009 Source: Dr. Saturday (Yahoo Sports Blog) - "A random, too-soon look at Ohio State's prospects next fall, sans the inevitable injuries, suspensions and other pratfalls of the too-long interim. What's Changed. Anticipating the theme for the next three years, I was waiting in January for the Buckeyes to turn Terrelle Pryor loose in a spread/zone-read set based on his threat as a runner in the Fiesta Bowl...What's the Same. The run defense was mediocre by OSU standards: 18th nationally and just third in the Big Ten after leading the conference and finishing in the top-five nationally in 2005 and 2007. Odd-numbered year = veteran talent on the defensive line...Bring on the anonybucks. Other than his position and profile, Pryor is the face of the offense in another way: Almost everyone else who'll touch the ball this year is also a highly recruited underclassman with a little playing time...Non-Binding Forecast. This is definitely a "rebuilding" year with a lot of uncertainty on paper, destined for the fringe of the top-10 in all the preseason magazines -- and still, Ohio State is likely to be favored in every game except USC, with Penn State serving as the toss-up..."
 | Running Back U. - Top All-Around RB Schools
April 30, 2009 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "What schools are the best when it comes to cranking out great running backs based on a combination of college production and pro talent? Richard Cirminiello gives his take on the top 15 Running Back Universities over the last 40 years...1. Ohio State
The Flag-Bearer – Eddie George
The Ensemble – Archie Griffin, Keith Byars, Beanie Wells, Antonio Pittman, Pete Johnson, Robert Smith, Jim Otis, John Brockington, Tim Spencer, Pepe Pearson, Raymont Harris, Michael Wiley, Calvin Murray, Maurice Clarett, Leo Hayden, Ron Springs, Vince Workman and Jonathan Wells |
Consistency, dotted with periodic episodes of brilliance, is what separates the Buckeyes from every other NCAA program seeking the title of Running Back U. And unlike most other schools, Ohio State backs haven’t endured any serious dry spells. In the 1970s there was two-time Heisman winner Griffin and pile-driving fullbacks Otis, Brockington and Johnson. The 1980s gave us Spencer and Byars, a Heisman runner-up Byars. The 1990s were highlighted by Eddie George and his 1,927-yard Heisman season. After a stellar rookie season, Clarett looked poised to carry the torch early in the 21st century torch before his life spun out of control. Since 1969, 16 different Buckeyes have rushed for more than 1,000 yards in a college season. Six hit the milestone in the NFL. Again, a model of consistency. From 1969-1981, no one was better than USC. Not even close. However, since that time, the Trojans slipped until Reggie Bush came along, and the Buckeyes have stayed the course, passing by at some point in the late 1990s. With both teams recruiting so well in recent years, expect them to jockey for the pole position for the foreseeable future. 2. USC..."
 | Ohio State's Gibson eager to learn
April 29, 2009 Source: ESPN.com - "Ohio State defensive end Thaddeus Gibson recently found himself in a meeting room with co-defensive coordinators Jim Heacock and Luke Fickell, marveling at the dialogue. 'I knew what they were saying, but it was like another language,' Gibson recalled. 'I walked out and went to the training room, and I came back and told [Heacock], 'If I can know the game how y'all know the game and explain it like y'all explain it, that's the key right there. The sky's the limit.'' Most players need to be told about the game, what they need to do and how they're performing in games and practices, even when they would rather not hear it. Gibson is just the opposite. The junior constantly hounds Heacock, asking for feedback after each practice. If Heacock gets a text message, odds are it's coming from Gibson..." |
 | Pryor: Hard on himself, but woe to outside critics
April 28, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "After the spring game Saturday, quarterback Terrelle Pryor once again bristled when talking about those who have criticized him as a less-than-stellar passer...This is a continuation of a trait Pryor has displayed since he first began playing last season: He is very hard on himself, constantly talking about things he can do to get better, and we hear from coaches and players all the time about how hard he works to improve. But if anyone else dares offers up a less-than-flattering view, Pryor acts as if someone spit in his mother's face...Here's what he said after the spring game: QUESTION: It seemed to be a good week for you, you're throwing the ball well now. PRYOR: 'I mean, I don’t see the media and all Ohio, whoever's saying I couldn’t throw the ball is good. But you saw today and the world saw today that I can throw the ball today and I'm a quarterback that can run. That’s how we're doing it.'...Later: PRYOR: 'The things I take offense to are that, `He can’t throw the ball.' If I wanted to, I could hang it up on my mirror and just look at it every day. (But) I’m going back to work every day. I see it and I hear it, but I can’t let it get to me. I just want to come out here and get better and help the team be a success and get better as an individual.'..." |
Spring Wrap up - How They Will Line UP
April 29, 2009 Source: The Ozone - "The Buckeyes looked at a lot of new players this spring. They also looked at a lot of new alignments on both offense and defense. Check out the-Ozone report on how the Buckeyes might change their alignment on offense and defense next fall...Spring football 2009 was a time for experimentation as coaches looked for players and combinations of players for the two-deep next fall. It was also a time for experimentation with respect to the style of play the Buckeyes will adopt..."
