Breaking Down the Fullbacks

Though the Buckeyes landed uber-prospect Terrelle Pryor and a host of dynamic wide receivers, reports of the demise of the power running formation at Ohio State are definitely premature. This is still the Big Ten, no matter how The Rod bastardizes the proud Michigan tradition. And for all of the playmakers coming to Columbus, Coach Tressel still value offensive flexibility and the ability to slowly grind an opponent down.

Graduation and injuries have left the Buckeyes thin at the position in 2008. Senior co-captain Dionte Johnson is gone, taking with him Tank Whaley and Trever Robinson. Foot injuries have ended the career of highly regarded Aram Olson. So who will be leading the way for Heisman candidate Beanie Wells?

In terms of returning players, the options are not overly impressive. Converted linebacker Ryan Lukens, a senior, moved to fullback during last year's bowl practices. He is joined by Spencer Smith, a redshirt freshman that walked on. He's the brother of sophomore lineman Conner Smith. At this point, Lukens seems like the odds-on favorite to be the opening day starter, but don't expect to see him toting the rock much. We'll set the season line for carries at 6, and I'm taking the under.

The Buckeyes have a couple other possibilities to explore during fall training camp. The first is rush linebacker Curtis Terry. Injuries ruined his 2007 season, where he would have backed up Larry Grant on the strongside. Terry has shown good burst off the edge at times, and the Buckeyes are hoping he can be a pass-rushing force this year. But this spring he took reps at fullback, actually playing both sides during the jersey scrimmage. He's certainly got enough attitude to seek out defenders to block, but it will be a challenge to learn a new position and stay sharp on defense.

Ohio State will also have true freshman Jermil Martin this fall, though it's unclear if he could step right in and make an impact. Martin was a 3-star prospect from Glenville, and was a late addition to last year's star-studded class. He'll have the inside track to the starting job in 2009.

At this point, it seems clear that Ohio State will continue to recruit the fullbacks vis-a-vis the linebacker position. This year's recruiting class has two such players, Adam Homan and Zach Boren. And don't be surprised if you hear about other linebackers getting reps at fullback - players like Austin Spitler, Brian Rolle, and Andrew Sweat are always rumored to be taking a crack at the backfield.