2008 OHIO STATE BUCKEYES SEASON PREVIEW
BY JAY HANSEN
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK
Quarterback
Todd Boeckman has just about every attribute you'd like to see in a starting college football quarterback. The senior has prototypical size and arm strength, oodles of experience, and has already led his team to a Big Ten title. He will need to improve his accuracy and pocket awareness, but Boeckman gives the Buckeye offense a great starting point. After him, experience is thin. Last year's back-ups-Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton-have transferred to other schools, leaving Joe Bauserman and phenom Terrelle Pryor as the only other options. Neither has taken a collegiate snap, although Pryor's uncommon athleticism will probably earn him some playing time this year.
Running back
Last year, Chris "Beanie" Wells showed Buckeye fans why he was one of the top running back recruits in the nation. The then-sophomore had a break-out sophomore season that showcased his power running ability and deceptive speed. He'll enter 2009-09 as one of the top preseason candidates for the Heisman Trophy. Another Wells-Maurice-will also see extensive time at running back. He offers a nice complement to Beanie and gives the team a smaller, quicker running back. Also keep an eye on Brandon Saine, who showed excellence both as a runner and pass receiver last season. Even when Chris Wells is having a great game, the Buckeye coaches will find a way to get Saine on the field. At fullback, Ryan Lukens is atop the depth chart, while redshirt freshman Spencer Smith will also see time.
Wide receiver
Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline combined to score 17 touchdowns last year, and both return to head up the Buckeye receiving corps this year. Hartline and Robiskie are tall, rangy targets who have a great grasp of the offense and are generally reliable when it comes to catching the ball. Since they are similar players, however, the Buckeyes have been in search of a more speed-oriented receiver who can stretch the field. Ray Small has that ability, but has been unable to put together the consistent production the team needs. He'll get another shot this year. Also keep an eye on receiver Dane Sanzenbacher. The sophomore possession receiver really opened some eyes last year by showing exceptional hands and a knack for getting open.
Offensive line
All-America tackle Kirk Barton is the only player the Buckeyes will have to replace on the offensive line. This bodes well for a unit that often thrives on familiarity. Alex Boone is the team's top returning lineman and will anchor the line from his left tackle position. Guards Steve Rehring and Ben Person and center Jim Cordle also return, leaving Barton's right tackle spot as the only one to fill on the line. That position is being vied for by returning players Bryant Browning and Evan Blankenship, although it's possible that incoming freshman J.B. Shugarts from Texas could figure into the picture.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK
Defensive line
Ohio State's most notable loss from last year's team is defensive end Vernon Gholston, who was taken early in the NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Still, plenty of talent remains on the line. The line will get a boost from the return of defensive end Lawrence Wilson, who redshirted last year after injuring his leg in the Youngstown State game. He'll likely be joined by sophomore Cameron Heyward, who emerged as a disruptive force by the end of his freshman year. Robert Rose and Thaddeus Gibson will also help at defensive end. In the middle, returners Todd Denlinger and Nader Abdallah come back after posting solid performances last year. Dexter Larimore and Doug Worthington will help provide valuable depth for a team that likes to rotate its linemen to keep them fresh.
Linebackers
Perhaps the strength of what promises to be a strong unit, the Buckeyes have to be excited that both James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman elected to return to the fold this season. Both were projected as NFL draft picks, but both will return to give Ohio State perhaps the best linebacking corps in the nation. The question is who plays with them? Larry Grant filled that third linebacking spot last year, but there are plenty of contributors looking to fill that role, including Ross Homan and Tyler Moeller. Homan, in particular, showed signs of being a future star two years ago by exhibiting an A.J. Hawk-type nose for the football. Homan missed much of last year with an injury, but he is poised to earn more playing time this season.
Defensive backs
Ohio State has a lot of depth in a defensive back group that is focusing on producing more turnovers this year. Although the Buckeye defense was outstanding last year, the coaching staff lamented the fact that the defense wasn't able to capitalize on more turnover opportunities. Much of this focus comes into play at defensive back, where the sight of a player dropping interceptions was all too common last year. Malcolm Jenkins returns to the team and the 2008 Thorpe semifinalist will provide needed leadership at cornerback, safety, or both. At corner, Donald Washington returns as starter, while starting safeties Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell also return. There is a lot of experience past the starters, though, with contributors Chimdi Chekwa, Jamario O'Neal, Aaron Gant, and others giving the team enviable depth at a crucial position.
SPECIAL TEAMS OUTLOOK
Kicking game
Ryan Pretorius was a Lou Groza award semifinalist this year and returns. While the the Buckeyes are hoping he retains the consistency that earned him the job in 2008, he will be trying to improve the trajectory of his kicks after having a few blocked last year. Aaron Pettrey also returns to give the team a pair of solid kickers who both have Big Ten experience. On kick returns, Ohio State will be looking for more of a game-breaking presence. Ray Small and Maurice Wells will likely get the call, although O'Neal, Saine, and Robiskie could also see some time here.
Punting game
Ray Guy award semifinalist A.J. Trapasso averaged nearly 42 yards per kick last year and returns for his senior season. Much like kick returns, the Buckeyes are looking for better consistency out of their punt returners this year. Hartline did return a punt for a touchdown last year and could see more time in the returner role this year. Also expect to see Small and Maurice Wells get an opportunity on returns.
