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Spring Back: Corners Provide Veteran Leadership for OSU Secondary April 30, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...Buckeyes also return two starters at the cornerback position, which will anchor a secondary that must replace both starting safeties, including team MVP Kurt Coleman.
Key losses: Andre Amos Returning lettermen: Devon Torrence, Chimdi Chekwa, Donnie Evege Spring newcomers: None Help is on the way: Christian Bryant (Glenville), Bradley Roby (Suwanee, Ga.)
What we knew...What we thought...How it went...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
Spring Back: Linebackers Anchor 2010 Defense April 28, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...The Buckeyes won’t be back together on the practice field until August when they open fall camp in preparation for the 2010 season-opener against Marshall. As the players move into summer conditioning, we look back by position at how things look now compared to what we expected heading into spring practice back on April 1. We begin our “Spring Back” series with a look at the linebackers. Key losses: Austin Spitler (Miami Dolphins, Pick No. 252) Returning lettermen: Ross Homan, Brian Rolle, Storm Klein, Andrew Sweat, Etienne Sabino Spring newcomers: None Help is on the way: Scott McVey (St. Ignatius), Chad Hagan (Canonsburg, Pa.)
What we knew...What we thought...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
Position Battles to Chew On Over the Summer April 27, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...While we’re able to infer most of what the two-deep will look like in September, there are still some battles to be waged for playing time. Here are a few to keep in mind before the Buckeyes pick things back up again in August...."
Several Buckeyes talk with Katie Witham about the spring football season
Prep football: Barron Collier tight end Jeff Heuerman commits to Ohio State April 26, 2010 Source: Naples News - "Entertaining dozens of scholarship offers, Barron Collier tight end Jeff Heuerman hoped to make his college choice this summer. Dealing with some of the nation's elite coaches, Heuerman expected even more offers in the coming weeks. After a recruiting trip to Ohio State on Saturday, however, the Cougars junior doesn't need to wait anymore. Heuerman is going to be a Buckeye. Two days after his visit, Heuerman made a verbal commitment to Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel during a phone call Monday afternoon. Heuerman plans to graduate from Barron Collier in December and enroll in Ohio State in January 2011.
Heuerman had offers from more than a dozen Bowl Championship Series schools and narrowed his choices to Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder expected more offers to come, but after his trip to Columbus, he was sold on the Buckeyes. "I just knew," Heuerman said. "When I got off (Ohio State's) campus, I just knew I wanted to be a Buckeye. There's really no sense waiting. When you know something you know it, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger."..."
Tight end from Florida commits to OSU's 2011 class April 27, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Heuerman, 6 feet 5, 238 pounds, was holding offers from 20 schools, he said, including Purdue, Notre Dame and Michigan - the alma mater of his father Paul Heuerman, who played basketball. Heuerman, who plans to graduate early to enroll at OSU in January, is the 10th commitment to the Buckeyes' 2011 class..."
Buckeyes expect O-line triad to turn corner April 26, 2010 Source: ESPN - "Before the Rose Bowl, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and head coach Jim Tressel met and discussed how the game marked the halfway point of Pryor's career. It was a midterm exam, in front of 92,000 proctors. And Pryor aced it. But Pryor isn't the only member of Ohio State's decorated 2008 recruiting class to reach halftime in Columbus.
As Pryor delayed his college decision on national signing day in 2008, much of the buzz at Ohio State swirled around three decorated offensive line prospects: Michael Brewster, Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts. All three players were ESPNU 150 selections. ESPN recruiting ranked Brewster and Shugarts as the nation's No. 2 and No. 3 offensive tackle prospects, while Adams ranked No. 8. All three are now preparing for their junior seasons at Ohio State.
"They're at the midpoint of their careers, not unlike Terrelle," head coach Jim Tressel said. "You'd like to think that they can be real good leaders and good veterans."..."
Katie Witham wraps up the Buckeyes' Spring Football action
Spring Game Standouts, Letdowns April 25, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "10 Players Who Looked Good: 1. QB Kenny Guiton (Gray)...2. WR Taurian Washington (Gray)...3. WR Dane Sanzenbacher (Scarlet) ...4. TE Jake Stoneburner (Scarlet)...5. FB Zach Boren (Gray)...6. LB Etienne Sabino (Gray)...7. DE Keith Wells (Scarlet)...8. DT Adam Bellamy (Scarlet)...9. HB Jordan Hall (Scarlet)...10. LB Jonathan Newsome & Dorian Bell (Scarlet)...
Five Who Didn’t: 1. CB Devon Torrence (Scarlet)...2. QB Joe Bauserman (Scarlet)...3. WR DeVier Posey (Gray)...4. P Ben Buchanan (Scarlet)...5. OT Andrew Miller (Gray)..."
10 Things We Learned from the Spring Game April 24, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "1. Kenny Guiton is the second best quarterback on the team. No if, ands or buts about it...2. Offensive line helped him look good...Guiton was the star of the 2010 spring game, but let’s not forget about the guys who made it all possible. As usual, the offense linemen were the unsung heroes Saturday. They provided Guiton enough time to make the plays he needed to win the game...3. Mike Adams is the best option at left tackle. At least at the moment anyways...4. Another guy who may have locked up a starting spot Saturday was linebacker Etienne Sabino...5. T-Wash not done yet. The same could be true for Taurian Washington as the No. 2 receiver. After dominating last year’s spring game, Washington did it again Saturday...6. Tight ends could actually be a part of the offense...8. Zach Boren should catch more passes this season...Boom Herron still a solid No. 2. With guys like Jordan Hall, Jaamal Berry, Carlos Hyde and Jermil Martin on the roster, many fans were ready to write off Boom Herron as a reliable No. 2 back behind Brandon Saine...10. Punting game could be an issue again..."
Kenny Guiton speaks to the press after Spring Game Source: Eleven Warriors
Spring Game A/V Bullets April 25, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "Ken Gordon summed up Guiton’s afternoon pretty well: Ohio State fans who came into yesterday hoping star quarterback Terrelle Pryor wouldn’t get hurt suddenly were holding their breath that Kenny Guiton was OK. He’s still raw, likely somewhere around 60 on EA’s awareness scale (see the four sacks), but the kid can play. If nothing else, his outing gives hope for the future and some measure of solitude should the nightmare scenario that mustn’t be printed occurs this fall.
And now to the bullets: • DeVier Posey had a day to forget, which I’m hoping to chalk up to it being his first outing in a season with such high expectations...• Taurian, Taurian, Taurian. Could it be he’s just one of those guys that can make the clutch play, but not the routine one?...• Zach Boren is the gift that keeps on giving...• I’m still cautious even bringing this up because I don’t want to jinx things, but Ohio State looks like they might actually use the tight end in the passing game this year...• The running attack didn’t provide many fireworks — Joe Bauserman led the Gray Scarlet in rushing — but a couple of things stood out...• Etienne Sabino was everywhere for the Gray defense, finishing with seven tackles...• John Simon and Cam Heyward on the same Scarlet defensive front was a bit unfair at times...• It’s obvious Drew Basil has a canon...• The punter job has long been thought to be Ben Buchanan’s to lose, but that might just happen if walk-on Derek Erwin keeps having afternoons like he did yesterday..."
Jim Tressel speaks to the press after Spring Game Source: Eleven Warriors
Taurian Washington speaks to the press after Spring Game Source: Eleven Warriors
Bryant Browning speaks to the press after Spring Game Source: Eleven Warriors
Not all questions find answers as Ohio State completes spring drills with annual scrimmage April 25, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "A lot of people are looking at the Buckeyes as potential national title contenders. That makes sense, doesn't it? "I have no concerns," senior linebacker Brian Rolle said after the Gray's 17-14 win over the Scarlet, fueled by a late touchdown pass from third-string quarterback Kenny Guiton to Taurian Washington. "Everyone projects us as being the best team in the country or whatever. I think we made steps toward that rather than thinking we're already there."
The minds of the faithful should have been eased early by the one touchdown drive conducted by quarterback Terrelle Pryor in his only quarter of action. Coming off the previous Saturday's scrimmage, when he unofficially completed five of 15 passes for 45 yards on a windy day behind a shaky offensive line, Pryor looked much more in control on this Saturday. He was 8-of-12 for 108 yards and one touchdown, a 12-yard strike to Dane Sanzenbacher in the corner of the end zone.
Three things we learned this spring: 1. Kenny Guiton has closed the gap on Joe Bauserman as the No. 2 quarterback...2. Mike Adams clearly leads for the starting left tackle job...3. Brandon Saine should be headed for a breakout year...
Three things we won't know until September: 1. What's up with the kicking game?...2. The third receiver spot?...3. How much will they throw to their running backs..."
