Ohio State has released their official depth chart for Thursday night’s season opener at Indiana, which means that this thing is almost close to actually happening.
There’s no backing out now.
You can see the depth chart below, and can check out the game notes here if you like.
So what stood out to me? Not much. If you read my depth chart prediction, there’s not a lot of difference.
But I must offer up some quick thoughts, so I will.
+ It is interesting to see Matt Burrell at left guard, which was his preferred position last year as well per Greg Studrawa. Now that Branden Bowen has distanced himself from everyone else at right guard, the former contenders now must be spread throughout the rest of the offensive line. One name of note not present is Demetrius Knox, who is a redshirt junior. Urban Meyer urged the media on Monday not to write off any guys who still haven’t earned a starting job after four years because there is always an opportunity to be special as a senior.
+ The “or” next to J.K. Dobbins’ name is interesting, but is only there because of the concerns for Mike Weber’s hamstring. Urban Meyer and Tony Alford have been dismissive of any notions that this could be a lingering problem. Obviously, however, the situation is not ideal.
+ I wasn’t sure where Demario McCall would end up on the depth chart, but he is behind Dobbins at running back. The No. 3 H-back right now is C.J. Saunders, a walk-on from nearby Dublin. The fact that Eric Glover-Williams is nowhere on this list is significant. The transition from defensive back to H-back isn’t easy, though it is the same transition that Saunders has made.
+ As I’ve been saying, the Buckeyes would come out with six starters listed at receiver, so this was not a surprise. On Monday, Meyer said freshmen Trevon Grimes and Jaylen Harris were on the cusp of making the travel roster.
+ Some teams will be listing just eight defensive linemen on their depth chart this season. Most teams, probably. The Ohio State Buckeyes, however, list 13, which should tell you all you need to know about OSU’s depth up front. I don’t know how much Tracy Sprinkle will play on Thursday as he continues to get into football shape, but I do know that the staff wants to get him the start, and that’s something they have been eyeing for a while now.
+ It’s good to see Jashon Cornell inching his way toward the top of the defensive tackle depth chart. You’ll want to keep an eye on him because he might be next in line next year after Dre’Mont Jones leaves for the NFL following this season.
+ Go read the “6-5, 240” next to Chase Young and have a hearty laugh because it’s a hilarious lie. He’s 260 if he’s an ounce.
+ Isaiah Pryor already in the two deep at free safety is significant. He probably is a better fit in this defense as a strong safety, but the fact that he’s the best backup option at a position that requires man-to-man coverage of slot receivers is a pretty big deal. Now, if Damon Webb was to go down, you’d probably just see Jordan Fuller or Erick Smith slide over. But for a freshman safety of Pryor’s size — 6-2 192 — to be good enough to cover receivers tight, that’s a good sign for the future. Ironically, I expect him and Fuller to switch positions next year as the starting duo.
+ Speaking of safety, it’s no surprise that strong safety is still up in the air. I wonder if the job will eventually be settled due to somebody’s mistakes, or somebody’s stellar play. I could see it going either way.
+ It’s good to see freshman cornerbacks Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade on the depth chart. They are two-thirds of the future of the position. They will both travel and likely see time on special teams initially.
+ And speaking of special teams, Kerry Coombs hinted that a week or so ago that the Buckeyes could use a kickoff guy and a placement guy, and right now as you can see, they have Blake Haubeil set to be the kickoff specialist.
Ohio State Depth Chart Vs. Indiana
I see that Justin Hilliard is not listed anywhere in the linebacker rotation… would you credit this to his lingering injuries or something else?
Meyer said he’s still in the mix. They want to see him excel on special teams first.