Ohio State Football: Latest News, Injuries and Updates on the Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes have one more week of practice to prepare for the spring game, which will feature the first time Urban Meyer's new spread-option offense takes the field in a game situation.

There are still a lot of questions looming around the offensive installment, with the main issue being a lack of playmakers at skill positions who can thrive in the spread.

As Scarlet and Gray week approaches, here are some quick updates on the team.

Latest News

Defensive line domination

Senior defensive end John Simon has had an outstanding spring, and it has not gone without notice.

“The No. 1 guy, the guy that is just a war horse. He is Ohio State football, and that’s John Simon,” Meyer said, according to Dan Hope of The Lantern. “I can’t help but say I love the guy, he is one of the most committed, he’s Tebow-ish as far as his commitment.”

Another notable spring performance comes from sophomore DE Michael Bennett, who finished his freshman season with three sacks and five tackles for loss in limited action.

"Luke (Fickell) was much higher on him than I was through the offseason workouts and all that," said Meyer, according to Scout.com. "I can see it now on the field. He's a playmaker—he's just a good players. He's hard to block."

Barnett, who has been practicing with the first-team defense, is competing for position on a loaded defensive line with a lot of depth.


Receivers still need work

Neither Urban Meyer or receivers coach Zach Smith have been too impressed with the Buckeyes' wideouts this spring, which is not a good sign for an offensive scheme that requires them in full.

“To say they’ve answered the call, I would say they haven’t yet,” Smith said after Saturday morning's practice, according to the Columbus Dispatch. “Have they improved and made more plays? Yeah, but not to the level we want them to and need them to.”

Coaches are still looking for a special player to step up and be the go-to-guy.


Running backs standing out

Ohio State seems to have one its strongest running back corps in a long time, with senior Jordan Hall, junior Carlos Hyde and freshman Bri'onte Dunn leading the headlines.

Hall, who will likely serve as the Buckeyes' feature back in the spread, has had a great spring and looks to finally be coming to his own with development. Meyer called Hall one of the "few playmakers" on the offense.

Hyde's ability to run the ball with physicality will be utilized in the power formations. After a string of solid practices, Meyer said Hyde is "drinking the Kool-Aid."

And we can't forget about the freshman. Dunn, a 5-star recruit, has impressed Meyer in practice and is expected to get some carries in the spring game.

"I don't think he'll redshirt. I think we'll play him on special teams, and he's going to get some snaps," said Meyer, via CantonRep.com. "He's done a very nice job. He's a good kid, too. He's doing all the right things off the field."

Injuries

Evan Spencer

Sophomore receiver Evan Spencer is expected to miss at least two weeks after suffering a small fracture in his shoulder during practice last week, reports Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch. He will more than likely not participate in the spring game.


Se'Von Pittman

Eleven Warriors reports that freshman defensive end Se'Von Pittman sprained his knee (MCL) in practice last week and is probable for the spring game. Rabinowitz confirmed via Twitter private message that he will not play.


Brian Bobek

Rabinowitz also added that sophomore center Brian Bobek—who looks to be the leading candidate to replace Mike Brewster—left practice Saturday with ice wrapped around his ankle. Corey Linsley and Jacoby Boren* are also in contention for the starting job.


*Jacoby Boren had surgery on a torn labrum and will miss entire spring.

Updates

Nathan Williams progressing

Ohio State senior defensive end Nathan Williams is slowly, but steadily making strides in his rehab from knee surgery last year.

Eleven Warriors told me via Twitter that Urban Meyer said Williams will begin jogging in June, while the Columbus Dispatch's Bill Rabinowitz said he will be ready for preseason camp in a private message.


Spring game set for Saturday

The annual Scarlet and Gray spring game is this Saturday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. ET in the Horseshoe. Urban Meyer's first appearance on the field as the Buckeyes' head coach can be seen on the Big Ten Network.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @Tyler_Waddell