Ohio State: Breaking Down the Tight Ends

Ohio State returns all four of its scholarship players at tight end in 2007. The group is led by redshirt junior Rory Nicol, a steady performer who does most things well but can't yet be comsidered an elite player. Nicol had just 15 catches last year, but wasn't often a primary read due to the outstanding WR's on the field. With an inexperienced QB at the helm this season, Nicol may be counted on more for dump-offs and crossing patterns.

The rest of the tight ends on the roster are more like third tackles than a threat to stretch the field. Sophomore Jake Ballard, redshirt junior Brandon Smith and redshirt freshman Andy Miller all could see time this year in various roles. Ballard was a four-star prospect is the favorite to follow Nicol on the two-deep. He's athletic enough to play a role as a short-yardage receiver but big enough to play tackle if needed. Smith was used almost exclusively as a blocker during his career, and there's no reason to think that will change. Miller, a three-star from Pennsylvania's Washington Trinity, has a solid 6'6" frame and is probably a year away from contributing.

Where are all of new wave, pass-catching tight ends? No longer at Ohio State, unfortunately. Ohio State has made two attempts in the past few years to bring in a tight end focused on receiving. Louis Irrizary a four-star from the 2003 class, choose the Buckeyes over Miami (Fl). In retrospect, the 'U' might have been a better fit. Irrizary was kicked of the team for numberous violations, including assaulting and robbing a fellow student. Classy, eh? He's now at Younstown State.

Marcel Frost, a high three-star prospect also from the 2003 class, transferred to Jackson State last year. He was slated to be the starting TE in 2006, but was suspended for the year for violating team rules. Rumor has it that he (repeatedly) ignored the warning of Mr. Mackey.

Obviously Ohio State has survived without these young men on the team. But the lack of pass catching threat at TE is about to cost them in a big way. Coach Tressel has always adapted his game plan to meet the talents of the players on his roster. But that doesn't always fly with recruits to want to know they'll be involved in the offense. Exhibit A: Kyle Rudolph, a stud prospect from Cincinnati Elder. Rudolph is an athletic, 6'7" monster that appears headed for Notre Dame. While some may disagree, I think he's the #2 player in the state behind Mike Adams and will be a future NFL player. Because the Notre Dame offense actually utilizes the tight end, they have the inside track to his commitment.

There are two, possibly three other names on the OSU radar for tight end in 2008. The first is Jake Stoneburner, who was already discussed in the wide receiver breakdown. While Stoneburner is listed as a TE, Ohio State views him as a hybrid player that will create serious matchup problems with his height and leaping ability. If Rudolph joins arrogant Charlie in South Bend and Stoneburner commits, Ohio State may pass on a true TE for this class.

Brandon Moore of Trotwood Madison may be next in line for an offer if Rudolph falls through. He's not as polished but has the hands and speed to be an elite player. He has an impressive offer list, including Georgia, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, and Michigan. There's already talk that Moore wants to play in the south, and if Ohio State waits to long to offer, they may lose their chance.

Nick DiLillo of Madison is another top 20 Ohio kid that could get squeezed out by the limited scholarships available this year. Experts say he has great hands and is flying under the radar because of the more heralded Ohio tight ends in this class. He currently holds offers from Pitt, Clemson and Maryland, among others. Both Ohio State and Michigan are interested in DiLillo, who may be a steal as a "consolation prize".