Spring Practice Position Battles
February 26 2008 08:32 PM -- Filed in: Football
| Spring
Practice
Ohio State does not start spring practice for a
while. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes return the majority of
its statistic-producing players from last year. In
fact, the team returns almost identically in most
categories. Ohio State returns 95% of its passing
yardage (2436/2565 yards), 99% of rushing (2532/2563
yards), and 99% of receiving (2551/2565 yards). The
defense is stacked as well with 762 of 850 tackles
returning (90%).
Those are incredible numbers. After initially looking at those figures, I thought there was no way I could write this piece. "How could there be any position battles on a team that returns virtually intact; one that went to the National Title game, to boot?"
By virtually anyone's standards, Ohio State was great last year. For the players, coaches, and many fans the Buckeyes came up just short. Therefore, maybe a little shakeup is necessary. In fact, I heard rumblings of Antonio Henton getting some snaps in practice and potential playing time in the title game. Does that suggest the coaches were looking for new answers before last season was even over? And, what will they do with an entire off season to think about it?
Here is a look at some potential battles in spring practice and beyond:
1. Kickoff Returner: Ohio State finished 117th in the nation in kick returns. Seriously, only New Mexico State and Northern Illinois were worse (they won 6 games combined). The Buckeyes averaged only 17.6 yards/return. That is unbelievably bad for team that is overwhelmingly talented. In addition, it is a great departure from previous seasons (2006 - 34th; 2005 - 18th; 2004 - 11th). Sure, Ginn was not back there anymore, but these numbers are even lower than could be expected.
Their average was four yards less than their opponents were averaging. On its own, that is not a huge deal, but for a coaching staff that puts such a premium on field position, having to start "score-answering" possessions at your 20 (or less) is difficult for any offense. I am not sure if it is the blocking, returners, or both, but I hope something remedies it this spring. No player is off limits to put back there.
2. Outside Linebacker: Quietly, Larry Grant was very good. At least I thought so. Grant's 51 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks, and 1 interception seem to support that conclusion, too. There are plenty of candidates to take over at his position outside – Ross Homan, Austin Spitler, Thaddeus Gibson, Brian Rolle, and even Curtis Terry. Homan and Gibson were the most highly touted, Spitler saw the most time in 2007, and Terry has been with the program forever. Gibson, Terry, and Rolle seem better suited to play outside, while Spitler and Homan are more MLB-type players. Then again, I think you put your best 11 defenders out there regardless of the physicals. Gibson seemed to be coming on at the end of the year, so I would look for him to make a move in the spring. No matter what, this will produce a very good starter.
3a. Tight End: Remember all the talk of getting the tight end position more involved in the 2007 offense? Apparently, that involvement meant 32 receptions for 263 yards. Jake Ballard (13-149) and Rory Nicol (16-84) are difficult matchups for LBs, and Brandon Smith (3-30) is capable. So, what gives? Their production did pick up over the second half of the season (19-159), but Nicol's performance at Penn State (39 yards) was the best performance of the season. Yikes!
Without a consistent No. 3 WR (see below), the spotlight shines brighter on the tight ends. If Nicol and Ballard can stay healthy and improve their all-around games, the Buckeyes' ability to throw to the middle of the field would increase dramatically. In addition, it would allow Robiskie and Hartline to work some deeper routes, which is Boeckman's best throw.
3b. No. 3. WR: I thought Ray Small would have this locked up by now (along with return duties). Small had 20 receptions for 267 yards and 2 TDs in 10 games last season, but I rarely felt his impact. Down the stretch, it seemed like he and Sanzenbacher were neck and neck. Taurian Washington and Devon Torrence have a year under their belts, so they may be ready to make a big splash this spring. This is Small's position to lose, but he is going to have plenty of competition.
4. Defensive End: Gholston took his 15.5 sacks and bench press record to the NFL, so the Buckeyes need a new defensive end. As long as Cameron Heyward (editor's note: he is my favorite player) is on the team, half of the DE tandem is all set. But the other side is a little up in the air. Lawrence Wilson has the first shot at reclaiming his starting spot, but that injury was tough and you never know how players will bounce back. I am hoping Wilson makes a total recovery because of his combination of skill and experience. Robert Rose and Alex Barrow will fill the two-deep in the spring, but Ohio State is thin at this spot right now. Wilson and Rose have had injuries recently, so I see a nice opening for Keith Wells, Willie Mobley, and Nathan Williams to see time early.
5. Kicker: I am not unhappy with Ryan Pretorius but I could help noticing that Aaron Pettrey was getting kickoff duty down the stretch. So, I am guessing he has the stronger leg. Pettrey is most likely not the next Nugent, but I think Pettrey will be doing everything he can to reclaim the job he lost before the 2007 season. I think this could be the most underrated battle in the spring.
6. Quarterback: I have no credible evidence that the coaches were toying with the idea of giving Antonio Henton snaps in the BCS Championship Game. But I do have credible evidence that Boeckman struggled down the stretch. Personally, I would love to see Henton (or possibly Pryor) get serious playing time in 2008. The dual threat quarterback, or at least the dual QB system, is helping teams from Florida to Oregon, LSU to Illinois. It goes back to something I said earlier in this post - putting your best players on the field. If Henton is bringing a productive, unique wrinkle to the offense I think he should be out there.
