Yardbarker: Malcolm Jenkins

Halfway home

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:08:08 -0500

As Purdue reached the midpoint in its season today I have mixed emotions. They are exactly where I predicted they would be according to my Know thy Opponent previews over the summer. I predicted a 2-4 first half with the only wins coming over Central Michigan and Northern Colorado. It feels like it should be more. I think we honestly felt like we would get better quarterback play to this point. That better play likely have us at 4-2 or maybe 6-0 in a dream world. I will admit that since the defense quit on us, the Notre Dame loss would likely have happened regardless. Painter's numbers have been way down from the past, but that is far from the only reason we are now 2-4.

What is frustrating is that there have been enough encouraging signs to feel like we can be so much better. After quitting against Notre Dame's poor running attack, our defense held one of the best running backs in the country below 100 yards today. Had they played like they did against Notre Dame, Wells would have had 300 yards and 4 TD's today easily. It seems like once we fix one thing, something else goes wrong. Against Notre Dame we actually had Curtis Painter become the mad bomber, moving the ball well. That should have been enough for a win, but the defense simply quit in the second half for no reason whatsoever.

Today's game was surprisingly winnable. The defense played the type of game we have needed in order to beat a ranked foe. They really did last week too. To me, if we're such an offensive-oriented team, we should win every game in which our defense holds a team to 20 points or fewer. That's a reasonable expectation for the types of offenses we have had. Instead, we have scored 9 points with allegedly one of the best senior quarterbacks in the nation that past two weeks. Six of those points came with him getting splinters in his butt on the bench.

So where do we go from here? There was enough effort and passion on defense to see today that a bowl game is still salvageable this season. In fact, of all six remaining games there is not one I can point to as a guaranteed loss. The game at Michigan State is the closest one to that category. All we need to do is hold serve at home against three teams we should beat (ironically with Minnesota as the toughest) and steal one on the road. At this point any bowl game would be a win for the season, even Detroit again. It would also allow Tiller and Painter, whose legends are certainly tarnished, to save at least a little face at the end of their careers.

Positives from the Ohio State game:

The Defense a?" If these guys can replicate this effort the rest of the year it will pay dividends. 222 yards is what we normally give up in a half. Even in giving up just 20 points last week we surrendered well over 400 yards. Today we allowed next to nothing in the passing game and held two very good running players in check. It's a shame the offense decided not to show up and we handed them seven points on the blocked punt. If you take that away, give Purdue a field goal attempt after the Painter fumble, and give Wiggs a make at the end of the first half we're in a position to win a 9-9 game at the end. I know that's a lot of ifs, but for once those ifs don't fault our defense one bit.

The defense gave us a chance to win. Even six of the nine points it did give up were the result of a short field after turnovers. It was actually the best effort of the season and one of the best in years. Their performance today gives me at least a little hope for the rest of the season. All we can ask is that they give us a chance to win, and they did that today. At this point I will take what I can get.

Carson Wiggs a?" I have long been a supporter of Chris Summers even in his struggles, but it is clear that Wiggs is something special. Just imagine what he can do if we ever give him an attempt closer than 50 yards. I think it also helped Summers with his punting a little. If having two specialists helps this team the rest of the year I am all for it. In Wiggs, the kid only broke the school record for longest field goal ever.

Kory Sheets a?" For the second week in a row Kory gained some tough yards when we needed them. I know 59 and 67 yards in consecutive games isn't much, but we must consider our history. These were the two best defenses we will face all year. They are the types of defenses that we normally struggle to get anything on the ground and completely abandon the running game against. In previous years, Kory might have had 40 yards in the last two games combined. Things get easier from here on out, and I expect Kory to thrive.

Sheets even had the best quote after the game. "The game evolves every day and our offense has to evolve and change with it before we get left behind in the dust and don't win any more games," he said. Well said, Mr. Sheets. Well said. This is yet another area where we show flashes of imagination once or twice per game, but almost seem afraid to do anything else.

Negatives from the Ohio State game:

Curtis Painter a?" I have tried to give Curtis the benefit of the doubt in this forum before. He has put up very good numbers, but it seems as if he hasn't improved one bit. When I did the Best Wins of the Tiller Era series this summer I mentioned how Drew Brees had a certain air about him on the field. When he stepped out there you felt we had a chance in every single game even if he struggled. Kyle Orton, and even Brandon Kirsch had that to some extent, but not as much as Brees. With Painter, I have never felt that.

