2017 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: A Tour Of Redemption – Defensive Backs Preview

"In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest." ~ William McKinley

I have to give some props to President McKinley.  Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was the last American President to have served in the military in The Civil War, so McKinley certainly knew what he was talking about when it came to defeats and victory.

To say that the 2016 Ohio State football season ended with a thud is an understatement.  While I certainly believed Clemson was capable of defeating Ohio State in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl, I never thought Ohio State would be so thoroughly outplayed, and, let's be honest Ohio State fans, outcoached.

As badly as I felt about that loss on New Year's Eve, the Ohio State coaches and players felt the sting of that loss much more so.  Dramatic overhauls along the coaching staff, combined with early departures of players for the 2017 NFL Draft, have Ohio State with questions to answer as spring football began in Columbus on March 7th.

"The health of our program is very strong, other than getting our ass kicked in that last game." Urban Meyer addressing Ohio Coaches.

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) February 3, 2017

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 15th, 2017. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

3rd - Defensive Backs

Players Lost:  CB Marshon Lattimore, CB Gareon Conley, S Malik Hooker

Returning Players/Incoming Players:  S Damon Webb (Senior), S Erick Smith (Senior), CB Denzel Ward (Junior), CB Damon Arnette (Redshirt Sophomore), S Jordan Fuller (Sophomore), CB Rodjay Burns (Sophomore), CB Joshua Norwood (Redshirt Sophomore), S Wayne Davis (Redshirt Freshman), S Jahsen Wint (Redshirt Freshman), CB Kendall Sheffield (JUCO Sophomore), CB Jeffrey Okudah (Freshman), CB Marcus Williamson (Freshman), CB Shaun Wade (Freshman), S Isaiah Pryor (Freshman)

A few things to keep in mind for this position group...

• For the second year in a row, Ohio State is facing the challenge of replacing three starters from the secondary.  In 2016, it paid off handsomely, as Ohio State had players such as Marshon Lattimore and Malik Hooker emerge as superstars to combine with Gareon Conley to form arguably the best secondary in college football.  All three players are projected as high NFL draft picks; it is not improbable that all three will wind up being selected within the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
• To the best of my knowledge, the above listed returning players are listed in terms of competed minutes.  In other words, Damon Webb is the most experienced returning player on Ohio State's roster.  Even with Webb's experience, Webb could very well lose his starting position to other talented players within the secondary.
• The incoming freshmen are going to bear watching this spring, and well throughout the season.  Players such as Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade were considered the very best at their position across the country.  Kendall Sheffield is a JUCO transfer who has already impressed, with his black stripe being removed from his helmet.
• While other players on the roster may have more publicity and accolades, sophomore cornerback Rodjay Burns certainly made the most of his limited playing opportunities in 2016.  Burns will probably have opportunities to contribute in nickel packages and on special teams in 2017.  It is my sincere hope that the Ohio State scoreboard will have this type of display whenever Mr. Burns makes a big play.

The 2016 Ohio State football season did not end on a positive note.  Spring practices in 2017 can show the Ohio State coaches, players, and fans that the 2017 season will not end in a similar fashion.

2017 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: A Tour Of Redemption – 'H' Backs Preview

"In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest." ~ William McKinley

I have to give some props to President McKinley.  Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was the last American President to have served in the military in The Civil War, so McKinley certainly knew what he was talking about when it came to defeats and victory.

To say that the 2016 Ohio State football season ended with a thud is an understatement.  While I certainly believed Clemson was capable of defeating Ohio State in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl, I never thought Ohio State would be so thoroughly outplayed, and, let's be honest Ohio State fans, outcoached.

As badly as I felt about that loss on New Year's Eve, the Ohio State coaches and players felt the sting of that loss much more so.  Dramatic overhauls along the coaching staff, combined with early departures of players for the 2017 NFL Draft, have Ohio State with questions to answer as spring football began in Columbus on March 7th.

"The health of our program is very strong, other than getting our ass kicked in that last game." Urban Meyer addressing Ohio Coaches.

