Another Spring Game is in the rearview mirror and now we're left to do until camp starts at the end of the summer except dream of Buckeye football (and continue watching the three postseason games on a loop).
But it's worthwhile to take a moment to look back at some of the performances in Saturday's glorified practice to find signs of what's to come in the future for Ohio State. Since most of the starters are known quantities, they didn't play much. Accordingly, most of our glimpses of what lies ahead come from backups starting to emerge, as well as younger players.
Here are my takeaways from Saturday:
Adolphus Washington
Performance: “Officially” credited with two tackles (both solo), a sack and a tackle for loss in limited action.
Takeaway: Diesel may only have been credited with two stops, but he was explosive and disruptive in his limited action, which bodes well for his final season in Columbus. Washington will need to step up this season and become a disruptive force similar to the role Michael Bennett played on the defensive line last season. A more explosive Diesel Washington is a frightening prospect for opposing linemen.
Corey Smith
Performance: Led both teams in receptions (6), yards (174) and touchdowns (2), and had the game’s biggest play on a 58-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. His other scoring play covered 37 yards.
Takeaway: Smith is making his case to replace namesake Devin Smith as the team’s deep threat. He actually could have had a better day if not for a few of Cardale Jones’ passes being slightly off the mark. Smith started to come on in the latter stages of 2014 and his Spring Game performance shows he’s working hard to develop into the great player he wants to become. Another Smith catching long touchdown passes for Ohio State? Yes, please.
Erick Smith
Performance: Finished fourth on the Gray squad with three tackles (one solo) and intercepted two passes with eight return yards.
Takeaway: Smith’s two interceptions on Saturday, plus the one he had as a freshman last year vs. Kent State, show off his ball skills and serve as evidence that as good as Ohio State’s starting safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell are, they are being pushed every day by solid competition in camp. Starters can’t afford to rest on their laurels with a player like Smith waiting in the wings to take their spot. Another takeaway is that sufficient talent exists that Ohio State could survive an injury at the position by turning to the “next man up.”
Damon Webb
Performance: Finished third on the Gray team with six tackles (three solos) and provided excellent coverage with few errors.
Takeaway: Like with Erick Smith, it’s nice to see a youngster pushing the starters to keep them performing at their peak. Webb’s coverage was generally outstanding throughout the game. He was even right on the receiver’s hip for a touchdown allowed, and even the best corners get beat from time to time. Webb’s performance should encourage Buckeye fans that even if something happens to one of the starters, there shouldn’t be much drop-off in production.
Nick Conner
Performance: In perhaps the game’s standout performance, Conner posted a game-high seven tackles (three solos), with a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, an interception and a pass breakup.
Takeaway: Here’s a future breakout star in the making. Sure, the Spring Game has turned up amazing performances in the past by guys who were never heard from again, but does anyone really think Conner is one of those? Me neither. The Dublin Scioto product has the look of a guy who will push for playing time immediately, like Raekwon McMillan did last year.It wasn’t long ago that linebacker was a true problem area for Ohio State. In just a short time, the position has become one of strength with quality depth. If you’re going to blame Luke Fickell for past defensive failings, you certainly have to credit him with turning around that position group.
Other players who showed glimpses of their potential on Saturday include Sam Hubbard (four total tackles, two solos, two sacks, two tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups), Noah Brown (four receptions, 44 yards), Parris Campbell (five receptions, 38 yards and a touchdown—but was open deep several times in which Stephen Collier couldn’t get him the ball), Jeff Greene (five catches, 56 yards), Terry McLaurin (a nice 35-yard touchdown reception to close the first half), and Curtis Samuel (three catches, 30 yards, although he did have some drops).
Who else caught your eye this spring?