Pryor shows off passing touch in limited play, Walk-ons stand out, Sabino tops chart, Line depth on display April 25, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Last year, Terrelle Pryor played just the first half in the Ohio State spring game as a precaution, but he delivered two touchdowns. Yesterday, the quarterback played just the first quarter for the same reason, but again, he made some noise...In the fourth quarter, it appeared for a while that running back Bo Delande and tight end Spencer Smith, both walk-ons, were going to steal the show...Junior Etienne Sabino not only established himself in the trio of starting linebackers with returning seniors Brian Rolle and Ross Homan, he also led the spring game with seven tackles for the Gray...Jack Mewhort at right guard was a major part of the Gray offensive line that protected quarterback Kenny Guiton much of the game. But where does Mewhort, a redshirt freshman, sit in the actual pecking order?
Pryor's backup stars in Ohio State spring game April 24, 2010 Source: ESPN - "On a day when Terrelle Pryor saw little playing time, little-known Kenny Guiton made the most of his. The third-team quarterback tossed a 45-yard scoring pass to Taurian Washington with 55 seconds left on Saturday to give the Gray a 17-14 victory over the Scarlet in Ohio State's annual intrasquad scrimmage. The Buckeye faithful turned out for Ohio State's annual spring game Saturday as quarterback Terrelle Pryor mostly watched his backups compete. "I feel comfortable," said Guiton, a redshirt freshman from Houston. "I had three of the starting linemen, so there was nothing for me to be antsy about. So I just took my time and played ball." The Buckeyes wrapped up their 15 spring practices before a crowd of 65,223 at overcast Ohio Stadium. Guiton completed 11-of-21 passes for 167 yards and two scores, both to Washington, who had three catches for 83 yards..." New backup plan? Quarterback Guiton makes a case for backup role with two TD passes Source: Columbus Dispatch
Guiton, Washington connect twice to lead Gray in spring game April 24, 2010 Source: OSU Official Site - "The Ohio State gray team defeated the scarlet team, 17-14, in the 2010 Spring Game presented by Nationwide Saturday at Ohio Stadium. A crowd of 65,223 was in attendance on a pleasant but gray day. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor played only the first quarter for the Scarlet. After a three-and-out first drive, he was sharp the rest of the way and completed 8-of-12 passes for 108 yards and one touchdown. He found Dane Sanzenbacher four times for 61 yards.
The Gray was led offensively by senior wide receiver Taurian Washington, who had three catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns. With 1:04 remaining in the game, red-shirt freshman quarterback Kenny Guiton threw a 45-yard pass to Washington to give Gray a 17-14 lead. Guiton was 11-of-21 for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Fifth-year senior placekicker Devin Barclay missed a 56-yard field goal with two seconds left in an attempt to tie the game.
True freshman kicker Drew Basil kicked a 42-yard field early in the fourth quarter to give the Gray a 10-7 lead. Scarlet took a 14-10 lead after running back Bo DeLande scored on a four-yard touchdown with under five minutes remaining. The game was tied at 7-all at halftime. Scarlet had 272 yards of offense with Pryor’s 108-yards passing the signature stat. Gray had 239 yards with 167 passing yards from Guiton and 32 rushing yards from Dan Herron. Scarlet quarterback Joe Bauserman led his squad in rushing with 35 yards.
Guiton steered the Gray to a touchdown on its opening possession. He hit DeVier Posey for 14 yards on the fourth play of the series and came right back with a 28-yard scoring strike to Washington on the very next play to cap the five-play, 65-yard drive. It didn’t take Pryor and the Scarlet long to respond with a game-tying touchdown: 1:37 to be exact. Pryor dropped back to pass four consecutive times, completed all four, including a drive-opening 23-yard completion to Jake Stoneburner and a 12-yarder to Sanzenbacher to tie the score at 7-apiece. The Scarlet drive covered 78 yards…all through the air..." Scoring Summary, Team Statistics, Individual Statistics, Drive Chart, Defensive Statistics,
Play-by-Play Tressel Postgame Transcript
Pryor, Washington shine in spring game April 24, 2010 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - Ari Wasserman writes: "...Washington, who has been battling all spring to win the No. 3 receiver position with Duron Carter out with academic issues, finished the game with three receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns, leading all Ohio State wideouts in receiving yards. "You always want to send a message to the coaches," Washington said. "I thought I went out and played well and played fast and basically competed well against the other team..."
OSU does have question marks April 23, 2010 Source: Lancaster Gazette - "You can tell Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel doesn't have to deal with mole holes or rake leaves left from the fall or repair cracks and chips in his driveway created by a harsh winter. "I've never been around a bad spring," he declared. Former Buckeye Brandon Childress used to say the same thing, then largely disappear come August.
If there's no paint to watch dry and you decide to attend the glorified scrimmage -- hey, 90,000 had nothing else to do in 2009 -- here's four questions to think about before players suddenly start switching jerseys, creating havoc for statisticians:..."
Jim Tressel spoke with reporters following the spring game draft. Tressel talked about Tyler Moeller, new NCAA rules, the upcoming North-South All Star game and more
Pryor might see limited action in spring game April 21, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Rosters set for scrimmage Saturday...Quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the first pick of Ohio State's 2010 spring game draft today, but he might not play a lot.
Coach Jim Tressel said that Pryor will not wear a black "no contact" jersey Saturday, but he smirked and was rather coy in avoiding questions about restrictions on Pryor. That could mean an early end to Pryor's day. Pryor was taken by Scarlet, which also will feature offensive starters such as receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and tight end Jake Stoneburner. Joe Bauserman will play quarterback for Scarlet whenever Pryor is taken out of the game.
The Gray team will be led by quarterbacks Kenny Guiton and Justin Siems. Gray landed four potential offensive-line starters: tackles Andrew Miller and J.B. Shugarts, guard Justin Boren and center Michael Brewster. Gray also loaded up on running backs -- Brandon Saine and Dan Herron, Carlos Hyde and Jaamal Berry, although there is some question how much both Saine and Berry will play because of injury. The top Gray receivers are DeVier Posey and Taurian Washington.
There were a few surprises, including Guiton being chosen ahead of Bauserman, and safety Nate Oliver ahead of Orhian Johnson..."
The time has come for Ohio State's Devon Torrence April 21, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State defensive back Devon Torrence is having a moment, described by Toledo Blade reporter Matt Markey. Torrence better understands the concepts of the Buckeyes. And that's a good thing for Torrence
In The Toledo Blade: "Last year at this time I was out there just playing, really didn't maybe understand everything that was going on," Torrence said. "This year, I'm trying to concentrate on the little things and understand the total defensive package, and maybe be a little more football savvy." Torrence is expected to start at corner this coming season, along side of fellow senior Chimdi Chekwa..."
Three night games on 2010 schedule April 21, 2010 Source: OSU Official Site - "Ohio State will play in at least three prime time football games, night games at Wisconsin and Minnesota, host Miami in afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and ESPN/ABC announced Wednesday. The season kicks off under the lights at the Horseshoe Thursday, Sept. 2, as Marshall University comes to Columbus for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on the Big Ten Network.
The Buckeyes also will play in two night games on the road during the conference season at Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Oct. 16 game in Madison will kick off at 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN or ESPN2. Two weeks later, Ohio State returns north to take on the Gophers at 8 p.m. ET Oct. 30 at the new TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on either ABC or ESPN. The Big Ten also announced that the Buckeyes' game with Miami (FL) on Sept. 11 will have a 3:40 p.m. kickoff on ESPN..."
4/21 Spring Analysis - Ohio State's Deadly O April 21, 2010 Source: College Football News - "Ohio State’s Offense: Tempered Aggression...After last year’s aerial explosion in the Rose Bowl, many fans and writers alike seem to believe that Terrelle Pryor’s coming out party will result in a "shock and awe" campaign this year of five wide-outs and one-back sets. While Pryor certainly had arguably his best game as a Buckeye, there are a few reasons to believe that this season might best resemble a calculated, efficient operation rather than a blitzkrieg. Reason number one: A Stable of Running Backs...Reason number two: Tressel Ball...Reason number three: The Body of Work Principle...Reason Number Four: The Mason-Dixon Line has not moved north..."
New safeties, but same CBs back for Buckeyes April 20, 2010 Source: Associated Press - "..."It's always a big loss when you lose players like that," Torrence said during Ohio State's spring workouts. "They really knew the defense. It's a really big loss but we 'bring 'em in and bring 'em out' here, so it's going to be pretty good to see how the new guys do."
