INSIDE SLANT
The seat belt is about to come off Terrelle Pryor. With Beanie Wells and both starting receivers from last year long gone, this is Pryor's team now, for better or worse.
Last season, Pryor flashed glimpses of both.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will spend the spring tailoring the offense to fit Pryor, his dynamic quarterback who replaced Todd Boeckman as the starter after just three games into 2008. Pryor threw for 1,311 yards, rushed for 631 and totaled 18 touchdowns as a freshman.
With little experience around him now at the skill positions, even more is expected -- starting now. That could mean more use of the pistol formation, which the Bucks trotted out last season, but couldn't really use effectively with Wells.
Wells is a big, bruising runner who is best out of an I-formation with a fullback in front of him. The Buckeyes are evolving toward a spread option under Pryor, which requires agile backs who can quickly get to the corner.
Junior-to-be Brandon Saine has blazing speed and would seem to be perfect for the role, but his first two seasons have been littered with injuries and he has never displayed the necessary vision or timing of a starting tailback. Sophomore-to-be Boom Herron averaged 4.9 yards per carry as Wells' primary backup. He will be given the first chance at winning the starting job, but will be pushed by incoming freshman Jaamal Berry.
Tressel has endured harsh criticism for his bland offensive play-calling over the years, but in truth, he has been one of the more flexible coaches willing to tailor his offense to fit his players' talent. In that regard, 2009 could be his most difficult challenge yet.
NOTES, QUOTESSPRING OBJECTIVES:
The Buckeyes must groom a new running back, pick two new starting receivers, rebuild the offensive line and secondary while retooling the linebackers. That's all.
All of that won't be solved in 15 spring practices, although the Bucks already have a number of pieces in place. Barring something unforeseen, Boom Herron is probably the starting tailback, while Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller are in line to replace James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman at linebacker.
That leaves the spring to gauge an inexperienced receiving corps that includes sophomores-to-be DeVier Posey and Lamaar Thomas and junior Dane Sanzenbacher. Early favorites to start are Posey and Sanzenbacher, while Thomas impressed last year as a kick returner.
BUILDING BLOCKS:
The offense has its identity in Terrelle Pryor. The dual-threat quarterback amassed 1,942 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman. Now he'll have to improve his passing to become the overall talent Jim Tressel expects him to become.
The offensive line will be completely rebuilt, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Ohio State's tackles have been whipped badly by fast defensive ends over the last three seasons. Sophomore-to-be Mike Adams just might help change that, while center Michael Brewster should anchor a young but talented line.
Finding a defensive leader will be a little more difficult. James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins were both vocal and statistical leaders, and both leave huge voids. Tressel has been praising Austin Spitler's ability for two years now, but Spitler has been stuck behind Laurinaitis. Now is his big chance.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "You don't get to spend as much time on the fundamentals as you would like. He'll get that time now." -- quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels, on what he expects out of Terrelle Pryor during spring practice
STRATEGY AND PERSONNELSTARS OF 2009:
QB Terrelle Pryor -- He proved to be a better runner than passer as a freshman, something that must change by the start of next season. Pryor must work on reading coverages and delivering passes with better velocity. He has all the intangibles, though, of a star in the making.
SS Kurt Coleman -- Produced his best season as a junior in 2008, when he shook the label of just being a big hitter and led the defense with four interceptions. He and free safety Anderson Russell, both three-year starters, will be counted on to lead an inexperienced defense.
DE Thaddeus Gibson -- Slowly improved as last season progressed, developing into the pass rusher the Bucks need. He led the team with five sacks and could double that figure next season.
TOP NEWCOMERS:
RB Jaamal (cq) Berry -- One of the most sought after tailbacks from this year's recruiting class. Berry should push Boom Herron immediately for playing time.
WR Duron Carter -- The son of OSU legend Cris Carter has tremendous hands and a flair for spectacular catches … just like dad. He'll get an early look thanks to the openings at receiver.
OL Justin Boren -- The Michigan transfer is now eligible and will start immediately, likely at one of the guard spots. Boren brings instant credibility and much-needed experience to an offensive line that is suddenly fairly young.
ROSTER REPORT:
--Bryant Browning might be moving inside. He spent most of last season at right tackle, but might be better suited for a guard spot. Plus, with highly regarded tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts now healthy, Browning might not soon have a choice.
--Tyler Moeller finally has a home at linebacker. The coaches have always been impressed with his flexibility and versatility, but have never found a home for him. As a sophomore, he played extensively at linebacker and is poised now to take over for Marcus Freeman as the starter. He'll be pushed, though, by sophomore-to-be Etienne Sabino.
Previous Report: 02/06/2009
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