#25 could be a part of this year's offense for the Scarlet and Gray

Spent the biggest part of my day Sunday trying to decide what I wanted to rant about this week, and I will keep it brief.

Too many times in the social media world we take for granted that information that’s being put out there is fact. More recently, in regards to situations with Brionte’ Dunn and Storm Klein, we have passed judgement on these players just because someone released information prior to the actual facts. As we have learned, Dunn’s case has pretty much run its course and he will probably pay for what many consider to be a bogus charge. Moving on can be a huge positive for a player that has an opportunity to contribute.

If you are active on twitter or facebook, then you know exactly what I am talking about. People were clamoring to have him off the team for being stupid as far as drugs are concerned and the fact is they weren’t even his. I applaud his mother for taking full responsibility for the situation and doing the best she can to help her son.

In the Storm Klein case, there has emerged a possibility that he will be exonerated for his domestic battery charges. His attorney filed a motion for dismissal of charges based on the alleged victim recanting- you can read the report  here.

Media days 2011; It'll be nice to see a smile on his face again.

Everything being said, they have to wait for a hearing and then he can continue with his life.If what his attorney says is accurate, it seems as if the best thing would be for the football program to reinstate him so he can enjoy his senior year. I understand the need to protect a woman who claimed that she had been hurt and support all programs that are in place for abuse prevention. At any rate, this is yet another lesson in the drawbacks of our “report first, fact check second” culture.

Have a great Monday and an even better week- September 1 is rapidly approaching, does it get any better than that?

Tags: Brionte Dunn, Storm Klein
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football

It’s your regularly scheduled look around the world of college sports- a bit more in depth than the tidbits we’ve got after practice. Following Tuesday’s notes, be sure to check the latest on “reform” from the NCAA and thoughts on Penn State’s constant appeals processes.

Buckeye 411

• 

  Always. Forever.

  Not So Fast…  Any speculation about Roby playing offense and defense was shut down by the coaches today. He made a spectacular play on an overthrow today, though- he’s going to be special. However, Corey Brown said that Roby wasn’t the fastest guy on the team, and called him out saying that he (Corey) wasn’t able to run during testing but that he could beat Roby in a race.

• Dunn Update- Brionte spent much of the day with the second team offense. He will be a part of this year’s successes offensively.
• Granted- Curtis Grant was back at practice after spending time in Virginia with his ill grandfather Josh Perry was back as well.
• That’s Nate!  Also out today in helmets and shoulder pads was Nathan Williams, who did some contact drills without a brace on his leg. It should be noted that the contact was only 3/4 speed, working technique with tackling sleds and dummies.
• Abandon Hope, B1G QBs- Shazier is now up 25 pounds and is actually faster than last year, although he’s honest that he played too fast last season. He talked about being able to let the play happen rather than rushing past it.
• On The Blocks- Orhian Johnson blocked a field goal attempt in today’s competition.
• Tackle Football- Reid Fragel and Taylor Decker split time at tackle today, with Decker working with the #1s during the final segment. This may be due to hydration issues from the heat today.
• And So, It Begins-  The “We still love you, can we be besties?” between the Buckeyes and ESPN kicks off with this coverage from ESPN The Magazine Read More

Tags: Academics, Adidas, APR, BCS, Bradly Roby, Brionte Dunn, BTN, Corey Brown, Curtis Grant, ESPN, Joe Paterno, Louis Freeh Report, Maryland, Nathan Williams, NCAA failures, Nike, Orhian Johnson, Penn State, Reid Fragel, Ryan Shazier, SBP, Taylor Decker, Television Revenue, Uniforms, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Conference Expansion, Humor, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Football

Another quick update on the state of Ohio State football, following media access on Monday. Huge thanks to our friend Josh Winslow for the photos!

• Injury Updates- Jacoby Boren practiced today, but no contact. Jordan Hall and Nate Williams were also present, but doing work on the side of the field. Coach Meyer commented that they were right on schedule in terms of rehab. Josh Perry tweaked a hamstring and spent time with the medical staff

• Doghouse Update- Brionte Dunn practiced, and Coach Meyer said that they were waiting to see how the legal process concluded before making final decisions regarding any punishment. Also, Jake Stoneburner and Jack Mewhort went with the #1 team- Meyer characterized them as “good kids, but stupid.” They will be on scholarship beginning fall semester.
• MIA- Curtis Grant missed practice, as did Verlon Reed and Pat Elflein. Grant was home in Virginia with his grandfather, who has been ill. No notes on Reed or Ellfein at this time, although Patrick had a cyst removed recently Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, Brionte Dunn, Curtis Grant, Devin Smith, Evan Spencer, Fall Practice, Garrett Goebel, Jack Mewhort, Jacoby Boren, Jake Stoneburner, John Simon, Jonathan Hankins, Jordan Hall, Josh Winslow, Marcus Baugh, Mark Mangino, Michael Bennett, Nathan Williams, Patrick Elflein, SBP, Urban Meyer, Verlon Reed
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football

Yosemite = Buckeye Nation

On Tuesday, I was impressed by Danny from 11W posting his “OHIO” photo from the top of Mt. Baker, for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve lived in WA and skied at Baker all the time. Second, I was hoping to have a similar photo from the top of Mt. Whitney under my belt by the end of this summer, but a couple of family issues prevented me from enhancing the highest peak in the continental US in such a glorious way. Finally, I love shots of the outdoors, and just got back from a week long trek as well- the photo on the right is much lower than Danny’s, but includes at least one Michigan fan. Always good to spread the gospel, right?

