Changing Of The Guard: Analyzing Ohio State WRs and LBs

With the great senior class departing to the NFL, one might be quick to say that the Buckeyes don't have enough to replace their holes.

Another look plus considering past history shows that they will be just fine in 2009.

Gone are the Brians: Robiskie and Hartline, along with James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman among other talented players.

Conventional wisdom tells us that Ohio State will reload as they always have in the Tressel era.

Buckeye fans might not also be used to the depth at WR that the team has, with about four players that can be the top two in the depth chart.

Guys to keep an eye out for are sophomore WR Devier Posey and junior Taurian Washington. Both players dazzled in spring practices and played terrifically in the spring game.

Speedsters Ray Small and Lamaar Thomas are guys that can contribute both on special teams and out on the field, especially in the slot. Incoming freshman James Jackson looks to bolster that amount of speed and can catch in the slot as well.

Junior Dane Sanzenbacher has been known around Columbus for making impossible catches and holding on despite a smallish frame and a heightened amount of hard hits.

One more to keep an eye on in the summer is true freshman Duron Carter from Florida, a tremendous route-runner with great hands.

On the other side of the ball, Ohio State has to replace two talented linebackers next to returning starter Ross Homan.

The good news is that waiting in the wings are a slew of guys that will fight for either remaining spot.

Senior Austin Spitler has a good chance at a spot because of how long he has been waiting for his opportunity. He has a great frame for the MLB position and can hit fairly hard.

Sunshine State transplants Brian Rolle and Etienne Sabino are also talented, and though inexperienced, bring a great combination of speed and hitting power to the position.

One guy that broke out at the end of last year was Tyler Moeller, with a smaller frame, but great speed and tackling ability.

Regardless of who starts, expect all of these guys plus stud freshman Storm Klein to see significant playing time and opportunities to flash their talents.

Even though the experienced players at the WR and LB position are gone, Ohio State has the potential and depth to counteract it and potentially end up better than they were the year before.