Filling holes left behind by the departing seniors are Jermale Hines and Orhian Johnson, their backups a year ago and now considered the starters. Hines talks about Coleman and Russell, the third- and fifth-leading tacklers for Ohio State a year ago, in the present tense. "I learned a lot from them," the senior said. "Those guys are real film junkies. They work hard at everything they do, are real leaders. Whatever happens, they take the blame for it and keep it going."..."
Catching Up With Jamel Turner April 19, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "While many of you are upset over the recent events that have occurred regarding OSU recruit Jamel Turner, we had a chance to sit down with him just two days before the shooting incident.
While it is easy to put Turner in the "thug" category, if you actually speak to him you can tell he does not want to live that life and really can use the support system that exists at Ohio State to create a better life for himself. It’s hard to defend that statement with the recent details that have emerged from this weekend’s shooting incident, but if you read our interview with Turner, you can perhaps see some reason to root for this kid to be a success. His fate at Ohio State is in the hands of Jim Tressel..."
Ohio State football recruit Jamel Turner Shot April 19, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State football recruit Jamel Turner was believed to have been shot over the weekend in the Youngstown area, a source close to the OSU program said. Details are sketchy, but Turner's wounds were not thought to be life-threatening. He did not respond to phone messages left for him yesterday. No official confirmation was available last night.
This is just the latest in a long line of troubles for Turner, a defensive end. He was kicked off the Ursuline High School basketball team for disciplinary reasons in the spring of 2009, his junior year, and declared academically ineligible for sports. He was spending his senior year at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy and appeared to be doing well. In February, he signed his letter of intent to play for OSU. At the time, Turner told The Dispatch, "We all make bad decisions and mistakes, but it's what you do after that." He left Fork Union in March, though, for reasons that were never explained. He returned to Youngstown, where OSU coach Jim Tressel said he assumed Turner was trying to graduate..."
Turner shooting: More details: "..."According to police reports, Jamel Turner was traveling south on Interstate 680 late Friday night, when near the Williamson street exit, he claims he was hit by gunfire in his ankle and right hip. "It's believed the injuries to the former Ursuline standout weren't serious and shouldn't affect his playing status. Turner left Ursuline after his Junior season to attend Fork Union Military Academy. "A bag of marijuana and two handguns were found in the car Turner was riding in. A total of three people were said to be traveling with Turner, including Jamel's twin brother. No one was seriously hurt..."
Rating the Big Ten expansion candidates April 19, 2010 Source: CBS Sportsline - "Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany travels to the Arizona desert this week which is kind of fitting. For some unlucky schools, there is going to be a college football wasteland once the Big Ten gets done expanding. The BCS meetings this week in Phoenix could be where it all starts. Out of public view, mind you, but it could start. Delany could begin the process of notifying affected conferences that he is about to raid them.
With that in mind, it's time to rating the Big Ten expansion candidates in terms of relevance: 1. Notre Dame...2. Connecticut...3. Missouri...4. Rutgers...5. Syracuse...6. Pittsburgh..."
It's time for Big Ten to force Irish's hand April 19, 2010 - Bob Hunter writes in the Columbus Dispatch: "Just about every Big Ten expansion story during the past 30 years has included that irritating kicker about Notre Dame.
Notre Dame is the most logical candidate to join the league, but ...
But. The Big Ten wants Notre Dame, but ... Notre Dame is a nice fit, but ... The "but" is always there, usually linked to the school's desire to remain independent..."
Cash Makes Nine April 18, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "Plantation (FL) defensive back Jeremy Cash became the 9th member of the 2011 class when he called Jim Tressel earlier today and informed him of his desire to play in real football weather*. The 6-2 Cash, projected as a safety at the next level, caught the eye of scouts after a stellar sophomore campaign in which he posted 82 tackles (15 of which were TFLs), nine sacks and an interception. Long thought to be a heavy Buckeye lean, Cash arrived at OSU’s camp later that summer in a suit, saying it was a "business trip". At the time, the south Florida prospect was also drawing interest from heavies such as Miami, Florida State, Nebraska, Tennessee, Alabama and others, receiving offers from most of these schools..." (Also: Video of Cash FB Highlights)
10 Things We Learned from the Jersey Scrimmage April 18, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "10. Jonathan Newsome is a player...Newsome has already shown himself to be one of the better linebackers on the team. Teammate Brian Rolle recently compared him to Etienne Sabino, and he sure looked like him out there Saturday as he was showing off his athleticism at the Sam linebacker position during the scrimmage.
8. John Simon is a beast...He was all over the field Saturday during the scrimmage and it seems like it won’t be long before he is making everyone forget about Doug Worthington.
7. Cam Heyward is the best player on the team. We may have thought this coming in, but Saturday’s scrimmage all but confirmed that Heyward is indeed the best player Ohio State has on either side of the ball...
6. Defensive line still loaded...it’s safe to say the Buckeyes should be loaded at the position again in 2010.
5. Expectations for tight ends may have been premature...let’s taper the expectations for the tight ends until we see someone other than Reid Fragel make a catch in a scrimmage.
4. There is something to all that hype for Jaamal Berry...this spring has been the coming out party for Berry.,,(he) put on a show. The speedster from Miami not only showed great burst, but also did a good job of finding holes and making guys miss. He runs low and gets to the hole in a hurry. It’s hard to think Berry won’t be one of the top three backs on the roster come fall.
3. There’s never enough depth at tailback...Brandon Saine and Carlos Hyde are both out with hamstrings...while Jordan Hall missed the scrimmage with a shoulder injury. Even Berry, who carried the bulk of the load for the No. 2 offense, went down with an ankle injury...
2. Terrelle Pryor still finding his way. There were plenty of reasons for Terrelle Pryor to look bad Saturday. The air was frigid, his offensive line didn’t block well, his receivers dropped some easy passes and the black jersey seemed like a straight jacket on him. That being said, at some point Pryor needs to step up and show what he can do with his arm. A 5-for-16 day passing is simply not good enough...
1. Defense is still going to carry the Buckeyes. Forget about Terrelle Pryor and Ohio State’s potent offense, this team is going to be led once again by the 11 guys on the defensive side of the football..."
Terrelle Pryor Talks 2010 Season and what he expects from team and himself
Kirk Herbsteit talks to Terrelle Pryor about the Ohio State QB’s development, his Rose Bowl performance, taking the steps to win a national title and more.
Head Coach Jim Tressel spoke with the media following the jersey scrimmage on Saturday.
Tressel Tapped For Daugherty Award April 17, 2010 Source: Bucknuts.com - "The Duffy Daugherty Award Committee is proud to announce their 2010 recipient. He is one of the best and most respected college football coaches in the nation in Jim Tressel from Ohio State University. Upon hearing that he had won the award, Tressel said, "What a tremendous thrill it is to accept an award named for the great Duffy Daugherty. He was a childhood idol of mine and a coaching peer of my dad, Lee Tressel. Sharing the day with the Michigan State staff will be something that I will always cherish." The first Duffy Daugherty award was given out in 1992 to legendary coach Bud Wilkinson and the name of recipients since is simply astounding. Hall of Fame names like Bobby Bowden, Bo Schembechler, Tom Osbourne and Eddie Robinson have also claimed this prestigious award..."
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Defense takes no prisoners April 18, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The Ghost of Great Defenses Past poked his head in the doorway and interrupted Ohio State coach Jim Tressel's news conference. "Hey, the defense looks good, Coach," former OSU and current St.Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "You sparked them," Tressel responded. Then he explained, "(Laurinaitis) gave the pregame jersey scrimmage pep talk, and it was the most lopsided jersey win by the defense ever...
But the outcome is not the usual "glass half full" deal these scrimmages yield. This looked more like the offensive glass shattered. Not only did the offense not get into the end zone, but it struggled just to snap the ball. There were at least four botched center-quarterback exchanges. In 30 series (115 snaps), the offense had just 15 first downs, one by penalty. None of the Buckeyes' four quarterbacks completed more than 36 percent of his passes, combining to go 14 of 43 for 155 yards with an interception..."
Ohio State defense dominates Buckeyes' scrimmage April 17, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...It was the most lopsided score Tressel could remember, and everyone was hoping it was a sign of the defense's excellence, not an indication of offensive problems. For example, the previous nine jersey scrimmages, one each spring and fall, no side had won by more than 20...
"It bothers us," senior guard Justin Boren said of the offense's struggles. "I don't know what happened, but we're a lot better than that. We've been getting better every day this spring, but we might have taken a couple steps back today. When it's a bad day, it's a bad day. We couldn't do anything right." With a week left in spring practice, and the spring game coming next Saturday, here are 10 points to take from Saturday..."
