Tuesdays with Tressel: Youngstown St.

Scheduling
What seems as though it is consistently the discussion with college football the same questions greeted Jim Tressel in his first Tuesday Press Conference: Scheduling. Tressel said that he loves to give in-state schools a chance to play a big time program like Ohio State. For many of these teams it will be the best competition they face all season and it is an opportunity of a lifetime for many of their players to get a chance to play in a legendary stadium like the shoe. Not to mention it is an opportunity for these schools to use this money to make improvements to their campus. Looking ahead Tressel said there are no more Bowl Championship Series (Division 1-AA) for the next four or five years. As far as I am concerned I have no problem with Tressel trying to give his old team a handout.
Doug Worthington: DUI
Worthington (DT) will be ready and is expected to play but he is definitely not supposed to start. Tressel says that the team is moving on and as far as his driving under the influence arrest; it is resolved from an institutional level.
The Backup Quarterback
So far this spring season Joe Bauserman has been able to hold off Terrelle Pryor as the backup. He has taken most of the snaps with the second team offense and Pryor has seen most of his practice snaps with the Third Team. Tressel has said that Pryor has seen some snaps with the second team but he has been really impressed with Bauserman’s throwing ability. He can not hold of Pryor forever and Tressel expects all three quarterbacks to see time in the First Quarter.
Tressel on YSU
He said it is a lot like the Bill Murray's film Groundhog Day when he watches film from the place where he spent 15 years as the head coach. YSU likes to stack up in the box and dare you to run the football. They try and force teams to throw the football to beat them. With a running game and an offensive line like the buckeyes have they should have no problem doing either. Chris “Beanie” Wells struggled last year against YSU and Tressel attributed that to too much anxiety. “He wanted to score on each play, now he is more patient and is visualizing his blocks.” Offensively YSU is unveiling its new spread offense; the only problem is that Ohio State does not know what the spread will be featuring. This has been the major storey line in college football, it seems as though it has spread throughout college football like wild fire. Ohio State is successful against the spread when it can pressure the quarterback. They should have no problem with that this weekend.
Guys Jumping to the NFL
Tressel was asked about how they have many guys on the roster this year that very likely could have left early last season. He responded by saying that the coaching staff is very conscious of this and that it is a reminder to the staff that they (the players) have risked a lot (NFL salary) and they (the coaches) have to do their best.
Special Teams
Last season the Buckeyes struggled on special teams and at times were susceptible to big returns against them. Tressel said that it was a major emphasis during spring practice. Returning punts for the Buckeyes will again be Ray Small, Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie will get some time back there this year as the 3rd stringer.
Running Backs
Daniel “Boom” Herron has been the #2 running back for most of the spring and is listed that way for the start of the season. Boom Herron has taken advantage of some injuries to Brandon Saine and Mo Williams.
Quarterbacks
Todd Boeckman is entering his second season as the full time starter for the Buckeyes and this off-season Tressel and the coaching staff has stressed consistency. His leadership off the field in the locker room has led to his run away selection as captain.
Final Thoughts
Tressel stressed managing expectations and says that he feels comfortable that this will not be a problem for this team because of its maturity level. “YSU brought it to the guys last year and the Michigan loss last season is in their minds”

Ohio State Football Captains Named

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Todd Boeckman, Malcolm Jenklns, James Laurinaitis and Brian Robiskie were elected as 2008 captains of the Ohio State football team, as announced to the squad today.

“I’m extremely thankful and honored by the confidence shown by my teammates in my leadership,” said Boeckman, a senior quarterback from St. Henry High School in St. Henry, Ohio. “It’s a great feeling to have that type of role in this football program. You’re part of something much bigger than yourself.”

“When you think back on all the past captains at Ohio State, you realize what a great honor and opportunity this is,” said Jenkins, a senior cornerback from Piscataway (N.J.) High School. “This team is a very special collection of remarkable people; that’s why I came back for another year – to be around these guys.”

“It’s unbelievable to have the chance to represent the type of player and people we have on this team as their captain for another year,” said Laurinaitis, a senior linebacker from Wayzata High School in Hamel, Minn., who also served as a team captain in 2007. “With the number of outstanding leaders we have on our team, I will work to lead everyone in every way I can, on and off the field.”

Previous two-year captains: Richard T. Ellis (1891-92), Archie Griffin (1974-75), Glen Cobb (1981-82), Thomas Johnson (1984-85), Joe Cooper (2000-01), Steve Bellisari (2000-01)

“First and foremost, it humbles you. To have the respect of your teammates in such a way is definitely an honor,” said Robiskie, a senior who attended Chagrin Falls High School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. “The tradition of guys who have led this team in the past shows you what an honor it is.”

