Buckeye Blogger NetworkGreat game, great venue and it was just good to see the Scarlet and Gray back on the football field again this Saturday.
Granted, we didn’t really “learn” much in this practice with a scoreboard, but there were some things that stood out. We’ll continue to talk more about this in the coming days, but I’m excited about the pistol formation that we saw throughout the scrimmage… yet another angle to attack and destroy.
We all identified things that we were looking for- let’s see how our folks did. We’ll be using my elaborate and completely subjective scoring system which awards as follows: 2 points for a correct answer, 1 point for a partial, mockery for everything else.
Thanks again to our friend Josh Winslow for his great photo coverage!
What player scores the first points of the game? Correct Answer: Braxton to Smith
Who’s the offensive MVP?
Correct Answer: Braxton Miller Read More
2013 is here, I hope everyone rang in the New Year safe and sound but still had a lot of fun! With a new year brings the opportunity to look forward to what we are expecting and would like to see at this time next year. Let’s rumble!
Next Man Up
No drop off on the d-line
For the first time in who knows how long, Ohio State will go into the upcoming football season replacing all four starters on its defensive front line. Gone are Jonathan Hankins, John Simon, Nathan Williams and Garret Goebel. The guys taking their place have big shoes to fill as Hankins may potentially be a top ten pick in the NFL draft, Williams and Simon were deadly on the ends (most notably when on the field together) while Goebel came into his own in 2011 and really blossomed in 2012 as a solid run stuffer. Goebel and Simon were named captains at the end of fall practice.
Fortunately, the Buckeyes appear to be loaded. We watched true freshman Tommy Schutt, Adolphus Washington and Noah Spence see significant snaps, some in critical junctures of big games. Junior Joel Hale was solid when called on. Another junior, Michael Bennett, has the potential to be the next “big time” defensive lineman at Ohio State. More troops are on the way as incoming freshman Tracy Sprinkle, Joey Bosa and Michael Hill are being looked at to perform as well as the Schutt-Spence-Washington trio did in 2012 or better.
There’s also the enigma that is J.T. Moore. He has the size and speed to be a steady hand in the rotation but has yet to show an ability to stay on the field when opportunities arise. Along with Moore, what will become of Chris Carter? Carter has the size to shut down run lanes in the manner that Hankins did in his career, but does he have the desire?
The REAL Linebacker U
Andy Katzenmoyer. A.J. Hawk. Ike Kelly. Bobby Carpenter. Randy Gradishar. Chris Spielman. Steve Tovar. Pepper Johnson. Tom Cousineau. James Laurinitis. Matt Wilhelm. Marcus Marek. Na’ill Diggs. Tell me, Penn State, is your list remotely close to this one? Didn’t think so. Read More
Much More Successful Than This
As we get closer to Kickoff Week, here’s some quick notes from Ohio State and beyond. Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s “Pick-em” contest!
Buckeye 411
Ballin'
Hold up Football fans…. Before you come after me with a slingshot full of Silver Bullet glory, we need to talk. You see, there is an incoming freshman to the class of 2012 that is an extremely talented athlete. Not only does he have the god given ability to play football – his drive to be the best has him as a top prospect in this year’s class.
Cincinnati Taft defensive end Adolphus Washington might be best known as the top football prospect this year out of the state of Ohio. Others across the country see him a top five player this year at his position. For Me, Aldolpus will forever go down as the guy that first gave us hope on a new Urban Development in Columbus. When asked about whether he was worried about the coaching staff at his college announcement, Washington responded that he was excited to play for the Urban Legacy.
It was at that moment when Ohio State football junkies reached for their needles nearest social media device to share what had come to pass.
Not only had one of the most promising recruits of the class become a Buckeye after one of the most enduring seasons in school history. In the same moment, a never ending dark tunnel filled with exposed truths shed some light at the end of it.
Fast forward six months later and on the hardwood, this great university is about to begin a new era of basketball. William Buford and Jared Sullinger begin a new phase in their respected careers, as they look to make the jump to the professional basketball ranks. Two pieces of the future in J.D. Weatherspoon and Jordan Siebert have moved on to different programs.
Meanwhile Deshaun Thomas and Aaron Craft begin their assault on the Big Ten as undoubted leaders of Thad Matta’s well oiled machine. With them is an assorted mix of talent. From the size of Amir Williams, to the shot of LaQuinton Ross, the precision of Shannon Scott and all-around durability of Lenzelle Smith Jr –this team is going to be a top contender in the conference.
Yet this year’s top recruit on the football field could add a much needed spark on the basketball court. Read More
Mr. Washington
As you just watched live on Fox Sports Ohio and tBBC, Cincinnati Taft standout Adolphus Washington has become the latest member of the Ohio State class of 2011.
A member of the Army All-American team, Scout has Adolphus as a five star recruit, the number three defensive end in the nation, and the top player in the state of Ohio.
A 6′ 5″ student athlete who is projected as an outside linebacker/defensive end, Washington has been high on the Ohio State target list for 2012.
His offer list included Cincinnati, Kentucky, Illinois, Alabama, Southern Cal, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan State, Miami, Michigan, Florida State, Pittsburgh, among others… although many believe he was strong Buckeye lean for a while now. In fact, most of this article was written back in August when he was believed to have verballed to the coaching staff prior to the beginning of the 2011 season.
A stellar basketball player as well, Washington brings a lot to the table athletically. Statistically, he runs a 4.6- 4.7 40 yard dash, and is listed as having over 119 tackles and 17 sacks during his junior year.
Video after the jump-
Today, we partner with Fox Sports Ohio and the folks at Scout to bring you live coverage of the verbal commitments of Buckeye targets Adolphus Washington and Dwayne Stanford.
Washington is assessed as a five star recruit by Scout, the number three defensive end in the nation, and the top player in the state of Ohio. Stanford is a three star wide receiver, and the fiftieth player nationally at that position; both have been selected to the Army All American team.
Afterward, stick around for some the opportunity for some Q&A with the student athletes and recruiting expert Bill Greene.
Enjoy!
As usual, friend of tBBC Josh Winslow was in The Horseshoe Saturday night to bring us some outstanding photos of the game. Here are some of our favorites, and make sure to check out the rest at his site.
It was a big night for recruiting, and Canton GlenOak RB Brionte Dunn was one of many recruits in attendance.
Click here for many more pictures from the game.
After a long hiatus, it’s time to jump back in with some recruiting talk.
Adverse circumstances surrounding the program have obviously impacted recruiting for months, but the 2012 class still has an opportunity to be pretty darn good.
The key will be finishing strong, and the Buckeyes look to be in a great position to do just that.
The biggest concern, as it has been for months, continues to be along the offensive line. Regardless of how the ’12 class finishes, the depth issues there may not be resolved until the ink is dry on the ’13 class.
Before I get too far ahead of myself, here is a look at how the 2012 class will wind down. Read More