Beat Down by Defense Leaves Offense Defensive April 17, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...At one point, the concern turned to whether or not the scoreboard had room for triple digits. But Jim Tressel called off the dogs before things got even more out of hand--as if such a thing was even possible in a 78-24 contest.
Left tackle Andy Miller admitted that it was a very bad day for the offense, but he did give a little bit of credit to the defense. "We didn’t play well," he admitted. "There were mental mistakes. Things that were going on all spring--we were pass protecting really, really well. I think we had the best spring as an offensive line since I’ve been here, and we fell apart today. Now they did throw some different looks at us and stuff, things that we weren’t practicing for. But we had older guys out there, especially with the ones and the twos, that should have been able to do better. It’s embarrassing though for sure."
Talking to the offense, they seemed to credit the fact that it was "just one of those days" rather than fully crediting the defense. "They got the best of us today, but sometimes it’ll be like that," said Taurian Washington. "Sometimes we get the best of them and sometimes they get the best of us. Today was just their day."...
When given the information that the offense was chalking it up to "just one of those days", linebacker Brian Rolle didn’t sound surprised. "If you ask the offense, they’re always going to say they’re better than what they did," he chuckled. "I’m not an offensive guy, but all I can see is the turnovers that happened and stuff like that." When asked if the offense was giving the defense enough credit, Devon Torrence didn’t hesitate to answer. "Definitely not," he said. "We’re probably ranked one of the--if not the top defense in the country, then one of the top five. And they need to understand that too."..."
Jersey Scrimmage Observations and Notes April 17, 2010 Source: BuckeyeGrove.com - Ari Wasserman's observations: "...The first thing that comes to mind is running back depth...Jaamal Berry, I thought he looked phenomenal today. I know somebody said there have been some mixed reviews, but as far as I am concerned, he really did a nice job of coming out there and sporting some nice elusiveness. I can’t remember many times where he carried the ball and didn’t make the first guy miss. His injury may be something that keeps him out a few days, but I expect some good things out of him this fall...Obviously Cameron Heyward dominated today as well. He is nearly unblockable. I saw Mike Adams do a pretty good job on him at times today, though...Brian Rolle mentioned that he thinks Etienne Sabino is the most improved player on the Buckeye defense this spring. He said he has been physical and has good instincts. Good thing to hear for you Sabino fans...Jim Tressel said the battle at LT will go into the fall. Andy Miller is confident he will be the guy next year, just like he was heading into fall camp last year...Corey Linsley and Jack Mewhort both ran with the second team at center, but it looked like to me that Linsley was back there a little more often than Mewhort..."
Eleven Eyes: Report from the Jersey Scrimmage April 17, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...Offense: Pryor just was not on his "A" game. I admired his poise in the pocket and not making any forced throws, but in general he was not hitting his receivers and had a few dropped balls...Guiton actually managed things pretty nicely with the 3rd team and I definitely like him better than JB...Miller rolled with the ones on the offensive line. Overall, the line was only okay but Brewster looked pretty good and was controlling his defenders for the better part of the day...
Defense:...Melvin Fellows is a guy I’ve been hearing a lot about, and he definitely lived up to the hype. He was very involved on defense and had a monster sack during the game. He generally just looks a lot bigger than he did when he first got here. I’d love to see him get in the rotation...Dorian Bell moves from sideline to sideline very well and has great lateral quickness. He also forced a fumble on Guiton...Orhian Johnson looked very alert in coverage and showed nice awareness on the field...Solomon Thomas once again proved why he loved the spring, he got in on a couple of sacks during the course of the day. He can really flatten out the edges and get to the QB with great closing speed. Hopefully this year it will translate to the regular season..."
Stoneburner Out to Change Perception April 17, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "When Jake Stoneburner committed to Ohio State in 2008 he planned on catching a lot of passes in the Scarlet and Gray. In two years with the Buckeyes he has just two, but if this spring is any indication, that number could be about to change drastically in year No. 3 for the Columbus native.
"It’s been a very productive spring compared to the last two springs. Probably double the amount of balls I caught," Stoneburner said after Friday’s practice in which he hauled in a number of passes from quarterback Terrelle Pryor. "I’ve probably caught as many balls these past 10 practices as I have the past two seasons combined. If that just carries over to the fall I'll be a happy guy." Both of Stoneburner’s catches came last season when he backed up starter Jake Ballard as a redshirt freshman. It was his first time on the field at Ohio State, not to mention his first season ever as a tight end..."
Hard-working Simon has big day, Jonathan Newsome & Nathan Williams April 18, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...On the biggest play of the scrimmage, quarterback Terrelle Pryor couldn't handle a low shotgun snap from Michael Brewster on a third down from the 10-yard line. As Pryor reached for the ball, Williams and Heyward converged, the ball came out and Simon pounced on it in the end zone. That Simon was there at the right time was no surprise, considering the way he earned playing time as a true freshman last season. "Him in a nutshell? Hard worker," Larimore said. "You can't find anybody who works harder than he does. And you can't find a guy that it means more to. "That's the biggest reason he's so good, because when he's in the weight room, he's in the weight room 24-7. He's in the film room when he's not in the weight room. I don't know when he goes to class, but he finds room somewhere." Simon...also had two sacks...
Making up fast: Linebacker Jonathan Newsome had to sit out the first nine spring practices because of academic difficulties, but he was cleared to rejoin the team Friday and appears intent on making up for lost time. In the scrimmage, he had two fumble recoveries, batted down a pass and, on a botched field-goal attempt, popped holder Derek Erwin as he was scrambling to throw. "You couldn't tell he missed any time," starting middle linebacker Brian Rolle said of Newsome...
Nathan Williams not only had a hand in the Simon touchdown, he blocked a 48-yard field-goal attempt by Devin Barclay. C.J. Barnett kept up his strong spring as a backup safety by intercepting Joe Bauserman. There were at least 10 sacks, with Simon, Solomon Thomas and Melvin Fellows getting two each..."
Terrelle Pryor Speaks to Media
Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor talks to media after an OSU Spring Practice Source: Eleven Warriors
Ohio State senior linebacker Brian Rolle talks about leading the defense and taking the next step after winning the Rose Bowl.
Lucrative Big Ten Network could be driving force for expansion April 16, 2010 Source: CBS Sportsline - "...The league joined with News Corp., parent of Fox Broadcasting, in a 20-year deal that could be worth $2.8 billion to the conference. That estimate was made two years ago by Sports Business Journal which included a five-year option in its estimate. Over 25 years, according to the publication, the partnership (51 percent Big Ten, 49 percent News Corp.) could earn the conference $112 million per year, which translates to $10.2 million per school. That's before factoring in other rights holders' deals.
The BTN is available in 73 million homes, which compares favorably to CBS College Sports (89 million) and The Mtn. (30 million). The Big Ten found space in a national historic landmark, a renovated former Montgomery Ward catalog center built in the 19th century on the Chicago River. A full-time staff of 100 may or may not know it is on the bottom floor of college athletics' next revolution.
The network became profitable in December of 2008, which explains why expansion could help the monster. If you don't get it on basic cable, the Big Ten's plan is that you soon will. The economy of success is fairly simple: Expansion folds new markets into the Big Ten eight-state "footprint". Interest from those markets forces local cable carriers to carry the BTN on its basic tier. That's where you get ESPN, CNN, Discover and other networks for "free." (The combined price of those networks is reflected in your cable bill.)
Inside the Big Ten region, you most likely receive the BTN on expanded basic cable. Outside of it, you most likely have to pay extra to see it on a digital sports tier. The ultimate goal is get the BTN on basic cable for everyone. "Expansion would impact us," Silverman said. "We would have more games -- more games and increased level of games. Having more conference games in general is positive for us. Whether it's a school within the footprint or outside the footprint. Either way, it's going to help us."..."
Eye Openers: Coaches silent on Big Ten expansion April 17, 2010 Source: Quad City Times - "...With all the talk about the Big Ten expanding to 12, 14 or even 16 schools sometime in the future, some of us were wondering how the league's football coaches feel about this. After all, they will be more affected by expansion than any other sport. It will mean the development of a postseason conference championship game just like the ones now played in the ACC, SEC and Big 12. We'll have to continue to wonder. Every coach in the league was asked about it on a Big Ten coaches teleconference last week and almost every one deftly sidestepped the question like a tailback on an end sweep..."
Despite growing pains, Pryor looks like a QB April 17, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Terrelle Pryor should understand what former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow has gone through while preparing for next week's NFL Draft -- changing his throwing motion, fine-tuning his footwork, adjusting to taking snaps under center and not just from the shotgun. Tebow underwent the change between the end of his remarkable career with the Gators and the start of his NFL career, given a crash course while working out for the pros. Pryor has been doing it for the last two seasons at Ohio State.