Offensive Breakdown

With a team that returns 19 out of a possible 22 starters there are two things this Ohio State Team has: experience and depth. Each position seems as though it is filled with seasoned veterans or highly touted recruits. With their dominance of the Big 10 in recent years even a season filled with injuries could still lead to a successful result.
The O-Line
The offensive line returns four starters. Jim Cordle, the center, will enter his second year of starting. Last season, due to injury, he snapped most of the year from his weaker hand and did not miss a beat. Surrounding him, in the Guard positions, are two seniors Steve Rehring and Ben Person who both started every game last year. Replacing the All-American Right Tackle, Kirk Barton, is Bryant Browning. Browning has continued to develop in game situations and is a crushing run blocker. The line is solidified by Outland Trophy contender Alex Boone. Boone who may be one of the best athletes on the team, not just the offensive line, could be a 1st round draft pick next year in the NFL Draft. Rounding out the depth in the O-line are three outstanding Freshman JB Shugarts, Mike Adams and Michael Brewster who are both 5 Star Recruits.
Wide Receivers
Brian Robiskie is the leading returning receiver from the past two seasons has outstanding speed and quickness. He is blessed with great hands and has a remarkable knack for the big play. Brian Hartline, who had six touchdown receptions last season, returns as Todd Boeckman’s go to receiver over the middle. Hartline, who is an Ohio State track star in the hurdles, has great hands, work ethic and an ability to find seams over the middle. Ray Small is trying to stay out of trouble and develop into the outstanding slot receiver that he has always been hyped up to be. Ted Ginn Sr. called him the best wide receiver that he has ever coached. Small has shown flashes of greatness and dynamic speed as a return man for Ohio State. Dane Sanzenbacher has solidified his starting role as the slot receiver in spring practice. Sanzenbacher is a speedy receiver who made an impact as a true freshman, showed great instincts for the game and developed into a solid red zone threat. Adding depth and talent to this already strong position are sophomore Taurian Washington, Five Star Recruit DeVier Posey and Four Star Athlete Lamar Thomas. If you include pass catching Tight Ends Rory Nicole and Jake Ballard this is a group that should keep Todd Boeckman very comfortable in passing downs.
Running Backs
With Heisman frontrunner Chris “Beanie” Wells you could move your back up running backs to defense and feel confident enough. Beanie fought through injuries last season to break Archie Griffin’s OSU sophomore rushing record with 1,609 yards and added 15 touchdowns. Barring any nagging injuries, like the ones that Beanie dealt with last year, the Buckeyes will do more than survive their schedule. Brandon Saine and Maurice Wells are very formidable speed backs that give Tressel several options offensively to slip them out onto the wings or use them on screen plays. In the Spring Redshirt Freshman Daniel “Boom” Herron took advantage of some injuries to the other running backs and should see some significant playing time.
Quarterbacks
Returning starter Todd Boeckman has a full season of starting under his belt and this being his fifth year in Tressel’s system should show some big signs of improvement. Todd was 1st Team Big Ten and led the conference in pass efficiency. In Spring Ball the word consistency was stressed with Todd who struggled in the Buckeyes last four games. Todd was selected as a unanimous captain and has comfortably stepped up into that leadership role. Finally, I am at the part you have all been waiting for. Terrelle Pryor the number one recruit in the nation. Pryor, a 6 foot 6 freak of nature, is a dual threat at Quarterback and has the ability to score at any moment through the air or on the ground. Joe Bauserman, who was a more highly touted High School star than Brian Brohm, spent a few years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system has returned to Ohio State and adds depth and experience to the position.

Defensive Breakdown

D-Line

Loosing 2^nd Team All Big Ten defensive end, Vernon Gholston, would slow down any teams pass rush. Except by the end of this season many fans will have forgotten about Gholston due to the play of Lawrence Wilson. Wilson, who was the starter opposite Gholston at D-End last season, went down in week one due to a broken leg. But know he is back and is poised to replace Gholston as the main sack artist for the Buckeyes. Thaddeus Gibson joins Gholston at the other defensive end position. This converted linebacker has incredible speed and drive and enough athletic ability to play safety. Look for Thaddeus to surprise some people with Wilson requiring some double teams. For the rest of the line the Buckeyes have a solid mix of seniors and younger talent and Tressel likes to give all of them some playing time. The rotation includes Cameron Heyward, Rob Rose, Doug Worthington, Nader Abdallah, Todd Denlinger, and Dexter Larimore. If this is Ohio States one weakness it is the lack of a third or fourth stand out on the defensive line. Although, I believe that it speaks more to their depth and dedication than anything else. Each one of these players has the ability to be “the guy” but with them all fighting hard for playing time it will be hard for Tressel to keep any of them off the field.

