Spring break is over. For the Ohio State football team, that means the return of competition and collisions. Or in Dontre Wilson’s case avoiding contact.
No. 1 is now No. 2, not that it diminishes his value. If anything, after a disappointing freshman season, Wilson is more determined than ever to make an impact. Without Carlos Hyde, Wilson is aiming to become Ohio State’s top offensive threat.
In just a handful of spring practices, Wilson has wowed coaches and teammates. He’s been heavily involved in the game plan as a receiver, allowing him to get in space and outrun the defense. Ohio State’s secondary and linebackers are a big theme over the next month, but the offense isn’t to be ignored.
“We just have to improve,” Meyer said. “We’ve got to finish, and I like where we’re at as a team.”
Along with Wilson, Ohio State’s also equipped with rising stars such as Johnnie Dixon, Jalin Marshall and Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Greene, as well as known quantities Braxton Miller, Devin Smith and Ezekiel Elliott.
With Meyer and Tom Herman calling the shots, adding and multiplying equals another potentially long season for opposing defenses.
Notes:
- Meyer said coaches have done a lot of offensive and defensive research during the offseason. He mentioned Clemson and Texas A&M coming to Columbus. Today, Greg Schiano was at Ohio State’s practice.
- The Buckeyes will take a few days during the spring to work on preparation for Navy.
- Freshmen that have come out of nowhere: Darron Lee and Raekwan McMillan.
- Meyer raved about Lee. He said he’s embraced the culture, is a great leader and plays as hard as he possibly can.
- Cardale Jones is still running with the first-team. But the competition remains close. Meyer had good things to say about J.T. Barrett too.
- “Talk about a changed guy. He was a guy that couldn’t get out of his own way before. You know about the tweet. He’s a completely different guy.” –Meyer on Cardale Jones
- Meyer said Vonn Bell going down was a blow. He’s confident he’ll be fine, though. Freshman safety Erick Smith were mentioned as possibly being called upon. At the moment, Cam Burrows and Tyvis Powell are helping fill in.
- “We’ll have depth at safety.” -Meyer
- Taking the Jack Mewhort leadership role is Taylor Decker, which is no surprise.
- Meyer said there’s zero chance the spring game format would ever disappear. It’s too valuable for young players to gain experience.
