According to sophomore captain Tuf Borland, he's ready to line up at linebacker for Ohio State.
After working his way into the Buckeyes' starting lineup as a freshman and finishing the season with 58 tackles — fourth most on the team — Borland suffered a setback this past March when he suffered an Achilles injury.
"It happened pretty early on in the spring on a pretty normal play," Borland said. "Thanks to the training staff and the coaches, I'm ready to go."
Over the summer, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said Borland was "doing great" and that the middle linebacker is "on course to perform this fall."
Borland backed up those claims Monday evening at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
"I'm ready to go," he said. "No doubt it's hard being out all of spring and the majority of the summer. But like I said before, coming in here everyday and seeing how these guys go about their business, it's really kind of motivated me and inspired me."
With any injury, rehab demands restrictions. But since he went down, Borland has yearned to get back on the field. The presence of his teammates has amplified that desire.
"There's been some restrictions. We're starting to increase the load and I'll see how it feels. When it first happened, I just kind of took it day by day," he said. "But the people around me kept me going. That motivated me. It's always been a goal to get back and try and help this team the best I can. It's really hard for me to sit out and see everybody else working."
Earlier this week, Borland was named one of seven team captains. That's obviously quite an accomplishment for a sophomore.
"I was excited. Like I've said before, there's tons of names before me that have been here. It's a great honor," he said.
Borland said he's participated in team drills over the last few days.
He also didn't rule out a return from injury as early as Saturday. When asked if he would play Saturday against the Beavers, Borland said, "That's up to the coaches. We'll see what happens."
Monday morning, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano named Malik Harrison, Baron Browning and Pete Werner as the team's starting three linebackers heading into Saturday's season opener against Oregon State in Columbus.
Harrison and Browning were expected to start but Werner brings more of the unknown element to the table.
"Pete is one of those guys that does everything you ask of him," Borland said. "He's in here studying extra and doing all the things he needs to do to help us."
With or without Borland, the Buckeyes will start their season at 12:07 p.m. Saturday. But if its up to him, fans will see No. 32 on the field.
"I've always felt like I've prepared myself to be (the starting middle linebacker). I've never sat back and said, 'It's not my time yet.' Anything could happen. You just have to be ready. If you don't bring your best everyday, you don't see the field."
