April 30, 1985. I was finishing up my freshman year of high school, competing in varsity track, and obsessed with the NFL Draft, even though the Cleveland Browns were coming off a miserable 1984 season (5-11) that resulted in the midseason firing of Sam Rutigliano and the promotion of defensive coordinator Marty Schottenheimer to head coach.
The Browns, having allowed longtime starter and fan favorite Brian Sipe to depart to the USFL's New Jersey Generals after the 1983 NFL season, were going nowhere with Paul McDonald at quarterback. In the video clip I have posted below, you will see a brief clip of McDonald throwing an interception from the 1984 season, as former Browns GM Ernie Accorsi is narrating about why it was so important for the Browns to land a quality quarterback.
I distinctly remember how the Browns were trying to hold onto their first pick, which was seventh overall, instead of trading their pick to Buffalo. The Browns tried to trade linebacker Chip Banks to Buffalo, but Banks refused to go, so the Browns had to wind up giving up both their 1985 and 1986 first round picks. No matter - the price was small, for the glory that Kosar helped to propel the Browns to from 1985-1989. It truly was a shame that the Browns did not continue to build a quality offensive line around Kosar, as Kosar's career ended prematurely after the 1996 season.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000485965/Caught-in-the-Draft-The-clash-for-Kosar
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000485964/Caught-in-the-Draft-Cowboys-trade-Herschel-Walker
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000485927/Caught-in-the-Draft-Bills-draft-Bruce-Smith-and-Andre-Reed
TTUN
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Minnich's Thoughts On The 2015 Ohio State Spring Game: Defense
Continuing with where we left off regarding the 2015 Ohio State Spring Game, we will focus upon some of the players who caught my eye on the defensive side of the ball. As I stated in part one, no spring game is going to be truly informative scheme-wise; why would any coach, especially one as smart as Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer, ever show off formations or packages in a spring game, especially one that will be televised and repeatedly shown by The Big Ten Network?
Most of these players, as was the case when I reviewed the offense, are players who have not played extensively, or in some circumstances, not at all (redshirted in 2014). A few have played considerably, and made some key plays during the spring game...
Defense
Defensive Ends: Sam Hubbard, Darius Slade, Jashon Cornell, Jalyn Holmes - remember how I listed defensive end as a concern leading up to the spring game? Let us just say that I am going to revisit my position concern rankings after the spring game. All played, and all were disruptive. Hubbard was redshirted last season, but showed glimpses of why Coach Meyer was lamenting and second-guessing his decision from last season. Hubbard was credited with two sacks, and was also batting passes down along the line of scrimmage. Darius Slade, Jashon Cornell, and Jalyn Holmes did not make any sacks, but they each made their respective presences known to the opposing quarterbacks. Even though Tyquan Lewis is penciled in as the starter at defensive end opposite of Joey Bosa, look for these players to be continually rotated in throughout the season.
Defensive Tackles: Tracy Sprinkle, Donovan Munger, and Adolphus Washington all caught my eye. As my colleague Shannon Sommers has mentioned, it is always good to see players from our native Lorain County playing well ~ Sprinkle had off the field issues last season, so it is a step in the positive direction to see and hear him playing on the field well. Munger and Washington were both credited with a sack. Tommy Schutt has been penciled in as the starter, but I would suspect these players, along with Michael Hill, may also be continually rotated at the position.
Linebacker: There was one linebacker who seemed to be everywhere, and that was true freshman Nick Conner. Credited with an interception and a forced fumble, Conner seized the spring game opportunity to showcase himself to Coach Meyer and the coaching staff. It will be a surprise if Conner does not earn a chance on special teams coverage this season, barring injury.
Secondary: Erick Smith, Gareon Conley, Damon Webb, and Tyvis Powell all played extensively. Smith served notice to the coaching staff and the fans in attendance that he is more than a consistent tackler, with two interceptions. Tyvis Powell had an interception off roommate Cardale Jones that resulted in a sideline thumping by Jones, followed by a "selfie" that delighted the crowd. Conley played the ball in coverage very well, defending passes that may have been completions a season ago. Webb was credited with three solo tackles and three assists, so the prognostication that Webb may be battling Conley for the starting position opposite Eli Apple seems legitimate.