Defensive Backs

Three words, Malcolm Jenkins Period. Jenkins possesses all of the skill and talent to be a number one cover corner in the NFL now. Passing up the draft Malcolm returned to Ohio State as their number one defensive back and the number one defensive back in the nation. At 6-1 220 he has great size and strength and his 4.3, 40 doesn’t hurt either. Even with the suspensions of the number two corner Donald Washington and maybe the best athlete in the secondary, JaMario O’Neal, the buckeyes have plenty of depth to make up for it. Andre Amos returns to the field after fighting through injuries. He is a smart, competitive player who adds more 4.4 speed to the secondary. He is working on becoming more physical and is starting his fourth year in this system as a Jr. Sophomore surprise Chimdi Chekwa, who is a sprinter on the track team, is one of the most versatile components of the veteran secondary. He possesses excellent man-to-man coverage skills and good speed and athletic ability. At the safety position Juniors Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman are returning starters and fierce competitors. Coleman who is a beast in the weight room has shown flashes of following in the footsteps of great Ohio State safeties but has had trouble with finishing big plays and making interceptions. Russell struggles with the same things but brings loads of experience and his ability to play either safety as well as nickel back. Dropped interceptions have plagued the back end of the secondary but were a major emphasis in the spring. I expect major improvements from the secondary in that respect.

Linebackers

The buckeyes not only have one of the best inside linebackers in the nation, James Laurinaitis, but they also posses another top 10 linebacker in Marcus Freeman. Laurinaitis is a returning All-American, Butkus and Nagurski Award winner and one of the most proficient linebackers in the college ranks today. He has the ability to stuff the run, bring down the quarterback and drop back in coverage. Laurinaitis has 7 interceptions in his career at Ohio State. Freeman is coming off of a 109 tackle season and if he can pull off another season of 100+ tackles it will help this Ohio State team continue its dominance. Tyler Moeller, Austin Spitler and Curtis Terry, who also has seen some time at FB during spring practice, bring lots of talent and game experience to the position. The most exciting players in this core might be youngsters Brian Rolle and Etienne Sabino. Rolle has put in time as a special team’s standout last season and should see some good fill in time this year. Sabino a true freshman looks to be in line to become another great OSU linebacker.

3rd Times a Charm

Another college football season begins and, again this year, there are many questions surrounding each team. Can Georgia fight through the suspensions and live up to expectations? Can Tim Tebow match Archie Griffin and become the second player ever to win two Heisman trophies? Can USC settle on a quarterback and be crowned King of the Pac 10 for the 7th straight year? With many new questions this year, Ohio State is still looking to answer questions from seasons past. Will their dominance over their big ten foes continue? Can they compete with the speed of the SEC? Will the voters even give OSU a shot at a third straight National Championship? Again this season, to the dismay of most college football fans, Ohio State is in the hunt for the National Championship. Last year the buckeyes were a bit of a surprise having had to replace so many stars on offense and defense. The Heisman Trophy Winner, Troy Smith, and the likes of Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzales all found themselves selected in the NFL draft. The Buckeyes sent 8 draft picks to the NFL and many fans, including me, thought the Buckeyes would finish the 2007 season with two losses. It was exhilarating to see a team with just 11 returning starters excel a year earlier than expected. But all alliteration aside, it was troubling. With the success came some confusion. Questions arose and the chance that James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Alex Boone, Vernon Gholston and Brian Robiskie could all leave early for the draft. Gholston could not pass up the chance to be a Top 10 draft pick, but to the delight of all Buckeye fans everyone else returned. This Ohio State team returns an astounding 19 starters and, two National Championship games later, loads of experience. An undefeated march through the Big 10 and a record breaking third straight title are most certainty on the horizon. At just about any program, across the country, making it to the National Championship would be a success but now it’s different. The fact of the matter is that we have not returned any favor to the Big 10. In past years we received the benefit of the doubt that the Big 10 conference is a BCS conference. This year I would not expect that same sentiment to be present in the mind of the voters. This is the year for Ohio State to take a stand and to return some credibility to the conference. This offseason the Buckeyes brought home some interesting hardware; they were named the most hated team in College Football. Honestly, who can blame the voters the Buckeyes have been an embarrassment in the NC. I have tried to find a flaw in this team, something that assures me we will not make it to another National Championship game but I can not. This is one of the most talented and complete teams that have ever played under Jim Tressel and that is saying a lot. Let’s just hope they can live up to these lofty expectations. If they are the best team on the field in Southern California on Sep 13th there is nothing standing in their way of disappointing the general public once again.

