Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets May 21, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts is back to talk about recruiting databases, hints at the next big Bucknuts’ announcement, ESPN (of course), trashing the Irish, the best college coaches and more in a pre-summer camp Bucket of Bullets..."
Tressel talks faith during breakfast visit to Fort Valley May 22, 2007 Source: Macon Telegraph - "In a city that bleeds royal blue and gold for its local university and black and gold for its state championship high school football team, scarlet and gray were the dominant colors at a Fort Valley prayer breakfast Monday. The display was in honor of Jim Tressel, guest speaker at the Fort Valley Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. The event's chairman, Gene Waites, joked about the number of Ohio State supporters at the meeting. 'Contrary to popular belief, this is not a Middle Georgia Ohio State Touchdown Club meeting,' Waites told the gathering of more than 200 at the annual breakfast. 'He was nice enough not to mention the last game,' Tressel joked when he stepped up to the podium. 'That's what friends are for.'..."
Breaking down the Big Ten May 18, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Can Ohio State fill its holes on offense and defense? Is Wisconsin the team to beat? Will the Ron Zook's recruiting classes make Illinois a dangerous foe? Can Michigan rebuild its defense? Take a look at what Big Ten questions were answered this spring and what problems linger heading into the fall..."
Big Ten: What we know, what we don't May 18, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "The Big Ten is looking for an identity come the 2007 football season...Here are the spring questions that have been answered and remain unanswered around the conference..."
Top Fives: Scooping sponsors while highlighting the best May 18, 2007 Source: CBSSportsline.com - "...Five best game-day coaches: Jim Tressel: Kills you with kindness, then just kills you. The Sweater Vest can play in any way you want -- ball control, up-and-down, high-scoring or conservative. Ohio State defenses always seem to be great. And, yes Florida fan, I remember the BCS title game...Five best game day atmospheres: Ohio State: The state comes together, 105,000 strong, for a day of drinking, debauchery and dotting the I. Between you and me: Just don't get too close to Tressel when he sings Carmen, Ohio. He's waaay off key...Five best athletic directors: Gene Smith, Ohio State: Scandal drove Andy Geiger into retirement. Smith, the former Notre Dame player, now oversees the nation's largest athletic department. Both basketball and football played for championships..."
All Sports Rankings: Year-End Edition May 18, 2007 Source: SI.com - "...2) Ohio State (210) -- Though Ohio State rewrote history by losing to Florida in the national title game in football and basketball, the Buckeyes might be able to find some solace in finishing ahead of the Gators in All-Sports Rankings. Even though Ohio State had Top 25 finishes in men's tennis, women's basketball, women's lacrosse, women's hockey, women's softball, men's volleyball and women's volleyball, this year will always be remembered as the year the Bucks were chopped by the Gators..."
Athlon picks OSU 12th in preseason poll May 17, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Athlon Sports, publisher of a popular annual college football preview magazine, has ranked Ohio State 12th in its preseason Top 25, the magazine announced today. Athlon picks the defending Big Ten champion Buckeyes to finish third in the Big Ten in 2007. It named linebacker James Laurinaitis and cornerback Malcolm Jenkins to its Preseason All-America first team and All-Big Ten first team..."
"Robo" Working Hard in Off-Season May 16, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.comh - "Brian Robiskie is working hard to become the next highly drafted wide receiver at Ohio State...Brian was banged up a little in the Spring Game, but that has not kept him from working in the off-season to get his body ready for the heart of the Big Ten schedule..."
Wideout Posey may be best in Ohio May 15, 2007 Source: USA Today - "The competition to see who will be ranked as the top player in Ohio has already been raging for quite some time. As it turns out, there are several worthy candidates in this year's class...There was nobody on the field...that was as polished as DeVier Posey. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver was great during the position drills, and nobody could hang with him during the one-on-one battles. In fact, the Ohio State commitment burned one defensive back so badly on a post-corner route during the one-on-ones, one of the NIKE coaches working the camp repeatedly yelled, 'That's why he's going to O-State.'..."
