Our Honor Defend

Shooty hoops is regrettably over a few days before we all would’ve liked, but the good news is that the void between shooty hoops and football is minimal.  The Buckeyes took to the practice field yesterday to begin spring ball, an event open to the media.  A slew of reports have since been filed regarding the practice (TheOzone (x2), CPD, Bucknuts, Hartman @ Scout, Ken Gordon).  They were there to witness; I obviously was not.  So, what follows is scarcely original observations.  Nevertheless, a few things from yesterday are worth pointing out.

The positions of interest on defense were filled (today, at least) by Etienne Sabino (strongside linebacker) and Orhian Johnson (safety).  Jermale Hines matriculating to the other safety spot was more or less assumed.  These things are always subject to change, but this de facto first team defense of the moment underscores what I think the coaching staff sees.  In short, these positions are theirs to lose.  This is most true for Orhian Johnson.  I’ve been high on him for a while as a free safety.  He’ll be entering his redshirt sophomore year for the Buckeyes and he just gives the Buckeyes something unique at that position: a de facto 6’4 shooting guard with a 40 inch vertical.  Subject to change? Sure. But this follows because I’m sure the coaching staff wants to see that they would not be making a mistake.

Etienne Sabino is in the lead for the strongside linebacker position vacated by Austin Spitler, but his position is a little more precarious.  The distance between him and the next guy could not be that large; we’ve brought in a litany of quality linebackers over the past few years.  I think Sabino will end up solidifying his claim to this position, but he will have to earn it that much more.  Therein, the interesting name I’ve seen come up at this position is Terrelle Pryor’s roomie: Andrew Sweat.  Sweat is taking ‘er easy after surgery.  A redshirt for him has even been discussed, but may not come to fruition.  Sabino had the bigger name coming out of high school, but Sweat was every bit the quality player.  This is obviously worth watching.

As the image accompanying the post suggests, Duron Carter was curiously MIA.  No reason was given either.  We obviously know Duron was ineligible for any football activities in the winter quarter because of his grades acquired in the fall quarter.  However, this is now spring quarter for Ohio State students.  Moreover, grades for the winter quarter were apparently due a week ago.  Soooo… yeah.  This may be a matter of waiting for a late grade to come in, a matter of holding Duron out just a little while longer to drive the point home, or it may be something else.  Jonathan Newsome was conspicuous by his absence as well.  Like Duron, no reason given.

Lamaar Thomas transferred and Ray Small exhausted his four years with the Buckeyes.  The question of who will return punts and kicks is going to be an important one through the spring and summer.  Several Buckeyes practiced those duties, including Posey, Sanzy, Jordan Hall, James Jackson and Grant Schwartz.  Expect James Jackson to be a name to consider there.

With Duron out of the picture for the moment, it was a time for Grant Schwartz, James Jackson and Chris Fields to step up and show what they had to contribute to the wide receiver corp.  Schwartz is a second generation Buckeye and native Californian.  As such, I’m really pulling for him.   He and Taurian Washington will also provide a veteran presence.  Chris Fields is the name to know in the wide receiver corp.  His name always comes up in conversation as a pleasant surprise.

The tackle picture will be an all-too-important one in 2010.  Right now, the three Block O linemen from the 2008 class are all on the first team (Adams at LT, Shugarts at RT, Brewster obviously at center).  This is definitely subject to change.  I don’t think it will be the left tackle picture that is most volatile.  After two years, I’m guessing the coaching staff is going to roll with Mike Adams unless he brutally crashes and burns.  Reports I’ve read elsewhere suggest that getting Adams on track to realizing his potential is just a matter of throwing him in the fire and waiting for him to get over the fact that it is no longer easy.  Marcus Hall, on the other hand, has the potential to make a move on Shugarts’ position, though Shugarts ended the last season performing admirably.

Apparently Solomon Thomas and Nathan Williams are in a position battle for the WDE/”Leo” position vacated by Thaddeus Gibson.  This is a bit of a surprise for those of us who thought that Nathan Williams was the clear heir apparent.  May this just be a position battle in name only?

CJ Barnett came to Ohio State as a cornerback and has more than made the switch to safety.  He is currently in the two-deep.

Terrelle Pryor is also full-speed.  Tyler Moeller, Andrew Sweat, Travis Howard and Jermil Martin are not.

Jake Stoneburner performed well to most observers.  He certainly has his eyes set on the prize.  It would be immensely satisfying to speak of Stoney in the same breath as Jim Houston, Fred Pagac, John Frank and Rickey Dudley.  Stoney’s issue right now is blocking.  He’s a flex tight end that needs to improve at the line of scrimmage.  This is ignoring that old story about how we never throw to the tight end and such.

All told, the flowers are in bloom, the weather is warming up and, before you know it, you’ll be flooding Ohio Stadium to cheer the Buckeyes as they go.