Buckeye Bliss: Why Terrelle Pryor and Co. Will Be Better in 2009

There are plenty of anti-Ohio State fans, and even some batty Buckeye fans who think that Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor should make the switch to wide receiver.

I do not know what fantasy Utopia world they think it would be with Pryor lined up in the slot, but I strongly suggest them to watch Pryor next year and then see if they are second-guessing themselves. 

Pryor was the number-one recruit coming out of high school. The 6'6'', 230-pound dual-threat was criticized and challenged most of the season for not being as efficient of a passer as advertised.

A few things to consider on this:

The offensive line did not hold its ground. This resulted in Pryor being flushed out of the pocket many times. While he is an amazing and elusive runner, it sometimes felt like he was being bombarded by linebackers and defensive lineman who came of the edges of an disappointing Buckeye O-line.

Any quarterback would obviously plant his feet and throw in a pocket that is not collapsing, and Pryor is no different. If Alex Boone and his big buddies up front would have handled pass-rushers better, Pryor may have been considering something above an adequate passer.

Beanie, when healthy, was Beanie: Chris "Beanie" Wells, despite sitting out three games with a foot injury, rushed for over 1,000 yards. This provided Pryor with an easy decision many times coming out of the huddle; Wells gets the ball and goes up the gut.

The performance of Wells during the season really limited the need to force throws and pad passing statistics.

Back to the matter at hand and the purpose of this article. Pryor was the top-recruit last year for a reason. He was bound to make freshman miscues. It is rare to see a freshman, even a sophomore who is very talented, not make mistakes.

Two words have described Pryor's miscues: Growing pains. Sure, he messed up sometimes, especially during the Penn State game, where his fumble could have easily been avoided if he just snuck it over center Michael Brewster.

Despite all this, Pryor went 8-2 as a starter. 

Now that the season is over, and running backs Chris Wells and Maurice Wells and receivers Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline are leaving, the question is how Pryor will up his game with less experience supporting him.

I'm not Nostradamus, but my prediction that Pryor will be much better, especially because his supporting cast will be better could and probably will scare many. 

The offensive line will be better

Out with the old, porous, lackluster offensive line, and in with the new. Mike Brewster will lead a younger yet more talented bunch, including Mike Adams, J.B. Shugarts, and Michigan (you heard it right) transfer Justin Boren.

The final spot will likely be determined out of competition, but Jim Cordle could move to a spot other than center, or Bryant Browning, who has experience, could complete the five-headed monster.

This new bunch of "Big Boys" is extremely hyped and for good reason. They were all top recruits at one point and should give Pryor more time in the pocket to find his receivers or decide to turn it upfield.

The running game suits Pryor's style better. While Beanie Wells was a workhorse and nothing shy of dangerous when healthy, his north-south style possibly slowed Pryor and the offense down.

With Wells out of the picture, Pryor can run more option reads and the spread offense. Buckeye running backs Daniel "Boom" Herron and Brandon Saine, along with top-recruit Jaamal Berry, will line up alongside Pryor in the shotgun and should create problems in the spread that Wells was not able to. 

But it seem like the Buckeyes will also have to continue the power running game to some extent, as 6'1'', 230 pound Carlos Hyde is said to be the next "Beanie" and his successor. 

Pryor still has his feet

However long it takes for Pryor to get his passing game down pat, his ability to run for days will keep befuddling defenses. His legs have the ability to run five yards in only two strides, and he is at his best when moving into the open field.

Pryor's new passing attack will surely push defenses back, and when that happens, it is off to the races with him.

Pryor can relate to the receiving corps easier

The fact that Hartline is departing to the NFL really hurts the offense. Hartline's presence would have made him the top receiver.

Pryor would have had a year of connecting with Hartline under his belt, and Hartline would have gotten better and been able to make it easier for Pryor to give him the ball.

Pryor does have a few targets of his returning next year. Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, Ray Small, and Laamar Thomas were all on the receiving hand of Pryor last year. Thomas and Posey should develop a good trust and connection with Pryor as they all were freshman last year. 

Newcomers Duron Carter, James Jackson, Chris Fields, and redshirt freshman Jake Stoneburner should also contribute and give Pryor more options.

Pryor will run more spread attack, which will help utilize the speed of the receivers better, and he will have a ton of time to connect with them and understand their breaks better.

All you nay-sayers who despise Pryor because he did not go to your favorite school or because he disappointed you this year should think again about your opinions on him.

With a year of experience in a good defensive league under his belt, and an off-season to improve and polish his game with new and familiar players, it may not be long before Pryor is posting big-time statistics and maybe going on a trip to New York City at the end of the year.