Curtis is a good kid. I can tell he is struggling this year to make throws that he has made in the past. I don't know if the pressure of preseason expectations has gotten to him or what, but at this point we have little reason to hope he can give us that extra edge when it is specifically needed form his position. By that I mean when all things are equal and all other positions are playing equal, we get a boost because of who he is. For us to win right now we need Painter to simply be painter and get something exceptional elsewhere. He has never been that exceptional except in last year's Motor City Bowl.

Fortunately for him we don't have another overwhelming opponent left on the schedule. Northwestern is good, but it is hardly intimidating as a road venue. Minnesota officially scares me now, but it is a game we can win at home. With the way Michigan's offense is playing right now, we need about a C- game from Curtis to beat the Wolverines at home. Michigan State will be tough, but I know we are capable of beating Iowa and Indiana is back to being Indiana. It is my hope that Curtis can pull it together against the subpar and get us to the postseason. I would still give Joey Elliott a long look if he struggles at all next week.

Punt protection a?" I probably put way too much on Curtis above, especially when such a mundane type of play made such a huge difference. Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins even admitted they don't rush the punter very often, yet we handed them 7 points. I'm not sure if Summers hesitated slightly when he rotated the ball to kick, but it shouldn't have mattered. This is another case of one minor mistake making a huge difference. Without that mistake we're down 9-3 with a chance to win it with a touchdown at the end.

Final thoughts:

I ended the above section early because there really weren't a lot of glaring negatives. Whenever the offense struggles the bulk of the blame will be placed on the quarterback. Despite the lack of negatives, there weren't a huge amount of positives outside of the defense. Ohio State admittedly did not play its best game. Good teams know how to win when that happens though.

When I did the Big Ten preview yesterday I mentioned how I felt we would need an effort not seen yet in order to win. We got that, but it still wasn't enough. Maybe I am overly optimistic in thinking we can still salvage something out of this season when the other four loss teams in the conference are declaring it over, but isn't it my job as fan to think that way until something salvageable isn't mathematically possible? I was that way in 2005 until late in the fourth quarter of loss #6 (at Penn State), so I will be there year until loss #7 is unavoidable.

The Northwestern game is huge now. A win in Evanston, a place that I know we can win at, would seriously turn things around. Say what you will about Tiller, but the only time we have ever had a four game or longer losing streak under him is the disastrous 2005 season. Winning in Evanston Saturday would avoid that and set the stage for a bowl game if we can just win our remaining home games.

Of course, in that scenario of a minimum six wins we need some help from the rest of the conference. Without a second BCS bid, we would need four teams with at least seven losses to assure a postseason bid. Michigan and Indiana appear to be well on their way to fulfilling two of those slots, and we control our in being able to help them get there. Iowa is another likely candidate, but not a guarantee after today. That leaves Illinois and surprisingly Wisconsin there after the finish getting rocked at home tonight. Both should still get bowl eligible, possibly still leaving us out in the cold. With that in mind, here are the things that need to happen in order for us to make a bowl game.

First, the Big Ten needs two BCS-worthy teams to move the open bowl bids from 7 to 8. Our best bet is Penn State continuing to crack skulls open and for Ohio State to sneak into one at 10-2 (with a loss to Penn State). Both finishing 11-1 would probably work too.

Second, we have to win four more games to get to at least 6-6. Based on the way things look now, we absolutely nave to beat Indiana and Michigan at home. We need to hold serve at home against Minnesota for homecoming. Our best bet for a road win is Iowa, then Northwestern. I believe we can get both, and to be safer we had better get both. Michigan State is a pipe dream, but a last shot at a ranked team for now. That will be my Big Ten road trip this year unless I decide to go to Northwestern at the last moment.

Third, we need three other Big Ten teams to reach the 7 loss plateau. Indiana and Michigan are well on their way. Iowa appears to be the most likely to be a third with an angry Wisconsin, at Illinois, and Penn State the next three games. That would mean the Purdue-Iowa game could be a lot like the 2002 Purdue-Michigan State game in terms of it being a bowl elimination game. Illinois has to feel like it is in some danger now too, but we don't have say in that like we do with Iowa.

I feel like Jimmy V. when I say this, especially after I declared the season over after losing to another piss-poor Notre Dame team two weeks ago, but we can't give up. Don't ever give up.