Spring Wrap up - The Defense
April 28, 2009 Source: The Ozone - "The Buckeyes were looking for replacements for starting linebackers James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman and defensive backs Donald Washington and Malcolm Jenkins this spring. The biggest problem the defensive coaching staff had in making those replacements was not finding players to step up, but choosing from the many players that actually did..."
Spring Wrapup - The Offense
April 27, 2009 Source: The Ozone - "Spring camp is over. What did we learn? We start today with the offense...Offensive Line: The offensive line has taken its share of criticism in recent seasons, much of it focused on line coach Jim Bollman. There were some wild rumors running around over the winter that Tressel had been "told" to make some moves on the coaching staff in view of what some described as poor line play and less-than exciting offense. You can believe what you want on those issues. What we know for sure is that there were no changes on the staff. We also know that Tressel is a team player and would be likely to listen to requests (orders) that come from above him. Draw your own conclusions. ..."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "'Now that spring practice is complete, I'll have five thoughts on each Ohio State position group this week: receivers, defensive line, offensive line, running backs, quarterbacks, linebackers and defensive backs. We're done with the receivers, so we're on to group two, the defensive line.'..."
Ohio State receivers:
Thought No. 5, April 29, 2009 - Looking at Thomas down the line: Solomon Thomas isn't a one-game wonder.
Thought No. 4, April 29, 2009 - Consistent pressure from everywhere: Four sacks from three guys is better than 12 sacks from one guy. But one sack each from 12 guys is not better than 12 sacks from one guy.
Thought No. 3, April 29, 2009 - The presence of Cameron Heyward : Cameron Heyward is one of the most important OSU recruits of the last few years.
Thought No. 2, April 29, 2009 - New alignments on the defensive line: More of a 3-4 look fits the talents of the players on this line.
Thought No. 1, April 29, 2009 - The best OSU defensive line in six years?: This could be Ohio State's best defensive line since 2003.
 | Klein finding his niche on Ohio State defense
April 29, 2009 Source: The Morning Journal - "...Jim Tressel has encouraged a significant number of incoming recruits...to graduate in December, enabling them to get a head start on their Ohio State football careers by moving to campus early...Klein, who graduated in December from Licking Valley High School, was one of five members of the 2009 freshman class that enrolled at Ohio State in January. Three other freshmen enrolled in March. Klein was one of the greatest players in Licking Valley history, rushing for over 6,000 yards and 99 touchdowns in his Panthers career. At 6-foot-3, 225 points, however, the 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year was brought to Ohio State to play linebacker. In the spring game, Klein was the top-performing true freshman. He was credited with four tackles, 1.5 for a loss, and was tremendous pursuing the ball from sideline to sideline. Not one to normally rave about freshmen — Terrelle Pryor aside — Tressel liked what he saw from Klein. 'Storm Klein, I thought, came along and made some good plays,' Tressel said in his postgame press conference..." |
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "'Now that spring practice is complete, I'll have five thoughts on each Ohio State position group this week: offensive line, receivers, running backs, quarterbacks, defensive line, linebackers and defensive backs'..."
Ohio State receivers:
Thought No. 5, April 28, 2009 - The tight ends at least look more like receivers
Thought No. 4, April 28, 2009 - Receivers could make a lot out of a little
Thought No. 3, April 28, 2009 - A lot is needed from DeVier Posey
Thought No. 2, April 28, 2009 - Maybe some receiving flash in the run game
Thought No. 1, April 28, 2009 - Robiskie and Hartline will be missed
Inside the Beat: Wrapping up OSU's spring season
April 28, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Spring -- at least the Ohio State football portion of it -- has come and gone. So what did we learn about the potential of the 2009 Buckeyes? Yes, we've analyzed things often and in depth the past four weeks in the newspaper and on this site, but now let's take a composite look at developments, now that the final act, the Gray's dominant 23-3 win over Scarlet in the spring game, is done. TIM MAY: Any critique of this team should start with the play of quarterback Terrelle Pryor, because he will set the tone in the fall. With that in mind, what a spectacular finish to a growing spring for the sophomore...KEN GORDON: ...Earlier in spring, I felt like we were watching a work in progress, almost like Tiger Woods rebuilding his swing. The process isn't always pretty every day. But no doubt, if this is the end result, OSU fans will be happy this fall, because Pryor looks as if he's putting it all together...MAY: The coaches and players also liked the development of a third corner candidate Travis Howard. They thought safety Orhian Johnson stepped up as a viable backup to returning starters Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell. And I think they were pleasantly surprised by the way freshman C.J. Barnett took to the college practice atmosphere. He is in the corner mix, at least..."
