The offensive revolution will continue. It will just have a different look in 2014. No two seasons are ever the same, and that notion rings true for Ohio State.
Carlos Hyde, Philly Brown and nearly the entire offensive line is gone. So is Braxton Miller – at least for the spring. Replacements are being located and playmakers have been put on notice.
Names like Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall could become frequent by October, as could Ezekiel Elliott and Johnnie Dixon. It’s all part of Meyer’s vision that’s heavy on speed and elusive game-breakers. And for good reason.
His preferred style of play has resulted in two national championships and two undefeated seasons. Those high marks came with three different teams – Florida, Utah and Ohio State.
But the 2014 offense will be different than 2013 – and 2006 at Florida and 2004 at Utah.
“It will have a different taste to it,” Meyer said.
Notes:
- Urban Meyer confirms Jeff Heuerman had surgery on his sprained foot. Meyer said he'll be in a cast/boot for six weeks. Heuerman should be good to go in June.
- At tight end, Meyer said there isn’t a huge drop off because Nick Vannett and Marcus Baugh have performed so well.
- Several players have suffered injuries this spring. Meyer said there are no alarm bells, though. The rate isn’t much different from past springs.
- The offense had a subpar today in a scrimmage. Most everyone on the unit struggled, Meyer said. He named Cardale Jones and Taylor Decker specifically.
- "The defense got better of the offense today."
- One of the potential playmakers this season, Curtis Samuel, stuck out in practice Tuesday, according to Meyer.
- "Cardale was bad today. And when I say back, I mean real bad." But he added that Jones is clearly the No. 2 quarterback and “one of the most improved players on the team.”
- Meyer said he doesn't feel student-athletes are employees. But he's always believed students should get a stipend. Meyer said he agrees with the 20-hour per week rule for players. Once you leave the facility, though, it takes more than that to be successful, which is why guys watch film, use iPads, etc.
- "Josh Perry's turning into an Ohio State linebacker -- about. He's not quite there yet."
- Meyer’s always big on leadership, and that hasn’t changed in 2014. He said the team is going through unit leadership. Coaches and speakers have done leadership training, attempting to mold the team.
- "We have a real systematic approach to fixing this thing – it’s not broke, but we didn’t finish the chase."
