Miller will again be the focal point in 2012
Dave Thurman (8:23 pm)
Out with the old and in with the new. A whole lot is about to change, as the Walrus cleans out his office and Tressel Ball kicks the bucket for good. A new coaching staff not only brings in a new philosophy but a whole different way of evaluating talent. So we can be confident that the OSU offense in 2012 will look very different than it did this year, or at any time in recent memory for that matter.
Below is an early look at what I expect will be the pecking order, although it is bound to change as more high school seniors commit to Ohio State, and as some of the present players transfer or are given the boot by Urban Meyer and his staff. It is fun to guess, though, and try and get a grasp of who will be on the field in scarlet and gray this September.
Quarterback:
Returning: Braxton Miller (Soph.) & Kenny Guiton (Jr.)
Departing: Joe Bauserman & Taylor Graham (transfering)
Arriving: Cardale Jones
This one is easy. Outside of a catastrophe Braxton Miller will be the starter next year, as Meyer is salivating over his talent. Miller improved throughout the season and has sick skills but needs to expand his vision and develop better mechanics. Still, he is the focal point around which this squad will build. Behind him is little used Kenny Guiton, who has toyed with leaving but should stay as he is all but guaranteed the number two job heading into fall. He can do some similar things as Braxton and might be better than fans expect. Cardale Jones arrives this winter from Fork Union, and has talent, but there are whispers that he faces an uphill battle to stay eligible and to grasp the mental elements of the game. Call it the Glenville curse if you like and stay tuned to see how this one unfolds. If either Guiton or Jones would depart of become ineligible it would be a major problem, especially since Miller likes to run and takes a great deal of contact. Although the staff has looked at some quarterbacks in the class of 2012 it would be a surprise if anyone else is signed.
Out with the old and in with the new. A whole lot is about to change, as the Walrus cleans out his office and Tressel Ball kicks the bucket for good. A new coaching staff not only brings in a new philosophy but a whole different way of evaluating talent. So we can be confident that the OSU offense in 2012 will look very different than it did this year, or at any time in recent memory for that matter.
Below is an early look at what I expect will be the pecking order, although it is bound to change as more high school seniors commit to Ohio State, and as some of the present players transfer or are given the boot by Urban Meyer and his staff. It is fun to guess, though, and try and get a grasp of who will be on the field in scarlet and gray this September.
Quarterback:
Returning: Braxton Miller (Soph.) & Kenny Guiton (Jr.)
Departing: Joe Bauserman & Taylor Graham (transfering)
Arriving: Cardale Jones
This one is easy. Outside of a catastrophe Braxton Miller will be the starter next year, as Meyer is salivating over his talent. Miller improved throughout the season and has sick skills but needs to expand his vision and develop better mechanics. Still, he is the focal point around which this squad will build. Behind him is little used Kenny Guiton, who has toyed with leaving but should stay as he is all but guaranteed the number two job heading into fall. He can do some similar things as Braxton and might be better than fans expect. Cardale Jones arrives this winter from Fork Union, and has talent, but there are whispers that he faces an uphill battle to stay eligible and to grasp the mental elements of the game. Call it the Glenville curse if you like and stay tuned to see how this one unfolds. If either Guiton or Jones would depart of become ineligible it would be a major problem, especially since Miller likes to run and takes a great deal of contact. Although the staff has looked at some quarterbacks in the class of 2012 it would be a surprise if anyone else is signed.
Running Back:
Returning: Jordan Hall (Sr.), Carlos Hyde (Jr.) & Rod Smith (Soph.)