2009 Spring Game Reviews - Big Ten
April 28, 2009 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "What actually happened in all the spring games? Check out the reviews and recaps all the final scrimmages for all the teams (in the Big Ten)...Ohio State April 25 – Almost 96,000 fans watched the Gray team beat the Scarlet 23-3 with Terrelle Pryor completing 13-of-18 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns with Taurian Washington catching four balls for 92 yards and a 44-yard score and Ray Small making four grabs for 74 yards and a 42-yard touchdown. Trying to make a push for the starting running back job was Marcus Williams, who ran six times for 94 yards, highlighted by a 75-yard tear, and Brandon Saine, who ran six times for 55 yards. Backup QB Joe Bauserman struggled completing just 10-of-21 passes for 119 yards and an interception. Sophomore LB Brian Rolle led all defenders with 11 tackles with a sack..."
 | Don't laugh: Tressel belongs in the Hall of Fame now
April 27, 2009 Source: Sporting News - "...When Tressel is done at Ohio State, done with Saturday afternoon debriefings from behind a microphone, no one will remember the comedy. They will recall his head coaching, all 23-plus years of it to date. And they'll see that he compares favorably to almost anyone who has worn a whistle in major college football...Tressel belongs with the greats in coaching. He deserves a place next to Bowden and Paterno and his father, Lee Tressel...'He's a man of integrity,' senior defensive lineman Doug Worthington said. 'He teaches you about football and about how to be a man. What you see is what you get.'..." |
Source: Big Ten Network
Source: 10TV News Columbus
| Jim Tressel Comments on Spring Game Source: OSU Official Site |
 |
2009 Football Spring Game transcript
April 26, 2009 Source: OSU Official Site - "...COACH TRESSEL: The one thing we believe, you can't win the National Championship in the spring, but you can lose it by not progressing enough. I think we've progressed, and we know we've got a lot more we've got to get better at. We've got to grow together as a team and grow to complement one another and do all the things it takes to have a good team. That's why I like a game format for a spring game rather than a scrimmage because all of a sudden the kicking game has a lot to do with it. It probably wouldn't have been the score it was if it wasn't for that on-side kick and the score right before the half, that type of momentum, so we need to mesh with all three of those units and I think we did progress..." |
 | Quarterback shows marked improvement throwing ball
April 26, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Quarterback Terrelle Pryor did things yesterday he could not have done last year...The sophomore needed to make strides as a passer this offseason. His two long touchdown passes in Ohio State's spring game were things of beauty, leading Gray to a 23-3 victory over Scarlet in front of 95,722 fans, a national record for a spring game. One was a rainbow pass down the sideline, the other a sizzler between defenders. But maybe even more impressive than the throws was what Pryor said about them afterward. 'I don't know, that's just natural,' he said, shrugging. 'I just read defenses and see where the receiver (is) at and see the opening and zoom it in there.'..." |
Terrelle Pryor throws two TDs in spring game victory
April 26, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Here are eight thoughts after Terrelle Pryor led the Gray to a 23-3 win over the Scarlet in Ohio Stadium. . There's no need to wonder if Pryor can make the throws...2. The progress Pryor has made is even more visible in the way he talks about throwing the ball...3. Curiosity stokes attendance...4. Justin Boren helped save the day...5. Going into camp, I thought the incoming freshmen at running back -- Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde...6. One of the under-the-radar performances in camp came from freshman Adam Homan, who enrolled early...7. Pryor threw two touchdowns in 30 seconds at the end of the second quarter...8. The leading tacklers in the game were linebackers Brian Rolle (11), Etienne Sabino (9) and Tyler Moeller (8)..."
