Get updates via SMS by texting follow buckeyefansonly to 40404 Because it's impractical to post everything on this site we'd like to, we started a Twitter account.
Click HERE for complete site navigation or Here for alternate site navigation
Can't get enough Ohio State Buckeyes news? Neither can we. It's impractical to post everything on this site we'd like to, so we started a Twitter account. Follow us on Twitter and get more Buckeyes news...see our Twitter feed above. Get updates via SMS by texting follow buckeyefansonly to 40404.
Jim Tressel, Ohio State football head coach, met with media briefly Tuesday after speaking to the participating families of "Operation: Military Kids Hero Camp" inside the Woody Hayes Athletics Center.
Jack Tatum, 61, dies of heart attack July 27, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Jack Tatum, lionized as a hard-hitting safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes and later the NFL's Oakland Raiders, died today in California of a heart attack. He was 61. John Hicks, a friend and former teammate, said he learned of Tatum's death from another former teammate, Tim Anderson, who was with the Tatum family in California.
Tatum had suffered from numerous health problems in the past 10 years and had a leg amputated in 2003. Hicks said he recently was treated for kidney and liver failure.
"We have lost one of our greatest Buckeyes. When you think of Ohio State defense, the first name that comes to mind is Jack Tatum. His loss touches every era of Ohio State players and fans," Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel said..."
The Breakdown: Offensive Tackles July 25, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "One day after taking a look at the men who will protect the middle, we move outside for this edition of The Breakdown. OSU comes into the season with one entrenched tackle in J.B. Shugarts and one battle for a starting role, plus some young guys trying to figure out their spots in the pecking order.
J.B. Shugarts...Shugarts turned in a solid sophomore season and is expected to hold down the right tackle spot as he becomes an upperclassman. He should continue to be one of the most athletic linemen on the team...
Mike Adams...Noted as someone who has needed to work on his aggressiveness, Adams looked improved in that regard and much more experienced during the spring. He seemed to separate himself in his bid to reclaim his role as the team’s starting left tackle and figures to start there when the season begins...
Andy Miller...Miller has done his best to adapt to the offensive line and that work paid off with a starting role a season ago. This year, coaches say he’s in a battle with Adams to start at left tackle, but he seemed to struggle in spring and may have lost ground. Either way, Miller can still expect to play in 2010...
Marcus Hall...The fact that Hall played a season ago shows the OSU offensive staff likes his talent, but he figures to continue to be the backup right tackle behind Shugarts in 2010 unless injury intervenes. He can also play left tackle if needed but has rarely done so at OSU...
Josh Kerr...Going into his final season, Kerr looks like a depth player for the Buckeyes....
Sam Longo...Coaches like Longo’s athleticism but he still figures to be a project whose best bet is to play as an upperclassman. He’ll provide depth for the Buckeyes in 2010. ..."
Andrew Norwell ...It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t project great things for Norwell, the No. 8 player in the nation among all prospects in his class according to Scout. However, not many people expect greatness in 2010 with talented players ahead of Norwell..."
Buckeyes early risers this summer July 23, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "No one looks forward to the alarm clock going off at 5 a.m., including Dane Sanzenbacher. But the Ohio State senior receiver said that for members of the football team this summer, when the alarm sounded, the attitude was you hit snooze, you lose. He said there was something exhilarating about being up at the crack of dawn, about to dive into another offseason workout...
Whether the 2010 Buckeyes, considered contenders for the national championship by most prognosticators, gained a step on their competitors with their summer work remains to be seen. That work ends today, with the players getting a week's vacation before returning the next week for a few days before reporting to preseason camp Aug.5...
The workouts routinely are run by the seniors and upperclassmen. The workouts have included wind sprints, weight room, endurance exercise sessions in a sandpit, and seven-on-seven scrimmaging, in which the skill players on offense primarily passed against the skill players on defense. "Obviously, a lot of the stuff is pretty similar to most summers, but what I've noticed most this time is the amount of extra work everybody has put in," Sanzenbacher said. "There's always been guys who do extra stuff, but the number of guys doing it this year, that's been the big change."…"
Can Pryor follow Young's path in 2010? July 21, 2010 Source: ESPN - "During a recent interview with ESPN Radio 1620 in Omaha (they can't get enough of me in Nebraska), I was asked about Terrelle Pryor's progress at Ohio State and whether he can follow Vince Young's path in his junior season with the Buckeyes.
Pryor always has drawn comparisons to Young, even before he arrived at Ohio State as the nation's top recruit in 2008. The two quarterbacks have shown some similarities in the early stages of their college careers, although Young really surged during the second half of his sophomore year. Pryor has been a bit less consistent, while still showing flashes of his immense potential.
One major connection between Pryor and Young is their performances in the final games of their sophomore seasons, the midpoint of most players' college careers. Both quarterbacks shined in Rose Bowl victories, Young against Michigan on Jan. 1, 2005 and Pryor against Oregon nearly seven months ago. Both players earned Rose Bowl Offensive MVP honors for their efforts in Pasadena...
