Ohio State Football: Offensive Headlines After 3rd Spring Practice Wraps Up

The Ohio State Buckeyes kicked off their third spring practice of the year on Tuesday and the message from Urban Meyer was clear,  "This is the Chase, you have to go big."

Being in full pads for the first time since the November 24th game vs. Michigan, there were no drills that were full contact, but there were definitely some physical moments.

One thing to take note of is a minor injury to Jordan Hall. 

Hall’s injury is being listed as a tweaked hamstring.  Eleven Warriors reports that coaches expect Hall to be at full strength soon, but don’t want to rush him. 

There’s no need to rush recovering from an injury, especially when it’s only March.  Remember, Jordan Hall is returning for his fifth year after red shirting due to injury last season.  

Hall will be counted upon to play a huge role for the Buckeyes in 2013.  Ohio State lacked a player last season that could catch the ball and make multiple guys miss.  Jordan Hall is expected to be that guy for this year’s Buckeye squad.  After practice Coach Meyer said that Jordan “has the potential to be great, not good.”

As we move over to the running backs, Rod Smith keeps improving day by day.  With a huge run during the scrimmage session, Coach Stan Drayton had this to say:  “Rod’s got to continue to grow. This is year two in this system and he knows what he’s doing. He’s playing physical right now."

There’s no doubt that Rod Smith has been one of the most intriguing Buckeyes through the years.  It seems that he’s always under the microscope with the Buckeye faithful. 

However, as the season went on last year, Smith gained more playing time.  He’s always had the talent, and now he’s starting to develop the mind of a running back.  If he can keep it up, the ceiling is the limit for him.

Elsewhere on the offense, Braxton Miller continues to show his growth.  Coach Meyer commented that he is “3 for 3 on good practices.”  Certainly good news.  If—and when—Braxton finally starts to show consistency in the passing game, it’ll be goodnight for Ohio State opponents.  

Ohio State's next spring practice will take place on Thursday, March 21st.