View from on High
April 26, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "What we learned: That Terrelle Pryor might not run at the first sign of trouble..What we still don't know: Who will play left tackle...Stock up: Brian Rolle...Stock down: Lamaar Thomas...Surprise: Brandon Saine was not kidnapped by aliens last season. He's back...Suggestion box: Get Tyler Moeller on the field -- somehow, some way..."
Backs pass replacement test
April 26, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Dan Herron understands the history and the challenge. He embraces it. He and Brandon Saine know it's now their duty to uphold the legacy that comes with playing running back at Ohio State. 'With the great tradition Ohio State has had, it's a great honor for me to even be in this situation right now,' Herron said...The first major step in the process came yesterday in the team's annual spring game, and they passed the test..."
5 who had their day in the sun
April 26, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Brandon Saine, RB...Justin Boren, OL...Josh Kerr, OL...Brian Rolle, LB...Tyler Moeller, LB..."
Spring game sets record
April 26, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "With a beaming sun and warm temperatures creating a brilliant afternoon, 95,722 Ohio State fans set a national record today for attendance at a spring football game. The attendance topped Alabama's record of 92,138, set in 2007..."
"Record crowd shows hunger for Buckeyes still ravenous" - Read the Dispatch's Bob Hunter's full commentary in the Op-Ed blog
with a national record attendance for a spring game of 95,722. The Ozone's photographer, Jim Davidson, has created a time-lapse video of Ohio Stadium filling to near-capacity for the game. The video starts before the lacrosse game and ends after Carmen Ohio.
L.A. to Ohioans: Get a life
April 27, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times, comparing the crowd of 95,000 at Ohio State's spring game to the 22,000 at USC's game, has decided it's because....well....read it for yourself: In L.A., there's more to life than spring footbal"
 | Ohio State Football Draftees
April 26, 2009 Source: Bucknuts - "Here is a list of players selected, their new teams, and their bios from their years at Ohio State. |
OSU free agent run down update
April 27, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Tackle Alex Boone signed with San Francisco. Punter A.J. Trapasso signed with Tennessee Quarterback Todd Boeckman apparently has opted to try out with Cincinnati this coming weekend after also weighing a shot with Buffalo. Tight end Rory Nicol has a tryout on Saturday with the Washington Redskins. Fullback/H back Brandon Smith will try out this weekend with Chicago. Offensive lineman Ben Person will try out with Detroit. Defensive linebacker Nader Abdallah has a tryout with Jacksonville. Offensive lineman Steve Rehring will try out with Cincinnati..."
NFL Draft: Selections by schools, conferences
April 27, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "CONFERENCE SELECTIONS: Southeastern - 37, Atlantic Coast - 32, Big Ten - 28, Big 12 - 28, Big East - 27, Pacific-10 - 23, Mountain West - 16, Mid-American - 10, Conference USA - 10, Western Athletic - 10...SCHOOL SELECTIONS: Southern Cal - 11, Ohio State - 7, Oregon St. - 7, South Carolina - 7, Cincinnati - 6, Georgia - 6, LSU - 6, Missouri - 6, North Carolina - 5, Maryland - 5, Penn St. - 5, Rutgers - 5, Texas Christian - 5
Feeling the draft in Columbus
April 27, 2009 Source: Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts writes:…In the first 36 picks of the NFL draft yesterday, four Buckeye names were called. That is special, considering that 3 of the 4 names were “3-star recruits” just a few years back! That’s coaching ‘em up, guys. No school in the nation had more players go in the top 36 that did OSU. Jenkins first, then Beanie and Laurinaitis and Robiskie. USC had four (then the Bengals put their curse on Rey Maualuga at #38). UConn ultimately had four players drafted in the first two rounds. Here’s something to consider. Even though Notre Dame has had five years of “top ten” classes. Even though Michigan has a vaunted program that recruits nationwide. Neither of those once-proud football programs had a player drafted on Saturday out of 64 choices. Oh, yes, there were the traditional powers like Wake Forest and Northern Illinois and Ohio U and Hawaii and Troy, but no Wolverines or Irish to be seen. Those guys couldn’t get drafted by the armed forces..."