The defense, which had been considered a liability prior to the 2014 season, has truly turned the corner. There is talent in every position group, and the competitive atmosphere that Coach Meyer has long advocated has taken root. Look for these players, among others, to become very familiar to Ohio State fans this coming season.
My defensive player of the spring game? It is a close call between Sam Hubbard, Nick Conner, and Erick Smith, but I will give it to Conner, as Conner was a true freshman playing in Ohio Stadium for the first time. Plus, who wouldn't want to be able to back to their high school senior prom, as Conner did the evening of April 18th, bragging about how they spent their afternoon?
Most of these players, as was the case when I reviewed the offense, are players who have not played extensively, or in some circumstances, not at all (redshirted in 2014). A few have played considerably, and made some key plays during the spring game...
Defense
Defensive Ends: Sam Hubbard, Darius Slade, Jashon Cornell, Jalyn Holmes - remember how I listed defensive end as a concern leading up to the spring game? Let us just say that I am going to revisit my position concern rankings after the spring game. All played, and all were disruptive. Hubbard was redshirted last season, but showed glimpses of why Coach Meyer was lamenting and second-guessing his decision from last season. Hubbard was credited with two sacks, and was also batting passes down along the line of scrimmage. Darius Slade, Jashon Cornell, and Jalyn Holmes did not make any sacks, but they each made their respective presences known to the opposing quarterbacks. Even though Tyquan Lewis is penciled in as the starter at defensive end opposite of Joey Bosa, look for these players to be continually rotated in throughout the season.
Defensive Tackles: Tracy Sprinkle, Donovan Munger, and Adolphus Washington all caught my eye. As my colleague Shannon Sommers has mentioned, it is always good to see players from our native Lorain County playing well ~ Sprinkle had off the field issues last season, so it is a step in the positive direction to see and hear him playing on the field well. Munger and Washington were both credited with a sack. Tommy Schutt has been penciled in as the starter, but I would suspect these players, along with Michael Hill, may also be continually rotated at the position.
Linebacker: There was one linebacker who seemed to be everywhere, and that was true freshman Nick Conner. Credited with an interception and a forced fumble, Conner seized the spring game opportunity to showcase himself to Coach Meyer and the coaching staff. It will be a surprise if Conner does not earn a chance on special teams coverage this season, barring injury.
Secondary: Erick Smith, Gareon Conley, Damon Webb, and Tyvis Powell all played extensively. Smith served notice to the coaching staff and the fans in attendance that he is more than a consistent tackler, with two interceptions. Tyvis Powell had an interception off roommate Cardale Jones that resulted in a sideline thumping by Jones, followed by a "selfie" that delighted the crowd. Conley played the ball in coverage very well, defending passes that may have been completions a season ago. Webb was credited with three solo tackles and three assists, so the prognostication that Webb may be battling Conley for the starting position opposite Eli Apple seems legitimate.
The defense, which had been considered a liability prior to the 2014 season, has truly turned the corner. There is talent in every position group, and the competitive atmosphere that Coach Meyer has long advocated has taken root. Look for these players, among others, to become very familiar to Ohio State fans this coming season.
My defensive player of the spring game? It is a close call between Sam Hubbard, Nick Conner, and Erick Smith, but I will give it to Conner, as Conner was a true freshman playing in Ohio Stadium for the first time. Plus, who wouldn't want to be able to back to their high school senior prom, as Conner did the evening of April 18th, bragging about how they spent their afternoon?
Friday, April 17, 2015
2015 Ohio State Spring Football Questions: Defensive Tackle Looms As The Biggest 2015 OSU Concern
On March 10th, Ohio State began spring practice, and had fifteen spring football practices available before the conclusion of spring practice on April 18th in Ohio Stadium. Over the past few weeks, I have ranked the top ten questions facing Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff as the Buckeyes retake the football field after concluding the 2014 season as the national champions.
