Snappy Spring

Today is the annual spring game at Ohio State. The Scarlet team faces the Gray team in Columbus’ first glance at the gridiron greats for 2009. Every year the expectations for the football Buckeyes are through the Horseshoe roof (if there was one) This season is no different as Ohio State enters the first full year with quarterback, Terrelle Pryor. Portrayed as the prized, plush sophomore, Pryor will be called upon to be the commanding leader in a demanding role.
Joe Bauserman is the Buckeye backup quarterback and will play for the Scarlet squad against Pryor and the Gray. Justin Siems is the third stringer, who will play a quarter for each team today. Ray Small, Brandon Saine, Garrett Hummel, Jake Ballard and Jake Stoneburner will suit up for the Gray also. Bauserman will hand off to Dan “Boom” Herron in the backfield and pass to DeVier Posey. Anderson Russell and Lamaar Thomas are also Scarlet selections for Saturday.
I am hoping for a big year from Ballard. Ballard wasn’t a often-used offensive player at the tight end position last year. Pryor’s dodging style of play does not depend on the pass and the Buckeyes threw the ball less with taking snaps. Ballard was used more as an extension of the offensive line in protecting the run. Jake will have a starting role now with Rory Nichol graduating. Nichol’s departure necessitates a new looming tackle and tight end substitution. He will be joined by his namesake, Stoneburner. Stoneburner will play tight end for Jim Tressel after moving from the receiver position. The new tight end will be expected to bring some fight and receiver mentality to the red zone. He could stretch the field as a receiver for Pryor and has the ability to catch uneven throws. Reid Fragel, a 6’7” freshmen, is going to share the duties this spring with Stoneburner to see if he better fits the mold for tight end. All three might make a nice concoction for the Buckeyes.
The receiving core is not fully in tact, but Posey makes good reads as a go-to wideout. Small and Dane Sanzenbacher are the other two best options to catch spirals. Small is a multi-year superstar and Sanzenbacher is a surefire slot receiver. Taurian Washington and Thomas add to the depth chart, but are slotted as fourth and fifth receivers. Coaches are impressed with Thomas’ progression this spring so Lamaar could get comfortable in an offense beckoned by the bold and brave signal calling Pryor. Terrelle can only do so much unless he has a sturdy team built around him.
Saine brings visceral vision and an capacity to cut through defenses to the backfield. When Saine asserts himself, he gives Ohio State a versatile and dangerous running game. Herron should see an increase in playing time with Chris Wells’ departure. Chris creates a considerable crisis and it’s critical OSU continues to construct around the run. They signed two freshmen, Jamaal Berry and Carlos Hyde who both show promise. Berry is very athletic but lacks experience. Herron filled in nicely when Wells went down in 2008 and Tressel has confidence in the tailback in third down situations. Herron is not as big though, despite being a rough runner. Hyde could eventually be the missing tailback the team needs to obtain an obstructive offense. The team will undoubtedly have to get more creative with Beanie gone in the backfield. Marcus Williams is a legitimate third string running back but not an every-down scamperer. Overall, Ohio State lost 31 players from last year so they will have a new-look team in 2009.
Pryor has to pass more accurately this year if he expects to avoid turnovers. I don’t see a reason Tressel can’t open up the passing game more, even with the mobile, daring quarterback. Jim has always taken a conservative approach with his team offensively but it may not work with Pryor. Last year, I thought the team settled for too many field goals instead of going for the kill and scoring touchdowns. The cocky and confident Terrelle has to establish more comfort in the shotgun and the runners split to the sides. The sweeping plays are where he excels, especially on fakes, but he has a strong enough arm to depend on long passes. It’s time to incorporate some play actions passes and reintroduce the Big 10 opponents to Ohio State’s offense.
The offensive line has Andrew Miller and Jim Cordle at tackle, and Justin Boren and Bryant Browning at left and right guard, respectfully. Snapping the ball at the center spot is prominent, Michael Brewster. Boren is the best of the best on the line, after transferring to Ohio State last year. The team needs more cohesion and has to remain healthy in quarterback protection. Offensively all around, Ohio State needs to be more proactive than reactive.
Quickly reviewing the Buckeyes, Tyler Moeller, Brian Rolle and Ross Homan are all impressive linebackers. Ohio State has some holes to fill on defense without All-Americans, James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman. Austin Spitler is one of the top line backing Bucks but the team still needs a solid middleman. Spitler can rush the quarterback and help a defensive line made up of Thaddeus Gibson, Solomon Thomas and Doug Worthington. Gibson is a complete beast and Doug destroys offenses as a sack sovereign. Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger are also proven defensive tackles sporting the Buckeye colors. Larimore is a run-stuffer who will find plenty of opportunities to act in the run-heavy conference. Tressel is not constraining Denlinger to defense, trying him out at the tight end spot as well. Homan’s younger brother, Adam, is vying for a starting fullback position this year. Stout secondary stars should include Kurt Coleman and Russell at safety and cornerbacks, Chimdi Chekwa and Andre Amos. Russell is a huge pass-breaker for the Scarlet and Gray and Coleman has solid pop when pitted against strong receivers. Travis Howard and C.J. Barnett are interception intimidators aspiring for starting secondary spots.
The Buckeyes will rely on Aaron Pettrey’s leg to nail 3 pointers. Pettrey is a flatout kicker who can connect on long field goal attempts. Jon Thoma, Ben Buchanan and Devin Barclay are expected to compete for punting duties. On special teams as punt and kickoff return men, the Buckeyes will look to Small, Thomas, Rolle, Posey, Devon Torrence, and James Jackson. Torrence may play on the starting secondary if he earns a position opposite Chekwa.
Ohio State opens up against Navy to kick off this Fall.


Parting points: “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men