Ohio State's Tressel speaks at FCA banquet, talks about Hyde, Rolle
April 27, 2009 Source: Naples (FL) Daily News - "For several years, Naples High football coach Bill Kramer recruited Ohio State's Jim Tressel, a close friend, to speak to the Southwest Florida chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Two years ago, Kramer booked him, and on Monday night at the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point, Tressel, who has been involved with FCA for 40 years, spoke during the "Play to Win" fund-raising campaign. Tressel recently got something from Kramer, too -- 6-foot-1, 230 pound Naples High running back Carlos Hyde, who rushed for 1,653 yards and 16 touchdowns last season signed with Ohio State. The Daily News Broxson Award winner helped lead the Golden Eagles to the 2007 state title and last season's regional final…We always love to have the big guy in the arsenal, and that's why we began recruiting Carlos," said Tressel, noting he wants all his freshmen coming in ready to play, although about half will redshirt. Ohio State has another Southwest Florida product in rising junior linebacker Brian Rolle of Immokalee..."
 | Cleveland Linebacker Says Yes to Ohio State
Scott McVey, of Cleveland St. Ignatius, a 6-1, 217lb linebacker with 4.5 40 speed, who has been high on the Buckeyes since receiving an offer after leading the Wildcats to an Ohio Division I title, became the fifth verbal for the Class of 2010. He has been a starter since his sophomore season and had offers and interest from many schools including Notre Dame, Michigan, Michigan State, Boston College, Iowa, West Virginia and Stanford. Welcome aboard, Scott!
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Scott McVey of St. Ignatius gives oral commitment to Ohio State
April 24, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State's spring game brought a fifth commitment for the Class of 2010 today. Linebacker Scott McVey of St. Ignatius said he told Jim Tressel around noon that he wanted to play for the Buckeyes. McVey is one of several future Buckeyes on hand in Ohio Stadioum for today's Scarlet and Gray game. McVey said he made his decision about a week ago. 'I was always an Ohio State fan," McVey said. "I always wanted to play here, but I wanted to have an open mind, too.'..."
  Walk-on Siems gives OSU needed QB depth
April 25, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Justin Siems, the guy wearing No. 17 at today's Scarlet and Gray Game who fans at first may think is Todd Boeckman back for a seventh season, has a little something to do with Pryor's development as a thrower. The fact that Siems found his way to campus from a prep school in North Carolina has perhaps prevented Pryor's right arm from falling off. Pryor admitted to soreness this spring while throwing the ball more than he ever has in his life. That's with three quarterbacks in camp -- Pryor, backup Joe Bauserman and Siems -- when four is preferred. Imagine if Ohio State had only two arms making all the throws in drills and scrimmage situations. Recruit Kenny Guiton, added to the freshman class just before signing day in February, won't be here until the fall, and Ross Oltorik, a walk-on a year ago, is playing baseball. That led recruiting assistant Greg Gillum to respond to tapes sent in by Siems..." |
 | The 2009 Ohio State football Spring Game is currently scheduled for this Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Ohio Stadium. It will follow the men's lacrosse game vs. Notre Dame. Gates Open: 10 a.m. Football Scrimmage: 1:30 p.m. Ticket Price: $5 Purchase Tickets: Ohio State Ticket Office |
2009 Spring Game Draft Source: OSU Official Site
Buckeyes Announce Spring Game Rosters
April 22, 2009 Source: OSU Official Site - "Emotions once again ran high during the annual Spring Game draft which was held Wednesday afternoon in the Team Meeting room at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The draft featured plenty of strategy, discussion, aruguments and even some late trades that nearly beat the trade deadline. Click to see the complete rosters for both teams. You can also listen to post-draft reaction from Tressel and players..."
Gray takes 'live' Pryor for spring game
April 22, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...When coach Jim Tressel revealed that his top two QBs would be in non-protected, full-contact mode for two quarters of the game, senior safety Kurt Coleman said it was a no-brainer for his Gray squad to make Pryor the No.1 pick in the annual player draft...But the Scarlet, led by senior offensive lineman Jim Cordle, then grabbed defensive end Thaddeus Gibson, considered the team's best overall pass-rusher. Cordle, looking at the way the Scarlet soon added offensive linemen Bryant Browning, Andy Miller and Mike Adams, liked the mismatch. 'I think we've got the guy (Gibson) who can put pressure on Terrelle, and we've got the (offensive) tackles,' Cordle said. 'I like our chances.' Coleman smiled when relayed that comment..."
OSU Spring Game Rosters Source: BuckeyeSports.com
Thoughts on Pryor, Navy, Rolle
April 24, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Some quick thoughts on Ohio State and one on the draft: * Terrelle Pryor has thrown the ball very well the last two practices we saw him. Tuesday he hit some nice deep throws. Thursday, he was zipping passes to the sideline and over the middle. Call it progress...* After talking with linebackers coach Luke Fickell on Tuesday, my guess for the linebacker lineup in the fall features Etienne Sabino in the middle, with Ross Homan on the weakside and Austin Spitler on the strongside, with Spitler moving to the middle in OSU's nickel defense. Homan would be the other linebacker to stay on the field..."