Ohio State preview

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:54:53 -0500

The results of this week's blogpoll can be found at the following link. This is important, as Purdue faces the #14 team in that poll this week in Columbus. Ohio State has been ranked in all polls of any kind all season long. There is a decent chance that this will be our final chance this season to end the long string of losses to ranked teams, though Michigan State could be another final chance later on. If history prevails, that streak will grow even longer because Columbus has not been kind to us.

It is no secret that Purdue has just one win at Ohio State and Michigan combined since Bob Griese was quarterback in 1966. That win came in 1988 as the Spoilermakers made an appearance and shocked Ohio State in the 'shoe 31-26. They really shouldn't be considered Spoilermakers, however, as Ohio State finished that year 4-6-1and lost 41-7 to Indiana.

We have come closer historically in Columbus than we have in Ann Arbor in the last 42 years. I was there during our last visit in 2003. That was an agonizingly close 16-13 loss in overtime that could have sent us on our way with an at large BCS berth that season. In my opinion, that team was Tiller's best. Three of its four losses came by 11 total points, two of them in overtime. It marked our last appearance in a New Year's Day bowl as well.

I don't expect Saturday's game to be as close. Our offense was better last year against a less experienced Ohio State defense and the Buckeyes pitched a shutout for 59 minutes in a nationally televised sellout at Ross-Ade. This year we are struggling even more offensively. Ohio State may still be figuring out things on their own offense, but their defense will likely stop us quite easily.

Ohio State offense:

Statistically the Buckeyes are more run oriented, but they aren't exactly Navy when it comes to that preference. Their overall yardage gained is about 55-45 in favor of the run. These numbers also reflect a couple of games without a Heisman-worthy running back and a quarterback change to a more run-oriented player. Ohio State averages about 186 yards on the ground per game. It is probably a similar type of rushing attack that Penn State ran against us only Chris Wells is better than Evan Royster and Terelle Pryor is a better runner than Daryll Clark.

Wells is clearly the catalyst that makes things go, though Pryor has made them much more formidable in recent weeks. Wells has played in just three games so far, leaving one with an injury. He has racked up 385 yards and two scores in that time. Pryor has played in all six games and has 312 yards and four TD's on the ground. 168 of Wells' yards came a week ago at Wisconsin, but it was Pryor that made the game's biggest running play with an unbelievable cut and burst for the winning touchdown. Any time you can use Wells as a decoy and the guy actually carrying the ball is just as good you have a great backfield.

Dan Herron is also a bit of a factor in the running game with 262 yards and a score. Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine can also provide a carry or two in spot duty. The main thrust of the ground game will come from Wells and Pryor though. Sadly, I don't know if we have the personnel or the discipline to make one of them commit on option runs. Fortunately, Chris Wells hasn't been as big of a threat catching the ball since we're still vulnerable to the screen pass.

Speaking of the passing game, Ohio State's isn't very productive at just 151 yards per game. This was one area where we actually had some success a season ago. After two early touchdowns on we were able to pick off Todd Boeckman three times. Boeckman is on the bench now after throwing for 446 yards in five games with only three scores against a pair of interceptions. In is Pryor, who has 440 yards passing and five scores in six games. Ohio State doesn't throw a lot, so if we can slow down the running game and make them throw we might have a chance. The Buckeyes throw an average of 24.5 times per game, completing 64% of those passes.

On the receiving end Ohio State has good, but not stellar receivers. Brian Robiskie (22-213-4) is the most important target. Ray Small (16-122-0) was the one who did the most damage to us a year ago with six catches for 70 yards and a score. Brian Hartline (13-226-2) and Dane Sanzenbacher (10-105-0) are the only others with significant numbers. Our biggest concern is containing this group when Ohio State has to throw. If we cannot make them throw by slowing down the running game they won't have many receptions anyway. Ohio State had just 144 yards passing a week ago with a long of just 27. They have yet to complete a pass of more than 50 yards, so we're not looking at a team that loves to throw the deep ball.

Another key element to any success we have will be the development of a pass rush. Ohio State's protection hasn't been the greatest all season. They have given up 16 sacks through six games, but Pryor's scrambling ability allows him to escape some sacks other quarterbacks cannot. We simply must get a pass rush and get Pryor down once we get to him to have any chance. Ohio State has had an astounding 39 plays go for negative yardage as well. That's 6.5 per game and we have to get at least that many on Saturday.