Glenville WR next in line at OSU? May 4, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "Cordale Scott, the 6'3" WR, may be the best prospect in this year's haul from (Cleveland) Glenville, which is never a small accomplishment..." Scott was the Overall Most Valuable Player at the Elite Skills Camp held at Cleveland Browns Stadium in front of 108 college coaches. He already has offers from Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.
Beachum remains open May 4, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "Recruiting is far from over for Rivals100 prospect Brandon Beachum. Rivals.com AMP spoke with Junior All-American from (Youngstown) Cardinal Mooney about recruiting and more..." The 6-1 linebacker currently has offers from LSU,Florida State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Nebraska and Illinois.
2007 Special Team Outlook and Freshmen Who Could Contribute May 4, 2007 Source: The Ozone - The-Ozone's three-part series concludes...the third installment we look at special teams and also take a look at which freshmen could possibly help out in 2007..."
2007 Offensive Outlook May 2, 2007 Source: The Ozone - Second in a three part series - "Check out our look at the offense..."
2007 Defensive Outlook April 29, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The dust has settled on spring camp, the jersey scrimmage (both of them), the kick scrimmage, and the spring game. The Ozone will now take a look at the state of the OSU football program...starting today...the 2007 Defensive Outlook..."
Ex-center Whaley fits right in at fullback May 4, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Whaley was having trouble measuring up on his team, simply because a 6-1 center who might actually be 6 feet just looks out of place among an otherwise towering group of linemen. Then the coaches decided to move the 265-pound senior to fullback during spring drills in April, and the perception changed instantly. 'He doesn't stand in the huddle next to 6-5 guys any more; he stands next to 5-11 guys," running backs coach Dick Tressel said. "He's up there with everybody else now.'..."
Takeaways A Team Effort May 3, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - Jim Heacock makes no secret about what he wants from his defense: takeaways, sacks and any other method of wreaking havoc he can get. This spring a number of his charges -- some callow, some experienced -- were happy to oblige their co-defensive coordinator. ..."
Searching For Some Identity May 3, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "It's hard to picture a more night-and-day difference than that concerning the Ohio State offense from last year to this one...look at the challenges faced by this year's offense..."
Football Buckeyes Lace Up Track Spikes for 2007 Jesse Owens Classic May 2, 2007 Source: OSU Official Site - "Last week at the Drake Relays, three Ohio State football players made their track debuts in the 4x100-meter relay. Freshman defensive back Chimdi Chekwa (Chim-dee Cheek-wah), junior All-Big Ten cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and sophomore wide receiver Dan Potokar joined All-Big Ten sprinter Anthony Cole in setting a season-best in the event at 41.57. The unit will look to improve that mark at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday..."
Buckeyes line up more football talent May 2, 2007 Source: Toldedo Blade - "For a period of time after the humbling loss to Florida in the national championship game, some wondered how long it would take for Ohio State's football program to regain its proud place on the mantel. But a solid recruiting class for 2007, and some stunning early returns on 2008, indicate that the Buckeyes snapped out of their malaise rather quickly, and went to work on re-tooling and re-arming their prolific gridiron machine..."
Big Ten Announces Nine Football Games to Appear on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 in 2007 May 1, 2007 Source: Big Ten Conference Official Site - "The Big Ten Conference office released the game times and television plans for nine home football contests today to appear on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, kicking off the first season of a new 10-year national rights contract with the networks. The Big Ten's ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 schedule includes seven prime-time games and a pair of afternoon Homecoming matchups..."
Games involving the Buckeyes:
Sept. 29 -- OHIO STATE at MINNESOTA, 7 p.m. CDT, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 6 -- OHIO STATE at PURDUE, 8 p.m. EDT, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Oct. 20 -- MICHIGAN STATE at OHIO STATE, 3:30 p.m. EDT, ABC
Oct. 27 -- OHIO STATE at PENN STATE, 8 p.m. EDT, ABC, ESPN or ESPN2
Also, ESPN has announced the Sept. 15 Ohio State game at Washington will be at 3:30 p.m. and televised on ESPN.