During Pryor's struggles a year ago, when some asked real questions about whether he should be playing in a spread offense or even playing a different position, the point was reinforced that part of what Pryor liked about Ohio State was that the Buckeyes ran an offense that would prepare him for the NFL.
Now readying for his third season as a starter, Pryor, in simple terms, looks a lot more like a quarterback. He spoke Friday for the first time since spring practice began and explained again how far he has come. We've heard it all before. But from the looks of practice, and what he did in the Rose Bowl to end last season, there's more to back up the talk of progress. He finally feels like a quarterback, too..."
Progress report April 17, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Pryor continues evolution as QB by mastering nuances of position...much of the improvement is more subtle.
It's clear to the receivers, who now are more often catching Pryor's passes in rhythm and in the proper spot.
It's clear to the defensive players, who notice Pryor making checks at the line, mixing up snap counts and keeping them off balance.
The effect is like watching a gangly, awkward teenager finally grow into his body. "It's all about decision-making," Pryor said yesterday. "I make a lot better decisions and the game has slowed down - like, really slowed down. When you first get here, you're kind of thinking, 'Is this ever going to slow down for me? Is this ever going to be easy, like high school?' But it finally slowed for me."..."
Ohio State Quarterback Terrelle Pryor says he's "Just happy all the time."
Ohio State knows next step is national title April 16, 2010 Source: ESPN - "Jim Tressel has a belief about this place that his Ohio State Buckeyes players are starting to echo. "Tressel has always thought that if you don't go undefeated," Buckeyes defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said, "the town's against you." Since Tressel took control before the 2001 season, the Buckeyes own a 94-21 record, a 59-13 mark in Big Ten play, seven seasons of 10 wins or more, seven BCS bowl appearances, four BCS bowl wins, the program's first Rose Bowl championship since 1997, five consecutive Big Ten championships (six overall) and six consecutive victories against archrival Michigan (eight overall).
And only one undefeated season, in 2002. So are the townsfolk gathering outside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, with burning torches in hand? Not exactly. Buckeyes fans are in relatively good spirits this spring, still glowing from Ohio State's win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. It certainly beats the feeling of the previous three seasons, when the team fell short in bowl games and returned to a cold Columbus..."
Pryor blocking out Heisman buzz April 16, 2010 Source: ESPN - "Already the buzz has started about Terrelle Pryor winning the Heisman. Like a kid putting his hands over his ears to block something he doesn't want to hear, the Ohio State quarterback is ignoring idle talk and focusing on his team.
"You can't think about the Heisman," he said after Ohio State's spring workout Friday. "It's a team thing. I believe if you lead your team and if that will come to the conclusion that I would win, then that's what it is. I believe that in my heart I owe that to my teammates and the fans before thinking about myself."
After two seasons, 21 wins and two Big Ten titles, Pryor is preparing for his junior season. He is fully recovered from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, although he is still wearing an elastic brace for support. He feels stronger, more comfortable and better prepared than ever before..."
Post-practice with Pryor April 16, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The quarterback was the center of attention after today's practice, a shorter session held indoors in shorts and helmets...As you would expect, he said he felt much more comfortable this spring, the result of lots of work on his mechanics and film study. He's fine-tuning now, working on pre-snap reads, throwing to the proper shoulder, etc.
-- He wore a brace on his left knee (the one he had surgery on in early February) but said it was simply precautionary. He said he felt great, and actually said he felt faster than he's ever been.
-- He understands the expectations jump for him now, and said he's fine with being on magazine covers, etc., but that he's a team guy all the way and wished he could put all 100 players on the magazines.
-- As for the offense, he likes what TE Jake Stoneburner is adding to the scheme. Pryor feels like they're capable of being a more wide-open offense now that he has earned the trust of the coaches.
"I'm very excited -- if I were you, I would be too, for Buckeye fans," he said..."
Spring Practice Insider: Friday Walk-through April 16, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "There was a new face on the practice field today as the Buckeyes went through their final tuneup before the spring jersey scrimmage. With the spring jersey scrimmage less than 24 hours away, Jim Tressel gave his team a light workout Friday in preparation for one of the most intense and highly anticipated events of the spring...
TP wearing a brace. He may have met with the media after practice, but during practice Pryor was wearing a thick black brace on his left knee. He did not appear to be hobbling and the brace didn’t seem to limit him much if at all, but it was noteworthy Pryor had not worn a brace at all this spring...Pryor says knee not a problem...Sophomore Jonathan Newsome had been absent from the first 10 practices this spring because of academic reasons, but made his spring debut Friday...Tight ends turning heads. It’s not often that tight ends get a chance to showcase their skills other than blocking at Ohio State, but Friday turned out to be one of those days. With the pads off, Jake Stoneburner seemed to be Pryor’s No. 1 target during the scrimmage as he went to him early and often. Stoneburner is having a solid spring and continued that with a couple nice catches Friday"
When the Buckeyes go five wide April 16, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "It wasn't a new look. Yet when Ohio State went five wide, with an empty backfield and Terrelle Pryor in the shotgun, for a stretch during Thursday's practice, there was a lot to take in on both sides of the ball. This formation won't ever be a foundation of what the Buckeyes do, but success in these situations can change games. Ohio State should be more effective offensively in this look this year, while needing to make sure a step back isn't taken in this defensive look. First, the offense as it lined up...
Now the defense...the Buckeyes are in the process of adding depth to their star position, the fifth defensive back that comes in on passing downs. But it's their entire nickel look that worked so well last year...Overall, I like the defense. I think Devon Torrence and Chimdi Chekwa have a chance to be an excellent pair of cornerbacks, linebacker Ross Homan could have an All-American season and Heyward might be as good as any defensive lineman in the country. But it's about piecing the defense together the most effective way in various situations, which the Buckeyes did so well last season..."
After playing follow the leader, Hines is now expected to be one April 16, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "On the first day of spring practice, Jermale Hines lined up at safety and, despite being next to Orhian Johnson, he felt alone for a moment. "The first day out here it felt sort of weird, but then again, life goes on," Hines said. "I've got to step up and be a leader."
For the first time in his college career, Hines didn't have Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell telling him where to go and what to do, barking the signals that go with being the quarterback of the defense. Instead, with Coleman and Russell preparing for next week's NFL draft, Hines now is expected to be a barker.
"It actually hit me the first day after winter workouts when we had to gather up and stretch," Hines said. He took what had been his regular position in the circle the past three years when he said safeties coach Paul Haynes yelled, "'Get in the middle.'"
..."
Star search is on in Ohio State Buckeyes' football team's secondary April 15, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Ohio State's "star" position, what the Buckeyes call the fifth defensive back they require the roughly 70 percent of the time they are in a nickel defense, is auditioning several candidates. Jermale Hines excelled at the star position the past few seasons, but with Hines slated to start at safety this year, the Buckeyes are looking for players who can fill the star role. "We've never, ever had a backup or a third guy at that spot," OSU safeties coach Paul Haynes said Thursday after Ohio State's ninth of 15 practices this spring. "We always just had a No. 1 guy. So we're just trying to make sure we can move some guys around and try some different things..."
Passing game in good hands April 16, 2010 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Experienced wideouts give Pryor, coaches, offense more options...For a dozen games last season, Ohio State was true to its roots and ran the ball about twice as often as it threw it. Then came the team's trip to the Rose Bowl. And something strange happened. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor tossed 38 passes, the most all year. Both Buckeyes touchdowns came on passes and, for the first time, Ohio State looked as if it had embraced a pass-first-and-ask-questions-later offense. Midway through workouts this spring, the fans — and, for that matter, the Buckeyes themselves — are wondering about the 2010 plan of attack..."
> Buchanan, Barclay, Basil among those vying for special-teams jobs April 16, 2010 Source: Lancaster Eagle Gazette - "Ben Buchanan is looking like the best value on the Ohio State football team. He takes up one scholarship, but might end up holding down two jobs... Adding to Ohio State's depth at kicker is true freshman Drew Basil. Two weeks removed from Chilllicothe High School, Basil converted a 47-yarder during the kick scrimmage...
"I enjoy being on the field," said the third-year sophomore from Westerville Central. "The more I can be on the field the more I can contribute to the team. I'm willing to do both if I'm allowed to, but if they want me to specialize in just one I'm willing to do that too."
He's also in the thick of the battle for the place-kicking job with Devin Barclay. It was Barclay who stepped in a year ago when Aaron Pettrey sustained a knee injury late in the season. All Barclay did was kick the game-winner in overtime against Iowa to clinch the Big Ten title, then boot three more field goals to provide the winning margin in a 26-17 win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl..."
