Ohio State coach Urban Meyer held his final press conference of the week at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday to preview Saturday's game against Minnesota at Ohio Stadium (Noon, FS1).
Meyer was asked about injured defenders Jonathon Cooper and Malik Harrison, Ohio State's tight ends and the Buckeyes' defensive line in a brief question-and-answer session with the media. A bullet-point recap of what he had to say:
- Urban Meyer said he would grade the play of Ohio State's tight ends as a "B," but wants to see them get more involved in the passing game.
- Meyer said Jeremy Ruckert has a "great future here" and wants to see him continue to earn more playing time.
- Ohio State's pass-rush has been "average" since Nick Bosa's injury, Meyer said, but said the Buckeyes had a very good practice in pass-rush today, with Tyreke Smith among those who stood out.
- Meyer did not have an update on Jonathon Cooper or Malik Harrison's status for Saturday's game. Asked whether those two players are in concussion protocol, he said "maybe," then "yes."
- Meyer wants to see Jashon Cornell finish his career strong, because he feels like his career has been "just OK" up until now.
Stay tuned with Eleven Warriors for additional coverage from Columbus, where several players – including tight ends Luke Farrell and Rashod Berry, defensive linemen Jashon Cornell and Robert Landers and right tackle Isaiah Prince – are also expected to meet with the media after Meyer's press conference.