As we all know, Young built on his Rose Bowl performance with a fantastic junior season, passing for 3,036 yards and 26 touchdowns to go along with 1,050 rush yards and 12 rushing touchdowns..."
SOPHOMORE YOUNG VS. SOPHOMORE PRYOR AT THE ROSE BOWL
Vince Young and Terrelle Pryor each had standout Rose Bowls wins to cap their sophomore seasons:
Player
Opponent
Score
Comp
Pass Yds
Pass TDs
Ints
Rush Atts/Yds
Rush TDs
Young
Michigan '05
38-37
16 of 28
180
1
1
21 for 192
4
Pryor
Oregon '10
26-17
23 of 37
266
2
1
20 for 72
0
The Breakdown: Running Backs July 20, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Our pre-camp look at each position on the Ohio State roster moves on to the running back position. The Buckeyes have always been known to have excellent players toting the rock, but this year's squad might be known mostly for its depth, and more help could be on the way.
Brandon Saine...Ohio’s top prep player as a senior in high school...Saine figures to continue to share carries with Dan Herron and a host of talented younger backs in 2010, but his versatility – Saine can block, run, and catch – could help him separate from the pack. Naturally quiet, Saine is also expected to be a leader on the field in 2010...
Dan Herron...A back who doesn’t usually hit the big play instead to provide steady work with no big mistakes, Herron can expect to split time near the top of the running back depth chart in 2010...
Jordan Hall...A high school teammate of Terrelle Pryor...Small and quick, Hall boasts good vision and solid explosion. He showcased those tools in a limited role in 2009 and could expand his playing time with a good camp...
Jaamal Berry...Berry was a highly touted four-star back coming out of Miami in the class of 2009 and runs with skill and tenacity. Perhaps the most talented back of the group, Berry will get carries in 2010, but just how many will be up to his play in fall camp. Like Hall, Berry is a breakout candidate if everything shakes out right for him...
Jermil Martin...Martin has been a subject of transfer rumors, but an Ohio State spokeswoman told BuckeyeSports.com that he was still enrolled at OSU as of July 19...
Carlos Hyde...Hyde, Scout’s No. 1 fullback in the class of 2008, spent 2009 at Fork Union because of academic issues before arriving for ’10 spring ball...Another big body, Hyde has talent but – like so many others here – will have to see how things break when it comes to playing time...
Roderick Smith...was a four-star tailback and the No. 8 player at his position in the 2010 class, running for 1,855 yards and 19 scores as a senior...Smith is missing summer workouts with an academic issue head coach Jim Tressel expects to be cleared up by fall..."
Fresh Faces: Ohio State July 19, 2010 Source: ESPN - "My look at three newcomers to watch for each Big Ten team in 2010 continues with Ohio State.
OFFENSE: Chris Fields, WR, Fr., 6-0, 185...need a No. 3 target after Duron Carter left school. Taurian Washington is a veteran option, but Fields should get ample playing time this fall. Fields added some weight during the offseason and boasts excellent speed.
DEFENSE: Melvin Fellows, DE, Fr., 6-5, 249...Fellows isn't an every-down player yet, but he gives Ohio State the ability to be flexible with a guy like Heyward.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Ben Buchanan, P/K, So., 6-0, 195...Special teams are a bit of a concern entering the season, but Buchanan could put a lot of folks at ease with his play. He takes over the starting punter spot after averaging 42.8 yards on four attempts in 2009…"
Mr. Bucknuts Unveiled! July 18, 2010 Source: Bucknuts.com - "...The Boarding House…here we come again with warning labels and explanations!...As we started saying on Thursday, the incoming recruiting class has now had some time to impress their veteran teammates (or not).
We talked to one savvy vet who said the defensive young Bucks to catch his eye are Christian Bryant and Jonathan “Big Hank” Hankins. Well, how about on the other side of the ball, we asked?
Without hesitation: “The receiver from Pennsylvania – Corey Brown,” he said.
Bear in mind, this savvy vet is a defensive player. He went on to describe Brown as “extremely fast. Extremely.” As a point of clarification, there are two Corey Browns on the team and each hails from the Keystone State. There’s the aforementioned receiver from Springfield Cardinal O’Hara and the defensive back from Monroeville Gateway. It may be easy to tell them apart going forward because one will be on the field and the other … not so much.
But is Good Corey Brown the answer to the third receiver question asked more now that Duron Carter traded Columbus for Coffeyville? If so, GCB could be the type of explosive presence the offense craves. We will all find out together…"
Buckeye Football: Captains and Concerns July 14, 2009 Source: Bucknuts.com - "The news in regards to Ohio State football has been scarce of late. So, let’s create some. How does a little banter about captains and concerns strike you? Not being concerned about who the captains will be (there is a host of deserving seniors to choose from this year unlike perhaps last season) but just a guess on who the captains will be, followed by the question marks I have for the 2010 Buckeyes. And since we’re talking about a team that will likely open the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, there won’t be many of the latter..."