The Legends of Lard

So, my brother was in town this week, we got to talking and he brought up a conversation he had about the fattest players in baseball. I started thinking about it and I decided to put together a starting lineup. Forget the All-Star Team this is the All-Fat Team. In a league filled with high salaries, stretched waistbands and pulled hamstrings these are truly the All-Stars. Fortunately for them their poor eating habits and overall lack of athletic ability is completely overshadowed by their outstanding baseball skill. I have always argued that baseball players are the least athletic of any other major sports athletes and, at times, I have questioned if we should even refer to them as athletes. But I think my perspective may have been a bit off base. Watching all 5’11’ 270 pounds of Prince Fielder rumble around the bases for an inside the park home run was a thing of grace. Maybe they are not inferior athletes at all. Not many people could run the basses as quickly and as elegantly as Prince Fielder did. There are only two requirements for my picks: First they must be active players and second they must be able to fit at least 12 hot dogs in their mouth at once. (Buns Included) These Legends of Lard should not be looked down upon but raised up atop a pedestal and praised for their accomplishments. Here it is! This is what you have been waiting for...the starting lineup.

The Manager: Charlie Manuel
If you are going to have a team someone has to be the manager. Look at that face he is just hunting for sausage.

Catcher: Bengie Molina

Height: 5-11
Weight: 225 lbs.
Today, Jose and Yadier let me borrow their chins. Oh happy day!



First Basemen: Prince Fielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 277 lbs.
Hmmm ain't no meat in that donut sandwich huh Prince?


Second Basemen: Ronnie Belliard
Height: 5-10
Weight: 214
214...Yea in your bra




Short Stop: Juan Uribe
Height: 6-0
Weight: 225
You may be thinking that Uribe is not that big but he has been putting on a lot of weight at the Craps Table not to mention he has been taking diet tips from Bobby Jenks



Third Basemen: Miguel Cabrera
Height: 6-4
Weight: 240 lbs.
He only looks this big because he is secretly hiding Brandon Inge in his jersey to play defense for him


Outfield: Magglio Ordonez
Height: 6-0
Weight: 215
See that smile, its the same smile he had on his face when he learned grown ups could order Happy Meals too....aww Magglio they grow up so fast





Outfield: Carlos Lee
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240 lbs.
"El caballo" that's Spanish for the lettuce. Maybe he should try and incorporate that into his el dieto.




Outfield: Willie Mo Pena
Height: 6-3
Weight: 268 lbs.
Designated Hitter: David Ortiz
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Ohhh man. That's what I am talking about. That is just a smorgasbord of fun right there.
The Starting Rotation

CC Sabathia
Height: 6-7
Weight: 290 lbs.
CC breaks the scales just like he broke most Clevelander's hearts.



Fatolo Colon
Height: 5-11
Weight: 245
Bartolo was skinny, but then he learned instead of a paycheck he could be paid in Beer and hot dogs. Nothing like a direct deposit


Brad Penny
Height: 6-4
Weight: 260 lbs.
Every first monday of the month at noon the dodgers do not practice their tornado drills but they learn how to use a defibrillator. I hope for Brad's sake Manny does not decide to be Manny at the wrong time.


Aaron Harang
Height: 6-7
Weight: 275
It is not Harang's fault that his training schedule in the offseason is comprised of sleeping and Skyline chili. The dude lives in Cincy who can blame him.



Sidney Ponson
Height: 6-1
Weight: 260
I am not exactly sure what happened to Sidney Ponson maybe it is all the cristal. Bottoms up!

The Bullpen
Bobby Jenks
Height: 6-3
Weigt: 275
Good thing that pink facial hair makes him more aerodynamic otherwise his fastball might loose 5mph


Eric Gagne
Height: 6-0
Weight: 240
Apparently after steroid use subsides every muscle in your body is replaced with jelley donuts. Beard growth is suggested to slow the break down of muscles but not necessary


Bob Wickman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 240 lbs.
"I made you save....but I eated it.





Although these players are real this team is fictional. But there is one Major League Baseball team that tips the scales. This team recieves honorable mention for the domination of their wastebands. The fattest team in the MLB is the Chicago White Sox with an average weight of 224lbs. Well there you have it. Something that can make any American smile. These are truly real American Heros. If you have any suggestions or additions to my starting lineup leave your comments or send me an email.