Players report to Fort Meyer on Sunday, so we're almost there friends.
LATTIMORE TO OTHER CB? SI's Pete Thamel is about as connected into Urban Meyer's program as anyone these days. So when he drops insights into Ohio State's program, it's wise to listen.
From Pete Thamel of SportsIllustrated.com:
Opposing coach’s take
They lived off their defensive line last season—they could rush four and still pressure the quarterback. That helped prevent deep throws against a susceptible secondary with average corners and stiff safeties. … They aren’t that complicated on defense, where they let their playmakers be playmakers. To attack them you have to be physical up front, protect the quarterback and take chunks of yards. … Joey Bosa is a headache when he flips from left to right end, especially with Darron Lee rushing from the opposite side. Lee may be the best rush linebacker in the country, and they move them around to create mismatches. … It’ll be interesting how Urban Meyer handles the quarterbacks, because he wants everyone to be happy. I think J.T. Barrett is more well-rounded. … Of course when you have the offensive line they have, you don’t need a great thrower. You just need someone to hand it off.X-factor
In 2013, his senior year at Cleveland’s Glenville High, corner Marshon Lattimoresealed a win by blocking a field goal with a leap so high that his thighs were even with teammates’ helmets. “One of the freakiest athletes I’ve coached,” says Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr. The 6-foot, 195-pound Lattimore, a top 50 recruit, should announce his presence in the secondary after surgery on his hamstring last August wiped out his freshman year. The starting spot opposite sophomore Eli Apple is sophomore Gareon Conley’s for now, but Lattimore may rise up during camp and snare it.
I thought it was interesting Ohio State's defensive line was the first unit mentioned last season. (And that was without Noah Spence.) I was also surprised to see Marshon Lattimore mentioned as a guy who could take Conley's spot in camp. Marshon would make a big cornerback, but those are all the rage these days.
Thamel also says the safe decision is to start J.T. Barrett at quarterback, since he's better at lateral runs and Ohio State is lacking an immediate deep threat replacement of Devin Smith.
DOES THE IRON KING NEED TO CHANGE HIS CAVALIER WAYS? Some people are wondering if he'll need to tighten his ship as he heads into competition with the tactical J.T. Barrett. As I've said before: The same off-the-field bravado is what makes him so dangerous on the field.
From Zac Jackson of CleveScene.com's quality profile of Dolodale.
He started at the bottom — he did, he did — and now he's here. Being atop the football world usually means there's only one way to go thereafter, but the way things have gone for Jones to this point leads you to believe that he'll be able to remain his fun-loving self. Imperfect but perfectly happy.
He scoffed at the notion (in person and later on Twitter) that he's been a class clown in the past, but he very well knows his track record. And he now knows more about the spotlight and standing ovations and expectations than he ever could have dreamed before too.
"I think I can still be myself and have major accomplishments," Jones said.
Just wait until neanderthals over at ProFootballTalk get a load of the Iron King's swagger. next year. Their heads might explode from self-righteous anger/jealousy when Cardale tweets a 3:42 a.m. post-Draft selfie of him and a slumbering Ronda Rousey.
MAKES U THINK. Andy Staples, another SI writer we all know and love, says Georgia is the best job in the country.
"UGA is the best job in CFB & if they don't meet expectations they need to ask some hard questions" - @Andy_Staples pic.twitter.com/QTQ5ONPQWd
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) August 5, 2015
Because Georgia is the No. 4 state in terms of talent production, and UGA has the least in-state competitors. https://t.co/yHcLQKkgYs
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) August 5, 2015
If those are the metrics, I'd say Ohio State beats Georgia. Similarly-talented hot bed, better academics, no-Power 5 instate schools, and there isn't a recruiting competitor within 200 miles of any of Ohio's borders. I'm biased though.
HERE COME THE BROWNIES. The Browns have said Columbus is a "big part" of their marketing puzzle, and there's no question they're going to win that battle against the Bengals this weekend.
#OhioState getting ready for the Orange & Brown scrimmage Friday! #BrownsCamp #GoBrowns @Columbus_Sports @ExpCols pic.twitter.com/bSI0kmKfeY
— Kurt Schooley (@kurtschooley) August 5, 2015
Although 10,000 additional tickets were released, it looks like Terrelle Pryor probably won't play.
From Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com:
BEREA, Ohio -- Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor sat out Wednesday's practice with his hamstring injury, and coach Mike Pettine said he's doubtful for Friday's Orange and Brown scrimmage at Ohio Stadium.
Pettine said the club hasn't yet determined if Pryor will make the trip to Columbus.
I hope Pryor still makes the trip. He deserves to be cheered in his college stadium again, and I know he was looking forward to it:
Can't wait to get to the shoe Thursday and Friday ! #Browns #TheOhioStateUniversity pic.twitter.com/6grWlrbu7o
— Terrelle Pryor (@TerrellePryor) August 4, 2015
I WOULD'VE THROWN MYSELF INTO THE SEA. I can't stop laughing at this video of pro-Seahawk Deadliest Catch fishermen hearing about the end of the Super Bowl:
On Deadliest Catch tonight, pro-Seahawks crab fishermen listen to end of Super Bowl. Not fans of passing pic.twitter.com/l86yB76i2m
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) August 5, 2015
Actually fellas, sports are good.
THOSE WMDs. The amateur, winner-take $1 million basketball tournament... Man calls police after cat eats his bacon... Winners of the National Geographic Photo Contest 2015... Robert Kekaula calls game-winning touchdown... Photos reveal how birds see popular destinations.
