College Countdown

Let’s talk college football, shall we? It is the peak of the major league baseball season as the pennant races peek around the corner. But the smell of football is definitely in the August air. All this peeking makes me want to grab a glimpse at my favorite college football program. The Buckeyes play their first game September 5th on the vast and spacious Ohio State campus against Navy. The season is less than a month away. So which Buckeyes are we likely to see picking passes from Terrelle Pryor? Here’s a peak at a sample of speedy wide receivers on the 2009 Buckeyes roster:
Dane Sanzenbacher: The Buckeyes are probably going to go with a three or four receiver set each game, and Dane is the team’s main wideout. The junior is the steadiest of all receivers and now is his opportunity to take tremendous strides at the position. Sanzenbacher needs to stay healthy in order to be in the formidable formation. He attracts the most defensive backs out of all the wide receivers on Ohio State, and pays the price for being the number one target. Still, Dane can handle the pressure and duties of the big time program similar to his well-tuned predecessors.
Ray Small: It is questionable whether or not Small will be able to play. If available, Ray will make an impact and be an important factor on the offense. The senior has starter-ability if he will be around. It is difficult to deny the powerful receiver’s football skills. Small still needs to mature as a wideout because he is susceptible to running haphazard routes. But his ability amounts to quality plays when he is dashing to the end zone.
DeVier Posey: The prolific sophomore returns to the Buckeyes offense a year older and wiser. He had a lackluster rookie campaign but remains a downfield threat for opposing teams. Posey is the prime candidate vying to replace Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie. Posey has shown great potential all summer. He is capable of taking short flips from the quarterback and turning them into big plays. The more polished a passer Pryor becomes in 2009, the more he will use Posey as his go-to man. Posey is big and fast and I anticipate hearing the Pryor-to-Posey scenario radiate from the commentary booth quite often. The youthfulness Posey possesses combined with his smooth style surely equate to a successful season. He has all the intangibles associated with an elite team leader and he is best friends with the quarterback.
Lamaar Thomas: Thomas is ready to rocket onto the scene and has improved his route-running this off-season. Lamaar is a fleet footed, fluid, and competent receiving option for Jim Tressel. The sophomore is ready to work himself into the Buckeye top three. A special teams and kick returner a year ago, Thomas is a portrayal of speed.
Garrett Hummel: The junior walk-on receiver is my choice for breakout Buckeye of the year. I expect big things from Hummel, who has great hands. Keep an eye on this kid throughout the season as he emerges as a top position player and increases his turf time. Hummel is a star in the making.
Taurian Washington: Washington is entering his junior year and played as well as he ever has this Spring. Only time will tell if he can keep up the good work when the leaves change colors. Taurian was terrific when he scored a 51 yard touchdown in the spring game. He lead the Gray team with four receptions for 71 yards. Washington is a smart player who learned from Robiskie and Hartline, so that should only benefit him in 2009.
Grant Schwartz: Schwartz is a converted defensive back looking for a fresh beginning on the other side of the ball. Schwartz signed with Ohio State in 2005 and is the son of former Buckeye, Brian Schwartz. His speed is his greatest asset Grant has more going for him as well. Since there really aren’t top spots locked up outside Posey and Sanzenbacher, Schwartz has as good a chance as any of his teammates. He might get lost in the shuffle but is too good a football player to go unnoticed for long.
Duron Carter: The son of OSU’s Cris Carter may not be ready for a starting spot but the freshman is still in the mix to catch passes. Carter will probably not be thrown into the games against USC or Michigan but he should be able to sprint the field in most conference showdowns. He won’t make an immediate impact but Carter leads the freshman class of burners waiting in the wings.
Parting Points: Is it too much to ask for a sweep??