Ohio State's defense:

They call it Tressell-ball, and this year's Ohio State team is much like its predecessors. The offensive numbers aren't eye-popping, but the defense makes sure it doesn't need to be. Last season I felt even with a poor defense we had a chance if we held them below 25 points. We did that, but had no chance because the Buckeye defense smothered us all night long. When you take away USC's 35 point outburst the Buckeyes give up a miserly 12.4 points per game. They also like to take the ball away with 14 forced turnovers on the year. Even if our defense does play well and holds them in the 20-25 point range we have to move the ball and get points when we have the chance to.

It all starts in the middle with All-American James Laurinaitis. He is on his way to making a lot of money in the NFL at this time next year. He is a linebacker that we can only dream of in that he plays the run and the pass well. He has 57 tackles on the season to go with a sack and an interception. He seems to be in on almost every play, so it is not like we can just run away from him.

Still, it's not like Ohio State is completely shutting teams down. They are giving up more than 100 yards rushing per game. Statistically that is worse than Penn State from last week, so Kory Sheets may find a little more room to run. We have to commit to it though, as the Ohio State pass defense is very good at just 155 yards per game given up. They also have nine interceptions as a team. This means Curtis Painter cannot afford to sail too many passes.

Kurt Coleman and Malcolm Jenkins each have two of those interceptions. Jenkins leads the team in pass break ups with four. We also need to watch out for Chimdi Chekwa, a nickel back who seemingly had 4662 tackles in the game against us last year. All told this is a team-oriented defense. The numbers, outside of what Laurinaitis has put up, are actually fairly balanced across the board.

When it comes to getting into the backfield Ohio State isn't great. They have just nine sacks on the season. Marcus Freeman leads the team in this category with three. The defensive end is also third on the team in tackles with 36 stops and a pair of pass breakups.

Ohio State Special teams:

Another major aspect of Tressell-ball is that his teams get points wherever they can get them. Special teams play a major role in this, and that is no different this year. Ryan Pretorius is a solid kicker, having made 11 of 14 attempts so far. He has a long of 50, while Aaron Pettrey made his only attempt of the season from 54 yards out. This means that the Buckeyes are a threat to score any time they get inside our 40 yard line.

A.J. Trapasso helps the defense out by being of the best punters in the country. He carries a 44.9 yard average per punt and drops the ball inside the 20 more than 20% of the time. His hang time is excellent as well. Only 9 of his 25 punts have had returns for an average of only 4.6 yards. Basically we can forget about returning punts all day, but we have to watch Ohio State. Small is a dangerous punt returner at 16.3 yards per return. He has already taken one back too.

On kickoffs Trapasso and Pettrey are very good at getting touchbacks. Both Ohio State and its opponents are averaging 18.7 yards per return with no touchdowns. Since Ohio State doesn't give up many points they haven't had many chances to return kicks. Brandon Saine is the main returner with an 18.4 yard average.

Final Thoughts:

Coming into the season I didn't think we had a chance in hell of winning this game. Even after five games I have changed my tune a little. I feel like we have a better chance against Ohio State than we did against Penn State, but it still isn't a great one. Against the Nittany Lions we played a nearly perfect game for the first 20 minutes. A pair of second quarter missed field goals killed our momentum, leading to a loss. Perhaps a bigger play was the fumbled snap by Painter on third down. Had we scored a touchdown on that drive the entire mojo of the game would have changed. Again, the ability is there, but we still have to put it all together.

For some reason, Tiller's teams have always played Ohio State the toughest of the big three (Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan). We've grabbed a pair of wins from them. We very nearly derailed their national championship season. We've even been within a field goal twice (1999 and 2003) of escaping Columbus with a win. Last week we lost because of our own mistakes. We left at least 7 points on the field and a ton of momentum. If we can limit those mistakes this week we may actually have a chance.

Again, we must at least slow down the running game. If Pryor and Wells are allowed to run wild early we have no chance. If we can force Pryor to throw, that will be playing to the weakness of the Ohio State offense and the strength of our own defense. It has been a long while since we have forced a team to do what we want them to do. Usually it is the other way around, and Ohio State is very good at doing that.