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) February 3, 2017

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 15th, 2017. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

4th - 'H' Backs

Players Lost:  Curtis Samuel, Dontre Wilson

Returning Players/Incoming Players:  Demario McCall (Sophomore), Parris Campbell (Redshirt Junior), Eric Glover-Williams (Redshirt Sophomore), Johnnie Dixon (Redshirt Junior), K.J. Hill (Redshirt Sophomore), J.K. Dobbins (Freshman)

A few things to keep in mind for this position group...

• My rationale for placing the 'H' Back position in this high of a priority lies in the following statistics ~ Curtis Samuel played 'H' Back in 2016, and accounted for 1636 yards running and receiving, plus a total of 15 touchdowns.  That is an awful lot of offensive production that Ohio State will need to replicate, with Samuel off to the NFL.
• Demario McCall would seem to be a leading replacement candidate for the 'H' Back position heading into the 2017 season.  Having seen McCall play in high school, and watching McCall's performance as a true freshman in 2016, McCall certainly has the agility and shiftiness that the 'H' Back position would value.  So far in spring practices, McCall has played running back exclusively, and not at 'H' Back.
• Could Parris Campbell be the starting 'H' Back?  Campbell was a high school running back, and was moved to wide receiver when he arrived on campus in 2014.  While Campbell has had some moments as a kickoff returner, Campbell has not emerged as a consistent receiving option. Playing 'H' Back would allow Campbell to play a position that could get the ball into his hands quicker on jet sweeps and other perimeter plays.  Based upon the link above, and through other media reports so far about Ohio State spring football, Campbell has been lining up in the slot position.
• Eric Glover-Williams made a move from the secondary to the offense for 2017.  Glover-Williams could be another option at 'H' Back, in many of the same ways Campbell could be used.
• K.J. Hill may be another option.  Hill did not carry the ball as a runner in 2016, but accounted for 18 receptions and 1 touchdown in 2016.
• Johnnie Dixon has had an injury-plagued career up until this point; could Dixon be an option at 'H' Back?  Dixon only carried the ball one time for 5 yards and a touchdown in 2016, and added 6 receptions.

The 2016 Ohio State football season did not end on a positive note.  Spring practices in 2017 can show the Ohio State coaches, players, and fans that the 2017 season will not end in a similar fashion.

2017 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: A Tour Of Redemption – Special Teams Preview

“In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.” ~ William McKinley

I have to give some props to President McKinley.  Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was the last American President to have served in the military in The Civil War, so McKinley certainly knew what he was talking about when it came to defeats and victory.

To say that the 2016 Ohio State football season ended with a thud is an understatement.  While I certainly believed Clemson was capable of defeating Ohio State in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl, I never thought Ohio State would be so thoroughly outplayed, and, let’s be honest Ohio State fans, outcoached.

As badly as I felt about that loss on New Year’s Eve, the Ohio State coaches and players felt the sting of that loss much more so.  Dramatic overhauls along the coaching staff, combined with early departures of players for the 2017 NFL Draft, have Ohio State with questions to answer as spring football began in Columbus on March 7th.

"The health of our program is very strong, other than getting our ass kicked in that last game." Urban Meyer addressing Ohio Coaches.

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) February 3, 2017

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 15th, 2017. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

5th – Special Teams

Players Lost:  P Cameron Johnston, PK Tyler Durbin, PR Curtis Samuel/Dontre Wilson

Returning Players/Incoming Players:  P Drue Chrisman (Redshirt Freshman), PK Sean Nuernberger (Redshirt Junior), PK Blake Haubeil (Freshman/Possible Grayshirt), KR Parris Campbell (Redshirt Junior)