Departing: Boom Herron & Jaamal Berry (likely gone)
Arriving: Bri'onte Dunn & Warren Ball
There is plenty of talent on hand at the tailback position although nobody has established themselves as a star. I look for Jordan Hall to start the year at #1 because he is dependable and has the skills to thrive in the spread. Although neither big nor overly fast, Hall is shifty and has excellent hands out of the backfield, traits that fit a new offensive scheme. Meyer likes to use more then one running back, so it is doubtful he gets more than 10 carries a game, but Hall could have a very nice senior season. Behind him is Carlos Hyde who has both the size and speed that Hall lacks. When given the chance in 2011 he did a nice job, running for 566 yards and a team best 5.3 ypc. He may not be ideal for the spread but the staff will figure out ways to use his skills. If he improves his vision, Hyde could become an elite B1G back. Smith is an enigma. Expected to be a breakout player in 2011, he had fumble problems early on, then disappeared (even repping some at linebacker), and didn't help his cause when he missed the flight to the Gator Bowl. A new staff may see his frame and speed and seek to employ him as a big part of the offense, or he may fall further into the doghouse and depart Columbus altogether. Your guess is as good as mine.
The incoming talent is reason to be excited. Both Dunn and Ball look like Ohio State tailbacks, and were highly decorated during excellent high school careers. One will likely earn playing time, while the other redshirts. It will be interesting which one picks up the little nuances of the game quicker and endears themselves to the staff.
Fullback:
Returning: Zach Boren (Sr.), Adam Homan (Sr.) & David Durham (Soph.)
Departing: None
Arriving: None
While a true spread doesn't use a fullback a great deal, there is no doubt Boren will find the field in 2012. He should be one of the captains, and is a great blocker who will probably line up behind center some of the time, and move over as more of an H-Back on other occasions. He has nice hands, and will likely have more balls thrown his way next year. Behind him is a solid backup in Adam Homan, and Durham is being groomed for the future, although there is a chance he moves back to linebacker in 2012 due to a shortage of depth at that position. No problems here.
Wide Receiver:
Returning: Corey Brown (Jr.), Chris Fields (Jr.), Verlon Reed (Soph.), T.Y. Willams (Soph.), Devin Smith (Soph.) & Evan Spencer (Soph.)
Departing: DeVier Posey
Arriving: Frank Epitropoulos, Riquan Southward, Roger Lewis & Michael Thomas
Receiver was without doubt the weakest position on the team in 2011, and should be greatly improved due to experience, to say nothing of enhanced coaching and scheming. Since nobody had more than 14 catches this season it won't take much for this unit to get better! I look for the Buckeyes to start two receivers most of the time, but often have three or four in the game together, and at least six players should see significant time. The three frontrunners are Corey "Philly" Brown, who has excellent speed but still needs to work on his hands, Verlon Reed, who started well before a season-ending injury, and Devin Smith, who made some big plays as a true freshman. Also seeing plenty of action will be Chris Fields and Evan Spencer.
At least one of the freshman should jump into the fray immediately, although it is hard to say who that will be. Very possibly two will play and two will redshirt. If forced to pick the two who see the field first I would opt for Southward and Thomas. As for T.Y. Williams, he has spent much of his career in the doghouse and could depart this summer. If he stays, Williams has the size to be a target, but needs to improve his strength and route running. Overall, this will be a unit to keep an eye on, and I look for vast improvement. The staff would love to bring in one more receiver on signing day, so that bears watching, as well.
Tight End:
Returning: Jake Stoneburner (Sr.), Jeff Heuerman (Soph.), Nick Vannett (R-Fr.)
Moving: Reid Fragel (to offensive tackle)
Departing: None
Arriving: Blake Thomas
This position is in such good shape that the new staff has opted to move Reid Fragel to tackle where he is desperately needed. Jake Stoneburner should be a stud in an offense that values him as he has speed and hands that are rarely found on a tight end. Heuerman will back him up after getting his feet wet this year, and has a nice upside, and Vannett will throw his hat into the ring as well. Look for production to more than double at this position in 2012.
Offensive Line:
Returning: Corey Linsley (Jr.), Jack Mewhort (Jr.), Marcus Hall (Jr.), Andrew Norwwell (Jr.), Brian Bobek (Soph.), Antonio Underwood (Soph.), Chris Carter (R-Fr.) & Tommy Brown (R-Fr.)
