This year has been a little different than the typical bowl prep...
in ordinary times---there is a long run up before the bowl game(which really is a glorified exhibition)---and the young guys get TONS of time to show there stuff and step up before the next season...
this year with it being a playoff things are different....
there hasn't been a ton of time after the BIG championship game(when you through in holidays, etc) for the youngsters to play--so its generally been younger guys that are on the verge of playing that are standing out...
the Third Wiseman has seen more bowl prep than anyone and he came in with this report...
"Interesting times--the Buckeyes are focused on a few things with the younger guys right now. Get them ready in case they need them to step up. And in a few cases, get them on the field in order to slow down their urge to transfer or utilize the portal...
Here's a few guys that have really caught my eye...
1) Harry Miller-- I know we talk about this kid a lot, but its because he is a special kid and player. What's really surprised me is how even the VETERAN players come to Miller and ask him for advice on things(on the field and off the field). Knows all the protections and assignments and could teach the class if necessary. Going to say a crazy thing, but this kid will get votes for captain NEXT YEAR. Without having played and only entering his second year--he will get strong consideration for captain. Just that kind of player
2) Josh Proctor---really seeing an expanded role in the bowl prep. Don't be surprised to see him on the field A LOT against Clemson. Coaches are loving the versatility that he brings to the back seven--and he is a guy that could start stealing reps from other guys in a lot of different situations. Just a terrific player and future NFL kid
3) Sevyn Banks--Can't take my eyes off this young man everytime he is on the field. Just fantastic ball skills and has really taken his coverage to the next level. Sometimes the light just goes "on", and it clearly has for Banks. Stronger at the line now and has really good hand position at the point of attack with the wide receivers. I know we are wondering who will be the next great corners here at OSU--but look no further than this kid.
4) Jameson Williams---big time speed on the football field. Burner in the truest sense of the word. Been tearing it up for the last month and has taken the top off the Ohio State defense on a number of occasions. Has started to put the work in the film room to go along with his god-given gifts and its starting to show big dividends. Really expecting a break out season from him in the future---but the future may be a lot sooner than people might expect
5) Nicholas Petit-Frere--Have been a big fan of his since early in his high school career and all that has been holding him "back" has been the ability to put on(and keep on) some good weight. Carrying a lot more muscle now then when he stepped foot on the campus and had a great second half of the season. Kind of a quiet kid who is coming out of his shell now as well--and has had some great practices against a very very good OSU defense.
6) Dawand Jones---Just a mountain of a player. Massive. Strong as an ox, but his conditioning now has caught up with his tremendous size. Has been terrific running with the 2's in bowl prep and that entire unit has looked good enough to merit playing time. Of all the "Dudes" in the offensive line room, this kid came in a little bit under the radar--but he is under no more. Guys on the defense just hate going up against him as he is a mauler in the truest sense of the word.
7) Marcus Williamson---OSU coaches love this kid --but are concerned about whether or not he may transfer and look for greener pastures and more playing time. Been working him at slot corner and they'd really like him to stay as every time he is on the field good things seem to happen. Has a natural nose for the ball and plays the position with aggression but intelligence. Could go either way on the portal thing--so OSU has been showing him the love throughout the last month--hopefully it does the trick and he stays. He can help...
More to come...."
in ordinary times---there is a long run up before the bowl game(which really is a glorified exhibition)---and the young guys get TONS of time to show there stuff and step up before the next season...
this year with it being a playoff things are different....
there hasn't been a ton of time after the BIG championship game(when you through in holidays, etc) for the youngsters to play--so its generally been younger guys that are on the verge of playing that are standing out...
the Third Wiseman has seen more bowl prep than anyone and he came in with this report...
"Interesting times--the Buckeyes are focused on a few things with the younger guys right now. Get them ready in case they need them to step up. And in a few cases, get them on the field in order to slow down their urge to transfer or utilize the portal...
Here's a few guys that have really caught my eye...
1) Harry Miller-- I know we talk about this kid a lot, but its because he is a special kid and player. What's really surprised me is how even the VETERAN players come to Miller and ask him for advice on things(on the field and off the field). Knows all the protections and assignments and could teach the class if necessary. Going to say a crazy thing, but this kid will get votes for captain NEXT YEAR. Without having played and only entering his second year--he will get strong consideration for captain. Just that kind of player
2) Josh Proctor---really seeing an expanded role in the bowl prep. Don't be surprised to see him on the field A LOT against Clemson. Coaches are loving the versatility that he brings to the back seven--and he is a guy that could start stealing reps from other guys in a lot of different situations. Just a terrific player and future NFL kid
3) Sevyn Banks--Can't take my eyes off this young man everytime he is on the field. Just fantastic ball skills and has really taken his coverage to the next level. Sometimes the light just goes "on", and it clearly has for Banks. Stronger at the line now and has really good hand position at the point of attack with the wide receivers. I know we are wondering who will be the next great corners here at OSU--but look no further than this kid.
4) Jameson Williams---big time speed on the football field. Burner in the truest sense of the word. Been tearing it up for the last month and has taken the top off the Ohio State defense on a number of occasions. Has started to put the work in the film room to go along with his god-given gifts and its starting to show big dividends. Really expecting a break out season from him in the future---but the future may be a lot sooner than people might expect
5) Nicholas Petit-Frere--Have been a big fan of his since early in his high school career and all that has been holding him "back" has been the ability to put on(and keep on) some good weight. Carrying a lot more muscle now then when he stepped foot on the campus and had a great second half of the season. Kind of a quiet kid who is coming out of his shell now as well--and has had some great practices against a very very good OSU defense.
6) Dawand Jones---Just a mountain of a player. Massive. Strong as an ox, but his conditioning now has caught up with his tremendous size. Has been terrific running with the 2's in bowl prep and that entire unit has looked good enough to merit playing time. Of all the "Dudes" in the offensive line room, this kid came in a little bit under the radar--but he is under no more. Guys on the defense just hate going up against him as he is a mauler in the truest sense of the word.
7) Marcus Williamson---OSU coaches love this kid --but are concerned about whether or not he may transfer and look for greener pastures and more playing time. Been working him at slot corner and they'd really like him to stay as every time he is on the field good things seem to happen. Has a natural nose for the ball and plays the position with aggression but intelligence. Could go either way on the portal thing--so OSU has been showing him the love throughout the last month--hopefully it does the trick and he stays. He can help...
More to come...."
