The annual spring scrimmage is just two days away and anytime there is a quarterback battle, the anticipation is always a little bit higher.
There are plenty of positions still up for grabs as the spring comes to a close, including all three linebacker positions, center and an open spot at safety alongside Jordan Fuller.
In a game that always features a lot of passing and a limited number of handoffs, it is obvious that the quarterbacks will get plenty of opportunities to show what they can do with their arms on Saturday in front of around 70,000 fans. That leads us into our first of five predictions for the 2018 Spring Game at Ohio Stadium.
Dwayne Haskins Will Shine
This isn't to say that the other two quarterbacks won't, but in a game that features limited rush attempts, the Spring Game is tailored to fit the game of a pocket passer, which is exactly what Haskins is.
Last year, both Haskins and Burrow had big games in the spring scrimmage, as the duo combined for 555 passing yards and six touchdowns. The weather on Saturday could make a negative impact on those numbers this year, as Columbus is expected to get heavy rain on Saturday afternoon.
Tate Martell is much more of a runner than Haskins or Burrow and since the signal-callers are not allowed to be hit in the scrimmage, his abilities could be limited. Since he won't be able to run, Martell will have to make plays from the pocket on Saturday, which doesn't play into his strengths.
Haskins is the best pure passer of the three, Martell the best runner, and Burrow somewhere in the middle. With the Spring Game serving as a glorified 7-on-7, look for Haskins to have a big day, with Burrow right on his heels.
Marcus Williamson Steps Up
There are always players in a Spring Game that have big days receiving, who we never hear from again. Examples include Bam Childress and Taurian Washington, just to name a few.
Cornerbacks are not usually in the conversation of spring game superstar, but I am going to go out on a limb and say one of the young corners will have a big day on Saturday, and Williamson is my pick.
With Jeffrey Okudah out as he recovers from offseason surgery and Kendall Sheffield likely to get limited reps as a veteran, Williamson will have an opportunity to make some plays in the passing game and perhaps even haul in an interception. He has been competing for playing time at nickel this spring, and if he performs well in the scrimmage in front of a large crowd, he could perhaps solidify that position.
C.J. Saunders Will Be The Leading Receiver
As mentioned above, there have been a number of Spring Game superstars at receiver that we don't hear from much once the season starts. C.J. Saunders doesn't necessarily fit that mold, as he made 17 catches for 221 yards and a score last year, but this game is perfect for his skill set.
A player who struggled to get significant playing time because of his lack of size, Saunders has put on around 10 pounds this offseason. Since the Spring Game features the passing game almost exclusively, Saunders is a player who figures to have a big day in the slot. He won't have to run block much, if at all, which only adds to the chances he could have a big day.
Saunders will have plenty of opportunities to make catches on Saturday, and because he has sure hands and runs crisp routes, he could very well lead all players in receptions in the Spring Game.
Malik Harrison Cements Starting Role
This isn't going out on much of a limb, but once Saturday's game is over, I expect Harrison to be penciled in as a starter and one of Ohio State's outside linebacker spots.
Urban Meyer might not announce it publicly, but after Harrison earned significant playing time in 2017, I believe he might be the best linebacker in Bill Davis' unit now that Tuf Borland is sidelined with an Achilles injury. He is also probably the most athletic in the room, which only adds to his chances of winning a job, as he can play well in space with good size.
Harrison is a player that has made great strides in both of his first two seasons as a Buckeye after coming to Columbus as just a three-star prospect. I imagine the coaches just want to see him perform well in a game-like atmosphere before naming him a starter, and I think he will earn that starting job shortly after the Spring Game is over.
Malcolm Pridgeon Separates
Pridgeon was a five-star JUCO transfer when he came to Ohio State in 2016, but after suffering an injury in fall camp that year, he failed to see the field. Last season, he saw time in mop up duty exclusively as Branden Bowen earned the open guard position along the offensive line.
Meyer said Wednesday on the Big Ten spring football teleconference that Pridgeon was starting to make a move in spring, and with a good Spring Game performance, I think Pridgeon could earn the open guard spot opposite of Michael Jordan in 2018. I know that spot is likely Bowen's to lose after starting there in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury, but I believe Pridgeon has a higher upside. If he continues his momentum through the spring scrimmage, I think he is someone who could contend for a spot on that offensive line or at the very least, make the coaching staff think twice about giving him significant reps.