These articles have been submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Thirteen practices in, with two practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The final articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
1. Defensive Tackle
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Michael Bennett (eligibility)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Adolphus Washington (Senior), Donovan Munger (Redshirt Sophomore), Joel Hale (Redshirt Senior), Tommy Schutt (Senior), Michael Hill (Redshirt Sophomore), Dylan Thompson (Redshirt Freshman), Tracy Sprinkle (Redshirt Sophomore)
Before proceeding too far into this article, some words of thanks and best wishes to Michael Bennett. Bennett was a key contributor to Ohio State’s national championship run in 2014, and will be missed along the defensive line this coming season. Best wishes to Mr. Bennett as he prepares for a hopefully lengthy NFL career.
Now that we have thanked Mr. Bennett, the next person to thank? Adolphus Washington. Why? Because if Mr. Washington had declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, the Ohio State interior defensive line would be completely bereft of any notable experience.
Do you think I am being overly critical? Why not ask Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer his thoughts on the topic – Coach Meyer has used the phrase “very disappointed” when talking about the backup defensive linemen within the program, thanks to the linked article from the April 1st edition of The Columbus Dispatch.
Who has emerged, or can emerge as a starter to take over for Michael Bennett?
Tommy Schutt is the first name listed by Coach Meyer, but Schutt does not have a lock on the starting job for the fall. According to Coach Meyer, Schutt would start, “As of right now, he and Adolphus would be starting inside — as of now. I’m not ready to say he’s the guy yet.”. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, in my estimation.
Joel Hale, in a manner comparable to Chase Faris, has switched back from offensive line to defensive line, for his final season of eligibility in 2015. Unfortunately, Hale suffered a torn calf muscle this spring, and will be out four to five weeks.
Others in the mix could include Donovan Munger, Tracy Sprinkle, Michael Hill, and Dylan Thompson. Thompson was redshirted last season, due to a broken kneecap. Munger, Sprinkle, and Hill could all fall under that “very disappointed” category, as stated by Coach Meyer.
Help is on the way, with recruits arriving this summer. The issue with that is two-fold in 1)are these players physically prepared and capable of contributing as true freshmen, and 2)what does that say about the aforementioned “very disappointed” category if true freshmen are emerging over returning upperclassmen?
Are my concerns about defensive tackle overly alarming for Buckeye fans? Perhaps. After all, the 2015 season opener at Virginia Tech is not until the evening of September 7th, and the crucial summer conditioning months and fall camp will take place between then. Until then, I will hold onto the defensive tackle position as the biggest concern for the Buckeyes until toe meets leather the night of September 7th in Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia.
These articles have been submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Thirteen practices in, with two practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The final articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
1. Defensive Tackle
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Michael Bennett (eligibility)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Adolphus Washington (Senior), Donovan Munger (Redshirt Sophomore), Joel Hale (Redshirt Senior), Tommy Schutt (Senior), Michael Hill (Redshirt Sophomore), Dylan Thompson (Redshirt Freshman), Tracy Sprinkle (Redshirt Sophomore)
Before proceeding too far into this article, some words of thanks and best wishes to Michael Bennett. Bennett was a key contributor to Ohio State’s national championship run in 2014, and will be missed along the defensive line this coming season. Best wishes to Mr. Bennett as he prepares for a hopefully lengthy NFL career.
Now that we have thanked Mr. Bennett, the next person to thank? Adolphus Washington. Why? Because if Mr. Washington had declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, the Ohio State interior defensive line would be completely bereft of any notable experience.
Do you think I am being overly critical? Why not ask Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer his thoughts on the topic – Coach Meyer has used the phrase “very disappointed” when talking about the backup defensive linemen within the program, thanks to the linked article from the April 1st edition of The Columbus Dispatch.
Who has emerged, or can emerge as a starter to take over for Michael Bennett?
Tommy Schutt is the first name listed by Coach Meyer, but Schutt does not have a lock on the starting job for the fall. According to Coach Meyer, Schutt would start, “As of right now, he and Adolphus would be starting inside — as of now. I’m not ready to say he’s the guy yet.”. Not exactly a ringing endorsement, in my estimation.
Joel Hale, in a manner comparable to Chase Faris, has switched back from offensive line to defensive line, for his final season of eligibility in 2015. Unfortunately, Hale suffered a torn calf muscle this spring, and will be out four to five weeks.