Three rules changes on the way April 16, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Eye black with messages and wedge blocks will be banned from college football this fall, and taunting in the field of play will start costing teams points in 2011.
The use of eye black containing symbols or messages...will be prohibited under rules changes approved yesterday by the NCAA's Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Eye black messages became a trend after being used prominently by Heisman Trophy winners Reggie Bush and Tim Tebow. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor was at the center of controversy last fall after wearing "Vick" under one eye during a game against Navy, his tribute to NFL quarterback Michael Vick.
...Currently, players who are penalized for taunting on their way to the end zone draw a 15-yard penalty on the extra-point attempt or ensuing kickoff. But beginning in 2011, live-ball penalties will be assessed from the spot of the foul and eliminate the score. Examples include players finishing touchdown runs by high-stepping into the end zone or pointing the ball toward an opponent. Celebration penalties after a score will continue to be assessed on conversion attempts or the ensuing kickoff.
Also approved was a ban on wedge blocking during kickoffs...the college rule states that when the team receiving a kickoff has more than two players standing within 2 yards of one another, shoulder to shoulder, it will be assessed a 15-yard penalty...effort to reduce the number of concussions..."
Action-packed practice April 15, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...First, the injury/MIA report...RB Brandon Saine is still limited...RB Jordan Hall suffered a left shoulder injury early in practice... S Nate Oliver was not at practice. CB Devon Torrence later said it was because Oliver's girlfriend is sick...Cris Carter on hand yet again. Spent time giving pointers to Chimdi Chekwa -- or more like, giving him insight on what a receiver is thinking...In general, everything seemed to be short passes or runs, mostly out of spread formations, with 3 WR and a TE split out, and just one RB...Once again, RB Jaamal Berry showcased some nifty, shifty inside moves. The true test for him will be if he can get away with some of the jitter-bugging once it's full contact (Saturday). If he gets popped hard on one of those moves, what then?..."
> Spring Practice Insider: Tackles Struggle April 15, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...it was not one of the better days for Adams, Miller and Sam Longo, who was practicing as the No. 3 left tackle. Besides Heyward, who had his way more often than not, the left tackles also struggled with Solomon Thomas and Nathan Williams. On consecutive series Heyward beat Adams and Miller for 7-yard sacks while Thomas bested Longo on the following series for a seven yard loss. About the only guy who didn’t struggle on the left side Thursday was Marcus Hall, and he only spent a series or two playing on the blindside...
New look on the defensive line...Redshirt freshman Jamie Wood took most of the reps as the first-team star. He had a nice interception on a poorly thrown ball from Terrelle Pryor to Dane Sanzenbacher in the end zone. It was a nice play to get his name out there, but Haynes said not to read too much into Wood playing with the first group, or Oliver for that matter...Sophomore tailback Jordan Hall went down with a shoulder injury today after he was hit during 11-on-11 and stayed down for a while rolling on the ground...With so many backs around him going down with injuries, Jaamal Berry has been one of the few constants in the OSU backfield this spring...Berry looks healthy now and boy does it show. He gets that ball, hits a seam and if he doesn’t get met in the hole, away he goes. He ripped off another 30+ run during the scrimmage Thursday and scored an 18-yard touchdown by bouncing a play outside during the red zone team drills..."
Listen: Coach Taver Johnson, DB Devon Torrence, LB/S Jermale Hines... the focus after practice turned to the secondary and replacing veterans Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell...As cornerbacks Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence, safety Jermale Hines and coaches Paul Haynes and Taver Johnson met with members of the media, one thing became apparent: this group doesn't lack confidence and expects to continue the success of Buckeye secondaries of the past...
Eleven Eyes: Thursday Practice Observations April 15, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...Cris Carter was at practice yet again and was giving tips to some players. He spoke to Chris Fields on the sideline for a while and also spoke to Chimdi Chekwa and Travis Howard about playing bump and run, as well as taking away the receiver’s angle off the ball...Jake Stoneburner continues to be an absolute beast and looked awesome today, catching balls over the middle and beating safeties and linebackers left and right. Reid Fragel looked good too, working with the first team in two tight end sets...The team worked on special units today and first up was the punt team. Ben Buchanan had some great punts today and should step into that position fine. Returning punts were DeVier Posey, Devon Torrence, Dane Sanzenbacher, and Jordan Hall...Kenny Guiton is going to be a good player. Not just a good back-up, a good player. The more I see of Guiton, the more he makes me believe he may actually start during his time in Columbus. His ability to look off receivers and keep the defense guessing on where the ball is going might be his biggest strength right now, while his ability to take off and run when things get hot in the pocket is a close second..."
> Players get head start with early enrollment April 15, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "OSU: 6 in 2008, 7 in 2009 & 2 in 2010...In the Big Ten and at other major-college programs, it also appears to be a growing trend. From the 15 nationally who enrolled early in 2002...this year 148 high school or prep school recruits are participating in spring drills, according to Rivals.com...
"It's a lousy trend," Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. "I think kids ought to go through their senior year of high school. You're only young once." Yet Penn State tied Michigan for the high in the Big Ten this year with seven early enrollees. Florida leads the nation with 11, and defending national champion Alabama and Tennessee have eight each...
One is running back Carlos Hyde, a January enrollee who originally was part of the 2009 recruiting class but spent the fall at Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy to improve his academics. The other is kicker Drew Basil, who moved up from Chillicothe at the start of spring quarter. "It's just the way it fell," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "We like to recruit multi-sport athletes, and we don't push anyone to come early. So what it looks like for the next recruiting class, as far as how many (will enroll) early, it's too early to tell."..."
Chris Fields, Taurian Washington Competing for Third Receiver April 14, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Often when a door closes for someone it opens for someone else. That's the case in the competition for OSU's third receiver spot this spring...It was supposed to be Duron Carter’s to lose...
While Washington is getting the first crack at replacing Small this spring, it’s hardly a done deal that he will line up across from Posey this fall when the Buckeyes go to three-wide sets. If he can get himself back for the start of fall, Duron Carter will likely get a chance to compete for the job, but one guy is already challenging Washington for that spot this spring. "(Chris Fields) has done a really good job the first seven practices, I’m really excited about him," Hazell said of the redshirt freshman from Painesville Harvey..."
Watch: Taurian Washington Interview Watch: Sanzenbacher on spring Watch: DeVier Posey on spring
Tressel Talks Pryor’s Spring Progress April 14, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel says that his own expectation levels for Terrelle Pryor are on the rise..."I don’t know that I expected him after two years to have been the quarterback on two Big Ten Championship teams and taken us to two BCS games," OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday during his teleconference.
"I don’t know that I thought, ‘Oh boy that is going to be a walk in the park to do that.’ Now am I surprised that he has been able to be a part of that? No. I don’t know that I thought that was going to be an automatic."...Tressel pointed to the progress he has seen out of his junior quarterback over the first half of spring practice...
"I think he has also done a good job of having a lot better recognition and understanding for the progression for receivers all the way down to the check-downs," Tressel said ..."
Receiver needs to catch up April 14, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Washington remains positive despite on-field struggles ...To the outside world, Taurian Washington has been relegated to the "Where Are They Now?" file. That's what happens to receivers who haven't caught a pass in nearly three years. But Washington is still with Ohio State, and his teammates, at least, are glad. They see a guy who works hard, even when he's buried on the depth chart. They appreciate his ever-present smile in practice and his willingness to help others...
"When I'm training, that's the guy I always call," receiver DeVier Posey said. "'Hey, Taurian, do you want to go in and catch 500 balls?' And he never says no." His last catch came against Northwestern on Sept. 22, 2007 - or 935 days ago. The streak will reach 1,076 by Sept.2, when OSU meets Marshall in the season opener. Washington has had problems with drops, and that's led to a loss of confidence...
After nearly two years of dwindling playing time, Washington got a chance to play a lot in the 2009 opener against Navy when receiver Ray Small sat out because of illness. Washington responded with two drops, and he knew what was in store for him...
Now a senior, Washington is the No.3 receiver behind Posey and Sanzenbacher. Carter is being held out of spring drills for academic reasons, so Washington again has a chance to prove himself and earn playing time..."
OSU football recruits: Towering receiver flying under the radar April 13, 2010 Source: The Ohio State Lantern - "When discussing college recruiting, experts often say, "the sky’s the limit" about a specific recruit’s potential. Ohio State recruit Tyrone Williams might have already reached the sky. The towering 6-foot-7-inch, 215-pound wide receiver from East Cleveland, Ohio, brings a height element to the OSU receiving core that Buckeye fans don’t see often.
