Football
Buckeyes Looking for Depth at Quarterback
By John PorentasOSU Head Coach Jim Tressel spent the better part of an hour with reporters yesterday. Most of that time was spent talking about his book which releases today, but there was also a little football talk as well.
Tressel was asked about a number of personnel issues including the fate of defensive back Eugene Clifford who has had some off-field difficulties since the season ended. According to Tressel, Clifford has continued working out with the Buckeyes but his status going forward is a bit clouded.
"He's finishing this week like the rest of the guys. Then we'll sort it out as to where we go from there. I'd like to think that within the next week we'll know our direction," Tressel said.
Tressel also reported that offensive lineman Jon Skinner will join fullback Aram Olson as players who will not participate this season due to chronic injury situations.
"It's (Skinner's injury) just not coming around and he probably won't be able to make it," Tressel said.
The news is much better for highly touted offensive lineman Mike Adams who underwent shoulder surgery this spring.
"They tell me his (Adams) rehab is real good," said Tressel.
"Now, the doctors are very conservative when it comes to shoulders, especially with big guys, but it will be interesting to see. There are some people saying they wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get back in September sometime. I think if it gets beyond that you have to think it through (for a possible redshirt year)," Tressel said.
Tressel added that fellow freshman offensive lineman Mike Brewster is fine after seeing limited contact during spring drills. The one position that does concern Tressel is quarterback where transfers by Robby Schoenhoft and Antonio Henton have left Tressel with just two returners and a true freshman at that position heading into fall camp.
"Three is probably too thin," said Tressel.
The true freshman quarterback is of course highly touted Terrelle Pryor. Members of the coaching staff are not allowed to watch summer workouts, but Tressel says he hears Pryor is progressing.
"I've heard good things. I heard that he loves to train and loves to go in and watch film," Tressel said.
"I know that one day he texted me and asked for Bauserman's phone number so he could get Joe and go over and watch some film with him. I think Boeckman was out of town or something because Boeckman is usually the guy he tries to get," Tressel said.
Tressel said that there are a number of players on the roster who played quarterback in high school that will be looked at as a fourth quarterback on the roster this season. They include senior walkon Ben Kascandi, incoming freshman defensive backs Ohrian Johnson and Zack Domicone and incoming baseball recruit Ross Oltorik who will join the football team as a preferred walk-on.
"Ross Oltorik , a kid that Bob Todd signed in baseball from Cincinnati Moeller, I've been told that he looks very competitive," said Tressel.
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