Ohio State Football: What Does the Return of 4 Suspended Players Do for OSU?

Five Ohio State players (including quarterback Terrelle Pryor) were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 college football season back in December. These athletes accepted improper benefits, including selling awards, gifts and university apparel.

Involved were offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Daniel Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and backup defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. They, along with Pryor, were obligated to repay the money and benefits (valued from $1,000 to $2,500) back to charity.

Every suspended starter was a household name on the Buckeyes' offense.

Terrelle Pryor was without doubt one of the best QBs in Ohio State history. He served as the Buckeyes' signal-caller from 2008–2010 and compiled an overall record of 31-4, including a 2-0 record as a starter in BCS bowl games. In addition to tying Bobby Hoying's school record of 57 touchdown passes, Pryor also finished his collegiate career as the all-time leading rusher amongst OSU quarterbacks with 2,164 yards.

He now plays for the Oakland Raiders.

Dan "Boom" Herron was the team's leading rusher last season with 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. Although it seems as if the Buckeyes are deep in running backs, Herron's game-changing presence and leadership are irreplaceable.

Since 2009, DeVier Posey has been Ohio State's most reliable receiver. He has led the team in receptions and yards during this span, and his absence is detrimental to the offense.

And anytime you lose a senior offensive lineman, it's tough. The 6'8", 320-pounder was an All-Big Ten player in 2010.

Sure, the Bucks took care of business against Akron, winning 42-0. They'll most likely do so again in Week 2 with Toledo before going on the road to Miami. The Hurricanes are having their own problems, but will still be a threat to an inexperienced OSU squad. And after a battle against the Colorado Buffaloes, Ohio State matches up with Big Ten powerhouse Michigan State.

The Buckeyes can beat up on the Little Sisters of the Poor all they'd like (which I'd prefer they do, anyways) but it does not automatically transition to wins against distinguished squads such as Miami and Michigan State.

Believe me, Ohio State needs its suspended players back on the field, especially if it wants to find itself in another BCS bowl.

The four ineligible players are set to return in a road game versus the Nebraska Cornhuskers—which may just be in the nick of time.

Let's take a look at each suspended player and what they provide for Ohio State's football team. 

Solomon Thomas, DE

Solomon Thomas is not a starter on the Buckeyes' defensive line, but he does add depth to the position.

The 6'5", 255-pound DE has 14 career tackles with an interception—all in 2010—and is in his senior season with Ohio State.

Even though he's a backup, the NFL Draft Scout still has Thomas ranked 51st out of 215 defensive ends in the class of 2012.

Mike Adams, LT

This guy is huge.

Not only is he big physically, but he plays a large role in the Buckeyes' offense, as well.

Mike Adams protects the quarterback's blind side at the left tackle position. After an average first couple seasons in Columbus, Adams proved to be one the nation's best linemen in 2010.

He started all 13 games at left tackle last year and earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors, while helping Ohio State rank 14th nationally in rushing (220.1 YPG) and 11th in scoring (38.8 YPG).

Adam's presence on the line will be missed until Oct. 8.

Dan Herron, RB

He may be suspended the first five games, but it won't stop Daniel Herron from putting up productive numbers.

Although he's only 5'10" and 200 pounds, Herron runs with a lot of explosiveness. He's strong in between the tackles and never hesitates to run an opponent over, relying on his massive legs to carry him to the end zone. His confidence, football IQ and senior leadership are assets the Buckeyes need on the field.

He'll continue to perform when the Buckeyes go on the road to face the Big Ten's newly-added Nebraska Cornhuskers.

And according to the NFL's draft site, "Boom" is projected to land in the Jacksonville Jaguars' hands (or paws?) by the fourth round, possibly becoming the successor of RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

DeVier Posey, WR

Last Saturday against Akron, Ohio State featured four freshmen and two sophomore wide receivers. Chris Fields, now in his second year with the Buckeyes, was the team's leader among other wideouts heading into the season (not including Posey) with three catches for 22 yards.

This is a corps of extremely young, inexperienced and unproven wide receivers. They undoubtedly are talented and ready to step into their roles, but will it be enough?

"The wide receivers have [been] unbelievable," Fickell said, according to ESPN. "They've been as impressive a group, as I think, throughout camp. Maybe that's a little because we knew we had a lot of young guys, and we didn't know what to expect."

You know what to expect with a guy like Posey.

He has 124 career receptions for 1,793 yards (14.4 YPC) and 16 touchdowns. The senior WR was set to hit his third straight season of more than 800 yards receiving before being nailed with a five-game suspension.

Posey is projected to be selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

If you think the Buckeyes have a good squad now, just wait until their impact players return from suspension.

But for now, we'll just have to play the speculation game.