Others in the mix could include Donovan Munger, Tracy Sprinkle, Michael Hill, and Dylan Thompson. Thompson was redshirted last season, due to a broken kneecap. Munger, Sprinkle, and Hill could all fall under that “very disappointed” category, as stated by Coach Meyer.
Help is on the way, with recruits arriving this summer. The issue with that is two-fold in 1)are these players physically prepared and capable of contributing as true freshmen, and 2)what does that say about the aforementioned “very disappointed” category if true freshmen are emerging over returning upperclassmen?
Are my concerns about defensive tackle overly alarming for Buckeye fans? Perhaps. After all, the 2015 season opener at Virginia Tech is not until the evening of September 7th, and the crucial summer conditioning months and fall camp will take place between then. Until then, I will hold onto the defensive tackle position as the biggest concern for the Buckeyes until toe meets leather the night of September 7th in Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Friday, April 10, 2015
2015 Ohio State Spring Football Questions: Pressure Is On, & Wanted, At Open Defensive End Spot
On March 10th, Ohio State began spring practice, and had fifteen spring football practices available before the conclusion of spring practice on April 18th in Ohio Stadium. Over the next few weeks, I will rank the top ten questions facing Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff as the Buckeyes retake the football field after concluding the 2014 season as the national champions.
These articles will be submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Ten practices in, with five practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The remaining articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
2. Defensive End
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Noah Spence (transfer); Steve Miller (eligibility); Rashad Frazier (eligibility)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Joey Bosa (Junior), Sam Hubbard (Redshirt Freshman), Jalyn Holmes (Sophomore), Tyquan Lewis (Redshirt Sophomore), Darius Slade (Redshirt Freshman), Jashon Cornell (Freshman)
Defensive End was a challenge for Ohio State throughout the 2014 season. Noah Spence was originally suspended for the 2014 Orange Bowl and the first two games of the 2014 season, but Spence’s suspension became permanent after an additional failed drug test. Spence transferred to FCS Eastern Kentucky after the 2014 season.
Steve Miller and Rashad Frazier both manned the vacant defensive end position throughout the 2014 season. While neither were the type of pass rusher that Noah Spence had been for the Buckeyes, both were needed in Ohio State’s march to the 2014 national championship. Steve Miller established himself forever in Buckeye lore with this key play in the 2015 Sugar Bowl versus Alabama…
While Steve Miller was instrumental in the 2015 Sugar Bowl victory, something needs to be stated that will reflect why I have ranked defensive end as a concern heading into the 2015 season. Watch this play earlier in the same 2015 Sugar Bowl game, and you will see why defensive end should be a focal point of interest…
Now keep in mind that not many teams on Ohio State’s 2015 schedule have an offensive line as stout as Alabama’s, and that Steve Miller did make a crucial play later in the 2015 Sugar Bowl that helped to prove the difference against the Crimson Tide. On the other hand, Joey Bosa has established himself at the one defensive end spot, and will be the target of double-team blocks, or possibly triple-team blocks, this season. Ohio State needs someone to consistently apply pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, as well as be a consistent force versus the run. Who will emerge at the open defensive end spot opposite Joey Bosa?
Tyquan Lewis seems to have the inside track, based upon comments made by other Ohio State beat writers, such as @davebiddle...
Will the open defensive end spot be claimed by the conclusion of the 2015 spring practices? Possibly, but for certain, Ohio State's coaches and fans will be hoping for consistent pressure from any and all of the players who will be occupying that position throughout the 2015 season.
These articles will be submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Ten practices in, with five practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The remaining articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
2. Defensive End
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Noah Spence (transfer); Steve Miller (eligibility); Rashad Frazier (eligibility)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Joey Bosa (Junior), Sam Hubbard (Redshirt Freshman), Jalyn Holmes (Sophomore), Tyquan Lewis (Redshirt Sophomore), Darius Slade (Redshirt Freshman), Jashon Cornell (Freshman)
Defensive End was a challenge for Ohio State throughout the 2014 season. Noah Spence was originally suspended for the 2014 Orange Bowl and the first two games of the 2014 season, but Spence’s suspension became permanent after an additional failed drug test. Spence transferred to FCS Eastern Kentucky after the 2014 season.
