By Steve Patterson
Head Coach
Jim Tressel met with the press after the jersey scrimmage today to discuss the
outcome and some key events. “We got about 125 plays in; we were looking to get
in between 120 and 135 so it worked out well.” Coach Tressel said. “I am
anxious to see the film to look at how some guys are coming along. There are a
few obvious things; Brandon Saine is getting more comfortable with his position
and is going to be a good receiver for us as well. Boom Herron is also coming
along.” The team should have a talented backfield with returning starter Chris
Wells coming off a 1600+ yard season and senior Maurice Wells available for a
change of pace.
Fans are awaiting the arrival of
Terrelle Pryor or the emergence of Antonio Henton but Todd Boeckman continues
to perform well and will be the starting quarterback from everything coming out
of spring camp. “I thought Todd (Boeckman) played pretty well. He came up with
some big throws. As a quarterback if you can come up with some big plays you
are going to win some games. Overall, I thought Todd played well and the other
guys played average.” Coach Tressel said about Boeckman’s play.
The wide receiver position has been
banged up this year to this point but returning starter junior Brian Hartline
had a good day according to the head coach. “Brian loves to compete. He wants
to win every game and he wants to win every play he is in on. When he is not in
the game he is yelling at the younger guys from the sideline, helping them out.
He is just about the most competitive guy I have been around.” His
competiveness was shown in a number of games last season when he received the
ball near the goal line and made a quick efficient move insuring the score.
Coach Tressel threw a new name into
the fullback rotation which was to include converted linebacker Ryan Lukens and
walk-on Spencer Smith. “We like Curtis (Terry). “ Coach Tressel said. “He has a
little bit of size and a little know-how. We wanted him to work a lot at
fullback so he did not have to start from scratch going into camp. We have also
gotten a few other guys some reps, including (Austin) Spitler. We will have to evaluate
that position after spring.” A number of linebackers are looking at limited
playing time in the fall and deciding to try out on offense in addition to
their defensive roles.
*Portions courtesy of OhioStateBuckeyes.com