http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/32529 Recent articles about Jamario O'Neal en-us While having your starting cornerback (Donald Washington) and top reserve safety suspended for the first two games of the 08? season (Jamario O'Neal) is never an auspicious way to start the season, providing two vacant openings for games against Youngstown State and Ohio University does have its advantages. The fact of the matter is, in a typical college football season, matters such as injury and suspension are part of reality. This unfortunate circumstance allows for several players in the secondary rotation to see significant game time and this experience/in-game work could pay large dividends in the long run. Coach Jim Tressel made it a point to say the two athletes in question will need to "Earn their car keys back," DTI takes a look at the Buckeyes who will help drive the BCS bus in their stead… Cornerbacks- (#5) Chimdi Chekwa- (So. 6?0 188lbs.)- A true "diamond in the rough" for OSU last season, Chekwa saw plenty of action as the fifth-man in nickel back coverage, player match-up situations and in late-game affairs last season. The Florida native registered 30 tackles and an interception in 07?, while leading the team with nine pass breakups. His knack for finding the football in the open field and playing mistake free football has gone a long way with defensive coordinator Jim Heacock. With Washington out for two weeks, Chekwa will slide into the open spot across the field from Malcolm Jenkins to complete the cornerback pairing. For the sophomore, this will be his first real shot to prove he is worthy of "starter" status. If he can continue to elevate his game and plays well verus the Penguins and Bobcats, he could potentially challenge D-Wash for time at USC in week three as well as throughout the season. (#13) Andre Amos- (Jr. 6?1 183lbs.)- An unfamiliar face for the first half of last season, Amos spent a great deal of time from March to October off the field and in the weight room rehabbing his left knee after surgery. However, the former wide receiver worked tirelessly and made his way back onto the field at Purdue as a member of the special teams unit. On the year, he picked up three tackles in eight games and solidified himself as a valuable member of the kickoff and cornerback units. With Chekwa moving to a role as a starter, the junior will enter the opening game as a top reserve in the two-deep rotation and should see plenty of action. How effective he can be will determine his usage from there on out. His ceiling is high and if he can show consistency, he just might convince the coaching staff to use him against teams with four and five wide receiver sets such as Southern California, Michigan State and Illinois. (#29) Shaun Lane- (Sr. 5?10 175lbs.)- A seasoned veteran for the Buckeyes over his four years in Columbus, Lane is a leader on and off the field. He saw time during 07? in the nickel and dime packages while also making significant contributions as a member of the special teams where he was a four-time unit player of the week. There is nothing exceptional about the cornerback but he is simply a very solid football player, illustrated by his 13 tackles last year. Similar to both Chekwa and Amos, the senior will see the field early and often for OSU in the first two games and becomes the second member of the scarlet and gray two-deep set at cornerback. A blue collar worker, his play and status on the team will have him on the gridiron throughout the season where you get the feeling he could make a play or two to help the Buckeyes win a ball game. **(#11) James Scott- (So. 5?10 170lbs.)- The mystery man of the group. After seeing the field in eight games during his freshman season (5 tackles, fumble recovery), Scott was not a member of Ohio State's 105-man fall camp. He should be a top reserve along with Chekwa in 08? but now there is the question of whether or not he will be on the field for game one of the season? If the undisclosed matter allows him to be ready for Youngstown State, he could potentially be an extra defensive back in certain formations and make key tackles on special teams as well as playing in the third and fourth quarters against teams such as Troy and Minnesota. We will have to hold our collective breaths on this one and hope it all works out because he looked like an up and coming competitor for OSU. Safeties- (#8) Aaron Gant- (Jr. 6?0 194lbs.)- One of the "unsung heroes" from a prior article written about players who give their all to little media attention, Gant should continue to bring the effort with a little more recognition in 2008. It seems almost comical but no. 8 will move up the reserve list and could be the next line of defense after Russell and Coleman at safety. He played through a foot injury as a sophomore but should be back to 100% this g around. He could match his last seasons' tackle total of six within those first two games as he goes in on the opening kickoff and returns soon after to replace the starters on select plays and defensive situations. If he stays healthy, the Michigan high school star could make a nice impact throughout the year. (#23) Nick Patterson- (Sr. 6?1 209lbs.)- One of the best examples of a player who fans believe can reach a higher level of play but has yet to get there. In his senior season, maybe Patterson can finally shake this classification and add another element to the Buckeyes' safety core. His six tackles were nothing special last season but his 34-yard interception against Northwestern proves he can be a playmaker. His counterpart, Jamario O'Neal, has proven one thing at his time at Ohio State: he will never be the man to count on in Columbus. Therefore, the reserve spot alongside Gant is up for grabs and if Patterson plays well, he might cajole his way into staying there for the long term. The fight for a backup position might not be the most heavily covered topic at fall camp but on a team looking to contend for a third straight national title appearance, it is more important than most people realize. (#14) Nate Oliver- (Fr. 6?0 215lbs.)- Although he did not see the field in 07?, the safety's high school credentials and recruiting service ranking of 11th nationally sheds a little light into his potential in Buckeye garment. He might be situated between two quality players in Gant and Patterson but as OSU has shown in the past, the best athletes find their way into games when they are ready. His first assignment will be in special teams coverage but he will definitely see the field in the first two games. His ability to make plays and stick with opposing offenses will be the litmus test as to how often he will step between the lines in non-clean up duty. Oliver, a St. Edwards product, has the potential to be all-over in 08?. OSU has lacked a deep safety unit but it appears they might have finally find the depth they were looking for. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:56:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/306931 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/306931 The Buckeyes open the season against Youngstown State and Ohio, but they will be without starting CB Donald Washington and backup Jamario O'Neal after the pair were suspended. The reasons are unknown, but it is clear that coach Jim Tressel wanted to get this behind him before the USC game. Just another bump in the road to another Big 10 Championship... Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:18:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/303217 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/303217 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. Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:50:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302540 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302540