Ohio State Football Preview - 2007 Offense

Ohio State loses 12 starters off the 2006 team that went 12-1. This includes offensive stars like Heisman winner Troy Smith, Wide Receivers Tedd Ginn Jr. add Anthony Gonzalez along with RB Antonio Pittman.

For Ohio State to contend for another Big Ten title and possibly a National Title run, replacing the above mentioned stars is vital. If you can't replace, then adjust.

UF exposed Ohio State in the National Title game and spring time can often reveal what adjustments will actually be made. To understand Ohio State's game plan it helps to know their personnel.

Who are The Replacements?

Quarterback:

Troy Smith was the man. He brought passion and fire to everything he did and despite the Fiesta Bowl debacle, has to be considered one of the best Big Ten QB's ever. Now he's gone.

The Candidates:

Favored:

Todd Boeckman - 6th year Junior
He was greyshirted his freshman year, which meant he paid his own way, and now he gets an extra year of eligibility. Word is he is the man to beat but as of yet has not proven he is "The Man."

He is a coaches son who led his high school (St. Henry) to a championship in his freshman year. He has displayed patience, intelligence and accuracy. Word is he has the respect of the team. Maturity and "knowing the system" is huge plus for Coach Jim Tressel and we'll see if Boeckman has what it takes to fend off 2 worthy contenders.

The Contenders:

Rob Schoenhoft - (R) Sophomore

Schoenhoft, 6-6,240, is a gunslinger from nearby Cincinnati. By all accounts he has the best arm of any quarterback to wear an OSU uniform in a long time. On top of that he is as mobile, drawing QB scrambling comparisons to Craig Krenzel. His problems usually deal with accuracy and experience. He never put up great numbers and high school and was thought of as a highly valued project. If he wins the job it's because he improves his consistency enough to compliment his strong arm.

Antonio Henton - (R) Freshman

Antonio Henton, 6-2, 210, is from Georgia and led his team to a state title victory in his senior year. Funny thing is, his team lost their first two games when he was injured and then won the rest when he came back. He has played very well this spring, drawing comparisons to Troy Smith. From all reports along with high school video, it seems he possesses the same escapability that can't be taught. His arm may not be quite as strong as Smith's, but his overall game is better at this stage of the game.

Whover wins the QB battle will have to make a name for himself. The last two QB battle involving Jim Tressel and Ohio State have gone the person who originally was #2 on the roster. First Krenzel passed Scott McMullen and the Smith passed Justin Zwick on the depth chart.

Either way, Ohio State seriously wants to run the football this year. Maul the opponents defensive line. Take pressure off of a first year starting QB.

Running Back

Antonio Pittman was the first running back at OSU since Eddie George to have back-to-back 1000 yard rushing seasons.

The Candidates:

Favored:

Chris Wells - Sophomore

Chris "Beanie" Wells is not only a favorite, he is a huge favorite. Listed at 6-1. 230 this true sophomore was the #1 recruit in the nation year ago according to Scout.com. He is a man child, ready to wreak havoc on all that get in his way. The problem is he has been sidelined with a bum ankle all spring. He was an early enrollee last spring so experience is not the issue; health is. He has to be healthy for Ohio State to execute their game plan.

The Contenders:

Maurice Wells - Junior

Set the single-season rushing record in Florida his Junior year, running for over 3,000 yards. Since arriving at Ohio State he has done very little on the football field. After the BCS Championship game, he is quoted as saying he was thinking about transferring. Considering he is the only healthy (and eligible) scholarship runningback on OSU's roster this spring, staying was a good idea.

He has to step up his game this season and relieve Chris Well when he needs a rest. He will never get a better opportunity than this year to prove himself. He is not your typical OSU back. More of a scat back/slash runner.

Will the Wells & Wells combo be Thunder & Lightning or disappointing? Should be interesting.

Brandon Saine - Freshman

Brandon Saine is, 6-1, 215 pounds of speed. This Ohio Mr. Football track champion is, as Jim Tressel puts it, "a football player who ran track."

He has all the talent in the world, the question will be how long it will take him to be comfortable in a game situation.

Boom Herron - Freshman

Boom Herron comes from Warren Harding, the same school as Maurice Clarrett (OSU ) and Mario Manningham (Michigan ), among others. He is a tough runningback who can pack a bigger punch than his smaller 5- 9 1/2, 200 pound frame suggests.

Don't expect anyone to redshirt. Although, it would be a great sign if it happened. If Chris Wells gets injured &/or Maurice Well struggles, expect one if not both Freshmen to get meaningful carries.

Wide Receiver

Tedd Ginn will go in the 1st round of the NFL draft. Anthony Gonzalez is projected at rounds 1-2. Roy Hall has climbed the charts as well and will soon be on an NFL roster. Ohio State needs to reload fast.

The Candidates:

Favored:

Brian Robiske - Junior

Brian Robiske should be the #1 receiver this season. He has proven to be steady and reliable and key situations. On the year he had 27 catches for 350 yards. Expect him to double that next year if he can learn to deal with tighter coverage.

Ray Small - Sophomore

Ray Small is a playmaker. His saw limited action and got Knocked-the-Fuck-Out one game, but expectations remain high. He is the most talented receiver on the roster. As long as he keeps his academics in order and avoids head on collisions, he should make waves early. I'm not calling him a Teddy Ginn Replacement, but others are.

Brian Hartline - (R) Sophomore

Brian Hartline is another track-star-play maker. He missed his Senior year in H.S. because of a torn ACL. As a redshirt freshman last year he made some clutch passes, displaying reliable hands and speed. He is probably going to start the season as the #2 receiver, but because he has sat out the spring with an injury I'm predicting a slightly better 2007 for Ray Small. I could be wrong.

Tight End

The Candidates:

Favored:

Rory Nicol - Junior

Rory Nicol has the physical tools to make an excellent Big Ten tight end. He has yet to put a full season together where he is not injured. They will need him and expect him to be a key element to this years offense.

The Contenders:

Jacob Ballard - Sophomore

Jacob Ballard showed some real potential in his first season at Ohio State. He made some great catches in limited opportunities and is a big guy. If Nicol struggles or battles injuries I could see Ballard becoming a feature of the offense.

Brandon Smith - Junior

Andy Miller - (R) Freshman
Andy Miller was redshirted last year. He is is another huge tight end at 260 pounds and he will need to get ready to block for Chris Wells.

Offensive Line

The Candidates:

Favored:

Alex Boone - Junior

Kirk Barton - Senior

Steve Rehring - Junior

Ben Person - Junior

Jim Cordle - Sophomore

Kyle Mitchum - Junior

Connor Smith - Freshman

Bryant Browning - Freshman

Jon Skinner - Junior

Average Weight = 310.22 lbs.

I put all of these guys in the "favored" category because they will all be heavily relied upon. Ohio State has developed a strong base with these 9, very large men. This was a solid group a year ago that should be better this year. If some of the younger guys pull through, expect Ohio State to be strong down the stretch.

Florida's DL made Ohio State's OL look slow. Expect Ohio State to run at opponents this year. It will be run first, pass second. This will keep the defense in the middle and best utilize Chris Wells power running game.