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.
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