A few things to keep in mind for this position group…

• Former Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel famously stated that “the punt is the most important play in football”, and was ridiculed by college football fans for such a statement.  After losing Cameron Johnston to a probable NFL career, Ohio State fans are going to see what kind of a dependable weapon Johnston provided over the past three seasons.  The pressure is squarely upon redshirt freshman Drue Chrisman to provide the same type of steady performance that Johnston gave Ohio State from 2014-2016.
• Walk-on Tyler Durbin had a solid year at placekicker and kickoffs in 2016, until having challenges versus That Team Up North and in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against Clemson.  Think about how the positive momentum was completely lost after Durbin missed the field goals against Clemson in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl.  Sean Nuernberger is the logical candidate to reclaim the placekicker position, but incoming freshman Blake Haubeil might be able to make this a battle in fall camp. What may swing the job to Nuernberger is the possibility of grayshirting Haubeil in an effort to save a valuable roster spot this season.
• Parris Campbell has made more of an impact as a kickoff returner than wide receiver up until this point.  Campbell averaged nearly 28 yards a kickoff return, and nearly broke one for a touchdown against Indiana in 2016.
• Who will emerge as the Ohio State punt returner in 2017?  Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel both manned the position in 2016, but neither return in 2017.  Demario McCall is a logical candidate, after fielding three punts in 2016.  Could another player possibly be in the mix?
• Coverage units for both kickoffs and punts are always worth watching, as these are the units of players who are looking to elevate their standing in the eyes of the coaching staff.  Look for several redshirt freshmen, redshirt sophomores, and true freshmen to earn valuable playing time on these very important units.  For all of the fans who believe special teams are overrated, these are the units where big momentum-changing plays often take place, and could impact a game either positively or negatively for the Buckeyes in 2017.

The 2016 Ohio State football season did not end on a positive note.  Spring practices in 2017 can show the Ohio State coaches, players, and fans that the 2017 season will not end in a similar fashion.

2017 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: A Tour Of Redemption – Tight Ends Preview

"In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest." ~ William McKinley

I have to give some props to President McKinley.  Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was the last American President to have served in the military in The Civil War, so McKinley certainly knew what he was talking about when it came to defeats and victory.

To say that the 2016 Ohio State football season ended with a thud is an understatement.  While I certainly believed Clemson was capable of defeating Ohio State in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl, I never thought Ohio State would be so thoroughly outplayed, and, let's be honest Ohio State fans, outcoached. 

As badly as I felt about that loss on New Year's Eve, the Ohio State coaches and players felt the sting of that loss much more so.  Dramatic overhauls along the coaching staff, combined with early departures of players for the 2017 NFL Draft, have Ohio State with questions to answer as spring football began in Columbus on March 7th.

"The health of our program is very strong, other than getting our ass kicked in that last game." Urban Meyer addressing Ohio Coaches.

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) February 3, 2017

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 15th, 2017. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

6th - Tight Ends

Players Lost:  None.

Returning Players/Incoming Players:  Marcus Baugh (Redshirt Senior), A.J. Alexander (Redshirt Sophomore), Jake Hausmann (Redshirt Freshman), Luke Farrell (Redshirt Freshman), Kierre Hawkins (Redshirt Freshman)

A few things to keep in mind for this position group...

• It was somewhat surprising, but very reassuring, that Marcus Baugh did not declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.  With the departures of Curtis Samuel, Noah Brown, and Dontre Wilson, Baugh enters into the 2017 season as Ohio State's leading returning receiver with 24 receptions in 2016.  While Baugh has had his share of off the field disciplinary issues during his time in Columbus, Baugh has been [knocking furiously on wood] keeping on the good side of Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer.  Here is to hoping that Baugh's good behavior continues.
• A.J. Alexander contributed four receptions in 2016, but was largely used as an extra blocker.  Alexander's most famous play in 2016?  "The Spot" versus That Team Up North, as J.T. Barrett's head was stopped by Alexander's...posterior.
• Jake Hausmann, Luke Farrell, and Kierre Hawkins were all redshirted in 2016.  It will bear watching to see which player, if not players plural, emerge during spring practice.
• As stated up above, Baugh is the only tight end on the roster who has played substantially.  Considering how the Ohio State passing offense will be under immense focus, and the possibility that the tight end position may be a considerable element of the offense, as new Ohio State offensive coordinator/tight ends coach Kevin Wilson has historically involved the tight end in his offenses, this is why I have ranked tight end in this position of importance.  On the first day of spring practice on March 7th, it was revealed that Baugh underwent a procedure that will limit Baugh's participation in spring drills.  It will be so important for Baugh to not only stay healthy, but other tight ends to emerge by the time the season begins on August 31st at Indiana.

The 2016 Ohio State football season did not end on a positive note.  Spring practices in 2017 can show the Ohio State coaches, players, and fans that the 2017 season will not end in a similar fashion.

2017 Ohio State Spring Football Preview: A Tour Of Redemption – Linebackers Preview

"In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest." ~ William McKinley

I have to give some props to President McKinley.  Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley was the last American President to have served in the military in The Civil War, so McKinley certainly knew what he was talking about when it came to defeats and victory.

To say that the 2016 Ohio State football season ended with a thud is an understatement.  While I certainly believed Clemson was capable of defeating Ohio State in The 2016 Fiesta Bowl, I never thought Ohio State would be so thoroughly outplayed, and, let's be honest Ohio State fans, outcoached. 

As badly as I felt about that loss on New Year's Eve, the Ohio State coaches and players felt the sting of that loss much more so.  Dramatic overhauls along the coaching staff, combined with early departures of players for the 2017 NFL Draft, have Ohio State with questions to answer as spring football begins in Columbus on March 7th.

"The health of our program is very strong, other than getting our ass kicked in that last game." Urban Meyer addressing Ohio Coaches.

— Eric Frantz (@jjhuddlenews) February 3, 2017

For the next several weeks, I will be writing position group previews, leading up to the Ohio State Spring Football Game in Ohio Stadium on April 15th, 2017. These position groups will be ranked, from least to most concern, as I perceive them. It is entirely possible that my concerns, as well as the coaching staff’s concerns, will be reevaluated after the spring game.

7th - Linebackers

Players Lost:  Raekwon McMillan, Joe Burger, Craig Fada.  While Burger and Fada were primarily special teams contributors and backups, both will be missed.  McMillan declared early for the 2017 NFL Draft, and leaves a gaping hole at middle linebacker.

Returning Players/Incoming Players:  Jerome Baker (Junior), Dante Booker (Redshirt Junior), Tuf Borland (Redshirt Freshman), Baron Browning (Freshman), Nick Conner (Redshirt Sophomore), Malik Harrison (Sophomore), Justin Hilliard (Redshirt Sophomore), Keandre Jones (Sophomore), Pete Werner (Freshman), Brendon White (Freshman), Chris Worley (Redshirt Senior)

A few things to keep in mind for this position group...

• It is a far cry from the days when Ohio State needed to switch Zach Boren from fullback to linebacker in the latter stages of the 2012 season.  Ohio State has been recruiting linebacker well over the past seasons, with Raekwon McMillan the latest player who will project as a high NFL draft pick.
• The speculation on who will be manning the crucial middle linebacker spot is going to bear watching all spring.  Could it be Dante Booker?  Christopher Worley?  Baron Browning as a true freshman?
• Chris Worley filled in capably for Dante Booker at outside linebacker, but perhaps Worley may be best suited in the middle, calling out the signals for the defense.  Worley made key plays throughout 2016, such as this interception at Michigan State.
• Tuf Borland and Nick Conner are two names who fit the darkhorse profile.  Neither were recruited with as many of the accolades as some of the other linebackers, but could one of those players fill the middle linebacker spot?  Conner had a banner spring game back in 2015, but redshirted in 2015, and was not a factor in 2016.
• Justin Hilliard has battled injuries since arriving in Columbus.  Could Hilliard finally make a move at middle linebacker?
• The 'X' factor in the whole linebacker equation is new linebackers coach Bill Davis.  Taking over for Luke Fickell, Davis may want to mix and match players to see which of them best fits what he is looking for at the position.

 The 2016 Ohio State football season did not end on a positive note.  Spring practices in 2017 can show the Ohio State coaches, players, and fans that the 2017 season will not end in a similar fashion.