Quarterback questions loom for many Big Ten team April 30, 2007 Source: ESPN - "Of the five schools looking to replace high-profile senior quarterbacks, only Ohio State heads into the fall knowing which direction it will go...Big Ten Spring Wrap and Predictions..."
Kern elected to Hall May 9, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The starting quarterback with the all-time best winning percentage at Ohio State, Rex Kern, is headed to the College Football Hall of Fame...Kern was a three-year starter for OSU, leading the Buckeyes to the 1968 national title as a sophomore and winning 1969 Rose Bowl MVP honors. From 1968 to 1970, he led OSU to a 27-2 record for a .931 win percentage..."
Considered one of the most prolific quarterbacks in Ohio State history as well as a quintessential performer in the classroom, Rex Kern was the true definition of a scholar-athlete during his Buckeye career.
The first All-America (1969) quarterback to play for legendary coach Woody Hayes, Kern led OSU to three consecutive Big Ten titles and the 1968 National Championship. During his junior campaign, he set a school record for total offense in a single season (1,585) and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. He was also named Rose Bowl MVP. In three years as a starter, 'Ramblin’ Rex' completed 188 of 364 passes for 2,444 yards and 19 touchdowns.
A recipient of the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete Award, Kern earned All-Big Ten Academic Team accolades in 1970 and an NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship the following year. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, the Lancaster, Ohio native twice returned to his alma mater to further his education, ultimately earning his Ph.D. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
Kern was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 1971 and played four seasons in the NFL, receiving numerous humanitarian awards from the league. He established the Anne and Woody Hayes Endowment for the prevention of child abuse at Columbus Children's Hospital in 2001 and resides in Camarillo, Calif. (Source: College Football Hall of Fame)
Big Ten 2007 Spring Games Wrapup May 1, 2007 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "Quick updates of what happened in the spring games in the Big Ten..."
"..Schools which have good academic reputations have ways to get borderline athletes in and keep them in." Harbaugh includes his alma mater, Michigan, in that indictment. "Michigan is a good school and I got a good education there," he said, "but the athletic department has ways to get borderline guys in and, when they’re in, they steer them to courses in sports communications. They’re adulated when they’re playing, but when they get out, the people who adulated them won’t hire them." Source: sanfrancsicoexaminer.com
Top recruits are lining up for Buckeyes May 6, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "If you can't beat 'em, go recruit some of 'em. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel hasn't made that his motto, but it felt that way after he and his coaching staff last week landed two of the nation's top offensive line prospects, Mike Brewster of Orlando, Fla., and J.B. Shugarts of Klein, Texas, for the 2008 recruiting class. To get Brewster, who is rated as the top offensive line prospect in the country, Ohio State went fishing in Florida's pond..."
Tyson Gentry Update May 6, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "Tyson and his family say 'Thanks' for all the support from Buckeye fans!"
Buckeyes bulk up with line recruits April 29, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The big guys were roaming the sidelines at the Scarlet and Gray game last weekend, and soon enough they will fill up the field at Ohio Stadium. More than 900 pounds worth of offensive linemen already have given oral commitments to Ohio State's 2008 recruiting class, and there should be more to come...Ohio State remains in the mix for linemen Josh Jenkins of West Virginia and Kyle Long of Virginia..."
Ohio State is putting together a great recruiting class April 25, 2007 Source: Sporting News - "It seems like it was just months ago that Ohio State football fans were panicking. In fact, it was. Right around Letter of Intent Day, Buckeyes fans were still smarting from a blowout loss to Florida in the national title game and began lamenting an average recruiting class compared to past OSU standards...things have certainly improved -- especially on the recruiting trail. So far recruits have come in bunches for Tressel and his staff. OSU received four commitments in a 16-day stretch in March. Ohio State had a three-commitment run over two amazing days this week..."
