With Kent State dispatched and Cincinnati on tap next Saturday, Urban Meyer joined Jim Lachey and the voice of the Buckeyes, Paul Keels, on the airwaves of 97.1 The Fan for Urban Meyer Coach's Call-In Show.
Urban was complimentary of J.T. Barrett, but said the Texas gunslinger is "not where you want him to be" in terms of making audibles at the line of scrimmage.
Urban conceded Ohio State's offensive line "needed that game" against Kent State. The two tackles are playing "at a high level," but it's the three interior linemen OSU is trying to sort. Charis Farris is a guy who earned praise from Meyer. Jamarco Jones is "so close" and another guy Ohio State is "pushing."
Urban "sees a lot of good" in Marcus Baugh, but ultimately "has to make the right decision." Baugh "has a nice future if he keeps growing up."
The whole team saw Cincinnati's game against Toledo. "The speed and athleticism at receiver just blew everybody away." Urban decided he wanted to become a head coach while attending a Cincinnati homecoming game. (Tidbit: Urban Meyer's middle sister was homecoming queen at Cincinnati.)
Urban called Tommy Tuberville "a very good coach," and conceded "I haven't had much success against him."
Johnnie Dixon, Erick Smith, Jalyn Holmes and Dante Booker are all young guys Urban is pushing for playing time. OSU is trying to get them game reps so the game will slow down for them.
Raekwon McMillan falls into the same category as Curtis Samuel. One of Urban Meyer's "favorites" and is "captain-type material." "He will be playing more."
A caller asked if Urban has ever considered putting Raekwon McMillan at defensive end on critical third downs. Raekwon, according to Urban, is "not a guy who can go after an offensive tackle." He's better blitzer when he's going against a running back, and blitzing is about matchups. Joey Bosa, due to his long arms, is the perfect model for defensive end. McMillan, on the other hand, "just isn't long enough" right now.
Urban said it's different than it was five, ten years ago: freshmen are signed to play. "If you really recruit well, those guys are gone in three or four years." But somebody like Parris Campbell, who just turned 17, might be a candidate for redshirt. Urban said 2014's freshmen are the best class they've recruited.
Jalin Marshall "is a diverse athlete" who "is starting to grow up." He wasn't a good practice player in the past, and he's gotten past that. "He's going to do a couple thing for us as he continues to grow."
Urban said they're trying to get Dontre Wilson stronger, as he has been plagued by some shoe-string tackles this year.
Caller: Coach ... it's an honor to speak with you. (Pause)
Urban Meyer: Thank you? (Longer pause.)
Urban lauded the recent expansion to the Horseshoe, and those who spear-headed it. (Tidbit: Ohio Stadium, when it was first erected, received donations from all 88 of Ohio's counties.) "We don't want these guys renting this place," Urban said. He makes sure his teams know the traditions of Ohio State.
On Noah Spence's status: "I don't know much about that situation. It's the university's and the conference's lead. ... We got to get him healthy."
On Braxton's current role: "I don't want to say struggling, but he want's to play so bad." Urban said the two talk every day, and that Miller made so much progress in the spring and summer, Urban wants to "make sure he doesn't lose that."
On Urban's role in deciding in-game decisions: "Most of those conversations are had during the week." Urban said it's ultimately his decision, but he doesn't micro-manage each position. "We have an excellent staff. There are no egos. If there were, I wouldn't put up with that."
Cardale Jones is "much improved." It's always been a maturity issue with him, not talent. "I don't say that to wound him," said Meyer. "If he continues to improve, I want to get him in the game."
Urban ends with lauding students for sticking around against Kent State. Urban conceded he wishes there was more he could do to show his appreciation of the studentry, but "the students own that stadium. And they should."
