Ohio State Football: Post-Spring Report Cards for Each Offensive Position

Spring practice passed just as fast as it approached. On the offensive side of the ball, it was a time for refinement, improvement and certainly a great deal of learning.

With the hiring of Urban Meyer in late November of last year, the offense had plenty of things to get up to speed with, and many positions made impressive steps in the right direction. On the other hand, some units struggled with the recent transition or failed to make momentous strides forward.

Overall, Meyer should be pleased with this offense's effort and the product they displayed in this year's spring game, but like I said, there's plenty of room for improvement, especially at certain positions.

Quarterback

Grade: A-

Despite Braxton Miller's stellar freshman season, the young QB had plenty of things to improve on this spring, especially in the throwing department. Meyer's new offense should help Miller somewhat, but the sophomore-to-be definitely made eye-opening strides in the passing game during this period.

During the spring game, Miller seemed much more accurate and confident from the pocket, which is key for the success of this offense. If Miller is able to pose the same threat his feet do with his arm, the Buckeyes will march up and down the field this year, and his throwing ability looks on the rise in the new system.

As for Miller's backup, junior Kenny Guiton proved to Meyer that he is more than capable of adding reassuring depth to the quarterback position. Guiton had an impressive spring game performance and has the skill set to fit in perfectly if Miller is unable to play. This is key because Miller likes to run and always opens himself up for the possibility of an injury.

Rounding out the group is true freshman Cardale Jones, and although he has loads of potential, he didn't see many reps this spring.

An A- is extremely respectable, but this group still has room to improve, especially in the passing game. Nonetheless, this position will certainly be one of OSU's strongest aspects in 2012.

Running Back

Grade: B+

This group was difficult to grade due to its lack of participation in the spring game, but the position certainly looks promising. We all knew the spring game would be dominated by the pass because that's what the coaches wanted to work on, but from what we saw the backs looked solid. Reports from practice were very positive, especially for Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall, as both received solid praise from new head coach, Urban Meyer.

As of now, it seems like Hyde will receive the brute of the carries this year, and if he can improve on his solid performance in 2011, the Buckeyes are in good hands. Hyde will be an effective short-yardage back as well.

Jordan Hall will also receive plenty of carries in 2012. In addition to these carries, Hall will be used to fill the "Percy Harvin role" in Meyer's offense. This role will place Hall all over the field and will get the ball in his hands through the air as well as on the ground. Hall has the skill set to succeed in this role and should be a major contributor in this year's offense.

Backing up these two will be sophomore Rod Smith and freshman Bri'onte Dunn. Both these backs had respectable springs but didn't impress enough to surpass Hall or Hyde. 

This group could have easily received a higher grade, but unfortunately there wasn't much spring work to evaluate them on, especially in the spring game. Despite this, the Buckeyes should expect solid production from this group in 2012.

Tight End

Grade: B+

Just like the running back position, this year's spring game didn't really give us a good look at the tight ends. Returning starter Jake Stoneburner saw very little reps in the spring game, and backup tight end Jeff Heuerman missed the event. Young tight end Nick Vannett had a solid performance in the spring game and lined up in the flex as well.

Two things we learned from the spring game was that Meyer will be lining up his tight ends all over his offense, and they will be a focal point in the offense.

This grade is mostly awarded due to the potential of this group, especially Stoneburner. The red-shirt senior led the team in receptions last season and will create mismatches all over the field in 2012. Stoneburner's skills and versatility will finally be utilized by this coaching staff and I fully expect him to make a major impact this year.

As for Heuerman and Vannett, both show the ability to produce this year and could be used in dual-tight end sets. 

Stoneburner was mentioned as one of the Buckeyes' biggest playmakers by Meyer and will be key to the offense's success. This group could have earned an even higher grade had he participated in the spring game, but their promise alone earns them a B+.

Wide Receiver

Grade: C

What kept this group from receiving a D was solely their effort and impressive strides throughout spring. Last season, the receiving corps was possibly the worst unit on the team, and despite an improving effort this spring, they still have plenty of room to improve if they want to make a major impact this year.

True freshman Mike Thomas stole the show in this year's spring game with an outstanding 12 receptions for 131 yards. That's only two less receptions than last year's leading receiver! The young WR proved he is ready to play at this level and certainly solidified himself as a top target in this offense.

Corey Brown and Chris Fields also had solid spring day performances. Both have the speed to stretch the field in 2012 and could be home run hitters in Meyer's new system. 

Another young receiver from whom plenty of people are expecting a lot of production is sophomore Devin Smith. Smith and Braxton Miller have a solid connection between each other, and Smith might have been the most consistent pass-catcher all spring.

Although Buckeye Nation should feel much better about this unit after this spring, they still have to improve before the first kickoff. Luckily, they seem ready to work and if they keep grinding, have the talent to be very productive this season.

Offensive Tackle

Grade: C-

Although returning starter Jack Mewhort is a solid cornerstone at left tackle, there are way too many questions at right tackle and concerning depth.

It is still difficult to evaluate Reid Fragel as a right tackle after this spring, but one thing's for sure, the guy certainly looks the part. The former tight end did an excellent job of bulking up this winter and has transitioned well in the run-blocking department. As for pass-blocking, the new right tackle has struggled for the most part and must improve in this area or Miller will be running for his life the majority of the year.

As for depth at this position, the Buckeyes really don't have any at all. In the event of an injury, true freshman Taylor Decker will likely fill in, and although he has shown promise and had a solid spring, he's still an inexperienced freshman. Maybe Decker will fill in tremendously, but there's no way of knowing this.

Mewhort's impressive spring prevented this group from receiving a lower grade, but inexperience at the right tackle position and a severe lack of depth make this position a big concern for Meyer and his staff.

Guard

Grade: C+

Andrew Norwell was generally expected to take the open left tackle spot but instead will start at left guard this year. The junior offensive lineman has solid experience and performed well at the left guard position last season when Mike Adams returned from suspension. Norwell will be a reliable player week-in and week-out.

As for right guard Marcus Hall, his consistency is definitely still in question. Although Hall managed to trim down this winter and seems to be moving much better now, he's still generally a question mark heading into the fall. However, Hall had a pretty decent spring, and as long as he can grasp the offense, he shouldn't be a liability this year.

The guard position doesn't have amazing depth, but it's not terrible either. Antonio Underwood is a solid backup to replace an injured Norwell or Hall. Along with Underwood, Meyer could also use a backup center like Jacoby Boren or Brian Bobek if needed.

The success of this position seems to hinge on Marcus Hall's development, and anytime there's a question mark, I can't justify myself awarding a unit anything higher than a C+. This being said, I don't expect this group to be liability this fall.

Center

Grade: B

Surprising just about everyone, Corey Linsley came into spring on day one and absolutely locked down the center position. Linsley has played both center and guard throughout his career at OSU, but many expected Brian Bobek to emerge as the Buckeye's center this fall. Linsley was one of the most consistent offensive lineman this spring and plays with a mean streak that is absolutely necessary for the position.

Backing up Linsley will be true freshman Jacoby Boren and sophomore Brian Bobek. Boren will most likely see the field before Bobek in the event of an injury, but both are solid backups.

You have to love Linsley's high motor and mean streak. He came into spring ready to go and really ended any questions at the center position. I fully expect Linsley to perform very well this fall, and his stellar performance this spring is almost the entire reason for this position's solid grade.