The 100 vs Our 100s, & More April 30, 2007 Source: Superprep.com - "Lets take a close look at the top 100 (NFL) draft picks from this weekend and see where they were ranked coming out of high school for their respective classes of 2002, '03 and '04..."
NCAA approves ban on recruiting by text messages April 26, 2007 Source: CBSSportsline.com - "The NCAA's board of directors approved a ban Thursday to eliminate all text messages from coaches to recruits beginning in August, then left open the possibility of revisiting that legislation as early as 2008..."
The coaches got beat by the recruits April 26, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Give a coach a video terminal and he will get to work. Put him at practice, give him a whistle, and unless you want to run until you puke, get out of the way. Coaches love competition, and every last one of them understands how much preparation a good performance demands. So how in the name of all that is Cingular did coaches lose the right to text-message recruits?..."
The top rated linemen from Ohio, Mike Adams, 6-8, 305 pounds, from Florida, Michael Brewster, 6-6, 300 pounds, and Texas, J.B. Shugarts, 6 feet 7, 299 pounds, and considered three of the top linemen in the nation, have committed to Ohio State's recruiting class of 2008. They comprise 3/4ths of what is being called by Buckeyes fans "Block-O".
Make It Eight April 25, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "The Buckeyes have been on a remarkable recruiting run lately as they have secured verbal commitments from three players in the past 48 hours. Scout.com learned from a solid source late Tuesday evening that Nathan Williams is the latest player to join the Buckeye family..."
April 25, 2007 - Nathan Williams, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound linebacker from Washington Court House OH has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Williams played middle linebacker as junior last season and he was told the Buckeyes want him to play the 'Viper' postion, which Bobby Carpenter did. "I want to smack someone upside the head on every play. I just want to get to the football. I love playing linebacker and I love moving around and blitzing. That is probably my strong suit. I just have to work on my hands a little bit when it comes to shedding the blocker, but I have a nose for the football." "Coach Heacock said I fit their Bobby Carpenter position very well," Williams said. "Ohio State has always been my favorite." As a junior, Williams racked up 149 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and six sacks. He had eight forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries earning All-State honors. He was starting to draw increased interest from many programs and had offers from Oklahoma, Georgia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State, California and Kentucky. Welcome aboard, Nathan!
Williams gets message; OSU gets speedy recruit April 26, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Nathan Williams learned a lesson about text messaging Tuesday night: If you're expecting an important message, don't spend two hours in the basement..."
Miami Trace's Williams Becomes Verbal No. 8 April 24, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "It did not take Washington C.H. (Ohio) Miami Trace linebacker Nathan Williams long to decide he wants to be an Ohio State Buckeye. Williams was offered a scholarship tonight by Ohio State and immediately accepted. According to Williams, OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock visited his school in rural Fayette County about 35 miles southwest of Columbus on Tuesday. 'I spoke with Coach Tressel a little later on the phone,' Williams said. 'We talked for a bit and then he asked me if I wanted to be a Buckeye. I said I did. He made the offer and I committed on the spot.' Williams is rated as Ohio’s No. 7 prospect..."
April 24, 2007 - J.B. Shugarts, a 6-foot-7, 299-pound offensive lineman from Klein TX has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Shugarts is a national top-10 lineman and a top-100 prospect in the Class of 2008. 'One school stood out above the rest and is the right fit for me,' Shugarts said of his decision. 'I am honored and proud to pledge my commitment to Coach Tressel and The Ohio State University. I am 110% Buckeye and can't wait to get started. I plan on graduating early and enrolling in January.' Analyst Bob Lichtenfels said, 'Shugarts is one of the top five offensive tackle prospects that I have seen anywhere in the country.' He had offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Oklahoma, LSU, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Alabama & Auburn, among others.Welcome aboard, J.B.!
3 of the nation's top offensive linemen, Michael Brewster, J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams, have given their verbal commitment to Jim Tressel for the Class of '08.