"He is unlike any other receiver prospect that has come into the program during the Jim Tressel era," said Kevin Noon, managing editor of Buckeyegrove.com. Williams had 39 catches for 685 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior and was second team All-State for Shaw High School. He was the No. 34 ranked wideout in the class of 2010 according to ESPN 150. He was also a letterman in basketball and track.
Steve Helwagen of Bucknuts.com said Williams has a lot of potential at the college level because of his size and build. "There aren’t a lot of Randy Moss-type players. That is going to be able to create some mismatches for Ohio State in the red zone where they can throw him a jump ball," Helwagen said. "We saw that in the Fiesta Bowl two years ago where Todd Boeckman threw the ball to Terrelle Pryor, and Texas had no defense for it."..."
Burning question: Was Terrelle's Pryor's Rose Bowl performance a sign of things to come? Pryor, who boasts all the talent in the world, will have plenty of Heisman hype, but he needs to become more consistent with his mechanics and against top-tier competition if Ohio State hopes to run the table.
Reason for optimism: An offense littered with inexperienced players a year ago, Ohio State returns all of its top skill position players, from Pryor to Brandon Saine and Dan Herron to DeVier Posey.
The Big Ten football coaches talk with the media via teleconference. We recorded the Spring Football coaches' calls on April 13, 2010. Here's what the coaches had to say.
Buckeyes making sure veteran offense has a spring in its step during drills April 13, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "...Halfway through spring ball, with practice eight of 15 taking place Tuesday afternoon, the Buckeyes, with experience throughout the offense, are thinking of this as Rose Bowl, Part II...
A lot of times, when you start the beginning of a spring or fall, you start from the beginning," wide receivers and assistant head coach Darrell Hazell said Tuesday. "Our mindset as an offense was we don't want to start from the beginning, we wanted to start where we ended. We wanted to continue off where we finished in the bowl. We want to come out fast, we want to come out strong, we want to be accurate, and that was our mindset as a staff before we started spring football."
That's a huge leap for an offense that was looking to find himself throughout much of last season, moving to more of a spread look in mid-season, then to more of a power run game at the end of the year. Finally, and successfully, the Buckeyes emerged as a more fully-rounded offense in a 26-17 Rose Bowl win over Oregon that included 417 yards of offense, including 266 passing yards..."
D-line depth to be tested April 13, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Cameron Heyward is getting ready. The Ohio State defensive lineman has been a starter for three years. Last season, he emerged as a force, with 10 tackles for loss and a team-leading 6 sacks. But he might never be needed more than he will be this fall.
A big part of the defensive line's effectiveness last year was its depth. The Buckeyes used nine players regularly, sometimes using all nine by the end of the first quarter. "That's a big thing, especially on the D-line, is keeping guys fresh," defensive tackle Dexter Larimore said. "Being able to keep guys coming at you and coming at you, and having no letup."
So as good as he is, in 2009, Heyward was routinely taken off the field. He participated in just 60 percent of the potential minutes (223 of 371). This year, OSU might not have that luxury. The Buckeyes lost two starters off the line in senior Doug Worthington and junior Thaddeus Gibson, who gave up his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Almost as important, though, are the three senior backups who are gone - Todd Denlinger, Lawrence Wilson and Rob Rose. All three played in more than 40 career games..."
Ohio State must replace five players off its 2009 defensive line, which helped the Buckeyes finish fifth nationally in scoring defense (12.5 points per game) and total defense (262.3 yards per game):
GONE: Thaddeus Gibson - 13 games (all starts), 261 minutes Doug Worthington - 13 games (all starts), 218 minutes Lawrence Wilson - 13 games (1 start), 108 minutes Todd Denlinger - 13 games (7 starts), 103 minutes Rob Rose - 11 games, 70 minutes
RETURNING: Cameron Heyward - 13 games (12 starts), 223 minutes Nathan Williams - 13 games (1 start), 140 minutes John Simon - 13 games, 114 minutes Dexter Larimore - 9 games (5 starts), 76 minutes Garrett Goebel - 13 games, 38 minutes Solomon Thomas - 8 games, 27 minutes
Some Ohio State tidbits from Columbus April 12, 2010 Source: ESPN - "Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel had an interesting comment about his team's last two bowl appearances. While most fans wouldn't group the Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas with the Rose Bowl win against Oregon, Tressel doesn't see much difference between how his team performed
Speaking of high praise, Rolle gave some to defensive lineman John Simon, who appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman last year and should see significant playing time this fall. Rolle expects Simon to earn All-America honors before his career is done...
Jaamal Berry worked mainly with the third-team offense Friday, and the redshirt freshman running back has several players to leapfrog on the depth chart. I like his power with the ball, and though Jordan Hall isn't a big guy, he's pretty crafty and runs hard. Dan Herron appeared to hurt his ribs midway through practice, so I didn't see too much of him..."
2010 Spring Football Media Guide This guide is being posted as it is completed. Please check back at a later date for updates/additions Source: OSU Official Site
Depth Finder 2010 and Stolen Signals. Allegedly April 12, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "The Ohio State athletic department is starting to roll out the 2010 spring media guide and tucked away on page 10 is the depth chart. Now, as any good student of the program will tell you, these charts can be misleading and inaccurate at times, but with well over 100 days to go until kickoff, we’ll take it, dissect it and love it...
The first team line reads (left to right): Mike Adams, Justin Boren, Mike Brewster, Bryant Browning and J.B. Shugarts...The defensive front features Nathan Williams at LEO, Dex Larimore, John Simon and Cameron Heyward. As good as Laurinaitis, Freeman & Co. were, the linebacker corps penciled in as starters looks like it might be a better overall unit.
The Oregon Ducks will feature some new offensive signals this season because their previous system might have been compromised..."
Buchanan advances in kicking duel April 11, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "On a day when Devin Barclay could have left no doubt about being Ohio State's No.1 kicker, he instead left the door open for Ben Buchanan, who promptly stepped inside. Neither left yesterday's lackluster kick scrimmage in Ohio Stadium making people forget about Mike Nugent or Aaron Pettrey, but Buchanan made the winning field goal, a 39-yarder for a 27-24 shootout victory for the Gray squad.
"Every practice day is important, but they do put emphasis on the kick scrimmage," said Buchanan, a third-year sophomore from Westerville Central who also punts. "So it was nice to come out here today and hit some quality kicks. I hope the coaches will look at it on film and say, 'He got the job done on that one.'" Buchanan was 8 of 14 on field-goal attempts, and Barclay was 8 of 15. The difference in the score was a 47-yarder that freshman Drew Basil hit for the Gray..."
Saturday Kick Scrimmage: What We Learned April 10, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "...The Gray beat the Scarlet 27-24 on a 39-yard field goal by Ben Buchanan, but it wasn’t a banner day for the specialists. Here’s a look at what we learned from today’s scrimmage: 1.Special teams have work to do...2. Ben Buchanan is the punter...3. Devin Barclay should be the field goal kicker inside 40...4. He should NOT be the kicker from 40+...5. Posey and Torrence should be the punt returners...6. Jordan Hall could be dangerous on kickoffs...7. Terrelle Pryor doing fine after Friday’s scare...8. Kenny Guiton impresses...9. Joe Bauserman struggles...10. Defense dominates goal line..."
Etienne Sabino opportunity has arrived April 10, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Sabino seems to be making his presence felt more each day because he's now reacting more than thinking. That's a good thing, according to co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. It means Sabino is swinging into the fray with more frequency from the strongside position.
Whether it translates into a starting job in the fall remains to be seen, because there is plenty of competition for that third spot vacated by Austin Spitler. But Sabino, a 19-year-old who will be a junior in the fall, appears to be embracing the idea that his time has come. "We had that discussion, and we had it last year going into the season," Fickell said. "I don't want to reiterate that he's only 19, that he should be a year behind, but it's time. "That's the biggest thing. I don't care if you're 19."..."
Eleven Eyes: Friday Practice Observations April 9, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...We were on hand for today’s practice and were not disappointed in what we saw out of the Buckeyes. There are certainly going to be some good battles to the end for open positions, especially at left tackle, strong-side linebacker, and at receiver (after Posey and Dane), but most of the two-deep is looking pretty solid and the team looked very comfortable playing together, even for it being so early into the spring. Here are some notes from today’s practice, as well as some video of Brian Rolle, Luke Fickell, and Ross Homan taken after practice..."
Breaking Down The Buckeyes: Early Big Ten Predictions April 9, 2010 - Matt Littlefield writes for Bucknuts.com: "Here is a very early look at the top five teams in the Big Ten this coming season. Though I am sure you know the drill based on our past together, please share a comment or two at the bottom and let me know whether you agree/disagree with my assessments.