Last look at practice
April 23, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Today was the last true practice of spring drills. OSU will hit the field tomorrow, but the annual coaches’ clinic will be going on – where high school and small-college staffs from all over are watching. The Buckeyes will go through individual drills and maybe a few 11-on-11 plays, but it’s not really a full day of real work. So today, even though the players were only in shells, they did a lot of 11-on-11, with some good action. On to impressions:... Terrelle Pryor threw it well today. He’s had good days before, although overall I would call his spring good, not great. But today, man, he stood in the pocket and zipped one about 15 yards downfield to DeVier Posey, running a slant against tight coverage, and Pryor put it right where it needed to be. The fact that he was in the pocket and showed good mechanics is what should be most encouraging to OSU fans..."
Bollman Sees Growth On O-Line
April 24, 2009 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The first key for any offense to be successful is to possess a strong offensive line that can control the point of attack. This spring, Ohio State has been mixing and matching players as it tries to find the best combination for success in the trenches, and coach Jim Bollman is liking what he is seeing out of his charges...'Everybody was talking about getting tougher, being more physical and all those different kinds of things. Well, are we there yet? No, we’re not there,' Bollman said. 'We’re 12 practices closer to being there. I think we’re on schedule. I don’t know if you ever get exactly where you want to be, but the guys have improved and they deserve some credit for that.' The offensive line has had its work cut out for it throughout the spring. While the unit is replacing three of the five players who started the Fiesta Bowl against Texas, it is going up against an experienced defensive line that returns all but one starter. The gap of experience was visible during the team’s jersey scrimmage..."
 | Spring Profile: Homan Ready to Move Out From Shadows
April 24, 2009 Source: OSU Official Site - "...Entering his junior season in 2009, Homan is the lone starting linebacker returning...Now, he will be asked to lead what has been one of the best units in the country for a decade...When healthy, he has provided a spark to the silver bullet defense. Homan enrolled early his freshman season of 2006 and got his feet wet before playing in all 13 games for a team that would play for a national championship. Homan was third among linebackers in tackles for the season...The 2007 season, though, was awash because of a turf toe injury. Homan took a medical redshirt and came back in 2008 hungry to prove that his freshman season was an indicator of what he could do over his four seasons with the Buckeyes. He proved it with 67 tackles, including six behind the line of scrimmage and a key fumble recovery at Wisconsin..."
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Tall tight ends expect to add to passing game
April 24, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...The Buckeyes' towering tight ends are the Big Jakes -- 6-foot-6 Jake Ballard and 6-5 Jake Stoneburner...Ballard, a senior, is 260 pounds, lighter by 10 pounds or so from the end of last season. Stoneburner, a redshirt freshman from Dublin, is at 230 now that he has stopped "just eating apples," as coach Jim Tressel put it, so he could maintain the svelte look of a receiver. Stoneburner hasn't had to look the receiver part since he was moved to tight end this spring, in part because of a lack of depth at the position after the departure of Rory Nicol. Coaches also are excited by the prospect of using Stoneburner to probe the depth of the field with his receiver pedigree. Of course, when the subject is the Buckeyes possibly throwing passes consistently to their tight ends, the response usually is a laugh and a dismissive response of, "Yeah, right." But Ballard thinks it could become reality..."
 | After long wait, Spitler's time arrives
April 22, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Austin Spitler felt as if he had been stuck at the world's longest red light. The linebacker arrived at Ohio State in 2005, along with a fresh-faced Minnesota kid named James Laurinaitis. Spitler redshirted, while injuries to Marcus Freeman and Bobby Carpenter propelled Laurinaitis from third string to starter by season's end. And that, as they say, was that. If Spitler's college career were a highway, he was stalled on the entrance ramp. For the next three years, he sat behind Laurinaitis, who became a three-time All-American and winner of various trophies. Spitler has played just 99 minutes in his career. Fans might remember him most for a negative moment -- his crucial roughing-the-punter call against Louisiana State in the national championship game in January 2008...And that's the key to where Spitler is: He spent the downtime learning, watching, working and improving. It's why the fifth-year senior from Bellbrook -- southeast of Dayton -- finally is listed as a starter this spring. His next start will be his first..." |
"Co-Defensive Coordinator Luke Fickell and linebackers Ross Homan, Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller spoke with reporters following practice on Tuesday."
