Finally, Football Is Back

Maybe it's only been seven months since the football Buckeyes took the field in Glendale, but it sure feels longer. Not even a solid '07 recruiting class, an amazing run to the NCAA basketball title game, and a fantastic start to the '08 class can erase last year's BCS debacle. So the Buckeyes have been chomping at the bit on get on the field, and practice has finally started this week.

Most prognosticators believe that OSU is rebuilding after the loss of Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and the early entries of Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez and Antonio Pittman. But with a loaded defense and some returning talent on offense, the Buckeyes are looking to surprise some of their doubters. Picked to finish as low as fourth in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes hope to feast on as easy schedule at the beginning of the season before a tough stretch run of conference elites. Here are some news and notes from the first few days:

*QB Todd Boeckman has created considerable separation from Rob Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton. He's been especially sharp on deep throws, allowing the Buckeyes talented receivers to to make plays. It remains to be seen whether has laser accuracy on intermediate throws, but maybe the offense won't be that pared down.

*Chris Wells is the horse the OSU will ride all season, so the coaches are taking it easy on their prized RB. But freshman Brandon Saine has really opened some eyes and could overtake junior Maurice Wells for the primary backup spot by mid-season.

*Despite having two juniors selected in the NFL's first round the Buckeyes are loaded at WR. Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline have smoothly stepped into starting roles. Prodigal juniors Devon Lyons and Albert Dukes may finally be ready to contribute. But freshman Taurian Washington and Dane Sanzenbacher held their own during the first few sessions, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see either on the field this year. Washington seems a better bet, as Dane needs to put on some weight.

*TE? We don't update on the position, because we don't use it. Just ask Lloyd Carr and Kevin Koger. ;)

*Mixed news on the O-Line. Ben Person, Bryant Browning and Conner Smith all look fantastic, providing great depth and offering a glimpse into 2008. On the downside, starting guard Steve Rehring appears to be overweight and in the doghouse. T Jon Skinner and G Kyle Mitchum were both on stationary bikes nursing injuries. That's not a good sign for a team that only goes two-deep.

*The OSU defensive ends are just filthy. Vernon Gholston has picked up right where he left off, using his beastly frame to bull rush into the backfield. Lawrence Wilson has improved his technique, and sophomore Robert Rose is a physical freak. It's hard for me to believe there are three better ends that these guys.

*For all the hand-wringing about defensive tackles, the coaches were raving about the trio of Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger and Dexter Larimore. Larimore in particular has been very difficult to block, so hopefully this inexperienced group can grow up quickly.

*The LB rotation is pretty set with Larry Grant, Marcus Freeman and James Laurinaitis will start, with Curtis Terry, Ross Homan and Austin Spitler manning the second unit. Thaddeus Gibson has been impressive but will have a tough time seeing the field as a redshirt freshman.

*You can start the farewell tour for Malcolm Jenkins, If there was any doubt about it, the lockdown corner will not be returning for his senior season. He's been focused on the field and just draped all over receivers. I'm looking forward to him shadowing Manningham on 11/17.

In other DB news, Kurt Coleman has officially past Jamario O'Neal for a starting spot at safety. The talented sophomore will be paired with Anderson Russell, who is returning from a knee injury suffered during the Iowa gaem.

(photo by The O-Zone)