Ohio State Football: Some Early Answers Emerging From Fall Practice

Sabino, Washington and Johnson could be answers at three open positions

Dave Thurman (9:45 am)

Media Day is in the books, and like a kid in the candy store I can't get enough information from the Buckeye's early practice reports to say nothing of looking at pictures of the 2010 squad in their uniforms.  Although it will take a few weeks for all of our questions to get answered, there are quite a few things that are already becoming obvious.
 
1. The coaching staff really is giving Taurian Washigton every opportunity to win the number three WR spot - Just because Tressel says it in the offseason does not make it so, as we have learned during the past decade.  But the early practice reports indicate that T-Wash is getting the reps as the number three guy, and Dane Sanzenbacher made it clear at the Big Ten Media Days that he expects Washington to lock down this spot.  Whether he can hold off Chris Fields, Corey "Philly" Brown and James Louis all year is another matter, but Taurian is being given first dibs this fall.

2. Left Tackle really isn't settled - We all hoped Mike Adams would come into fall as "the man," but early word is that he and Andrew Miller are sharing reps with the first team o-line, and that Marcus Hall is also being looked at this fall as a left tackle possibility.  I don't want to beat a dead horse, but the Bucks need this spot solidified before Marshall comes to town, and my hope is that Adams rises to the top quickly in practice.

3. The tight end really is a threat to catch some passes this fall - Every Buckeye fan is leery of promises to get the tight end involved in the offense, since this is an old song and dance that has left us feeling jilted in the past.  But Stoneburner truly is a different breed of tight end than we have seen in the Tressel era, and both he and Pryor seem to think this year will be different.  However, OSU needs to keep Jake healthy, because after he and Reid Fragel there isn't much to choose from.  With Nic DiLillo not among the 105 players invited to camp, there isn't another scholarship tight end on the roster, and one wonders if injuries would force the Bucks to play some H-back, employing fullbacks Zach Boren, Adam Homen and James Georgiades.  Walk-on Spencer Smith is another possibility. 

4. Orhian Johnson really does seem to be the answer at free safety - One of the potential trouble spots this year is at safety, due to the graduation of Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell.  Orhian Johnson has been slotted to fill one of the vacancies, but since he never played the position in high school there has been some understandable anxiety in Buckeye Nation.  However, early reports are that Johnson is very comfortable in this role and looks like a player.  If he and Jermale Hines can emerge as dependable safeties, it will go a long way towards leading the team to another Big Ten title.

5. Tyler Moeller really is healthy - Some wondered if Moeller would ever see the field again after a scary off-field injury and subsequent surgery, but he is back and seemingly as good as ever.  It looks like he will begin the season at the Star, and find playing time at both outside linebacker and safety.  This would be a huge bonus for the Buckeyes, and I look for Tyler to be a crowd favorite in 2010.

6. Running Back really is an embarrassment of riches - There just aren't enough balls to go around this year, because the young guys are proving they can play, meaning there are five candidates for legitimate playing time.  We know what Saine and Herron can do.  We've seen glimpses of Hall's potential.  Now we are seeing the explosiveness of Berry and the power of Hyde.  What a great problem to have.  No wonder Jermil Martin took the first bus out of town!

Stay tuned for more excting tidbits of information as it leaks out of Fort Tressel the next couple of weeks.