 | Spring Profile: Ballard Embracing New Leadership Role
April 19, 2009 Source: OSU Official Site - "In the game of football, the element of time can be one of the most influential factors on a team’s performance...offensive players know that timing is everything when it comes to making plays and gaining yardage. For wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, the offseason has provided him with the opportunity to not only step into a new leadership role, but also perfect his timing and communication with quarterback Terrelle Pryor. 'With any receiver-quarterback combination that has been worth anything in college or the NFL, it’s all about timing,' Sanzenbacher said. 'Terrell is trying to find his rhythm and I think he is making great steps. He has been doing everything he can to become a great passer.'...Now, with two years under his belt, the junior from Toledo, Ohio has emerged from spring practices as one of the new leaders of the Ohio State offense...” |
| Jim Tressel Comments on Jersey Scrimmage Source: OSU Official Site |
Defense wins jersey scrimmage as sophomore defensive end Solomon Thomas gets seven sacks
April 18, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The defense beat the offense 56-55 in Ohio State's jersey scrimmage in Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning, the most important day of spring practice. But even offensive lineman Jim Cordle admitted the game wasn't as close as the score indicated, with the defense in control most of the day...the pressure of the defensive line led to more than 10 sacks, including seven by second-team defensive end Solomon Thomas. Six of his sacks came when the quarterbacks were off limits, and just touching the quarterbacks with one hand was enough to register a sack...Brandon Saine, sharing time on the first-team offense with Herron, ran very tough, breaking tackles several times and spinning away for more yardage. He was probably the star of the scrimmage for the offense, finishing with about 80 yards rushing on around 15 carries..."
Defensive end shares credit for seven sacks
April 19, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Defensive end Solomon Thomas had seven sacks yesterday in Ohio State's jersey scrimmage, yet the seldom-seen sophomore hardly seemed surprised. The reason, he said, was that he simply did what the defense has been doing all month in spring practices. When the ball is snapped, he gets after it. 'We try to have that mind-set every day of the week. This is how we practice,' Thomas said...But Thomas said his exploits spoke for the defense as a whole. 'With great coaching and great defensive tackles around me, it's just my job to do that.'..."
Taking the good with the bad
April 19, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Good...Quarterbacks throw to ... tight ends?
• There were two hallelujah moments for the quarterbacks. They were the 26-yard pass from Joe Bauserman to Jake Stoneburner that set up a field goal and the 15-yard pass from Pryor to Ballard. Why hallelujah? Stoneburner and Ballard are tight ends...Bad...Beware the speed rushers • Led by newcomer Justin Boren at left guard, the offensive line has taken a more physical approach this spring, but the speed rush around the edge still gives the unit fits. The better No. 1 line appeared to be right tackle Jim Cordle, right guard Bryant Browning, center Michael Brewster, Boren and left tackle Andy Miller. Mike Adams is competing with Miller, a former tight end who has been one of the surprises of the spring..."
Jersey Scrimmage Impressions
April 18, 2009 Source: The Ozone - "Check out Tony Gerdeman's impressions of the jersey scrimmage: 'I always say that it’s dangerous to draw conclusions from a jersey scrimmage or Spring Game--which is why I only draw impressions..."
Ten observations from Ohio State's Saturday scrimmage April 18, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
 Healthy Saine impresses
April 19, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Tressel said Saine's troubles last season were because of injury, not inability...Saine showcased the speed for which he's best known, sprinting 18 yards around the corner on his third carry, and also some improved power and physicality...Amos feels young again: Amos, a fifth-year senior, said for the first time in his college career he feels physically up to the task after dealing with two major injuries (knee and chest)...Pettrey hit and miss: With the No. 1 defense keeping the No. 1 offense at bay for most of the scrimmage, No. 1 kicker Aaron Pettrey spent a lot of time on the bench. In the end, he got two big shots, one he made -- a field goal from 56 yards that brought the loudest applause from the small, invited crowd on hand -- and one he missed. It was a 35-yard extra-point attempt..." |
| Asst. Head Coach Darrell Hazell on Receivers this Spring Source: OSU Official Site |
Spring Profile: Ballard Embracing New Leadership Role
April 17, 2009 Source: OSU Official Site - "Jake Ballard has spent his first three years at Ohio State playing with or behind Rory Nicol. Now Ballard finds himself with a starting job and the expectations that come with it...'Now that Rory’s gone there’s a lot more responsibility and I can’t rely on him like before,' Ballard said after a recent practice...Now most of that falls on me with these young tight ends around.' The youth that Ballard mentions...two freshmen, Nic DiLillo and Jake Stoneburner...will both be looking up to Ballard for guidance...'I’m going to work hard every day, make some big blocks, some plays receiving and I hope to get the respect of all the fans out there.”
