Good morning Buckeye faithful and welcome to your Tuesday Skull Session.
There's just something unpatriotic about having the fourth of July in the middle of the week. This is America; where is my three-day weekend?
Oh well, I suppose there isn't anything wrong with getting extra patriotic on a Tuesday night or any day of the week for that matter.
Seriously, though, not that you need me to tell you this, but savor this time of the year. While we should always be proud of our country and to be an American, it's days like the fourth of July that truly make us appreciate it.
So enjoy these next couple of days, America, and make sure to spend them with the ones you love. But please, everyone, let's keep it class and avoid the wearing of jorts.
Also, I know tomorrow is the fourth, but I don't write tomorrow, and I want to talk about the holiday today. It's freedom of speech, right?
THE FORGOTTEN ONE. After seeing Jared Sullinger end up in a great situation in Boston after being drafted 21st overall in the NBA draft, people seemed to forget about the other Buckeye in the draft: William Buford. However, the 6-5 guard might have his first chance to make an NBA squad through free agency, as Bob Baptist reports Buford worked out for the Chicago Bulls.
Buford, who saw his draft stock rapidly decline from his junior year, went undrafted in last Thursday's draft. Buford was a four-year starter at Ohio State and was a former Mr. Ohio basketball player of the year.
If Buford would have come out his Junior year, I think it is a no brainer that he would have been a first round pick. But like Sullinger, returning for another year hurt his draft stock considerably. Buford showed flashes of greatness like his game-tying bucket in East Lansing, but for the most part, he played poorly and inconsistent.
Despite going undrafted, Buford is in a fortunate position because he can choose his own team instead of being drafted in the second round and receiving a non-guaranteed contract. I think Buford has too much talent and too many physical gifts to play overseas, but he will have to prove himself, as it is clear NBA general managers aren't that high on him.
I am positive Buford can find a home and be developed into a role player, so hopefully he is able to catch on with a good team that has patient coaches who can bring out the best in him.
HALL MONITOR. It can not be over stated how detrimental the loss of running back Jordan Hall is to the Buckeyes this season. It has been reported that he will be able to be back by the third game of the season at the earliest, but as Dave Thurman of The Silver Bullet points out, it would be foolish to instantly think Hall will be ready to go.
To assure Hall is ready to come back and stay healthy for the remainder of the season, it is of the utmost importance to not rush him back into the lineup. The Buckeyes have depth at the running back position with Carlos Hyde, Bri'onte Dunn, Rod Smith, and Warren Ball.
All of these backs are talented and can make plays on the ground, but where hall will be missed, as Thurman points out, will be in the slot and as a kickoff/punt returner. So who can fill these roles as Hall recovers?
Thurman writes that he looks for Corey "Philly" Brown and Verlon Reed to step up and take over Hall's place as a slot receiver. Brown is a speedster, and I have always believed he was already going to be one of the improved players in Urban Meyer's offense. Verlon Reed could be an interesting choice for the position, but I am much more interested in seeing how Brown would play in this position. The problem is just finding ways to get the ball in Brown's hands because he is dangerous when he has the rock.
In terms of punt returns, this will be where Hall's absence will be noticed the most. Hall has been a fantastic kickoff and punt return man for the Buckeyes. Thurman mentions how Brown and Chris Fields have experience in these areas, but some other candidates to consider will be Hyde, Dunn, and Devin Smith. Bri'onte Dunn seems like an interesting idea because he is unlikely to receive as many carries as the other running backs but is talented enough to make some plays in the open field.
All these players will probably play a role in trying to make up for a dynamic player like Hall.
Where will Buford end up? PREDICTIONS. Eleven Warrior's Joe Beale joined several other Big Ten bloggers in discussing with The Saturday Edge what teams might threaten Michigan and Wisconsin from winning the Legends and Leaders divisions, respectively, this upcoming season.
Joe predicts the Michigan's biggest threat will be Michigan State, who won the division last year. Despite the loss of Kirk Cousins, Joe believes MSU's strong defense and their run game will keep Mark Dantonio's team in the race. Joe also advises people to not sleep on Nebraska because they will get Michigan at home this season.
For the Leaders division, Joe thinks Ohio State, despite being unable to win the division, will still make life difficult for favorite Wisconsin. Another interesting choice proposed by Joe is Purdue, who will play Michigan, Wisconsin, and Penn State at home.
Other bloggers who weighed in on the question with The Saturday Edge were Kevin McGuire of the Nittany Lions Den, Eric Cooper of Buckeye House Call, and Ryan Aylsworth of Midnight Maize.
BON VOYAGE. Patrick Chun, OSU's executive associate athletics director for external relations, will be leaving Columbus to become the new athletic director of Florida Atlantic University.
Many Ohio State coaches spoke highly of FAU's new AD.
Urban Meyer: “I commend Florida Atlantic University’s hire of Pat Chun as its new director of athletics. In the seven months I have gotten to know Pat and see him work, he has proven to be a very pragmatic and thoughtful leader and administrator. FAU and the Boca Raton community are going to embrace this young man, who is a rising star in athletics administration.”
Thad Matta: “In my eight years at Ohio State, Pat has been a valuable resource for our program. We have accomplished significant growth over the last few years with fundraising efforts for our new practice facility and renovations to our locker room, video, athletic training and strength training areas. Pat has led that effort and I anticipate he will be equally successful at FAU.”
Jim Tressel: “Pat and Natalie Chun will be difference-makers for the entire FAU community and the great state of Florida. Pat was instrumental in our successes at Ohio State both on the field of play and in the classroom. A tireless worker and a fine leader, Pat will be an important key in President MJ Saunders’ strategy to take FAU to the next level of excellence.”
Best of luck to Chun in the next phase of his career.
LOS LINKS. Preseason watch lists to watch for... Big Ten bias in team coverage... Cleveland Cavaliers release Manny Harris, meaning he is destined to become a quality player... Michael Jordan's son arrested... Ohio State recruiting ranking.