And let me begin with a statement that could inspire a response or two: The road to the Big Ten championship goes through Iowa City..."
Boom and Zoom Ohio State has two big-time weapons: Herron and Saine
Source: Columbus Dispatch
Depth Chart looks good Offensive Coordinator Jim Bollman says the depth chart looks good this year for Ohio State.
Source: Columbus Dispatch
OSU's version of Tailback U. April 9, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Heading into spring practice, one of the intriguing issues for the Buckeyes was how the running back situation would sort out. The top four tailbacks from 2009 - Herron, Saine, Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin - all returned. They would be joined by redshirt freshman Jaamal Berry, finally healthy after redshirting last year, and incoming freshman Carlos Hyde. Roderick Smith would arrive in the summer.
Leading up to spring, whenever coach Jim Tressel was asked about the glut of tailbacks, he looked around for wood to knock on. "I hesitate to ever talk about depth at tailback," he said, "because it takes two sprained ankles and one bruised thigh and a broken hand, and you're playing empty (backfield) again."..."
Thursday Practice Insider: First Look in Pads April 8, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Today's OSU practice session was open to the media. Several very interesting personnel tidbits came to light. Check out Brandon Castel's report..."
Ohio State Spring Football Game Jerseys To Have Pink Accents: The university said that it will be a scarlet, gray and pink day, with Ohio State coaches wearing pink caps along with the team's jerseys. They will later be auctioned to benefit the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. April 8, 2010 Source: 10TV News
Improved Strength Critical for Fit Adams
April 7, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "The left tackle position is still wide open, but the time and effort Mike Adams invested in the weight room may have given him a leg up on the competition for playing time..."He really is (in good shape this year)," offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman said. "A lot of those guys are in really good shape. In fact at this point in time none of them have a real weight issue, high or low."
Adams in particular seems to have undergone a drastic physical transformation in the off-season. While he was never considered drastically out of shape, Adams came to Ohio State back in 2008 weighing well over 300 pounds as a freshman. Today he likely only hits the 300 mark after indulging at Chipotle and appears to be in the best condition of his life heading into his junior season.
But it’s about more than weight. While he has always been one of the biggest guys in the room, Adams hasn’t always been one of the strongest. In high school it was easy to push people around because he was so much bigger than everyone else, especially the 200-pound defensive ends he was facing every week at Dublin Coffman..."
Buckeyes boast unparalleled depth at RB April 5, 2010 Source: ESPN.com - "Ohio State doesn't know if it has an Eddie George or an Archie Griffin or a Beanie Wells on the roster. None of the Buckeyes' current running backs has distinguished himself as a potential featured guy. Then again, several candidates haven't had the chance to do so ... yet.
What Ohio State knows it has at running back is options. Lots of them. More than they've had in recent memory. "Without question," offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said when asked if this is the most running back depth Ohio State has had during his tenure. "Going into [spring practice], yeah. There's some good depth at tailback, a position where you always need to have it."..."
Buckeyes loaded on offensive line April 5, 2010 Source: Toledo Blade - "Toledo St. John's Jack Mewhort to be in mix with talented and veteran group...A crowd is a bad thing if you are seventh in line at the post office and it is five minutes before closing time. On the contrary, a crowd is a good thing if you are a football coach taking inventory of your offensive linemen.
Ohio State has a horde of talented and capable players battling it out this spring for the five positions on the line, and even the normally stoic and guarded Jim Bollman, the Buckeyes' offensive line coach, has trouble hiding the wonderful predicament his cache of linemen presents."
Blindside Up for Grabs April 5, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "It has been called the second-most important position on the football field, but one look across NFL rosters would say it’s a lot harder to find a great left tackle than a great quarterback, despite the fact a tackle’s worth is directly tied to the player he is sworn to protect. For Ohio State, that prized commodity is Terrelle Pryor. One player does not make a team, but the Buckeyes' success in 2010 is undoubtedly linked to the play of their junior quarterback fresh off his MVP performance in the Rose Bowl. The big question for OSU as they opened camp this past Thursday was who would be protecting Mr. Pryor..."
OSU rewriting its theme for this defensive edition April 4, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - " 'Believe' served well for squad in 2009...Solid, sometimes spectacular defense has become tradition at Ohio State the past few years, and so has the method by which coaches and veteran players determine points of emphasis for the season to come.
When spring drills are completed this month, the seniors on the defense will be invited to a discussion with coaches in which a blueprint will be drawn up. It will be an outline of what they think they're best at, what they want to feature, what goals they want to achieve. Then a copy will be hung on the meeting-room wall.
"That blueprint is what these guys see themselves doing, and we'll come up with a little bit of a quote or a little something they hang their hats on," defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said..."
Check out The Ozone videos April 3, 2010 Source: The Ozone
Jim Bollman, Offensive Coordinator, talks about the depth on the offensive line and specifically left tackle
Justin Boren & Bryant Browning talk about spring practice and the offensive line
Practice Insider's Report: The Buckeyes were on the practice field again today. For all the lowdown check out The Ozone's Brandon Castel's report.
It's a four-way tie at left tackle April 3, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "With two answers yesterday, Ohio State offensive line coach Jim Bollman completely jumbled what once seemed a pretty clear situation at left tackle. First, Bollman doubled the number of players competing for the job. Michael Adams and Andrew Miller now have company at the spot.
"There's four guys that will play at left tackle before the spring is over, OK?" Bollman said after the Buckeyes completed their second practice of the spring. "Michael Adams, Andrew Miller, Marcus Hall and J.B. Shugarts..."
Big Ten Q&A: Jim Heacock, Part I April 2, 2010 Source: ESPN.com - "Ohio State opened spring drills Thursday, and for the Buckeyes' defense, it's business as usual. Though the defense loses six starters, it remains one of the nation's elite units, thanks in large part to coordinator Jim Heacock. Ohio State has ranked among the nation's top-15 defenses in each of Heacock's five seasons as coordinator. The defense has recorded three top-5 finishes during the span, including a fifth-place finish in 2009. Standout defensive lineman Cameron Heyward and linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle lead the 2010 version. Heacock took some time this week to discuss the outlook for Ohio State's defense entering the spring..."
Check out The Ozone videos after 2nd day of practice Source: The Ozone
Jim Tressel talks about Duron Carter's situation and his over-all expectation for the team
Jim Tressel talks about the depth at wide receiver and running back
Tressel looking for progress April 2, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Almost everything just right as Buckeyes begin spring drills...If the first day of spring practice could portend what's ahead for Ohio State, the Buckeyes will blow out 13 teams en route to a national title this fall.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor appeared fully healthy after offseason knee surgery, safety Tyler Moeller was back after missing last season with a serious head injury, and there were plenty of promising young players vying to fill the few holes in the starting lineup.
Even the coaches seemed to be in the spirit of the day, as there was much more instruction than invective. Even Jim Heacock, the normally fiery defensive coordinator, still had a semblance of a voice afterward..."
Check out The Ozone videos after 1st day of practice
Dexter Larimore talks about how good the defense looks this spring.
Cameron Heyward talks about returning for his senior year
Jim Heacock the Defensive Coordinator talks about depth on the defensive line
Five Strange Things from Day One: "The first day of spring camp came and went as it always does at Ohio State. The Buckeyes had beautiful weather for their first day of practice and things seemed to go according to plan for coach Jim Tressel. And why wouldn’t they? He’s been at this a long time, but there were a few things from day one that just seemed a little out of place..."
High hopes can ruin fun for OSU fans April 2, 2010 - "Fresh complaints about Ohio State's basketball loss to Tennessee in a NCAA Midwest Regional semifinal were still arriving via e-mail when an OSU fan asked me where the BCS national title game would be played this year.
It was hardly a surprise. When the real Terrelle Pryor played like fantasy recruit Terrelle Pryor against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, it was clear where OSU football was headed in a matter of months: the land of runaway enthusiasm and great expectations..."
Buckeyes will face enormous expectations April 1, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State appears stacked with nine starters returning on offense and six more on defense...This is no April Fool's joke. There are great expectations for Ohio State football in 2010.
The Buckeyes are coming off an 11-2 season in which they finished No.5 in both major polls. They have nine starters back on offense, including Rose Bowl MVP quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Six defensive starters return, including Cameron Heyward, a defensive tackle many observers believe is NFL-ready.
There already are projections that Ohio State will be among the top three in the preseason polls in August, perhaps as high as No.2 behind national champion Alabama, and maybe even No.1 once voters realize the Crimson Tide lost the heart of its defense..."