Unfinished business keeps wide receiver Ray Small in school<
April 17, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State receiver Ray Small considered leaving early for the NFL, but he didn't like the way he would have been remembered as a Buckeye. 'I couldn't leave as the bad guy,' Small, a Glenville High grad, said Friday. 'I wanted to show the world I can do it. I didn't want to go out on that note.'...'At first I felt like everybody was messing with me, but in reality, it was all my fault,' Small said. 'It was just young mistakes. That's definitely in the past.' Small said his relationship with Jim Tressel never suffered, saying his father made those comments without his knowledge or blessing. 'Tress is a good guy and we just sat down and talked it out,' Small said..."
| "We have 17 minutes of video with OSU sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor. He talks about his improvement from last fall, the progress of the OSU offense, his goals for the upcoming season and much more in this lively session. Pryor said he now goes 6-6, 238 pounds after gaining roughly eight pounds since the end of the season. He said he worked hard during winter quarter on his footwork. He believes the Buckeyes have the receivers to overcome the loss of departed receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. He is glad to have the spring to take a step back and develop his game after being thrown into the fire last fall." Source: Bucknuts |
Pryor disgusted by what he didn't know last season
April 16, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...He's smarter. Watching himself on film from a year ago, he can only shake his head. 'It just disgusts me,' Pryor said. 'I can't believe I didn't know that, but now I know it. If I would have known these things I know now, it would have been so much easier. Once you know what the defense is doing, it's a whole different ball game. And that's how I look at it right now.'...He's more in charge. 'On the offensive side, that's my offense and I'm going to run it,' Pryor said. 'That's how it's going to be...the most important thing is for the quarterback to be the leader.'...'There are teams out there waiting for us. There are some teams we owe stuff to,' Pryor said. 'We just have to bring it.'..."
Source: OSU Official Site
Pryor makes grade as student, leader
April 16, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...The Ohio State sophomore quarterback knows his every move is being watched, and not just by outsiders. That's why he said it was important that he was eligible to rise during a recent team meeting when coach Jim Tressel asked players who had a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in the winter quarter to stand. Pryor said the No. 1 quarterback should be perceived as a leader in all aspects. 'If the team is seeing me not stand up then that's a problem, the way I look at it,' he said. 'You know, 'Why is our starting quarterback not standing?' Maybe they're not thinking that, but that's the way I think.' Pryor was hardly alone when he stood. Forty-six other players made the grade, too, Tressel said..."
Boren impressing his quarterback
April 17, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "After nine practices this spring, quarterback Terrelle Pryor can sense one thing that new left guard Justin Boren will bring to the Ohio State offensive line. 'Fire, man. He's nasty,' Pryor said. The defensive front often has held sway in scrimmages, but Boren usually is mixing it up and playing to the whistle. 'We needed it,' Pryor said of that attitude...Rolle keeps rolling: The Brian Rolle show continued in practice, and it appears the junior linebacker is gaining more attention from the coaches. He made two huge hits in the special-teams scrimmage last week and had an eye-opening play late yesterday...Siems seems worthy: Other than an interception, Justin Siems (pronounced seems) has performed well...'It's funny, but I just met his dad (after practice) and I told him his son has been a very pleasant surprise,' Siciliano said. 'He has gained a general understanding of what we're doing fast, and he's had more completions here than most walk-on quarterbacks their first (spring).' With Pryor and backup Joe Bauserman the only other quarterbacks in spring practice, Siciliano said Siems has provided more than just a third arm for passing drills..." |
Buckeyes athletic department enthusiastic about switch from quarters to semesters
April 16, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "For once, the largest athletic department in college sports is happy to be just like everyone else. Ohio State's plan to switch from a quarter system to semesters by 2012, which the trustees approved earlier this month, was enthusiastically backed by the athletic department. The plan should help the men's basketball team reach academic benchmarks and avoid losing scholarships and will make scheduling easier in almost all sports...And don't even get started on football tickets...Tickets: Three of those football games before classes last season were home games. That allowed the Buckeyes to sell thousands of tickets normally reserved for students. The allotment of alumni tickets already shrank last year, and with students using seats for every game with this move, there will be even fewer alumni tickets available..."
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