Ohio State Football: Friday Night Sound-Off

There are a number of interesting bits and pieces of news to share at the start of an important weekend in Columbus.

1. Many of the class of 2011 verbal commitments will be in town for their official visit, and the hope is that they can sway two uncommitted prospects who will also be checking out Ohio State: OL Aundrey Walker (Cleveland Glenville) and DE Tank Carradine (Butler, Kansas, community college).  Both would be big gets for the Buckeyes, and Carradine could help out immediately, possibly bringing the kind of pressure on the quarterback that was often missing this year. 

2. A number of All-American teams have been announced, and a couple of Buckeyes are getting a little love, most notably Chimdi Chekwa. He was named second-team All-America by Walter Camp, Rivals.com and CBSsports.com, with more teams to be announced in the near future.  Joining him on the Rivals.com team was Justin Boren (also second-team). 

I find it interesting the Chekwa was often criticized by OSU fans this season, but has received so many national accolades.  My guess is he will be missed more than most people realize.

3. Speaking of receiving no love, Terrelle Pryor was defeated by Denard Robinson for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award given annually to the Big Ten MVP.  Robinson, Pryor and Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan were the three finalists. 

While it is hard to argue with Robinson as the conference's outstanding offensive player, I think the MVP should go to someone on a winning team.  It is one more slap in Pryor's face, and it amazes me how unreal expectations have kept people from appreciating what a fine season Terrelle actually had.  Most importantly he is now 30-4 as a starter and 3-0 against TSUN!

4. While this is mainly a Buckeye football blog, it is impossible not to comment on freshman hoopster Jared Sullinger.  Coming out of high school we all knew he was special, possibly the best freshman in America. 

But after a stellar start to the 2009-10 season, he took his game up a notch Thursday night, finishing with 40 points and 13 boards.  While the rest of the team was guilty of sleepwalking against IUPUI, Sullinger simply dominated, carrying a veteran bunch on his back. 

As good as Greg Oden was defensively in his one season in Columbus, he could never take over a game the way Jared did. Sullinger was simply a man among boys, and it should be fun to watch him all season.  Now, about developing a little depth...

5. Finally, in case you wondered if Jim Tressel is being paid in accordance with his success on the field, check out the article that appeared in USA Today.  The sweater vest is not hurting, though, he is worth every penny in my book!