Drew Thurman (9:54 pm)

Bucknuts posted these pictures earlier today, and I thought it was interesting to check out the new arrivals to the Buckeye team. On the top row is Jamie Wood (left) and Zach Boren (right), the middle row is C.J. Barnett (#14 - left) and Jack Mewhort (right), and the bottom row is two separate shots of James Jackson. So enjoy checking out some of the newest additions to the Buckeye family, and hopefully this gives a better gauge of their actual size and athleticism. I will say this too, Mewhort looks like an absolute beast already!

*Click pictures to enlarge

Drew Thurman (2:06 pm)

The 2008 season exposed the growing frustration Buckeye fans are having with what appears to be a lack of offensive identity. Or maybe it was creativity? Regardless, it was not hard to see that the Ohio State offense was several steps behind the other major programs around the country. Sure there are tons of reasons why, which the Tressel's defenders would like to highlight. Items like: Pryor stepped into the starting role in the 4th game for the Buckeyes, the offensive line was slow and disappointing, and Pryor held onto the ball too long trying to make big plays. The reasons may have some validity, the question is though, will Tressel and the staff improve things this season?  

Well, first let me say that I still feel Tressel will always be limited while he is calling the plays for the Buckeyes. I called for Tressel to hire an offensive coordinator in the off-season several times, because it is obvious that it is not his forte. It is not for a lack of effort though. Last season the staff spent time trying to learn the pistol formation, and this season Tressel revealed in his press conference that the staff spent time talking with a multitude of ACC schools. I am sure that changes will be implemented early on, as they were last season, but he quickly falls back into his old ways. Just as we witnessed last season, the pistol formation last several weeks before Tressel fell into the rut of running up the middle and throwing the long ball. I just think it will always be hard for a man like Tressel whose MO is special teams and defense first, to open up the playbook they way it needs to be. 

Does this mean there is no hope for the 2009 offensive unit?

Not at all. Buckeye fans can have hope for an increase in offensive production based on two words, Terrelle Pryor. The only time in Tressel's tenure that the Buckeye offense truly looked dynamic was when Troy Smith was at the helm, and I think the same principles could be true now with Pryor. With two seasons removed since Smith sported the number 10 jersey, it has become abundantly clear how much he did with pure athleticism. The Buckeyes are going to need to use Pryor's athleticism in the same way.

I am not saying that there is not serious talent at wideout or even an increase in potential on the offensive line, but the identity of the 2009 offensive will rise and fall with Terrelle Pryor. His discernment will help develop an intermediate passing game with wideouts and tight ends, his legs will make linebackers respect the potential of a big run, and his "escapabilty" will turn broken plays into back breakers. Someone could easily argue that the identity of the 2008 team was on the shoulders of Beanie Wells, but 2009 will be the year of Terrelle Pryor. If he takes a page out of the book of Troy Smith, Buckeye fans could be celebrating another Big Ten title and possible BCS berth.       

Drew Thurman (9:48 am)

Yes, these three things all were mentioned yesterday by Tressel as he kicked off things for the spring. So I wanted to throw a link your way so you could read some of the interesting tidbits Tressel included in his press conference. Head over to CantonRep.com, where they have a notebook of some of these comments and Tressel humor from yesterday.

Drew Thurman (7:07 pm)

Today Tressel hosted a press conference to kick off things officially for the spring. He had a lot of juicy nuggets, as always, but his comments on two players in particular intrigued me. The first was Brandon Saine. Many of us fans have already written Saine's career with the Buckeyes off, but Tressel sounded excited about having him at running back this year. He also made it clear that Brandon Saine is finally healthy, which could mean an increase in Saine's minutes. Tressel had this to say about the running back situation, including Saine:

“I think when you lose a Beanie Wells, you have to get a little more creative in some other areas,” Tressel said. “You’re not going to have a turn-around-and-hand-it-off guy 20-25 times a game like you had with Beanie. But I like our guys. Boom and Brandon Saine can play.”

We will see if the arrival of Berry and Hyde changes this.

The other name Tressel had some information on was Jake Stoneburner, which finally put some speculation to rest. He made it clear, that as the rumors had guessed, Stoneburner will be moving to tight end. With a shortage of acceptable tight ends and Stoneburner's naturally large frame, it seems to be a good fit. This is what Tressel said:

“We knew when we recruited Jake that he was either going to be a big receiver, or he was going to become one of those inside receivers. We’ll have to teach him enough about the blocks to make him adequate there. I don’t know if he’ll ever be a crushing blocker at tight end, although his hip strength is incredible. His power clean and so forth is better than a good portion of the team. He does have a lot of natural ability there."

I really liked the news for both of these young men. Having another experienced back like Saine is never a bad thing, though I know critics are going to have a field day. Just remember everyone, it has been a long time since we have seen what he can do when he is healthy. Also, I think the move to TE for Stoneburner will be a good one. My only issue with this is if we don't use him as a pass catcher, because Stoneburner is not a blocker.