Flash Forward: Quarterback July 13, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Time doesn’t slow down for anyone. Not even Terrelle Pryor. While it might look like everyone else is moving in slow motion when Pryor is running with the ball in his hands, even the fleet-footed quarterback out of Pennsylvania can’t outrun the time he’s been given...In our latest "Flash Forward" piece we take a look at Pryor, Miller and the future of the quarterback position at Ohio State.
2011 Commitments: (1) Braxton Miller (6-2, 185, Class of 2011) While Miller is no Terrelle Pryor in terms of size and pure athleticism, he is easily one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the country for 2011 and the first real “franchise quarterback” to commit to the Bucks since Pryor back in the spring of 2008...Assuming Pryor returns, that would rule out the possibility of Miller following in his footsteps by competing for the starting job as a true freshman, but the race will be wide open after Pryor leaves in 2012. Kenny Guiton looked very good in the most recent spring game, and incoming freshman Taylor Graham (son of former Buckeye Kent Graham) has a cannon arm, but Miller would likely have every opportunity to compete with both of them..."
· Survey (C): His impatience and inexperience didn’t do him any favors last season. At times it looked like he either focused on his primary receiver, or didn’t know what his progression was, or didn’t have time to run through it because of pressure, or a combination of the three. Consequently, he would hurry a throw or just tuck it and run. When he did stay in the pocket and run through his progressions, he usually made a very good throw. Again, very inconsistent, and there was no discernable improvement from game to game. It was one step forward, one step back all season.
· Stance (B): Overall, his stance is good. He stands tall in the pocket and starts reading the field as he is in his drop, or as soon as he gets the snap from the spread. Even as he rolls out, his head is up, scanning the field or looking for an opportunity to run.
· Step (C): When Pryor is decisive, his step into the throw is big league. He delivers a good, accurate fastball with deceptive speed. However, when he is indecisive, he hurries his throw, tends to throw off balance or off his back foot, and he relies too much on his natural ability and arm strength to get him by. That worked in high school, but it has been proven that doesn’t work in The Big Ten.
· Wrist/Throw (C): Although he has a strong arm, his three quarter to sidearm Uncle Rico technique makes me want to cringe. His throws tend to sail, and his receivers bailed him out time and time again last season with great catches (see Ballard, Jake, Rose Bowl). That said OSU coaches haven’t tried to correct it, so it is what it is. Hey, it worked for Vince Young, and Pryor put it together in the Rose Bowl, so we’ll see...
How the Offense Affects Mechanics (A): This seems like an odd grade considering I gave him a 'D' in adaptation but consider this before you crucify me here: this offense is tailor made for Pryor’s talents and it was this offense that was the blueprint for Troy Smith and his 2006 Heisman trophy season. He is a fast, dynamic runner with a stiffarm like a sledgehammer, something even Smith didn't even have. He has a very good and veteran offense surrounding him, and he has shown tantalizing glimpses of what he can do passing the ball. Pryor has been under the microscope almost from day one—he was starting as a freshman, taking over for a senior captain. As a sophomore, for all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, he only threw 11 interceptions all year against 18 TD passes. Oh, and OSU won the Big Ten, beat Michigan, and won the Rose Bowl, so it’s not like he presided over Armageddon. This offensive scheme plays right into his talents, and if he can harness his talent the sky is the limit for Ohio State and their starting quarterback.
The key for Pryor in 2010 is patience and a better feel for the game, which he should have as a junior and legitimate team leader.
Overall: B-...Report Card on other Big Ten QBs..."
...the panic has been thanks to the comments of the players themselves. OL Aundrey Walker has hinted that he is open to heading elsewhere and is no lock to go to OSU, but then again so did Marcus Hall. The bigger rumor came from the aforementioned Shane Wynn. In a recent article on Rivals.com he claimed that Miami (FL) was his clear leader...
3) Will the Buckeyes grab any big names out of state at this point?...With Ohio talent like Doran Grant, Trey DePriest, Shane Wynn and Aundrey Walker left, who cares what is going on elsewhere?..."
Flash Forward: OSU May Hold off on Tailbacks July 7, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "With a stacked running back class on the horizon in 2012, it looks like Ohio State will stay put in the class of 2011, especially with their currently loaded backfield. Of the Buckeyes’ six Heisman Trophy winners, all but one have played the tailback position. It has been a while since OSU didn’t sign a running back in their recruiting class, but it looks like that might very well be the case in 2011.
After landing four tailbacks and two fullbacks in the last two recruiting classes, the Buckeyes seem content to fill spots in this class with more pressing needs, like offensive and defensive line. They have only offered one running back in Orlando’s Demetrius Hart, but at 5-foot-8, he’s more of a scat-back who has a top three of Michigan, Alabama and Auburn..."
Flash Forward: Major Changes Ahead at WR in 2011 July 6, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "The departure of Duron Carter has probably changed the recruiting outlook for the Buckeyes at wide receiver. Brandon Castel's Flash Forward series continues today with a look at that position and OSU's personnel needs going forward.
In our latest “Flash Forward” piece we take a look at how the wide receiver position is shaping up for Ohio State in 2011...Projected 2011 Returning Depth Chart...2011 Commitments: (2)...2011 Targets: High: Shane Wynn (5-7, 147, Cleveland Glenville)...Low: DeAnthony Arnett (6-0, 167, Saginaw, Mich.), Darius Jennings (6-0, 180, Baltimore), A.J. Sebastiano (Coconut Creek, Fla.)..."
20 Questions About the Buckeyes in need of answers July 5, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Well, we've peppered the Big Ten and the nation with twenty questions, and now it's time to bring things a little closer to home and answer some questions about the Buckeyes. If you don't agree with some of these answers, feel free to try a little harder.
(1) Will the Buckeyes have a 1,000-yard rusher this year?... (2) Will the Buckeyes have a 1,000-yard receiver this year?... (4) Can the Buckeyes win at both Iowa City and Madison?... (6) Is this Terrelle Pryor's final season at Ohio State?... (7) Which true freshman will have the biggest impact on the field this season?... (10) Will the Buckeyes feature an elite talent at running back this year?... (11) Will we see the “pass-happy offense” of the Rose Bowl, or the power-running attack that actually got the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl?... (13) How badly will safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman be missed?... (14) Cornerback Devon Torrence's struggles this spring were just an aberration, right?... (15) Is less depth on the defensive line actually a good thing this year?... (18) Will the special teams be better this year?..."
Columbus Eastmoor safety signs on: Tanner, 6-1, 190 pounds, is 17th to join 2011 class July 3, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Whether Ron Tanner II winds up making plays to remember for Ohio State remains to be seen, but he proved yesterday that he has a flair for the dramatic. The safety from Eastmoor Academy, sitting at a table with his family, asked his older sister Rickeya to hand him the cap of the college he'd chosen. She handed him a Michigan one that he pulled on quickly, and the crowd of about 100 gasped; some even booed.
He pulled it off, smiling, then asked a friend to bring him his real cap, with a block "O" on the front. Tanner pulled it on and the onlookers roared as he became the 17th commitment to the recruiting class of 2011. "I was just having some fun," he said later. His mother, Kim, said she knew that hijinks were planned. "But I didn't know he was actually going to put it on his head," she said, keeping in mind that their basement was painted scarlet and gray for a reason. "I'm like, 'OK, is your head about to burn up because you've got that Michigan hat on?'"..."
Buckeyes Land Four-Star Safety July 2, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "...Ohio State picked up verbal commitment No. 3 this week when Columbus Eastmoor Academy safety prospect Ron Tanner picked the Buckeyes at a press conference at his high school. A four-star prospect, Tanner is rated the No. 7 safety in the nation by Scout.com. As a junior, he recorded 83 tackles and seven interceptions on defense and doubled as a quarterback, where he threw for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tanner is the third defensive back to commit to the Buckeyes in this class, joining Plantation, Fla., safety Jeremy Cash and Toledo Rogers cornerback DerJuan Gambrell..."
Meet the Newest Buckeyes: Class of 2010 Added to Roster June 30, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Until last week it was all speculation. Although Ohio State landed 19 signatures in February, all but two of them remained “future Buckeyes” before last Monday. Only running back Carlos Hyde (class of 2009) and kicker Drew Basil enrolled early enough for spring practice and already the Buckeyes knew they would be without linebacker Jamel Turner, who suffered gunshot wounds earlier this month. That left 16 players from the class of 2010 who needed to be accounted for when Ohio State began its summer quarter on June 21st. All but one of them raised their hand as present on the first day of classes, as tailback Roderick Smith failed to make it in time...hoping he reports August 5th...
That’s when the Buckeyes will open fall camp, but they didn’t wait to add the other incoming freshmen to the official roster, as they officially gave them numbers along with listing their height and weight. There were a few surprises in the bunch, and we take a look at the newest Buckeyes who will be on the field this fall..."
Vannett Commits To Ohio State June 30, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State picked up their 16th commitment for their 2011 recruiting class Wednesday, when Westerville Central tight end Nick Vannett announced he will be playing for the Buckeyes. Vannett notified the Buckeye staff of his intent, choosing Ohio State over Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Bill Greene has received confirmation from Vannett, and will update this story later today..."
Vannett Makes Sweet 16 June 30, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...Tight End Nick Vannett of Westerville Central pledged his allegiance to Buckeye Nation today in a refreshingly low key announcement that featured no press conference, rather just calls to his top schools and e-mails and texts to the media. Vannett chose OSU over offers from Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Iowa, Penn State, Oregon, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and others.
The 6-6/230 Vannett becomes the second tight end to verbal to this class, after Jeff Heuerman did so shortly after the spring game. The two became quite close this past weekend at the Ohio State Senior Advanced Camp, striking up a friendship while participating in various workouts and drills. Vannett is rated the #11 tight end by Scout, the #12 tight end by Rivals, and the #8 tight end by ESPN. He is expected to be the “receiving tight end” out of the two and should fit right into the depth chart behind Jake Stoneburner in that role..."
Devin Smith Commits To Ohio State June 17, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State has accepted the commitment of Massillon (Ohio) Washington wide receiver Devin Smith, the 15th commitment to the Buckeyes' 2011 recruiting class. Smith, one of the top prospects in Ohio, received his offer after an impressive performance at Ohio State's senior camp...
"I have committed to Ohio State," Smith stated. "It's where I've always wanted to go to school, and this is a dream come true. I notified Ohio State today that I wanted to be a Buckeye." As a junior, Smith had 989 receiving yards as a junior, and scored 15 touchdowns, in helping lead the Tigers deep into the Ohio playoffs..."
Recruiting: WR Smith chooses Buckeyes June 17, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...The wide receiver from Massillon, Ohio, earned a scholarship offer with his efforts in OSU’s senior advanced camp last Sunday. He put off announcing it until today, he said, so all of his family and friends could be involved. But as he had indicated Sunday, there was little doubt where his heart was, even as he also pondered offers from Penn State, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Michigan State and elsewhere.
"I went to three games last year, and the atmosphere is just tremendous down there," Smith said today from Massillon. "Everything about Ohio State is great, from the football program to the school.
"I have been an Ohio State fan since I was little. My family, they’re all Ohio State fans. So I felt I fit in perfect with Ohio State."
..."
CFN: 2010 Ohio State Preview June 17, 2010 Source: College Football News - "It has been a few years since Ohio State played in a national championship, but with Terrelle Pryor and 16 starters returning, the team is loaded and ready for a possible run to Glendale. Can the Buckeyes get back over the hump? Check out the CFN 2010 Ohio State Preview...
Pete Fiutak writes:...What to watch for on offense...What to watch for on defense...The team will be far better if...The schedule...Key player to a successful season...The season will be a success if...Key game: October 16 at Wisconsin..."
CFN: 2010 Ohio State Preview June 17, 2010 Source: College Football News - "It has been a few years since Ohio State played in a national championship, but with Terrelle Pryor and 16 starters returning, the team is loaded and ready for a possible run to Glendale. Can the Buckeyes get back over the hump? Check out the CFN 2010 Ohio State Preview...
Pete Fiutak writes:...What to watch for on offense...What to watch for on defense...The team will be far better if...The schedule...Key player to a successful season...The season will be a success if...Key game: October 16 at Wisconsin..."
With the addition of Nebraska, the Big Ten is destined to feature two divisions. But how do we break up the teams? By geography? By rivalries? By competitiveness? Watch Gerry DiNardo's thoughts now
Spring Back: Can Buchanan Bring Consistency to Punting Game? June 14, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Punting: drop-kicking the ball down the field as high and far as one possibly can to give his team the best field position possible. It seems like an easy enough task, and yet many of the best college football programs in the country struggle to find consistency in the punting game...
That was certainly the case for Ohio State in 2009. With former walk-on Jon Thoma handling the punting duties in place of four-year starter A.J. Trapasso, the Buckeyes finished No. 101 in the country in average yards per punt last season. The only BCS team which placed lower than OSU’s 38.24 yards per punt a year ago was TCU at 37.47 yards or No. 107 in the country. It’s not that Thoma was an incompetent punter, just an inconsistent one...Thoma rebounded with a solid performance in the Rose Bowl (43.7 yards on three punts), but the Buckeyes will need more consistency from their punting game in 2010...
Key losses: Jon Thoma
Returning lettermen: None
Spring newcomers: Drew Basil (Chillicothe)
Help is on the way: None
What we knew...What we thought...How it went...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
DL: After missing out on prospects this year, OSU striking gold for 2011 June 13, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "When defensive tackle Joel Hale committed to the Ohio State recruiting class of 2011 last week, he saw it as jumping on an express train about to leave the station. "The class I am going in with right now is unbelievable," said Hale, from Greenwood, Ind. "We could do some great things, like win Big Ten championships and maybe even the national championship...
..."You are talking about two great defensive ends, two of the top defensive tackles in the country, and a guy in Chase Farris who is one of the better players in Ohio who could play end or tackle," said Bill Kurelic, recruiting analyst of Bucknuts. "This will be one of top defensive line groups in the country when they sign their letters of intent in February. I don't think there is any question about it."..."
The media gathered at the WHAC on Wednesday to talk with Cameron Heyward about his inclusion on the Playboy Preseason All-American team, but he also talked about coming back for his senior season, Big Ten expansion, fights in practice and which player he would never fight himself because he was like "the the villain from Rocky III".
Heyward Balancing Greatness and Humility June 9, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Cam Heyward is a big guy. Fortunately for Ohio State he doesn’t come with a big ego...
On Tuesday, the 290-pound defensive lineman was named to the Playboy Preseason All-America Football Team, but it didn’t take long for the Buckeye senior to shrug it off. "It’s just a pre (season) award," Heyward said Wednesday in his soft-spoken voice, the one he doesn’t bring to practice. "I’m mostly focused on the post (season) awards."
It wasn’t that Heyward isn’t grateful or honored to be named as a pre-season All-American, quite the opposite in fact, but he understands that pre-season rankings and accolades don’t mean a whole lot at the end of the year. "We have to put all the egos aside and just be humble and be gracious of the opportunities we’re getting," said Heyward, who was also named to the preseason Lombardi and Lott Trophy watch lists..."
Spring Back: Kicking Game Looking for Face Lift June 9, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "What happened with Ohio State’s kicking game a year ago was nothing short of preposterous. Known for having solid special teams under coach Jim Tressel, who puts as much emphasis on a good punt as he does a good pass—probably more even—the Buckeyes were anything but solid in their kicking game in 2009...
Both (Devin Barclay, a former Major League Soccer player who walked on at Ohio State) and Pettrey hit key field goals in the Rose Bowl win over Oregon, but overall the Buckeyes were in the bottom half of the Big Ten—seventh to be exact—with their 70 percent field goal percentage...
Key losses: Aaron Pettrey
Returning lettermen: Devin Barclay
Spring newcomers: None
Help is on the way: Drew Basil
What we knew...What we thought...How it went...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
Buckeyes Land Hale As #14 June 7, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State added commitment number 14 to their 2011 recruiting class Monday, with the announcement that Indiana defensive lineman Joel Hale pledged to the Buckeyes. Hale committed to Ohio State Monday afternoon, in a phone call to Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel.
Hale, 6-foot-5, 295-pounds, is a three-star prospect that chose Ohio State over the likes of Florida, Penn State and Georgia Tech. He is expected to play defensive tackle for Ohio State. "I called (Ohio State head coach) Jim Tressel today and told him I had selected Ohio State," Hale explained. "It was a tough decision, but Ohio State was the best place for me."..."
Hale Keeps The Recruiting Train Rolling June 7, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "The 6-5/295 defensive lineman from Greenwood, Indiana pulled the trigger on a verbal commitment to Jim Tressel and Jim Heacock, becoming the fifth defensive lineman and third defensive tackle (Michael Bennett, Chase Farris) to do so. Hale chose the Bucks over offers from Florida, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Wisconsin for others. He visited OSU a few times and with little space remaining in the OSU class, he decided the time was right for a commitment. In his junior year at Center Grove, Hale notched about 50 tackles (12 for loss), 4 sacks, and 1 interception. He says he runs about a 5.0 in the 40-yard dash, can bench 395 pounds, and has a 27-inch vertical leap.
This is a big addition to the future of the defensive line as Hale is highly regarded as one of the best in the country at tackle. I got the chance to see him in person at an OSU practice this spring and he certainly passed the looks test then. With 14 commitments already in the books, look for the Bucks to add around 8, possibly 10 more to this class which should be top 5 in the nation on NLOI Day 2011..."
Spring Back: Pryor Coming Into His Own? June 7, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "Needless to say, it was a big spring for Terrelle Pryor. The Buckeye quarterback was coming off the game his coach called "the biggest of his career" at Ohio State and expectations were rising steadily by the day...We take a look back at the important spring that was for Ohio State’s star junior and the other Buckeye quarterbacks in our latest "Spring Back" piece.
Key losses: None
Returning lettermen: Terrelle Pryor
Spring newcomers: None
Help is on the way: Taylor Graham (Illinois)
What we knew...What we thought...How it went...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
Son of former running back commits June 6, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Evan Spencer, son of former Ohio State running back and assistant coach Tim Spencer, ran the halls of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center occasionally as a youngster. A year from now, he’ll be preparing to play for the Buckeyes. A 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver prospect from Vernon, Ill., he became the 13th commitment to Ohio State’s 2011 recruiting class. He gave coach Jim Tressel the news Friday, then revealed it publicly yesterday.
"My dad was happy for me, and my whole family was pretty glad it was finally over," Spencer said. "It was getting kind of strenuous. So they were all glad it was over, and that my choice was Ohio State." He said he had narrowed his choices to Iowa and OSU, "then I decided Ohio State was the best fit for me."..."
Spencer Becomes Lucky 13 For Buckeyes June 5, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "As the son of former Buckeye Tim Spencer, it had long been speculated that Evan would become a Buckeye, and he spoke of the connection with his family. "My dad playing there played a part, but this was the best decision for me," Spencer said. "I felt like I fit in there best, and I think I can help them out with my strengths."