Steve Miller and Rashad Frazier both manned the vacant defensive end position throughout the 2014 season. While neither were the type of pass rusher that Noah Spence had been for the Buckeyes, both were needed in Ohio State’s march to the 2014 national championship. Steve Miller established himself forever in Buckeye lore with this key play in the 2015 Sugar Bowl versus Alabama…
While Steve Miller was instrumental in the 2015 Sugar Bowl victory, something needs to be stated that will reflect why I have ranked defensive end as a concern heading into the 2015 season. Watch this play earlier in the same 2015 Sugar Bowl game, and you will see why defensive end should be a focal point of interest…
Now keep in mind that not many teams on Ohio State’s 2015 schedule have an offensive line as stout as Alabama’s, and that Steve Miller did make a crucial play later in the 2015 Sugar Bowl that helped to prove the difference against the Crimson Tide. On the other hand, Joey Bosa has established himself at the one defensive end spot, and will be the target of double-team blocks, or possibly triple-team blocks, this season. Ohio State needs someone to consistently apply pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, as well as be a consistent force versus the run. Who will emerge at the open defensive end spot opposite Joey Bosa?
Tyquan Lewis seems to have the inside track, based upon comments made by other Ohio State beat writers, such as @davebiddle...
Dave Biddle Tyquan Lewis pretty much has starting spot locked down, but they like the depth behind him with Holmes, Hubbard, Slade. #Buckeyes
Besides Tyquan Lewis, other players in the mix...
Brandon Castel On the other hand, Meyer pointed out the defensive end spot with Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis as one he's excited to watch.
jbook™ Interesting that Darius Slade a kid that's under the radar was getting 1st team reps at SDE in place of Bosa who was resting.
Will the open defensive end spot be claimed by the conclusion of the 2015 spring practices? Possibly, but for certain, Ohio State's coaches and fans will be hoping for consistent pressure from any and all of the players who will be occupying that position throughout the 2015 season.
Friday, April 3, 2015
2015 Ohio State Spring Football Questions: Is The Open Cornerback Spot An Open Target?
On March 10th, Ohio State began spring practice, and had fifteen spring football practices available before the conclusion of spring practice on April 18th in Ohio Stadium. Over the next few weeks, I will rank the top ten questions facing Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer and his coaching staff as the Buckeyes retake the football field after concluding the 2014 season as the national champions.
These articles will be submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Seven practices in, with eight practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The remaining articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
3. Cornerback/Defensive Back
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Doran Grant (eligibility); Armani Reeves (injury); Ron Tanner (injury)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Marshon Lattimore (Redshirt Freshman), Eli Apple (Redshirt Sophomore), Damon Webb (Sophomore), Gareon Conley (Redshirt Sophomore), Cam Burrows (Junior), Vonn Bell (Junior), Malik Hooker (Redshirt Freshman), Tyvis Powell (Redshirt Junior), Erick Smith (Sophomore), Jamel Dean (Freshman)
Cornerback is a relatively strong position for the Ohio State defense, with so much talent on the roster returning or arriving. Eli Apple emerged as a quality starter during the 2014 season, and should be considered one of the leaders of the secondary. Both Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell return at the safety positions.
Doran Grant leaves after a solid career, as he prepares for a selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. Regrettably, Armani Reeves and Ron Tanner both concluded their careers due to concussion-related issues. Both Reeves and Tanner were dependable special team contributors throughout the 2014 season.
Why the concern over cornerback, you ask?
Think back to last season’s Ohio State/Michigan State game in East Lansing. Apple was battling a hamstring injury, and the coaching staff was resting Apple at the onset of the game. Gareon Conley started in Apple’s place, yet the coaching staff felt compelled to get Apple back into the game after Michigan State repeatedly targeted Conley at the beginning of the game.
With the departure of Doran Grant, there is an open spot at the opposite cornerback position. So far during the spring practices, it appears that Gareon Conley is the leader for the open cornerback position.
Even if Conley is listed as a starter after April 18th, I will not be surprised if this battle continues well throughout the summer and into preseason fall camp. Damon Webb earned playing time as a true freshman last season, and could press Conley for the spot. Marshon Lattimore was redshirted last season due to a recurring hamstring injury. If Lattimore can rebound from his hamstring issues, perhaps he could also press for time; Lattimore was a prize recruit from the 2014 recruiting class.
