Ohio State Spring Game: Urban Meyer's Spread Offense Will Set OSU Athletes Free

Jim Tressel’s offense was a prison.

The legendary head coach’s power-I simply didn’t fit the personnel that Ohio State fielded on offense last year. In Urban Meyer’s spread system, though, the Buckeyes' playmakers will flourish.

The former No. 1 dual-threat QB recruit in the nation, Braxton Miller, is definitely a fan. Kelly Whiteside of USA Today reported that Miller had this to say before the spring game:

"

It's lovely. I get to showcase what I've got…I said, ‘Oh man, that felt like my old self out there. Like I'm back in the day, back in high school. Urban looked at me and I looked at him, and he gave me that little nod. It felt good.

"

Miller is currently surrounded by question marks at the skill positions.  According to The Lantern’s Pat Brennan, Meyer listed the Buckeyes' top weapons after the spring game, saying: “I’d have to say right now our playmakers on offense—the top five, in order—are Jordan Hall, would be Jake Stoneburner, would be probably Carlos (Hyde), Philly Brown, Michael Thomas and Devin Smith.”

Feel free to ignore the fact that Meyer just named six players.

But just because the Buckeyes’ core is unproven doesn’t mean they won’t produce.

Junior 6’5” tight end Jake Stoneburner proved to be a dangerous red-zone threat, scorning seven touchdowns on just 14 receptions last season. Junior running back Jordan Hall excelled in a triple-option offense in high school playing alongside Terrelle Prior at Jeanette. His athleticism would be put to better use in a wide-open offense than in the I-formation.

Carlos Hyde, a 6’1”, 238-pound power back, excelled when given an opportunity last season. He rushed for 566 yards and six touchdowns on 5.3 yards a pop. True freshman wide receiver Michael Thomas recorded a whopping 12 receptions for 131 yards in the squad’s spring game.

Remember their names. You may be unfamiliar now, but you won’t be by season’s end.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels