Just a little more than two weeks remain in spring camp.
Ohio State continues getting after it in its allotted 15 spring practices, and the defensive backs joined the media on Thursday to offer updates on the team's progress. Secondary coach Matt Barnes and several players – Sevyn Banks and Josh Proctor – spoke to reporters.
A bullet-point rundown of their comments (with video on the way):
Matt Barnes
- “It's been great. I've really enjoyed it so far.” He says he will remain involved in special teams, but is happy to “dive head-first.”
- He says Kerry Coombs is still involved in coaching defensive backs. Mentions relieving some of the time spent with the secondary can help him focus on being a defensive coordinator.
- Barnes says Lathan Ransom has played every single position in the secondary this spring, and he says he's not the only one to do so. “We've got a long way to go...”
- On Cameron Martinez: “You can't sit in a meeting without hearing great things about him now.” He says the nutritionist and training staff have touted him. “Cam has really, really put his head down and gone to work.” Calls Martinez one of the most improved players.
- About Kerry Coombs: “I admire his energy. He sees everything in practice.” He says he's a bit more reserved but a little bit more animated on the practice field. He calls his style of coaching “more matter of fact.”
- He thinks Parker Fleming is an “elite” special teams coach.
- “We want to have the flexibility to be multiple when we want to be multiple.” He says the focus is on technique and learning right now.
- On recruiting: “If you sat down on the couch with coach Day, you would want to be a Buckeye too.”
- On Denzel Burke: “He looks seasoned.”
Josh Proctor
- On meetings with Barnes: “Basically, I think the biggest change right now is just the extra details. Like being detailed in everything we do.”
- Proctor says he's confident in what he does and his abilities as a safety. “I'm very comfortable back there.”
- His biggest improvement: “I've kind of slowed everything down for myself.” Also says he has improved as a leader.
- He says everybody has come into the offseason with a chip on their shoulder.
- Says he thinks he'll stay at the deep safety position this year: “I think it'll mean just getting used to that one spot.”
- Proctor says Coombs is still involved with the secondary: “He doesn't miss anything.”
- He says his biggest focus is improving his consistency.
- On Lathan Ransom: “He's actually developing pretty fast.” He thinks Ransom's confidence was boosted with his late-season play.
Marcus Williamson
- “Until you step out on that field and really take in that game experience, it's hard to see where you really need to improve, how you fit into the defense, what your limitations are.” He says he's able to take what he learned last year into this offseason.
- “We really want to bring back the BIA mentality.” He says they didn't have the offseason experiences they usually get last year, but they're getting it now which has benefited this secondary.
- On similarities between Barnes and Coombs: “Actually more similar than you'd think. ... They're very energetic and juice kind of guys.”
- He says he's been focusing “almost exclusively in the slot.” He thinks his role morphed into more of a safety role last year, but he's more in the slot right now.
- Williamson says this is the most talented defensive backfield unit he has seen since he has been at Ohio State.
- On the talent on this roster: “These coaches are recruiting their ass off.”
- He says he's not sure how the coaches will use him and Ransom together. About Ransom: “His skillset is definitely something that can be used and needs to be used.”
- Williamson says he used to have a fear of being injured, and now he's mainly focused on wanting to improve and to get better. “How much can I improve in that area, this area.” Mentions he has seen himself take off since the end of the season.
- On coming back for his extra year of eligibility: “I'm glad to be back. I'm excited. I think it's going to be a great year.” He got emotional when asked about how he continued to fight through the injuries and setbacks he's had in his career.
