COLUMBUS – With preseason practice underway, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer met with the local media at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Monday to discuss the latest developments with the Buckeyes football team.
Meyer updated the status of running back Mike Weber, saying that the running back is currently dealing with tightness in his hamstring. He did not practice with the team on Thursday, but returned to practice in a limited capacity on Monday. Meyer said the coaches are simply being cautious with him as there is still a month left until the start of the season.
Here's what else you need to know from Meyer's Monday press conference:
- One of his central themes in camp is Meyer wants his players to "own it." Used former Ohio State linebacker Curtis Grant as an example, saying he acts like he "owns the damn thing" when he walked in the building.
- Meyer reiterated that he expects the offense to play with more tempo this season.
- On wide receivers: "It's one of the best groups we've ever had culturally."
- "It's too early" to say if any players have made a jump yet.
- Left guard Michael Jordan played "OK" last year as a true freshman.
- Meyer is excited about offensive linemen Josh Myers, Wyatt Davis and Thayer Munford and has no problem playing them as true freshmen if needed.
- The focus early in fall camp is on building culture and "going hard," not yet on setting the depth chart. Players have about 10 days of practice to establish themselves before the coaches start setting the depth chart.
- Two defensive linemen are on the watch list for having their black stripes removed.
- Meyer sometimes views the first one or two games as preseason games when the Buckeyes open with lower-level non-conference opponents. Ohio State doesn't have that luxury this year with Indiana as the season-opening opponent.
- Ohio State is scheduled to use 28 of its 29 allotted preseason practices.
- Jamarco Jones was one of Ohio State's most improved players last year.
- True freshman Jaylen Harris is among the players who have stepped up at the wide receiver position. "Has the skill set to play here, no doubt."
- True freshman wide receiver Trevon Grimes is not practicing in a competitive capacity yet after tearing his ACL during his senior year of high school.
Check back with Eleven Warriors in the coming days for further updates on the latest from Ohio State football.