Of course, holding them in the 20's means very little if our offense takes 50 minutes to score again. Carson Wiggs is most likely going to get his chance as the placekicker this week. He needs to come through when we're close, and he has the leg to give us points inside the 35. Chris Summers is a good, smart kid. In reading interviews with him about last week it is clear that no one is more upset than him over his performance. He still has enough talent to be very successful if it is punting, placekicking, or both. Like Travis Dorsch in 2000 though, I think pulling double duty has caused one area to suffer. Should he get a shot at redemption this week I hope he comes through.

We can solve the field goal anxiety if we start getting touchdowns again. Last week we were patient and moved the ball on time-comsuming, sustained drives for the first time in ages. We have to do the same. Do not discount Kory Sheet's 59 yards last week. He earned every one of them. Purdue teams of old would have abandoned the running game long before he got to 20 yards in similar circumstances. That showed me that, however slowly, we're actually learning some.

It's also becoming very old, but Curtis Painter must start playing like we know he can play. Compared to his previous numbers, he has flat-out sucked this year. Ohio State isn't the best team for him to break out against, but he must be patient, look for other receivers and not turn the ball over. Not looking for receivers cost us the Oregon game when Kory Sheets was wide open and could have walked in during the first overtime. Elliott even showed his elusiveness and ability to read the defense better on his one drive last week. His head actually moved through progressions. We need Painter to do this, but I fear it is too late.

The sad thing is that at this point, it is little things that could be easily fixed or shouldn't even be issues in the first place that separate us from our opponents. We knew Central Michigan and Notre Dame were weak running teams, but they ran wild. We knew Central Michigan had a bad pass defense and Notre Dame had a bad run defense, but we struggled against both. We have to attack Ohio State's weaknesses this week, even if they aren't glaring ones. Those weaknesses are the passing game on both sides of the ball while at least containing or moving the ball on the ground as appropriate. Of course, we're the worst rushing team statistically in the Big Ten both offensively and defensively. it won't be easy.

Their offense isn't nearly as scary or balanced as Oregon or Penn State, and we actually did alright in those games. Strangely, I think we have an excellent shot to win Saturday. It is only recent history and knowing who we are that prevents me from really believing it.

Looking For Weaknessa??

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:39:47 -0500

The Buckeyes are loaded. We know it. Michigan knows it. The media knows it. SEC fan knows it, but won't admit it. There really isn't much use for breaking out the traditional preview. You know about Beanie Wells. You've seen James Laurinaitis on First Take. You've heard Jim Tressel talk about phenom Terrelle Pryor. You know that the team retained 20 starters from last season. You know Malcom Jenkins and Alex Boone were honored with Laurinaitis and Wells on many preseason all-American teams. You know the Buckeyes are favored to win their third straight outright Big Ten title (which would be a first for any team in the conference.) What you may not know is what could be Ohio State's undoing this year. What weaknesses could bring down the Scarlet and Gray?

Ohio State Media Day Interviews

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:18:47 -0500

DTI was present at Ohio State's 2008 Media Day on Thursday and we we're able to bring you all the action. We were able to interview senior offensive lineman Alex Boone, senior defensive back Malcolm Jenkins, red-shirt sophomore Ross Homan, junior running back Chris Wells, freshman athlete Lamaar Thomas, and few small tid-bits from freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Talk About A Sleeper: 2005 Recruiting Class Proving To Be One Of Tressel's Best

