2015 Spring Practice notes

               Last week, the Ohio State Buckeyes had their first practices as defending national champions last week, and while all the talk has been about the three-headed beast Coach Urban Meyer has at the QB position, but seemingly lost in the shuffle was the action on the defensive side of the ball.  The Buckeyes have to replace four starters on defense with the departure of Curtis Grant, Doran Grant, Michael Bennett, and Steve Miller.  Doran Grant’s CB spot appears to be a wide-open competition between Gareon Conley, Damon Webb, and Marshon Lattimore, with Conley appearing to be the very early favorite with Webb running close behind.  Lattimore is still recovering from an injury and it remains to be seen if he will get any practice time this spring.  Senior Tommy Schutt has been penciled in for now as a starter in Bennett’s position along with Tyquan Lewis in Steve Miller’s DE position.  Jalyn Holmes and Sam Hubbard were running with the second team defense at the bookends.  Raekwon McMillan, which should come as no surprise, is slotted as the starter in Curtis Grant’s position at MLB.

                On the offensive side, a great deal of focus (other than on the QBs) will be on the wide receivers.  Thus far, Michael Thomas is vying to be the deep threat replacement for Devin Smith and Corey Smith perhaps replacing the departed Evan Spencer.  Jeff Greene looks to be in the mix and could be used in the four and five wide sets.  Jalin Marshall and Johnnie Dixon were working in the H-back role, with Dixon appearing to be fully recovered from his injury last year.  Dontre Wilson has not yet participated in drills and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be held out of spring practice.  Ezekiel Elliott is thus far being held out as he recovers from his wrist surgery, leaving Bri’onte Dunn and Curtis Samuel  sharing reps with the first team.  As expected, Cardale Jones took most of the reps at quarterback with Steve Collier mixed in.  J.T. Barrett threw a few passes, but was obviously limited in his mobility as he continues recovery from his broken ankle.  Braxton Miller went off to the side and was actually throwing a few short passes.  Coach Meyer and the medical staff believe Miller is on track with his recovery and should be able to throw a “normal” ball in May or June.

                The Buckeyes won their national title in 2014 with a very young team and most of the key contributors return for 2015.  The biggest worry with the 2015 Buckeyes is the same as most defending national champions: the possibility of becoming complacent or a sense of entitlement.  Last year’s theme “The Chase” has become “The Grind” reflecting the need for the team to stay focused and avoid complacency.  The road to repeat has begun.

                My next blog post will occur after the conclusion of spring practice and the annual spring game on April 18.