Spencer admitted he was impressed by the commitment of super quarterback Braxton Miller to Ohio State earlier this week, but that did not influence his decision. "I also saw where Braxton Miller had committed on Thursday, and I was glad to see that, even though I had made my decision a few weeks ago," he admitted. "I wanted to wait to make my decision public, to be 100% certain, so I waited until yesterday to call Coach Tressel. I also spoke to (wide receivers coach) Darrell Hazell yesterday, and he was very excited, as well."
"I'm planning on getting to Ohio State's senior camp in a few weeks," he continued. "Coach Tressel said a lot of the commits will be there working out, and it will give me a good chance to meet the guys." As a junior at Vernon Hills, Spencer led his team in both receiving and interceptions, but he stated he is being recruited as a wide receiver by Ohio State..."..."
ESPNU 150 wide receiver Evan Spencer (Vernon Hills, Ill.) committed to Ohio State Saturday morning,
Notre Dame, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin also offered the 6-foot, 178-pound prospect. Both of Spencer's parents attended Ohio State and his father, Tim, played for the Buckeyes before moving on to the NFL.
ESPN's Billy Tucker commented on the pledge, "This commitment is not much of shocker for Buckeye fans with the family ties but is still a very important verbal as they landed a natural pass catcher with well-rounded skill-set. Ohio State's fourth ESPNU 150 prospect for 2011 has good physical tools to develop in Columbus."
"While not elite in one particular facet at the position, Spencer runs well and possesses the total package at the position. This guy can turn the short pass into a big gain or get vertical as a route runner, create separation and make the difficult downfield grab. Very good week for the Buckeyes as they landed their future quarterback in Under Armour All-American Braxton Miller (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) and now pass catcher in Spencer."
QB inks his commitment, literally June 4, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...Miller, a 6-foot-3, 203-pounder considered the top quarterback prospect nationally by Scout.com, wanted to build the drama at a news conference to announce his college choice. But most everyone in attendance in Huber Heights Wayne's auditorium thought they already knew his choice.
His tattoo artist knew for sure. "It looks pretty good, doesn't it?" Miller said after he rolled up his left sleeve to reveal a large block O tattoo on his shoulder and upper arm. "I just got it."
Now that's a commitment. It's like the block O tattoo that current Ohio State junior quarterback Terrelle Pryor got on his right forearm last spring. It would be difficult for Miller, cousin of former Buckeyes receiver Dee Miller, to change his mind. "When I decided I was going to commit, I was like, 'It's the college I like, and I'm in Ohio,'" Miller said, so he had it put in ink..."
10 Things We Learned About Braxton Miller June 4, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "On Thursday Braxton Miller brought delight to Ohio State fans everywhere by selecting the Buckeyes over offers from Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and over 30 other schools. Considering one of the top two quarterbacks in the country by nearly every talent evaluator, Miller gives the Buckeyes a bright future under center after Terrelle Pryor. There wasn't nearly as much hype and hoopla surrounding Miller's commitment, but there was still plenty to be learned from his press conference at Huber Heights Wayne High School where he enters his fourth season as the starting quarterback...Check out 10 Things We Learned About Braxton Miller..." Braxton Miller will get chance to learn from Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, quarterback Terrelle Pryor June 4, 2010 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "The question was when Jim Tressel might think about retiring. Huber Heights Wayne football coach Jay Minton wanted to make sure that his quarterback, Braxton Miller, would get the total Tressel treatment if he chose to be a Buckeye..."You don't get the coach Tressel full effect in a year," Minton said. "He does a great job of having his quarterbacks progress."..."
Braxton Miller, Ohio State's new QB recruit, draws rave review from ESPN writer: While signing Terrelle Pryor, the current Buckeyes QB, in 2008 was huge, Pryor was coveted more for his overall freakish athleticism than his pure quarterbacking skills. Miller, who is a fine athlete in his own right and can bring dual-threat skills to the position, is more advanced as a passer and should allow Ohio State to do more in the passing game in the early stages than it could do with Pryor..."
Passion for playing QB led Miller to OSU June 4, 2010 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Wayne star wants to develop into ‘total quarterback,’ his father says...Miller said the Buckeyes first talked with him in the eighth grade, and they offered him a scholarship during his sophomore year of high school...
One of the main reasons Miller chose the Buckeyes, he said, was to remain a quarterback and develop at the position. OSU told him he was the only quarterback in his class the school was recruiting...
"We wanted to find a place where the system would develop him as a total quarterback, not just a system quarterback," said Miller’s father, Kevin..."
Miller Time At Ohio State June 3, 2010 Source: BuckeyeSports.com - "Ohio State landed the top quarterback prospect in the nation Thursday, when Braxton Miller announced his pledge to the Buckeyes. The five-star quarterback made the announcement in his high school auditorium in front of friends and family. Miller is the 12th member of the 2011 Ohio State recruiting class. Bill Greene was on hand and filed this report...
From Scout.com: "A true dual-threat quarterback, Miller could beat a team without rushing for a yard and is athletic enough to run a wishbone. Miller has the arm strength to put pressure on the back of a defense which opens up even more running lanes for him as the defensive backs are forced to be honest and not crowd the line of scrimmage. Miller has all the tools to be a star on the next level and simply needs to keep progressing - Scott Kennedy, Scout.com."
