It sure as hell hasn't felt like it but spring is in fact upon us and nothing signals the turn of the season like the sweet sound of pads popping in the Shoe as Urban Meyer's 2018 squad stages its annual scrimmage to close out spring drills.
The intrigue around this Saturday's scrimmage is noteworthy as a host of starting spots are up for grabs – including at the all-important quarterback position – while a ton of young guys across both sides of the ball look to solidify their spots in the post-spring two-deep.
It's easy to put too much stock into what we see in the spring game but nevertheless, here are Five Things I'll be particularly interested in as the Buckeyes take the field.
LINEBACKER DEPTH
With Tuf Borland on the shelf until at least September and Dante Booker also out, I'm curious to see which linebackers flash playmaking ability and coverage skills in what will assuredly be a pass-happy affair.
Redshirt junior Justin Hilliard has been the No. 1 middle linebacker all spring with sophomore Baron Browning close behind. Obviously injuries have severely hindered Hilliard's career thus far so is he finally ready to be a legit defensive contributor? It would be a great story if he could stay healthy and blossom during the back-half of his time in Columbus.
Meanwhile, Browning has all the physical gifts you want in a linebacker and it will be up to him to show some growth after rightfully looking like a freshman in spot duty last season depsite obvious talent. Nothing against Hilliard but I'd love to see Browning flip the switch on Saturday.
Flanking the middle, a pair of juniors in Keandre Jones and Malik Harrison have been running as the No. 1 strongside and weakside linebackers though coach Bill Davis has said he sees the positions as interchangeable.
Jones, like Hilliard, really hasn't show much since arriving on campus whereas Harrison was more impactful last year with 36 stops. Those two will try to hold off sophomore Pete Werner and true freshman Dallas Gant.
I'm interested to see what both Jones and Werner can do in coverage as I'd love to see Werner make a case for rotational minutes this fall.
RIGHT THAYER
This is one is actually about more than just how new right tackle Thayer Munford will look as I'm just as intrigued with how Isaiah Prince is handling the transition from right to left tackle but considering how spring drills have gone to date, it's likely Prince will see little to no action on Saturday.
That leaves plenty of attention for Munford who has shot up the depth chart despite being the third-lowest rated recruit in the 2017 class.
Though Meyer had to be talked into taking him as the last member of that 2017 class, Munford saw meaningful time last season against Michigan while blue chips in his class like Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers are still clawing to make the rotation.
Munford's ability to lock down the right tackle spot, and in particular show he can consistently pass block, is just a critical to Ohio State's success this season as Prince's effectiveness in replacing Jamarco Jones who was criminally underrated at the most physically demanding spot along the line.
RIPE BERRY?
I've been bullish on redshirt junior tight end Rashod Berry for a while now and I'm excited to see if we can draw any conclusions as to his growth and commitment to consistency now that he has a chance to be The Man.
Our own Kyle Jones had an excellent piece on Berry earlier this week showcasing what was sometimes a lack of attention to detail whether it be in route running, holding blocks or simply missing assignments.
Between those issues, Berry flashed freakish athleticism and physicality making it clear he can be a force if he's dialed in.
Of course, every year we talk about the tight end position and then ultimately the receiving numbers fail to impress but the importance of having a legit player in this role can't be understated considering how often the tight end is motioned all over the field and called upon to execute key blocks.
To that end, I'll be paying attention to how Berry looks when the ball isn't coming his way.
DIRTY THIRTY
Dammit it's time for Demario McCall to put some roots down in the Shoe.
Indications from spring drills signal the redshirt sophomore is poised to make his name as a kickoff and punt returner which is all well and good but I want to see if McCall can get some legit chances in the slot.
Yes, Parris Campbell is the sure-fire starter and when he catches a pass his speed is lethal in the open field, and yes K.J. Hill led Ohio State with 56 receptions a season ago during an underappreciated season but if McCall can add another dimension to the position, the Buckeyes will be better for it.
And should Urban Meyer call for an H-back to tote the rock on occasion, McCall is the best option among that trio.
REPLACING JT
Meyer continues to play the quarterback race close to the vest, noting yesterday that not only can he not claim a No. 1 guy, he can't name a No. 3 guy.
I suppose that could be true but I'm not buying it.
I have no doubt Dwayne Haskins, Joey Burrow and Tate Martell have all had their moments but I'm looking forward to seeing Haskins and Burrow sling it around come Saturday.
Haskins has a cannon but how often does he willingly go through his progressions? How often does he force something into a tight window? These are a couple things I'm interested to see.
Among all three guys, I'm curious to see how their teammates respond. Will we be able to get a feel for who the players surrounding the quarterbacks seem to favor?
Knowing the game will be a glorified 7-on-7, we'll get plenty of looks at each guy's ability to command the passing game. Finally.
