Ohio State is No. 2
Ohio State checks in at No. 2 in the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2024.
The legend of Dontre Wilson has been shrouded in mystery for an entire summer. On the fourth day of Ohio State’s fall practice, the media finally got a glimpse. Verdict: the speedy Texan is as advertised.
Wilson lined up at both running back and receiver. On multiple occasions, he abused members of the secondary. In a scrimmage against the defense, Wilson caught a pass from Kenny Guiton at the 10-yard line, but had to navigate C.J. Barnett and Doran Grant. No problem. The afterburners came on, and Wilson outraced both of them to the end zone, even though both defensive backs had the angle.
It wasn’t all speed with Wilson, though. There was stopping at a moment’s notice and changing direction on a whim.
Another speedster: Jalin Marshall. He had a kickoff return for a touchdown. Also looked tough catching balls over the middle.
On the other side of the ball, Adolphus Washington turned in an impressive performance. It’s beginning to be the norm after a spring filled with highlights.
Left guard Andrew Norwell left the field early in practice with an apparent right ankle injury and never returned. There was no update on his status.
The best catch of the day goes to Philly Brown, who went sky-high over Bradley Roby in the back of the end zone and came down with one foot inbounds.
Tyvis Powell, Pittsburgh Brown and Vonn Bell took reps at the Star position. Barnett noted that Powell has played well so far and has embraced his role on the team. Position battles will end Saturday. Sounds like Powell is in the lead at Star.
Jordan Hall and Rod Smith split first-team running back reps. Bri’onte Dunn was third followed by Warren Ball. Carlos Hyde was the last running back to get carries.
Hyde is a very good blocking back, which is a concern while he’s out. After blocking drills, though, Dunn and Ball were both impressive, delivering hard hits.
Roby is practicing with the second-team defense. He had one interception and another that was dropped. Kerry Coombs lit into him and then came 10 pushups.
The targeting rule has been a hot topic lately. Well, Ohio State saw it enforced today after Chris Worley hit Nick Vannet high and hard.
It was a very spirited practice, a couple heated exchanged, including one between Tom Herman and Luke Fickell. Brown held Herman at bay. Both guys are uber-competitive.
Brown and Barnett also shared some shoves.
The freshmen linebackers looked like freshmen linebackers. There’s a long way to go. Depth will be issue. Josh Perry was first-team alongside Ryan Shazier.
Earle Bruce, Jim Delany and Jim Heacock were all at practice. It’s been reported that Heacock is on the staff in some capacity. Ohio State has not confirmed, though.
During the first 30 minutes of drills, Mike Vrabel spent some time griping about Michael Bennett and Noah Spencer. The starters were asked to do drills a second time more than once.
Marcus Baugh practiced, but he may wish he wouldn’t have. Tim Hinton ripped him during blocking drills and then again when he fumbled near the goal line.
Joel Hale was practicing with the first-team defensive line. But tommy Schutt is pushing him hard. Urban Meyer is really big on Hale’s leadership.
Ivon Blackman and Adam Griffin also suffered injuries that didn’t look serious.
Brown, Marshall, Devin Smith and Jeff Heuerman (two) all had touchdown catches during scrimmaging.
Taylor Decker was jolted some by Ed Warinner today. Had a couple holds called against him. All signs still point to Decker being the starter.