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:50:23 -0500

While many people love to talk about about 2002 being the most successful recruiting year under Jim Tressel, the 2005 class can put up an argument that it should be #1 in the Tressel Era. Despite that 2002 class having players such as Troy Smith, AJ Hawk, Nick Mangold, Santonio Holmes, Bobby Carpenter, and other greats, 2005 brought in some pretty exceptional talent as well, but were just a little bit more under-the-radar, when entering Columbus. Today, we will take a look at the 2005 class, top to bottom, and show you just how good this sleeping giant has been, as they go into their fourth year at Ohio State. Alex Boone- Rated as the best player in this class and the #2 offensive tackle overall, Boone has not disappointed in his three seasons in Columbus. He enters his senior year as a projected first round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft and is a top candidate to be an All-America and All-Big Ten selection at left tackle. Doug Worthington- Worthington was a 5-star defensive end coming out of high school in the Buffalo area, but was moved to defensive tackle after he red-shirted his freshman year in Columbus. He had a solid, not great, season last year and looked to be on the verge of a breakout year in 2008, but a recent OVI charge could stand in the way of him gaining a starting role once again this year. Jamario O'Neal- O'Neal was rated as a top 5 corner back in the nation coming out of Glenville High School, but has not lived up to the bill in Columbus. He did a solid plug-in job two seasons ago, filling in for Anderson Russell (torn ACL), but has seen limited action in the secondary upon Russell's return. O'Neal's lack of hard work and motivation has shown, as his raw talent is certainly NFL-caliber, but he cannot seem to grab a piece of consistent playing time. Todd Denlinger- A 4-star defensive tackle from Troy, Ohio, Denlinger has made a name for himself at defensive tackle and finds himself likely to start again at DT in 2008. The coaching staff would have loved more sacks out of Todd last year, but an injury slowed him down. Expect big things from Denlinger in 2008, as his final two years of eligibility should give opposing quarter backs nightmares. Rob Schoenoft- A four-star QB out of prestigiouts St. Xavier in Cincinnati, Schoenoft had a strong arm and high football IQ coming out of high school. Unfortunately for Rob, he got caught playing behind a Heisman Trophy winning quarter back in Troy Smith, Justin Zwick, and Todd Boeckman upon arriving in Columbus. After Smith and Zwick graduated, Schoenoft was given the back-up job to Boeckman last year, but inconsistent play lead to Antonio Henton passing him on the depth chart. With Boeckman, Henton, and Joe Bauserman still on the roster, and Terrelle Pryor coming in, Schoenoft decided to bolt to the University of Delaware, where first round pick, Joe Flacco, played after transferring from Pittsburgh. Schoenoft is trying to emulate Flacco's career and we wish Robbie the best on his season. Maurice Wells- While Mo Wells has not panned out to be the four-star running back prospect everyone expected, he still has contributed quite a bit since coming to Ohio State. Last year was his most effective year as a spell back, by far, and in his three seasons running as a back up to Antonio Pittman and Beanie Wells, Maurice has racked up 737 yards and 4 touchdowns. Mo Wells should be in the mix again this year with Beanie, Daniel "Boom" Herron, and Brandon Saine, and will be most effective on pitches or counters where he can get to the outside, in open space. Freddie Lenix- Unfortunately many recruiting classes across the nation include players that never make it to their school of choice. Lenix is one of these players, as the 4-star linebacker from Glenville was ruled academically ineligible at OSU and had to transfer to Cincinnati. Lenix Had the potential to be a great one in Columbus and it's unfortunate things couldn't work out. Lawrence Wilson- This four-star defensive end was on the brink of breaking out last season, before a broken leg ended his year early in the first game against Youngstown State. Wilson is back and 100% healthy this year and looks to have a monster season. With two years of eligibility remaining, expect Wilson to have a big season and leave early for the NFL, as he very will can be a first round pick. Andre Amos- The 30th ranked WR and a 4-star prospect, Amos was converted to a defensive back at OSU. Amos will see a ton of time at nickel back and dime this year and if it weren't for an injury he suffered in 2006 that lingered into 2007, Amos may be starting opposite Malcom Jenkins this year. He red-shirted his first year, so he has two years of eligibility remaining and is a top candidate to start in 2009. Jim Cordle- a four-star offensive lineman, Cordle came to Columbus without any direction of what position he would play. Jimmy quickly picked up center in 2006 and was the back-up to Doug Datish, enabling him to make the easy transition to starter in 2007. One of the most underrated lineman in the nation, Cordle showed extreme poise and athleticism last year, including games where had to snap with his left hand (weak hand), due to an injury to his right wrist. Cordle has two years left in Columbus, but another solid season could potentially lead to him leaving early. That scenario is unlikely, but with a talent like Cordle, anything could happen. Brian Hartline- With Anthony Gonzalez poised to break out in 2005, Tressel brought in Hartline to become AG's protege. Hartline has certainly not disappointed, and the former track star had 52 catches for 694 yards to go with 6 touchdowns in his first season as a starter last year. He has 69 catches for 950 yards and 8 touchdowns in his two years on the field and bigger things are expected for the Canton native in '08. Hartline is another candidate to leave early for the NFL and a good year could guarentee him a first day selection. Malcom Jenkins- Rated as the #28 safety and a three-star prospect Jenkins was a little-known talent from Piscataway, New Jersey, who earned his offer by impressing coaches at the OSU Senior Advanced Camp. Jenkins has far exceeded expectations in Columbus, and after being deemed as a probable top 10 pick in the 2008 draft, he decided to come back for one more season in Scarlet and Gray. Jenkins was First Team All-Big Ten and a Second Team All-American in 2007, and has 139 tackles and 8 interceptions in his career. Malcom was a Thorpe Award (best DB) semi-finalist last year, and looks to take the hardwood home this season. James Laurinaitis- Another little-known three-star prospect, Laurinaitis has arguably been the best linebacker in the nation the last two seasons. This Minnesota native has won the Bronco Nagurski Award (best defensive player) in 2006 and the Butkus Award (best linebacker) in 2007, and has been a staple in the Buckeyes line up since filling in for Bobby Carpenter as a freshman in the 2005 Michigan game and Fiesta Bowl vs. Notre Dame. The "Little Animal" has totaled 245 tackles in his career, 236 of those coming the last two seasons. James was a lock to be a top 15 pick in last year's draft, and in coming back to Columbus will be certain to be up there again this year. Ryan Williams- Plagued by injuries, this Mission Viejo, California native fell way back in the depth chart and decided to transfer to San Diego State before last season. Williams had the potential to make an impact at OSU, but it was just one of those cases where things didn't work out as plans. Best of Luck to Ryan this season. Austin Spitler- This 3-star linebacker was sure to be the starting MLB this year had Laurinaitis gone pro, but will have to wait his turn once again in 2008. Spitler can be better known for his running into the punter penalty that took the momentum out of a Buckeye come-back run in the National Championship game, but Austin looks to have a bright future in Columbus. Some people expected Spitler to see some time at full back this year, but with Curtis Terry moving to the position full time, and freshman Jermil Martin and former walk-on Ryan Lukens playing the position, as well, Spitler will primarily play linebacker in 2008. Donald Washington- This 3-star wide out from Indianapolis was one of those under the radar players who caught the eye of Jim Tressel. Washington has been more than solid since being converted to corner back, where he started last year. Off-season troubles have put his starting spot in jeopardy in 2008 and he is likely to face a one or two game suspension to start the year. Washington should re-gain his starting spot back this year, but will it be before the USC game? Brian Robiskie- Who would have thought that a two-star prospect with a better known father (dad Terry is an NFL coach) could tally up 55 receptions for 935 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season as a starter? Apparently Jim Tressel did and Robiskie has not disappointed Buckeye fans since donning the Scarlet and Gray. Playing all three years, Robiskie's career totals include 85 catches for 1,331 yards and 16 touchdowns. Expect big things from "Robo" this year as he continues his ascend toward college football's elite class of wide receivers. Looking back on this 2005 class, I'd say the Buckeyes did pretty well. While 2002 has to be graded out a bit higher, due to NFL talent and the championship they won as freshman, 2005 is certainly writing their own names in the history books. A big part of the nucleus that went to last two national championships, this class will try to make it three in a row, hopefully finishing off the job that they started. Everyone left in this class has the potential to make an NFL team and it will be interesting to see how the cards play out in their final season or two in Columbus.