Shugarts Makes It Three O-Linemen For '08 Class April 24, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "The 6-7, 296-pounder is one of the top players, let alone offensive linemen, in the class of ’08. He is listed as the No. 29 player overall in the class by Scout.com and was a member of the Scout.com All-Combine first team at the U.S. Army Junior Combine in January. He is the third offensive lineman to choose Ohio State since February. Mike Adams, the No. 10 player in the class, was the first to do so and attends Columbus suburban school Dublin (Ohio) Coffman. Next was Orlando native Michael Brewster, who checks in at No. 26 and attends Edgewater High School. The three have become friendly and have been rumored to be attending the same school for months..."
Shugarts chooses Ohio State April 25, 2007 Source: Houston Chronicle - "Klein lineman plans on opening holes for Buckeyes...One of the state's most sought-after offensive linemen has decided where he wants to play his college ball..."
Shugarts Picks The Buckeyes April 24, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "Offensive lineman J.B. Shugarts from Klein, Texas, announced at a Tuesday press conference that he will be playing football for Ohio State. Shugarts becomes the seventh member of OSU's 2008 recruiting class and at least the fifth to be a consensus national top 100 prospect. The Buckeyes now have three offensive linemen in the fold as the "Block O" dream continues to come to fruition..."
April 23, 2007 - Michael Brewster, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive lineman from Orlando FL has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Brewster is a national top-10 lineman and a top-100 prospects in the Class of 2008 and considered the nation's top center prospect. Brewster was recently ranked by Rivals.com as the top offensive lineman in the country. 'It is the greatest place to play ball at; I want to play center,' Brewster said of Ohio State and the position he'd like to play on the line. 'I'm going to Ohio State because I feel at home there,' Brewster said by phone in between classes this morning. 'Being there is like a feeling of family for me.' He had offers from Florida, Southern Cal, Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Miami (Fl), Tennessee, Florida State and Georgia, among others. From OhioStateScout.com, "He is a dominating drive blocker that once he locks up on you it’s all over. Brewster has super leg drive and is overpowering at the point of attack. Equally impressive is the way he blocks on the move when pulling and trapping. Brewster shows excellent quickness for a big man and is tough even when he gets to the second level. You also have to love Brewster’s motor as he plays until the whistle blows. He is always moving and attacking." Welcome aboard, Michael!
"Sunshine State" Buckeye April 23, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes have had a strong history of recruiting success in Florida, but they may have landed their biggest out of state prize in recent memory when Central Florida's top prep player, Mike Brewster, issued a verbal commitment to sign with Ohio State..."
Edgewater's Brewster makes oral commitment to Ohio State April 23, 2007 Source: Orlando Sentinel - "Edgewater offensive lineman Mike Brewster, considered Central Florida's No. 1 high school football prospect, confirmed Monday he would play his college football at Ohio State. Brewster is one of Florida's top half-dozen prospects and one of the best offensive line prospects in the country..."
Bucking the trend April 27, 2007 Source: Sandusky Register - "Ohio State senior Danielle Kaufman is an intern strength and conditioning coach for the Buckeyes football team. Even more significant is she is the first female to ever hold that position. 'They've had female athletic trainers, but none as far as the coaches and managers go.'..."
Tressel returns favor to mentor April 26, 2007 Source: Youngstown Vindicator - "'Woody [Hayes] always used to say that it is impossible to pay back the people who do things for you or that serve you; and he was right," said Tressel. "So the challenge is to pay forward. I can never pay Jim [Dennison] back for giving me that coaching opportunity back in 1975. But I'm here tonight because what Walsh is doing is so important and I want to help.'..."
Mr. Bucknuts' Bucket Of Bullets April 27, 2007 Source: Bucknuts - "Mr. Bucknuts addresses the ESPN deal, text messaging, the Notre Dame spring game and the All-Airport team in a shotgun approach Bucket of Bullets..."
Six Nittany Lions players turn themselves in to police April 27, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Six Penn State football players, including stars Anthony Scirrotto and Justin King, turned themselves in Friday to face charges that they barged into a party and started a violent fight at an off-campus apartment earlier this month. Each player faces at least one felony count of criminal trespass. Scirrotto, a safety, faces the most serious charges, including two other felonies -- burglary and criminal solicitation..."
Bowden Files April 26, 2007 Source: Yahoo Sports - "Terry Bowden is right again, this time about USC...
I saw where Reggie Bush's family agreed to a settlement and gave between $200,000 and $300,000 to Michael Michaels for unpaid rent and for benefits they received while Reggie was playing and winning a national championship for USC. Of course the family, including Reggie, always has maintained that it never violated any NCAA rules or regulations. The NCAA says it has made two requests to meet with Reggie Bush through his attorney and followed up with a written request, but didn't get a response. Bush contradicted this assertion while visiting a Southern California practice last week, saying that he had not been contacted and that if he had he would have hung up the phone. If Reggie Bush and his family continue to stonewall the NCAA like this, the organization has no other recourse but to go after USC as severely as possible and punish the institution for the actions of one of its players. This would include forfeiting games that he played in, even the national championship. If the NCAA does not act decisively here, it might as well forget about ever enforcing its rule against extra benefits..."
Read Bowden's "Ohio State was clearly the best team" article from the 2002 Season, link in site navigation.
Clifford cited for possession April 26, 2007 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - "All-American Eugene Clifford recently was cited for marijuana possession, but the incident is not expected to affect his scholarship to Ohio State University this coming fall. Clifford’s father said today that the marijuana was not his son's. 'It was somebody else’s, and he had nothing to do with it,' said the father, Eugene Clifford Jr. 'He was just in the area where they gave all the boys a ticket. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.' Court records show Clifford on April 5 paid a $105 fine in the case, a minor misdemeanor citation..."
Bauserman in the mix at QB April, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "The three candidates to succeed Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith at quarterback will have additional company in the fall when 21-year-old Joe Baserman joins the team. Bauserman, who spent three seasons playing professional baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization, has enrolled for summer quarter and apparently will be a walk-on thereafter. He originally committed to attend OSU in the fall of 2003 before signing with the Pirates. The 6-2, 220-pound Bauserman faces an uphill battle to get in front of junior Todd Boeckman, sophomore Rob Schoenhoft and redshirt freshman Antonio Henton." Bauserman threw for more than 5,000 yards in his final two years of high school.
Stewart Mandel's Power Rankings April 24, 2007 Source: SI.com - "Spring star: WR Devon Lyons...the sophomore emerged as a new threat, catching three passes for 72 yards in last weekend's spring game. Spring recap: Junior Todd Boeckman retained the lead over Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton in the QB race, though all three made mistakes last Saturday. The Buckeyes remain loaded on defense, particularly at linebacker and in the secondary. The offensive line struggled at times..."
OSU defense looks to have upper hand April 24, 2007 Source: Toldeo Blade - "In Ohio State's view of the perfect world, its strength would be extensive and balanced on both sides of the ball. But the brute that is the Buckeyes football monster usually seems to have one bicep that is bigger than the other, and coming out of spring practice, that looks like the case again..."
Coach For a Day April 23, 2007 Source: CoachTressel.com - "It’s no secret that Jim Tressel and Thad Matta are close friends. With the NCAA cracking down on text-messaging recruits, the two are making up for it by texting each other. So when Coach Tressel asked Matta via text message if his Final Four team would be interested in coaching at the annual Scarlet & Gray game, Matta quickly texted him back saying they'd be thrilled..."
A true impact position April 22, 2007 Source: Yahoo Sports - "Now that spring football practice is winding down, you would think it’s about time to let the boys relax a little bit and get away from the game. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Now is the time that the true offseason begins. Now is the time that is going to make or break the success of your team. Now is the time that the strength and conditioning coach becomes the most important coach on your staff..."
Boeckman Still Odds On Favorite April 23, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "With all three quarterbacks seeing significant playing time, the end result was an overall 21 of 45 performance with one touchdown pass against three interceptions - all tossed by redshirt freshman Antonio Henton. Now that spring practices are complete, head coach Jim Tressel said..."
