Ohio State Coach Luke Fickell Talks Quarterbacks, Tressel at Big Ten Media Day

One thing's for sure: Ohio State coach Luke Fickell has already improved, and it's only been two months.

At the Big Ten's media day in Chicago, Coach Fickell addressed everything from who would be the next starting quarterback to his (lack of) communication with former head coach Jim Tressel.

Compared to his opening speech when he was announced as the 2011 head coach, Fickell was calm and fielded the media's questions with ease. Though some fans have been concerned with Fickell's uncomfortable stage presence, the head coach handled the conference like a pro.

Regarding the quarterback situation, Fickell remained coy: "We have four obviously very capable guys...we're going to put them in situations where we think they can be successful. Each one is a little bit different in his own right. As we move along in camp, [we will] really focus on who we think gives us the best opportunity to win as a team," he said in the press conference. 

When asked about freshman standout Braxton Miller, Fickell was confident that Miller could start as a true freshman if chosen as the Buckeyes' quarterback: "I think he has a lot of similar qualities [to Terrelle Pryor] in what he can do as a football player."

"Again, we're excited. Obviously we had him through the spring practice, but excited to see how he can continue to grow and how he can put our football team in the best position to win."

Fickell also commented on the current mindset of the Buckeyes, while the August 6 NCAA hearing date looms: "They say the right things. They're doing the right things...especially at Ohio State, you're out there to prove what you can do...our focus is on what we can control."

"I think that's been from day one, from that leadership ability. Nobody puts more pressure on themselves than me. So all the outside pressures are things that obviously you deal with. But the pressure you put upon yourself I think is greater."

Finally, Fickell couldn't escape the Tattoo-gate scandal completely. When asked about his communication with Tressel, Fickell replied: "No, I have not had a whole lot of contact with Coach Tressel. I know he has been very supportive. He loves Ohio State and wishes us nothing but the best."