Departing: Mike Brewster, J.B. Shugarts & Michael Adams
Moving Over: Reid Fragel (Sr.)
Arriving: Pat Elflein, Jacoby Boren
Thank you Jim Bollman (and Jim Tressel for that matter). This position is so thin it is scary. Here is what we know: Brian Bobek will take over at center, and should be flanked by Jack Mewhort and Corey Linsley. One tackle will be occupied by Andrew Norwell. The other spot is up for grabs in my opinion. Most have assumed Marcus Hall would be penciled in, but I think Reid Fragel may steal the starting job, Hall could then be the top backup at guard and tackle, with Antonio Underwood being the only other player with any experience. He looks like a guard to me, although he was forced to play some tackle this year. Beyond that it is downright frightening. I wonder if Brown or Carter ever see valuable minutes, although they may surprise me. I have teased that Meyer will run Carter until he quits! It is certainly possible that someone moves over from the defensive line where there is amazing depth. The top candidate would seem to be Darryl Baldwin who has the frame to play tackle, which is the most glaring need. Adam Bellamy is another possibility although he has looked pretty good playing defensive tackle. Without them it is hard to even put together a depth chart.
Anyone who follows recruiting knows that Meyer is going after offensive linemen with a passion. The list includes Jordan Diamond, Kyle Dodson, Alex Kozan, and Joey O'Connor. In addition Notre Dame verbal Tyler Decker may suddenly be back in play. It seems imperative to get at least two of these guys with Diamond, Dodson and Decker being the ones that the staff desires most. Any of them might jump into the two deep from day one.
We'll look at the defense next, where there are fewer question marks and more answers.
Returning: Jordan Hall (Sr.), Carlos Hyde (Jr.) & Rod Smith (Soph.)
Departing: Boom Herron & Jaamal Berry (likely gone)
Arriving: Bri'onte Dunn & Warren Ball
There is plenty of talent on hand at the tailback position although nobody has established themselves as a star. I look for Jordan Hall to start the year at #1 because he is dependable and has the skills to thrive in the spread. Although neither big nor overly fast, Hall is shifty and has excellent hands out of the backfield, traits that fit a new offensive scheme. Meyer likes to use more then one running back, so it is doubtful he gets more than 10 carries a game, but Hall could have a very nice senior season. Behind him is Carlos Hyde who has both the size and speed that Hall lacks. When given the chance in 2011 he did a nice job, running for 566 yards and a team best 5.3 ypc. He may not be ideal for the spread but the staff will figure out ways to use his skills. If he improves his vision, Hyde could become an elite B1G back. Smith is an enigma. Expected to be a breakout player in 2011, he had fumble problems early on, then disappeared (even repping some at linebacker), and didn't help his cause when he missed the flight to the Gator Bowl. A new staff may see his frame and speed and seek to employ him as a big part of the offense, or he may fall further into the doghouse and depart Columbus altogether. Your guess is as good as mine.
The incoming talent is reason to be excited. Both Dunn and Ball look like Ohio State tailbacks, and were highly decorated during excellent high school careers. One will likely earn playing time, while the other redshirts. It will be interesting which one picks up the little nuances of the game quicker and endears themselves to the staff.
Fullback:
Returning: Zach Boren (Sr.), Adam Homan (Sr.) & David Durham (Soph.)
Departing: None
Arriving: None
While a true spread doesn't use a fullback a great deal, there is no doubt Boren will find the field in 2012. He should be one of the captains, and is a great blocker who will probably line up behind center some of the time, and move over as more of an H-Back on other occasions. He has nice hands, and will likely have more balls thrown his way next year. Behind him is a solid backup in Adam Homan, and Durham is being groomed for the future, although there is a chance he moves back to linebacker in 2012 due to a shortage of depth at that position. No problems here.
Wide Receiver:
Returning: Corey Brown (Jr.), Chris Fields (Jr.), Verlon Reed (Soph.), T.Y. Willams (Soph.), Devin Smith (Soph.) & Evan Spencer (Soph.)
Departing: DeVier Posey
Arriving: Frank Epitropoulos, Riquan Southward, Roger Lewis & Michael Thomas
Receiver was without doubt the weakest position on the team in 2011, and should be greatly improved due to experience, to say nothing of enhanced coaching and scheming. Since nobody had more than 14 catches this season it won't take much for this unit to get better! I look for the Buckeyes to start two receivers most of the time, but often have three or four in the game together, and at least six players should see significant time. The three frontrunners are Corey "Philly" Brown, who has excellent speed but still needs to work on his hands, Verlon Reed, who started well before a season-ending injury, and Devin Smith, who made some big plays as a true freshman. Also seeing plenty of action will be Chris Fields and Evan Spencer.
At least one of the freshman should jump into the fray immediately, although it is hard to say who that will be. Very possibly two will play and two will redshirt. If forced to pick the two who see the field first I would opt for Southward and Thomas. As for T.Y. Williams, he has spent much of his career in the doghouse and could depart this summer. If he stays, Williams has the size to be a target, but needs to improve his strength and route running. Overall, this will be a unit to keep an eye on, and I look for vast improvement. The staff would love to bring in one more receiver on signing day, so that bears watching, as well.
Tight End:
Returning: Jake Stoneburner (Sr.), Jeff Heuerman (Soph.), Nick Vannett (R-Fr.)
Moving: Reid Fragel (to offensive tackle)
Departing: None
Arriving: Blake Thomas
This position is in such good shape that the new staff has opted to move Reid Fragel to tackle where he is desperately needed. Jake Stoneburner should be a stud in an offense that values him as he has speed and hands that are rarely found on a tight end. Heuerman will back him up after getting his feet wet this year, and has a nice upside, and Vannett will throw his hat into the ring as well. Look for production to more than double at this position in 2012.
Offensive Line:
Returning: Corey Linsley (Jr.), Jack Mewhort (Jr.), Marcus Hall (Jr.), Andrew Norwwell (Jr.), Brian Bobek (Soph.), Antonio Underwood (Soph.), Chris Carter (R-Fr.) & Tommy Brown (R-Fr.)
Departing: Mike Brewster, J.B. Shugarts & Michael Adams
Moving Over: Reid Fragel (Sr.)
Arriving: Pat Elflein, Jacoby Boren
Thank you Jim Bollman (and Jim Tressel for that matter). This position is so thin it is scary. Here is what we know: Brian Bobek will take over at center, and should be flanked by Jack Mewhort and Corey Linsley. One tackle will be occupied by Andrew Norwell. The other spot is up for grabs in my opinion. Most have assumed Marcus Hall would be penciled in, but I think Reid Fragel may steal the starting job, Hall could then be the top backup at guard and tackle, with Antonio Underwood being the only other player with any experience. He looks like a guard to me, although he was forced to play some tackle this year. Beyond that it is downright frightening. I wonder if Brown or Carter ever see valuable minutes, although they may surprise me. I have teased that Meyer will run Carter until he quits! It is certainly possible that someone moves over from the defensive line where there is amazing depth. The top candidate would seem to be Darryl Baldwin who has the frame to play tackle, which is the most glaring need. Adam Bellamy is another possibility although he has looked pretty good playing defensive tackle. Without them it is hard to even put together a depth chart.
Anyone who follows recruiting knows that Meyer is going after offensive linemen with a passion. The list includes Jordan Diamond, Kyle Dodson, Alex Kozan, and Joey O'Connor. In addition Notre Dame verbal Tyler Decker may suddenly be back in play. It seems imperative to get at least two of these guys with Diamond, Dodson and Decker being the ones that the staff desires most. Any of them might jump into the two deep from day one.
We'll look at the defense next, where there are fewer question marks and more answers.
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