No matter who wins the spot, Ohio State fans need to be prepared for the likelihood that opposing quarterbacks will likely target that individual when the season begins. After all, Apple has established himself in pass coverage, while Conley, Webb, Lattimore, etc, have not as of yet. Growing pains are customary whenever there are inexperienced players within the defensive secondary.
Will this open cornerback position wind up being an open target for the opposition? Ohio State fans will have to wait and see until the 2015 season commences.
These articles will be submitted from areas of lowest concern to highest concern. While Ohio State returns the overwhelming majority of its 2014 team, and welcomes in a highly-touted recruiting class, it will be important for Coach Meyer to convey to his team that complacency within the player ranks could derail any hopes of the Buckeyes repeating as national champions in 2015.
Seven practices in, with eight practices remaining, including the April 18th spring game. Opportunities to make positive impressions upon the coaching staff regarding the depth chart are becoming scarce.
Earlier in the series, my questions and focus was upon emerging players at backup positions, a clear testament to Ohio State’s depth across the board. The remaining articles will focus upon position areas where Ohio State has lost a player(s) to graduation or eligibility, which is why I have ranked these position groups higher in terms of importance.
3. Cornerback/Defensive Back
Key Players/Contributors Lost: Doran Grant (eligibility); Armani Reeves (injury); Ron Tanner (injury)
Key Players/Contributors Returning: Marshon Lattimore (Redshirt Freshman), Eli Apple (Redshirt Sophomore), Damon Webb (Sophomore), Gareon Conley (Redshirt Sophomore), Cam Burrows (Junior), Vonn Bell (Junior), Malik Hooker (Redshirt Freshman), Tyvis Powell (Redshirt Junior), Erick Smith (Sophomore), Jamel Dean (Freshman)
Cornerback is a relatively strong position for the Ohio State defense, with so much talent on the roster returning or arriving. Eli Apple emerged as a quality starter during the 2014 season, and should be considered one of the leaders of the secondary. Both Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell return at the safety positions.
Doran Grant leaves after a solid career, as he prepares for a selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. Regrettably, Armani Reeves and Ron Tanner both concluded their careers due to concussion-related issues. Both Reeves and Tanner were dependable special team contributors throughout the 2014 season.
Why the concern over cornerback, you ask?
Think back to last season’s Ohio State/Michigan State game in East Lansing. Apple was battling a hamstring injury, and the coaching staff was resting Apple at the onset of the game. Gareon Conley started in Apple’s place, yet the coaching staff felt compelled to get Apple back into the game after Michigan State repeatedly targeted Conley at the beginning of the game.
With the departure of Doran Grant, there is an open spot at the opposite cornerback position. So far during the spring practices, it appears that Gareon Conley is the leader for the open cornerback position.
Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell said today that Gareon Conley looks like a No. 1 corner. Right now, Cam Burrows is the nickel back.
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) April 2, 2015Even if Conley is listed as a starter after April 18th, I will not be surprised if this battle continues well throughout the summer and into preseason fall camp. Damon Webb earned playing time as a true freshman last season, and could press Conley for the spot. Marshon Lattimore was redshirted last season due to a recurring hamstring injury. If Lattimore can rebound from his hamstring issues, perhaps he could also press for time; Lattimore was a prize recruit from the 2014 recruiting class.
No matter who wins the spot, Ohio State fans need to be prepared for the likelihood that opposing quarterbacks will likely target that individual when the season begins. After all, Apple has established himself in pass coverage, while Conley, Webb, Lattimore, etc, have not as of yet. Growing pains are customary whenever there are inexperienced players within the defensive secondary.
Will this open cornerback position wind up being an open target for the opposition? Ohio State fans will have to wait and see until the 2015 season commences.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us, and for the third year in a row, the Cleveland Browns will not be selecting in the first round, as the Desha...
-
“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” ~ George Orwell, 1984 Before ...
-
Game Three: USC Trojans Location: Los Angeles Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA) Head Coach: Pete Carroll USC Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio Sta...