Finally...
Oden For Obama: For the political junkies among you, I received notice from a reader today that Greg Oden endorses Barack Obama.
Those are incredible numbers. After initially looking at those figures, I thought there was no way I could write this piece. "How could there be any position battles on a team that returns virtually intact; one that went to the National Title game, to boot?"
By virtually anyone's standards, Ohio State was great last year. For the players, coaches, and many fans the Buckeyes came up just short. Therefore, maybe a little shakeup is necessary. In fact, I heard rumblings of Antonio Henton getting some snaps in practice and potential playing time in the title game. Does that suggest the coaches were looking for new answers before last season was even over? And, what will they do with an entire off season to think about it?
Here is a look at some potential battles in spring practice and beyond:
1. Kickoff Returner: Ohio State finished 117th in the nation in kick returns. Seriously, only New Mexico State and Northern Illinois were worse (they won 6 games combined). The Buckeyes averaged only 17.6 yards/return. That is unbelievably bad for team that is overwhelmingly talented. In addition, it is a great departure from previous seasons (2006 - 34th; 2005 - 18th; 2004 - 11th). Sure, Ginn was not back there anymore, but these numbers are even lower than could be expected.
Their average was four yards less than their opponents were averaging. On its own, that is not a huge deal, but for a coaching staff that puts such a premium on field position, having to start "score-answering" possessions at your 20 (or less) is difficult for any offense. I am not sure if it is the blocking, returners, or both, but I hope something remedies it this spring. No player is off limits to put back there.
2. Outside Linebacker: Quietly, Larry Grant was very good. At least I thought so. Grant's 51 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks, and 1 interception seem to support that conclusion, too. There are plenty of candidates to take over at his position outside – Ross Homan, Austin Spitler, Thaddeus Gibson, Brian Rolle, and even Curtis Terry. Homan and Gibson were the most highly touted, Spitler saw the most time in 2007, and Terry has been with the program forever. Gibson, Terry, and Rolle seem better suited to play outside, while Spitler and Homan are more MLB-type players. Then again, I think you put your best 11 defenders out there regardless of the physicals. Gibson seemed to be coming on at the end of the year, so I would look for him to make a move in the spring. No matter what, this will produce a very good starter.
3a. Tight End: Remember all the talk of getting the tight end position more involved in the 2007 offense? Apparently, that involvement meant 32 receptions for 263 yards. Jake Ballard (13-149) and Rory Nicol (16-84) are difficult matchups for LBs, and Brandon Smith (3-30) is capable. So, what gives? Their production did pick up over the second half of the season (19-159), but Nicol's performance at Penn State (39 yards) was the best performance of the season. Yikes!
Without a consistent No. 3 WR (see below), the spotlight shines brighter on the tight ends. If Nicol and Ballard can stay healthy and improve their all-around games, the Buckeyes' ability to throw to the middle of the field would increase dramatically. In addition, it would allow Robiskie and Hartline to work some deeper routes, which is Boeckman's best throw.
3b. No. 3. WR: I thought Ray Small would have this locked up by now (along with return duties). Small had 20 receptions for 267 yards and 2 TDs in 10 games last season, but I rarely felt his impact. Down the stretch, it seemed like he and Sanzenbacher were neck and neck. Taurian Washington and Devon Torrence have a year under their belts, so they may be ready to make a big splash this spring. This is Small's position to lose, but he is going to have plenty of competition.
4. Defensive End: Gholston took his 15.5 sacks and bench press record to the NFL, so the Buckeyes need a new defensive end. As long as Cameron Heyward (editor's note: he is my favorite player) is on the team, half of the DE tandem is all set. But the other side is a little up in the air. Lawrence Wilson has the first shot at reclaiming his starting spot, but that injury was tough and you never know how players will bounce back. I am hoping Wilson makes a total recovery because of his combination of skill and experience. Robert Rose and Alex Barrow will fill the two-deep in the spring, but Ohio State is thin at this spot right now. Wilson and Rose have had injuries recently, so I see a nice opening for Keith Wells, Willie Mobley, and Nathan Williams to see time early.
5. Kicker: I am not unhappy with Ryan Pretorius but I could help noticing that Aaron Pettrey was getting kickoff duty down the stretch. So, I am guessing he has the stronger leg. Pettrey is most likely not the next Nugent, but I think Pettrey will be doing everything he can to reclaim the job he lost before the 2007 season. I think this could be the most underrated battle in the spring.
6. Quarterback: I have no credible evidence that the coaches were toying with the idea of giving Antonio Henton snaps in the BCS Championship Game. But I do have credible evidence that Boeckman struggled down the stretch. Personally, I would love to see Henton (or possibly Pryor) get serious playing time in 2008. The dual threat quarterback, or at least the dual QB system, is helping teams from Florida to Oregon, LSU to Illinois. It goes back to something I said earlier in this post - putting your best players on the field. If Henton is bringing a productive, unique wrinkle to the offense I think he should be out there.
Finally...
Oden For Obama: For the political junkies among you, I received notice from a reader today that Greg Oden endorses Barack Obama.