OSU looking for QB April 22, 2007 Source: Toledo Blade - "They were hoping the quarterback picture would be clearer...But after a month of practice and intense scrutiny, and four quarters of competition yesterday in gamelike conditions, it appears the Ohio State Buckeyes still have a tight, three-horse race for that starting job..."
It's a spring thing April 22, 2007 Source: The Morning Journal - "Fifteen practices later, Ohio State's depth chart at quarterback doesn't look any different than it did in March. Following yesterday's 17-9 Gray victory in the annual spring game, Jim Tressel admitted his mind hasn't changed at all..."
Juniors get their chance to move up depth chart April 23, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Those who get stuck there for a couple of seasons feel overlooked and sometimes forgotten. While sitting there, though, if they looked closer at the exit sign above the door, they'd see the fine print reads 'Usually by your junior year.' Ohio State fans saw a few of those juniors run through that door Saturday in the spring game in Ohio Stadium..."
Becoming Brutus: Two spots to fill on mascot team April 23, 2007 Source: Associated Press - " He's the most recognizable face - and head - on Ohio State University’s football team and he gets perhaps the most face time, too. Thirteen students tried out for two openings on the school’s four-member corps of Brutus Buckeye mascots..."
Phenomenal Event Ends Spring Practice April 21, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "The weather was perfect, the crowd was record-setting (75,301 broke the record for spring game attendance, set just last year when 63,649) and the football was a little rough around the edges April 21 as Ohio State brought down the curtain on spring practice drills with the annual Spring Game..."
Spring Game Ramblings April 23, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Last week, when talking about the Jersey Scrimmage, I warned against drawing conclusions based on one scrimmage. I said the same thing last year as well. And I’m saying it again after watching the Spring Game on Saturday. However, that doesn't mean that we can't talk about what we saw and compare notes..."
View From On High April 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Dispatch beat reporter Ken Gordon offers up some quick thoughts on the spring game..."
Ohio State has plenty of gray at QB April 22, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith spent a good part of his Heisman-winning season a year ago answering questions about why he wasn't running the ball more. In their first public appearance since Smith's departure, the Buckeyes, and the 75,301 fans at Ohio Stadium, should have grown tired of watching quarterbacks on the move by the end of Saturday's Scarlet and Gray spring game..."
Grant goes all the way this time April 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "With nothing but open field in front of him, Ohio State linebacker Larry Grant had a bad flashback yesterday. 'All I was thinking was Northern Illinois,' he said..."
Defense Dominates Spring Game April 22, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "What the game lacked in offensive fireworks was made up for by big plays by the defense...it wasn't such a red-hot day for either offense. With a large group of offensive linemen out of the scrimmage with injuries running the ball was tough sledding at best and the pass protection left a whole lot to be desired. All three quarterbacks were pressured all day making it tough to throw the football..."
Gray rallies for victory in spring game April 21, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Dispatch Ohio State football beat writer Tim May kept Dispatch.com readers in the know on the spring fling today at Ohio Stadium with quarter-by-quarter updates of the Gray's 17-9 victory in the annual spring game..."
Buckeye football's healing begins; questions remain April 22, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "...This is the more superficial kind, as was reflected in a record 75,301 Buckeye fans crowding Ohio Stadium for the spring game -- their first chance to see the team since an oh-so-forgettable January mauling at the hands of Florida in the BCS National Championship game. Those weren't the real Buckeyes on the University of Phoenix Stadium that night -- at least it's hoped they weren't. Even though the Gray beat the Scarlet, 17-9, on Saturday, there's nothing to say these are the real Buckeyes, either..."