It’s good to be back… right before the team goes camping as well.  And here… we… go…

Buckeye 411

• Somebody’s watching- The pre-season lists keep being kind to Buckeyes, with John Simon being named to the Hendricks List (since there’s not a Chuck Norris list) and Big Hank being tabbed as a CBS All American.
• One Bad Motha’-  So, the Tuesday Newsday saw reports that Brionte Dunn would not be facing drug charges, as the officer in charge did not believe that the substance and paraphernalia in question belonged to the freshman running back. According to the rumor mills of several Ohio State message boards, this was due in part to Brionte’s mom reporting to the scene to take responsibility and ownership of the “goods”, which means that someone is getting a really awesome gift this May.  We’ll find out Friday what consequences will result from this situation, as that’s when the Buckeyes report for the beginning of fall training.
• Productivity? Yeah right-  Particularly as we grow closer to fall practice it gets harder for those of us who have real jobs to focus on our “responsibilities”. I’m just attributing it to OHIOADHD and leaving it at that. It also doesn’t help that the Sports Information Department is enabling my problems by releasing the media guide during a work week.  Here’s the link- the effing TPS reports can wait, right?
• Feeling Inspired? As if the media guide weren’t distracting enough, here’s a clip of the video that Friday Night Lights participants got to experience. Of course, you’ll have to imagine the huge scoreboard screen and thundering sound… unless, that is, your office is a whole lot cooler than mine. Read More

Tags: 2012 Season, B12 Conference, Brionte Dunn, Central Florida, Champion's Bowl, Costumes, ESPN, Florida State, Friday Night Lights, John Simon, Jonathan Hankins, Louis Freeh Report, Michigan, NCAA, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Penn State Nittany Lions, PSU, Rob Bolden, SBP, SEC, Silas Redd, Uniforms
Categories: College Football, Humor, Michigan Football, NCAA Investigations, Ohio State Football

I'm Guessing Another 'Conversation' Will Happen Soon Numerous reports Sunday from Alliance initially indicated that freshman tailback Brionte Dunn was arrested over the weekend, although the specific issue wasn’t initially known. Given the past few months of “off field” issues for Ohio State, as well as Urban Meyer’s early stance regarding representing the team well, there was a lot of speculation that this would result in significant missed time for the rookie. Early news also indicated that Brionte was on the wrong side of the law earlier in June with a minor traffic infraction. Now, the Canton Repository is reporting that the alleged arrest was actually a citation, but has more details on the incident. According to the article, Dunn was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt, and a routine search of the vehicle found a marijuana pipe. There was another passenger in the vehicle; both were cited and no ownership or responsibility for the pipe was indicated. This would be the sixth player to be involved with law enforcement since Coach Meyer took over the program, although Dunn is the first to be a part of one of Urban’s recruiting classes. Dunn is expected to see significant time in the Buckeye offense this season, particularly with Jordan Hall’s unexpected injury keeping him out of the pre-season.  Reports from Spring Practice indicated that he was one of the athletes that had caught the staff’s eye due to his work ethic and “fit” in the offense. At this time, the University is in the “fact finding” stage of the matter and could not comment. We’ll keep you updated as this develops.

Tags: Brionte Dunn, Legal Blotter
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football

Quick reflections on the Ohio State Spring Game…

• I’ve Solved Your Problem- You know how the NFL is worried about lawsuits concussions and keeps monkeying with the kickoffs? Well, what if we just got rid of the kickoff and did the Hoot And Holler between five position players on each of the two team; most “victories” gets possession at the 25 to start the game/overtime. It used to be that the NBA did a jump ball after each basket; now there’s just the one at the beginning of the game- this would be like that. Sure, it’s a little XFL, but who’s to say we can’t all learn from each other? You’re welcome.
• Whereforeart Thou Woody?  Saint Hayes of the Clouds Of Dust would have certainly been less than excited to watch yesterday’s action, as the teams focused primarily on the passing game. Given the desire to protect the quarterbacks, a true “zone read” look was off the table and Coach Meyer seemed to be most interested in assessing the play of the wide receivers. Michael Thomas continued the connection that he built with Braxton at the Under Armor game and during the spring, with 12 catches and 135 yards total (More catches than the total leader for last season). For the Gray team, Corey Brown’s 7 catches were good for an additional 90 as well. Braxton ended up taking every snap for the Scarlet and went 24-31 with one INT and and 258 yards passing; Kenny G was 17-26 with one pick, one TD, and 191 yards passing. Read More

