"First of all, it didn't appear that we ended up with any significant injuries--which is always the prime directive coming out of something like this. The offense is exceptional from both a talent and schematic standpoint, and it showed today, but the DEFENSE really had some big plays today. The thought on the defense is changing, and guys like HASKELL GARRETT are preaching a nastiness that they lacked last year. He was a load in the middle today. Team ran three full groups, which wasn’t a normal deal last year but the expanded camp roster to 117 allows for the most reps in Ohio State history (counting the nightly walk-thrus). The scrimmage was divided up into periods of “MOVE IT” (offense gets the ball and moves the field), “SITUATIONS” (things like RED ZONE(20 yard line in), TIGHT RED ZONE(10 yard line in), and COMING OUT(ball on your OWN 1 yard line), AND a old blast from the past in TEMPO (everything is “JET” tempo and substitutions are limited to force the defense to lineup to multiple looks with their same formation). The offense is doing a ton of shifts from a heavy formation to empty (5 WRs) and also empty to heavy. This is all due to the incredible versatility of JEREMY RUCKERT. While the First Wiseman has bemoaned his blocking, he has picked it up significantly since he received feedback from NFL Scouts in attendance via his agent that he HAS to be better as a blocker. Since that moment, his output as a blocker is night and day. CADE STOVER had been in the Luke Farrell role of edge setting monster in the running game, and he is going to have a major role in this year’s offense. His toughness rubs off on the entire TE room, and even the entire offense. The First Wiseman called him “The Enforcer of the Offense”, and that is a VERY fitting name. Played exceptionally physical today versus #9 Harrison and the other DEs.”
Some more notes:
1) The starting QB will be CJ STROUD. Took the majority of reps today and is the clear leader of the team. Looked sharp throughout the day and looked in control with whatever unit they had him with. Frankly, I thought all three of the QB's looked fine today--so Day is doing a nice job bringing them all along. McCord seems to have nudged ahead of Miller (IMHO only) for second team, but that could change tomorrow. But CJ is the guy
2) Defense had a good day today. More than held their own which is a great sign in a fall camp that has been somewhat dominated by the offense for the most part. The pass rush always gets going in these long scrimmages, and JT TUIMOLOAU had some huge plays against some of the 2nd and 3rd team tackles…
3) STEELE CHAMBERS stepped up today and played really well at linebacker. Probably delivered the hit of the day . This was a position change that had to happen and I wouldn't be surprised to see Steele step into the 2 deep in the very near future. Very active player that is always looking for contact.
4) DARRION HENRY-YOUNG is another guy who had a very nice day following a very productive first few weeks of camp. So disruptive and playing with a renewed focus and drive that is really palpable. Had questions about him after last year, but he looks like a different kid this year. Really good player.
5) MIYAN WILLIAMS had a big day today. Seems to get something out of nothing---and brings it every single down. In GREAT shape and hasn't lost the power or those great feet. Going to be a force in the running game this year for OSU. Don't let the lower rating out of high school fool you---Miyan is legit. MASTER TEAGUE mixed mostly with the 2’s. TREY HENDERSON continues to be exceptional, and was rolling with the 1’s and 2’s. Head lowered the BOOM on a DB today (First Wiseman couldn’t get the number. Pay It Forward LASIK donation anyone??). First Wiseman still thinks if everyone was the same age, HENDERSON would be the no brainer starter because “He is the ONLY 1st rounder!!!”. First Wiseman, never change LOL…
6) LUKE WYMPLER had a very good scrimmage today. So many great kids on the offensive line that its easy to lose track. But Luke is strong, tough and versatile. Can play center or guard and is switching back and forth with ease----just tough to get reps--but making the most of his opportunities. But HARRY MILLER has become a vocal leader for the OL. He has had some very big battles in the middle with HASKELL GARRETT, but his new strength from a huge year in the weightroom (helps when your shoulder isn’t torn like it was last year) has paid dividends.
7) JACK SAWYER had gone through a little bit of a freshman slump the last week or so---but came out of it today in a big way. Disruptive all day and had a sack and a tackle for loss. Such a good player coming off the edge---we will see lots of that this year. Part of his issue due to his low body fat is just keeping weight on during this camp. Weight dipped a little and he lost some power, so Coach Mick got on him about just dumping more calories into his body (ice cream sandwiches!!) and now he is back to his optimal AKW (Ass Kicking Weight)…
8) MATT JONES stepped in at left guard today and played very well. Another guy who can get lost in the shuffle, but today was a big step forward for him. Played well and carried out his assignments to the whistle. Nice day by the line in general, but Matt was very good. He is like a fire hydrant in pass pro, and when he sinks down, he is very tough to bull rush.
9) I like TOMMY EICHENBERG a lot. I think he is the guy to break the St Iggy linebacker jinx at Ohio State. Making the most out of his reps and is always around the ball. Great looking player that had a very good day today. Not nearly the athlete CODY SIMON is, but is a very physical player who really is coming on. The young LBs have been one of the pleasant surprises of camp…
10) Zach Harrison just continues to impress. Has really worked on his hand placement and arm movement a lot this fall camp and as a result he just isn't getting "locked up" as much as in years past. Has been excellent all fall camp and I expect big things out of him when we tee it up for real. Today was another step forward for him and he seems to be an energy spark for a defense that has been looking for one. His arm length is a HUGE issue for all of our tackles, EXCPET for DAWAND JONES. That is the Godzilla versus King Kong of this year’s camp, and today’s scrimmage was no different. Has been ADDED to the RUSHMEN Nickel defense as a standup or 3 point stance DE. When they debuted that he was being held out, but now he and JACK SAWYER alternate being the DE with his hand down to make it more difficult to determine who is the “Known Rusher” in the package (usually one of the stand up DEs drops into zone coverage). JT TUIMOLOAU is always rushing though, and he is coming on like an absolute terror in that package. The defensive staff led by Larry Johnson just want him to “let it rip”, so he has no responsibility other than rushing the passer in that package…
Let the TALENT make PLAYS is the mantra with the young star freshmen on both offense (TREY HENDERSON) and defense (JACK SAWYER and JT TUIMOLOAU)
more to come....but solid day all the way around...."