Defense rules in Ohio State's spring scrimmage April 21, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Shut out heading into the fourth quarter, the Gray squad roared back on Aaron Pettrey's 40-yard field goal and Rob Schoenhoft's 6-yard scoring pass to Brandon Smith for a 10-9 lead with 5:24 remaining...The Scarlet squad moved into position for the win in the final minute. But on second and 13 at the Gray 14...Linebacker Larry Grant came in from quarterback Todd Boeckman's right side and hit him high and hard, forcing the fumble. The ball rolled around before Grant doubled back and scooped it up, running untouched 80 yards to clinch the win with 30 seconds left..."
Gray Triumphs On Beautiful Day April 21, 2007 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "OSU head coach Jim Tressel told reporters after the game that he wasn't ready to make any pronouncements on the starting quarterback position...'If we had a game tomorrow, the order that we started with this spring (Boeckman as the starter followed by Schoenhoft and then Henton) would be the order,'..."
Coming on strong "Junior-to-be defensive end Lawrence Wilson of St. Vincent-St. Mary was the first pick of the Gray in the players' draft. His team trailed 9-0 at halftime, but Wilson finished with two tackles -- one for a loss -- one pass breakup and one sack.
'After the first half, you spend all that money for a first-round pick, and they were getting shut out 9-0,' Tressel joked. 'I think Lawrence is a difference maker, and I can see why they picked him first. I'd like to think he'll do nothing but get better and be one of those special guys to play at Ohio State.'"Source: Akron Beacon Journal
The Buckeyes paid tribute to the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy by displaying the VT decal on their helmets. They also conducted a moment of silence before the game.
Spring Game Attedance Comparisons: Alabama had 92,138-plus (admission was free) Penn State had 71,000 (no admission or parking fee) Florida had 47,500 (admission was free) MSU estimated at 25,000 (admission was free) TSUN had 5,500 (admission was free)
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook April 22, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "Great Call, Tribute to the Hokies, Bad Memories, Pitt is It, Rebounding, Rising Stock, Non-measureables, and One Last Look at the Quarterbacks; they're all covered in the-Ozone Spring Game Note and Quotebook..."
Ohio State has many questions to answer April 22, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "Famous American philosopher George Santayana once warned: 'Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.' Kirk Barton, an offensive tackle and History major at Ohio State, enthusiastically concurs. Jim Tressel is waiting for his quarterbacks to play like veterans. 'I definitely agree with that,' Barton said. 'Look throughout history - sports is a great example - things rise and fall and then come back again.' That's why Ohio State rivals would be wise not to dismiss the Buckeyes' chances of defending their Big Ten championship in 2007 - lest they may find history repeating itself..."
Ohio State defense in good shape April 22, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "Speedy linebacker Marcus Freeman said Ohio State's defense has a standard to reach. 'We have taken the steps to be the defensive team we want to be,' Freeman said after Saturday's annual Scarlet-Gray spring football game at Ohio Stadium. 'Ultimately, our goal is to be the No. 1 defense in the country. After we saw what happened, we have a long way to go to accomplish that.'...Perhaps, but some of the 75,301 on hand might assume the Buckeyes are halfway there..."
Ohio State offense struggles April 21, 2007 Source: Rivals.com - "The crowd on hand for Ohio State's Scarlet-Gray spring football game on Saturday was treated to long touchdown runs and nice catches. But most of those plays were turned in by the defensive teams. The longest run of the day was by punter A.J. Trapasso. That's not good for a team needing to replace Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith..."
April, 2007: Kurt Coleman He possesses great speed (4.4 40), is hard hitting, and his cover ability is unquestionaed. Coleman, who'll remind you of Donte Whitner, is doing nothing in Spring Practice to hurt his chances to be a major contributor this Fall. He had two interceptions in the first jersey scrimmage. Listed behind Jamario O'Neal, and certainly Anderson Russel when he returns, on the depth chart, he has been spending time with the first unit. "Kurt Coleman I think is a producer," Tressel said. "He's a playmaker, I think he had at least two picks today. He just has a good awareness and his body is always under control, always a balanced guy. He's a smart football player who comes from a good program where he faced the pass every day in practice and was a part of a pretty intricate football system and I think Kurt is going to be very good."
May 10, 2007
