Our Honor Defend

Marcus Hall’s name has been in the rumor mill for some time.  The implication was not good and words of academic concerns continued to fuel discussion that he would be ineligible for 2010 and redshirt accordingly.  Ohio State’s athletic department has announced tonight that this is the case.

Ohio State sophomore offensive tackle Marcus Hall will redshirt the 2010 football season, due to academic problems.

Buckeyes spokeswoman Shelly Poe announced the decision on Friday night.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound, product of Glenville High School in Cleveland played in nine games last season for the Buckeyes as a true freshman. He was expected to be a backup this season. He will still have three more seasons of eligibility.

In a statement, Hall said he was trying to look at his situation as a way to get better both in the classroom and on the field.

This is an important blow to the offense.  Marcus Hall was supposed to enter his sophomore season, one that carries obvious national title aspirations, as a key component to the team’s depth at offensive line.  He appeared at media day slimmed down and vying to start at left tackle, protecting Terrelle Pryor’s left side.  The loss is important, but it is not crippling.  Quality depth is always good to have.  Hall’s “academic redshirt” simply means that we are asking Mike Adams and JB Shugarts to step up and lead the charge at the bookends through the course of the 2010 season.  Andy Miller will continue to contribute to the position through his final season at Ohio State.  Andrew Norwell, who I thought would redshirt in 2010, moves up to 2nd team right tackle.