10 Questions Facing the Buckeyes

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:56:51 -0500

Even though many people think the Buckeyes are the preseason No. 1 team, they are not without question marks. Bucknuts contributor Ben Koo takes a look at some of them today.

2009 NFL Mock Draft (Zach)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:41:38 -0500

Until these teams prove otherwise then they will remain in their draft position from the 2008 draft. # Team Pick 1 Miami Dolphins Michael Johnson Position:DE Drafted From:Georgia Tech Class:Senior # Team Pick 2 St. Louis Rams Michael Crabtree Position:WR Drafted From:Texas Tech Class:Junior 3 Atlanta Falcons Tyson Jackson Position:DE Drafted From:LSU Class:Junior 4 Oakland Raiders Al Woods Position:DT Drafted From:LSU Class:Junior 5 Kansas City Chiefs Tim Tebow Position:QB Drafted From:Florida Class:Junior 6 New York Jets Chris Wells Position:RB Drafted From:Ohio State Class:Junior 7 San Francisco 49ers Michael Oher Position:OT Drafted From:Mississippi Class:Senior 8 Baltimore Ravens Malcolm Jenkins Position:CB Drafted From:Ohio State Class:Senior 9 Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maualuga Position:ILB Drafted From:USC Class:Senior 10 New Orleans Saints George [...]