Tags: Braxton Miller, Brionte Dunn, Chris Carter, Corey Brown, Corey Linsley, Hoot And Holler, Jake Stoneburner, John Simon, Kenny Guiton, Kerry Coombs, Michael Thomas, Rod Smith, Spring Football 2012, Spring Game 2012, Tyvis Powell, Urban Meyer
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football

Bumped back a day to cover today’s press access- one more day means even more news, notes, and inanity.

Would look great in the man cave- and Father's Day is coming up...

Buckeye 411

• You (will be) looking live… at a brand new, super hugemongous, HD capable scoreboard in Ohio Stadium in the fall of 2012. In addition to this addition, the ‘Shoe is getting HDTVs throughout the concourses and a brand new sound system. Pluses: great view of hard hits and controversial plays, as well as being able to enjoy the schadenfreude on the other sideline with more definition. Minuses: they still won’t show the plays you want to see, they’ll probably use most of that space for advertising, and the sound system will encourage them to play stuff rather than letting TBDBITL bring the heat.
• Meyer’s Musings- Coach Meyer was in front of the media twice today; once with the B1G conference call and then again after practice. And, as surprising as this might be for folks who are used to Ohio State press interviews… he actually answered questions and gave his honest opinion.  Whew, lawdy… almost got a case of the vapors.
• Topic du jour- Coach was asked about a Sporting News piece regarding his time at Florida (more after the break), and was adamant that any alleged NCAA issues were blatantly not true. His exact quote-

There was no NCAA violation. If you could bold and underline that for me, please.

Done and done, coach.

• Also, on the phone- Coach Meyer talked a bit about the process that the team was going through in learning the offense, and said that Braxton has been having success with the perimeter running game. While the passing game still behind, he’s seen that Stoneburner and Hall are playmakers and that John Simon is a  “Warhorse”. Hopefully this won’t mean he’ll be snubbed during Oscar season.
• This Week In Injuries- In the teleconference, Coach Meyer revealed that Jacoby Boren had surgery for a torn labrum suffered during his senior season, and that the surgery was done now to ensure that he would be ready for the fall. He will remain the #2 center, in spite of missed time.  Later, we heard that Se’Von Pittman will also miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. Today in practice, CJ Barnett and Rod Smith were dinged up a bit, and several folks were still recovering from earlier issues and were in limited action. Read More

Tags: Adidas, Arkansas, Baylor, Bobby Petrino, Braxton Miller, Brionte Dunn, Carlos Hyde, Chris Carter, Chris Wormley, Gene Smith, Jacoby Boren, John Simon, Kerry Coombs, Ohio Stadium, Rod Smith, SBP, Se'Von Pittman, Spring Football 2012, Taver Johnson, The Game, The Shoe, TTUN, UCLA, Urban Meyer, Zach Boren
Categories: College Basketball, College Football, Humor, Michigan Football, Ohio State Football, Recruiting

Moving Forward

Before Buckeye Nation turned it’s eyes to shootyhoops on Saturday, the 2012 football team took to the field for it’s first full-pad practice of the spring. Here’s some of the things we’ve learned after three days under Coach Meyer:

• Saturday was a chance for the media to meet with the linebackers, and you can find some great footage from Sabino and Shazier after the jump. Coach Meyer has been pretty vocal about Grant needing to fulfill a major role in the defense moving forward, and with Klein dinged up, it’s definitely been his time to shine. Today, in pads, it sounds as if the lights are coming on- some big hits, involved all over the field, and even a pick at one point. For Ohio State to use it’s speed on the outside (Shazier/Sabino), they’ve got to have a runstopper at Mike; Grant looks to be ready to fill that role.
• Still a lot of questions about the receivers; is there a “playmaker” in this group? While that question is being sorted out, though, it’s great to hear that TY Williams has gotten past his problem with the drops and is catching everything that comes his way. With his size, he could definitely be a great weapon in the passing game. Read More

Tags: Andrew Norwell, Braxton Miller, Brionte Dunn, Carlos Hyde, Corey Linsley, Doran Grant, Etienne Sabino, Jack Mewhort, Jacoby Boren, Jeff Heuerman, Jonathan Hankins, Jordan Hall, Kenny Guiton, Maurice Hall, Reid Fragel, Rod Smith, Ryan Shazier, SBP, Se'Von Pittman, Spring Football 2012, T.Y. Williams, Taylor Decker, Tom Herman, Urban Meyer, Zach Boren
Categories: College Football, Ohio State Football