Huber Heights' Miller picks Buckeyes June 3, 2010 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The No.1 overall prospect in the country for the 2011 recruiting class according to Scout.com, the quarterback from Huber Heights (Wayne), Ohio, just announced at his school that he has committed to sign a national letter of intent in February with Ohio State. He picked the Buckeyes over Florida.
With the commitment of the 6-foot-2, 190-pound dual-threat QB, the Buckeyes have gained the top-rated quarterback in the nation for the second time in four years, according to at least some of the rating services. Current OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor was the consensus No.1 overall prospect when he signed with the Buckeyes for the 2008 class..."
Wayne’s Miller chooses Ohio State June 3, 2010 Source: Dayton Daily News - "...It just reminded me of my hometown and Wayne," Miller, a former Springfield resident, said about Ohio State. Hats representing Ohio State, Florida, Notre Dame, Georgia and Alabama were placed on a table before Miller made his announcement. He and those around him all but revealed the decision in interviews on Tuesday, when he called a news conference for Thursday to announce his decision. Although he held offers for many of the country’s most powerful programs, Miller said he narrowed his choices to Ohio State and Florida before deciding to head to Columbus. One of the most highly recruited area players in recent memory, Miller becomes the Buckeyes’ 12th commitment in the Class of 2011.
..."
Braxton is a Buckeye June 3, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...The 6-2/200 dual threat quarterback from Huber Heights Wayne threw for around 1,100 yard and 9 touchdowns in 2009, while running for over 450 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He was recruited by Jim Tressel from the time he was a freshman and for good reason, as he is an advanced passer for his age and could be a contributor with his legs right away from the second he steps on campus... (also highlights video)"
Spring Back: Buckeyes Looking for Playmakers at Defensive Tackle June 2, 2010 Source: The Ozone - "With the game on the line and a potential BCS bowl trip hanging in the balance, Doug Worthington made the play of his career. Iowa faced a 3rd-and-16 on their first possession of overtime. Worthington burst into the Hawkeye backfield before slinging quarterback James Vandenberg to the turf for a 10-yard loss. It knocked Iowa out of field gold range and Vandenberg’s fourth-down prayer was intercepted by Anderson Russell in the end zone...
With Worthington off to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, the Buckeyes are looking for some new playmakers at one of the most critical positions. In our latest "Spring Back" piece, we took a look at the spring that was for the Ohio State defensive tackles.
Key losses: Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger
Returning lettermen: Dexter Larimore, John Simon
Spring newcomers: Evan Blankenship (Offense) Help is on the way: Jonathan Hankins, Darryl Baldwin
What we knew...What we thought...How it went...Filling out the two-deep...Fall outlook...Post Spring Depth Chart..."
Best of the Big Ten: Defensive Line June 2, 2010 Source: Eleven Warriors - "...This group is actual pretty solid across the conference, especially at wide out, and was very hard to rank from 1-11...
The battle in the trenches is often a key element to determining which team wins or loses a game...This week, we will turn the line around and gather some insight into the conference’s best defensive line units...
...we will be ranking the units 1-11, starting from the bottom this week. While some of the best defensive ends and tackles in the conference have graduated or moved on to the NFL..., there are many solid defensive linemen in the conference coming back for 2010, as well as the usual group who will emerge as the next budding stars for their respective teams...
1. Ohio State
Iowa’s unit is strong, but no unit may be as deep and talented as Ohio State. Cameron Heyward could be the best defensive end in the country when it’s all said and done and his ability to move inside on passing downs will prove to be extremely valuable. Nathan Williams, the other starting end, was hampered a bit by injuries last year, but is back and ready to cause havoc in the backfield in 2010. Other players who will regularly contribute at end include Keith Wells, Solomon Thomas, and Melvin Fellows. Those three are extremely talented and it is likely at least one will see plenty of action on third downs when Heyward moves inside. At tackle the starters will be senior Dexter Larimore and freshman John Simon. Buckeye coaches are really excited about Simon and an anonymous source told me recently that he has lived in the weight room since day one and will be even more impressive this year than he was in 2009 when he was a consistent player in the tackle rotation as a true freshman. Backing up Simon and Larimore are Garrett Goebel, Adam Bellamy, and Evan Blankenship. Incoming freshmen that will have an impact include Darryl Baldwin, JT Moore, and Jonathan Hankins. Baldwin is more likely to redshirt, while Moore could surprise many people as someone who contributes early and Hankins, like Simon, is big and dominant enough where he could see time in the rotation immediately upon arriving in Columbus. Ohio State may have lost five players from their defensive line rotation last year, but bring back a group that is extremely talented and hungry to get a National Championship..."
Enjoy this highlight video chronicling the Rose Bowl Champion & Big Ten Champion Ohio State Buckeyes
