Drew Thurman (1:04 pm)

The vast majority of the time we try to be unbiased in regards to Buckeye issues on this blog, but every once in awhile we let you know who we are really rooting for. This is one of those moments.

I have to tell you that there is no player I want to succeed more in 2010  than Mike Adams. He has had his issues off the field and has struggled becoming the lineman that many believed he would be, but for some reason I can't help but pull for big No. 75. The young man has gifts that few guys are blessed with at his size, but his time is quickly flying by at tOSU. I would love to see him redeem what has been a tough first two years, and close out his career in an impressive way.

So, I was excited this morning when I read the spring practice report on Adams from TheOzone.net. Apparently, he has come into spring practice in the best condition of his life, which is a good sign that he has started to get very serious about tapping into his potential and becoming a great player. Bollman had to say this on Adams (TheOzone.net):

“He's really worked at getting strong which will be a direct correlation for him as to how much he improves. You can see that he has.” 

Bollman has made it clear that left tackle will not be handed to Adams, even though he has had such a great winter and early spring. In fact, it is a four way battle with Andrew Miller, J.B. Shugarts, and Marcus Hall. Strength will be the key, as Bollman and the staff want to see someone hold their own consistently at LT before naming a leader.

“Things correlated to strength. Body control, he's a big tall guy and when you don't have good body control you're getting pulled all over the place, your center of gravity is too high,” he said.

Adams will need to show more than just his quick footwork and slimmed frame, he will have to consistently prove he can get down and control strong defensive lineman. In other words, he needs to actually get motivated and get mean every play. Nice guys finish last, especially at left tackle. Maybe he can pick up on the demeanor of LG Justin Boren (the guy next to him), and start destroying every thing in his sight.

Personally, I think it is finally Adams' time. He is finally putting in the effort off the field to be a big time player, and I think the staff knows how important he is at left tackle. Miller has had his chance, and while a hard worker, lacks the skills to be a starter for the Buckeyes. Shugarts and Hall are too important to what is happening at right tackle, so that leaves Adams. So it's time to see if Adams has what it takes, and come September 2nd I think the staff will ride it out with him. Let's hope Adams finally proves while he was compared to Orlando Pace, and turns his career around in 2010.