"Last day of practice in shoulder pads---tomorrow they go full pads and will be hitting in earnest--but still a lot can be gleaned by what is going on...
Pretty evident the QB pecking order is:
1) Stroud
2) Miller
3) McCord
Stroud is a natural leader and the guys just gravitate to him. Has shown a nice knowledge of the offense and the protections and throws a beautiful ball. Seems to have a connection with Wilson and Stover as he likes to go to them when he needs to make a play.
Miller has been better than expected. Behind Stroud for sure, but not as far behind as you would think. Really good player that has hit on several long TD's this fall already. His go to guys are Olave and JSN---and they help him to look as good as he can be.
McCord is just a notch behind the other two. Really has a connection with EE and Harrison, JR---and its evident that he's practiced with them a lot lately. Has blown a few protection calls and had plays breakdown as a result---but learning on the fly. Hope he sticks around as he is going to be a good one. Can see ghosts in the pocket at times and scramble our of the pocket when he really should hang in there and throw it. Has flashed, though.
Defensively you've got the two freshman that are making a move and taking reps with the "twos". Both Jordan Hancock and Jakailin Johnson had good days today--and are starting to press for playing time. With Sevyn Banks nicked up, OSU is throwing those guys into the fire--and they are performing. REALLY nice to see them playing the way they are--lots to like....
Running back pecking order seems to be:
1) Miyan Williams
2) Trey Henderson
3) Master Teague
4) Evan Pryor/Marcus Crowley
Still thinking Henderson will be THE guy---but the first time they line it up? Wouldn't be surprised at all to see Miyan get the nod. But both will carry it ---a lot
Story of the offensive line this fall has been "shuffling" guys all over the place. Moreso than any other time I can remember. I think it boils down to ONE issue---can Dawand Jones pass protect? Because if he can? He HAS to be on the field--and that moves NPF to left tackle.
With Dawand its all about conditioning---can he maintain his form and not get tired? HUGE challenge for a guy that big---but if he figures it out he is a potential first day pick in the NFL draft....
Defensively, the defense has been dialing up some very exotic looks and blitzes on order to both generate more pressure on the offense and HELP the offense with their blitz pickup/hot throws. Kerry Coombs knows he has to help the secondary out by generating more pressure, hence the RUSHMEN package and some of the new tunnel blitzes that are popular in the NFL now…
Tomorrow is FULL PADS(!), so I look for some of the more physical kids like Terajda Mitchell to start showing up in these reports. I also look for Trey Henderson to keep trucking guys in the secondary, because he did that on Saturday and did it again today LOL…
Start HendersonCamp update:
Start Henderson
Henderson has that breakaway speed Miyan doesn’t have. He’s a generational talent. Feed himMiyan did his thing with the limited time he played last year. He looked more explosive than Teague and I hope that he plays more or take his spot overall this season. Henderson will probably be the 2nd back and they most likely will rotate this season.
They know more than me, but I just don’t know about sliding Munford out of the tackle spot to squeeze Dawand into the starting rotation. Munford has a chance to be an all American tackle. We’re going against some good rush ends this year and need that elite tackle play.
"Media was in for a bit, so they got a glimpse of things we've been talking about for a bit. Wanted to do a little deeper dive on things that might not have been evident during that brief glimpse....
1) Stroud is THE GUY. Throws a beautiful ball and is really showing good command out there. They are flopping Miller and McCord after that to keep both engaged--but CJ is the clear alpha. Will/could that change when Ewers gets here? Sure it could, but Quinn better bring his A Game, as Stroud is really really talented.
2) Our second offensive line could start for most of the teams in the BIG. JUST so much talent in that position group. Vimahi, Fryar, Wypler, Jones, Jackson, Christman etc etc are all DUDES and can play. Just tough to get a starting job with that massive first five. Donovan Jackson gets a special shoutout, as freshman aren't supposed to be that good, that quick.
3) As for the first team offensive line---I think the "experiment" is going to be a permanent thing. Just gives OSU so many options and they are really liking the look of that group. As crazy as that sounds, OSU is really moving their first team AA tackle to guard---and their line actually improved as a result.
4) Jaxon Smith-Njigba is REALLY talented. Keeps doing things on the practice field that have you shaking your head in disbelief. As good as Olave and Wilson are? He fits RIGHT in there with them. He is that talented
5) Mike Hall is a name that you have to remember. With all the defensive line attention given (rightfully) to Sawyer and JT? This guy is a MONSTER. Making plays all over the field. Will 100% see the field this year. #51--remember the number.
6) Demario McCall keeps doing a nice job at corner. If his name wasn't Demario McCall people would be really excited about him----but a lot of folks already have their minds made up about what he can do. But he is more than hanging in there right now.
7) JT Tuimoloau is really coming on. Starting to figure out what it takes to succeed at this level and doing a nice job. NOTE TO FILE: Your bull rush works against just about everyone EXCEPT Dawand Jones. Need to try a different move against him as you just aren't getting past that massive individual with that particular move.
This our thread too til yall beat us
We gave yall 6 years to rub it in but yall was sleepin, pachyderms dont sleep unless we drunk off that wine and 'shine
Those b*stards trying to be a thorn in our side.Lemme guess…. Notre Dame
He probably know Vernon they both from mentor…. Fukk emThose b*stards trying to be a thorn in our side.