It's July (!) which means we're not too far away from Ohio State opening up fall camp ahead of the 2017 season. The Eleven Warriors Offseason Mailbag is here in the meantime to help bridge that gap.
Which, if any, of JT's 2014 stats will he eclipse this year? — Timhbomb
This is a good question. I'm not sure J.T. Barrett will eclipse either of the scoring numbers (34 passing touchdowns, 11 rushing touchdowns) nor will he top the 938 rushing yards. However, I think there's a decent shot he completes a higher percentage than 64.6 and he may top the 3,000-yard passing mark, as well.
I'm really interested to see how this new offense actually looks. We hear a lot of different things but we won't really know much until the games start.
With Alexander out for the year, which TE becomes the backup to Baugh? And do you think Berry actually moves to TE or does he stay at DE? — SoulPatrol32
Right now, my pick for No. 2 tight end is Luke Farrell. He moved slightly ahead of Jake Hausmann this spring and I'd assume they will head into camp as No. 2 and No. 3 on the depth chart. I think there's a chance both play some, though, behind Baugh.
As far as Rashod Berry goes, I think there's definitely a chance he moves, but I'm not sure he becomes a contributor on offense. He might be too far behind Baugh, Farrell and Hausmann already that it might be better if he spends another year with Larry Johnson to develop on the defensive line. Should there be an injury to one of Ohio State's three tight ends, however, I think he makes the switch.
Of all the players that Urban has recruited/coached/sent to the NFL, pick 1 or 2 that you think could end up having their name/number hanging in The Shoe alongside all the great Buckeyes who are currently up there — RunEddieRun1983
I think it's only a matter of time before Ezekiel Elliott has his No. 15 honored at Ohio Stadium. Based on everything Zeke accomplished in his career, he's earned that one.
I also think Joey Bosa is a possibility. I'm still not sure people realize just how great of a defensive player — historically — he was. And, of course, depending on the outcome of this final season, J.T. Barrett is certainly a candidate.
What is the status of Dylan Thompson and will he finally contribute this year? — AwlinBrutus
Dylan Thompson is still on the team though it's uncertain right now if he was ever put back on scholarship. That's all we know right now. As far as potential contributions, I'd say that's not all that likely. Ohio State is loaded on the defensive line and he's been a bit buried on the depth chart.
Who's the starting five? — Buckeyeman
G — C.J. Jackson
G — Kam Williams
F — Keita Bates-Diop
F — Jae'Sean Tate
C — Kaleb Wesson
Is there any chance Chris Holtmann finds another late addition or two like C.J. Jackson to add depth to this year's roster? — Iowabuckeyes
If there's an uncommitted player out there that can be eligible for next season and is good enough for this level, you can believe Chris Holtmann is going after him. Whether that's junior college or graduate transfer, Ohio State will absolutely try to add someone now — especially at guard.
Keep an eye on Eric Ayala, a four-star guard in the 2018 class who is reportedly considering a reclassification to 2017. Ohio State recently offered and there's no program in the country that can offer the amount of playing time Ayala could receive as a freshman more than the Buckeyes. If he decides to reclassify, Ohio State would surely love to have him.
If all else fails, this roster will be filled out with preferred walk-ons and whatnot so there are enough bodies to practice.
Who came up with yesterday's poll question (where would you rather see Greg Schiano coach next year: MSU or ND?) Why? — FitzBuck
D.J. handles the polls during the week, but not sure why this would come off as a surprise. I can't emphasize enough how shocked I'd be if Greg Schiano were to still be coaching at Ohio State beyond this upcoming season. The man is a head coach and will be an option for many jobs at the end of this year.
Do you think that our offensive line will rebound this year and turn into a solid unit that can protect J.T. Barrett and give him time to throw? — AZBuckeye13
I do.
Continuity is important and I think Ohio State returning four starters from last year's group is obviously a good thing. Billy Price and Jamarco Jones are All-American candidates and I think you'll see a big jump from Michael Jordan and Isaiah Prince from Year 1 to Year 2 as starters.
Who are the top 3 names for the 2018 class that Holtmann is targeting? Who will the first 2018 commit be for Chris Holtmann? — Buckskin & OhioGuyInJersey
I combined these into one question because they are somewhat related.
I'll be honest, as of yesterday, I had Dane Goodwin as an answer to both of these questions, but that all changed when Goodwin announced his pledge to Notre Dame on Wednesday night.
So, right now, I think the top-two targets in the state are Jerome Hunter and Dwayne Cohill. Ohio State really needs to keep both of those players home. The Buckeyes are also targeting players like Musa Jallow, Eric Hunter, Torrence Watson and more, but I don't know if there's a pecking order there now that Goodwin is off the board.
I thought Goodwin could be the first to commit because he seemed set on making a decision soon. He did just that but committed to the Irish and not to Ohio State. There's a bit of buzz surrounding Jallow right now, though, so perhaps he's the first one to pull the trigger.
What has been the best non-scUM game in The Shoe in the last 10-years? — PlanningBuck12
Man, this is a tough question. The 2009 game against USC was obviously a great one, but Ohio State didn't win. As was the 2009 game against Iowa, which you mentioned. For a victory, though, and this is hilarious, but the 2012 win over Purdue was a great game (somehow).
I'm sure I'm forgetting one but those are three that come to mind for me.
Browns or Bengals? — Browns88
The Browns, unfortunately.
You're putting together your perfect summer barbecue/cookout: What's on your table (meats, sides, fixings, etc.) and in your cooler/fridge (self-explanatory)? — JohnnyKozmo
Every cookout has to have the essentials on the grill: hot dogs, burgers, brats. I'd also prefer there to be some chicken on there, as well.
As far as sides go, I'm big on both pasta and potato salad. Corn on the cob is solid. Baked beans and fruit are also very good. I like cheesy potatoes a lot, as well.
When you're having a cookout, variety in beverages is important. I'm not crazy picky when it comes to the beers, but I think there needs to be a wide range because some people are. I'll drink just about anything.
What are we drinking at this point of the summer? — Hovenaut
Whatever somebody hands me is fine.
