The Need for Speed: Buckeyes 2009 Recruits Have Plenty of It

by Tim Bielik
BlockONation Analyst



The Vest has been in charge of the Buckeyes for just under a decade, but what he has done the last two years on the recruiting front may have been some of his best work in his tenure.

After having a blockbuster '08 class featuring Terrelle Pryor and Michael Brewster, '09 made sure not to disappoint.

This new group of Buckeyes features an abundance of DBs and lots of linemen on both sides of the ball. Plus having one of the top RBs and OLBs in the country doesn't hurt either.

One common trend with this recruiting class: speed. In this era of college football, speed kills. And there's simply no way around it.

So by loading up on guys that can run and run fast, Tressel has brought in tremendous talents giving the Buckeyes a top five recruiting class, behind LSU, USC, and Texas on most lists.

Scout.inc has this class ranked No. 1. However, these rankings aren't an exact science by any means, but the type of players recruited are fast and furious.

RB Jamaal Berry from South Florida may be the face of this class offensively. Ranked in the top five of RBs in most rankings, Berry is a burner with 4.35 speed and not afraid to run between the tackles.

LB Dorian Bell, the defensive gem of this class, is also considered a speedster with a nasty attitude and a guy you don't want to get hit by. Pennsylvania's top player for the last two years has become part of Buckeye Nation. Without a doubt, the Vest has shoved a pipeline into western Pennsylvania and southern Florida.

And based on the recent correlation of great recruiting leading to national championships (that is a little obvious), Ohio State has stepped up their efforts drastically.

However, some complain that Tressel cannot land the big players when it comes to signing day, as was evident with the Marlon Brown commitment to Georgia. But sometimes, the recruit just doesn't go your way no matter how hard you work.

The results cannot be argued so far: back-to-back elite classes spearheaded by improved talent in the trenches. Losses to the SEC and USC have revealed that the Bucks needed new talent up front.

Ask and you shall receive.

Now with the departure of the slower linemen, in comes the newer, faster boys up front, led by Brewster and Michigan transfer Justin Boren.

No doubt this 2008 class has a lot to live up to, but there is also no doubt the potential is palpable.

If Pryor's freshman season was any indication and the contributions of numerous freshmen including Brewster and DE Nathan Williams among others, 2009 should be a coming out party for this amazing '08 class.

As for 2009, it's unclear how much playing time these players will get. Although Berry and Bell may be among the first to jump right in to the action, no doubt the Vest will look to the other players to contribute.

The real impact of this group may not be felt until 2010, when the '08s are juniors and those '09s are sophs.

Just a fair warning to the rest of the nation: Tressel has turned two-star recruits into All-Americans. Just imagine what he can do with all these four- and five-star players.

Scary, although one has to take these rankings with a grain of salt.

Expect this team to become faster over the next few years. Much faster.

This new infusion of speedy and athletic players can only mean that a great Buckeyes team will turn into an elite team faster than Pryor can score a 60-yard touchdown run.

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Big Ten Football Post-Spring Power Rankings: A New Big Two, Little Nine?

by Kristofer Green
BlockONation Columnist



Is this the year the Big Ten bounces back and becomes among the nation's elite conferences again? Probably not, but led by Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor and Penn State's Daryll Clark, there is talent in several key positions all over the conference.

It is starting to look more and more like the battle for the Big Ten crown is going to be a three-man race. This spring Ohio State and Penn State cemented their claim to the top two spots and are far and away the best two teams heading into the fall.

But the Iowa Hawkeyes are not far behind and before the season ends will once again play a major role in the Big Ten title race. If the Hawkeyes are not challenging for the title themselves, they will have a shot at knocking off both the Buckeyes and the Nittany Lions—even though they must travel to Columbus and Happy Valley to do it.

Heading into the fall, there is still a lot of work to do for every team. These power rankings reflect how I see the teams after the close of spring practice. Pre-spring rankings are in parentheses.


1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (1)

The Buckeyes lost a large senior class and a few underclassmen to the NFL, but after two huge recruiting classes for Jim Tressel, the cupboards are far from bare in Columbus. The evidence was on full display at Ohio state's spring game.

Sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor showed significant improvement after 15 practices, receivers Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVier Posey, Ray Small, and Lamar Thomas could be better than the two Brians (Robiskie and Hartline), and the running back combo of Daniel Herron and Brandon Saine could add a different element to the Buckeyes offense.

Defensively the Buckeyes must replace superstars James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, but before Laurinaitis and Jenkins there were A.J. Hawk and Donte Whitner. Ohio State always seems to be able to replace superstars on defense, and after this season we could be asking how the Buckeyes will be able to replace Austin Spitler and Chimdi Chekwa.


2. PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (2)

The good thing about a good team playing a weak schedule is that the season can essentially be boiled down to a few games. For the Nittany Lions, 2009 boils down to four games, and the big one is at home. The Lions must travel to Illinois and Michigan State, while the revenge game against the Hawkeyes and what may end up being the de facto Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State are at home.

This team will be talented but young in key positions. The lines need a lot of retooling. Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin are gone on the defensive line, and only guard Stefen Wisniewski returns on the offensive line.

Galen Hall and Jay Paterno must also find replacements for Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood, all of whom were four-year players.


3. IOWA HAWKEYES (3)

There is plenty to get excited about in Iowa City, but cautious optimism may be the best course of action for fans.

The offensive line was strong last season but lost guard Seth Olsen and center Rob Bruggeman; however, the tackles are back, as well as quarterback Ricky Stanzi and top receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.

Jewel Hampton seems like he'll be a competent replacement for Shonn Greene, but Greene's ability to make something out of nothing isn't so easily replaced.

Defensively, replacing Mitch King and Matt Kroul is going to be difficult. The pair was certainly the best tackle combination in the conference last season. The Hawkeyes may have an easier time replacing King and Kroul than they do with their Big Ten road schedule: They visit Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State in 2009.


4. ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (5)

The skill players in Champaign might be the best in the conference. Juice Williams has matured into an efficient passer and a good all-around playmaker, and he has all his key parts back, from receivers Arrelious Benn and Jeff Cumberland to tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who will be a bigger part of the offense this season.

The Illini pass rush was the best in the Big Ten, and the entire front seven was great at getting into the backfield, but the run defense stunk. The team led the league in tackles for loss and still finished ninth in run defense. This season, the defense will again be active and athletic but must show it can be tough.


5. MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (4)

The defense showed some flashes last season but lacked the consistency that Mark Dantonio defenses usually have. This season, most of the defense returns and should be loaded with Greg Jones and Trevor Anderson leading a good front seven.

The defense will need to carry the load especially early on as quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol gain some experience. Replacing Javon Ringer is still a major concern heading into the fall, but a receiving corps that was mediocre last season should be better with a year of experience under its belt.


6. NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS (6)

The Wildcats were second in the Big Ten in sacks allowed last season, and that was with three redshirt freshmen starting. The entire line returns, including senior tackle Desmond Taylor, and could be the best offensive line in the conference heading into the season.

Offensively there is still work to do. Mike Kafka showed some improvement this spring at the quarterback position but still needs to prove he can do more than run, and Pat Fitzgerald is still looking for a steady running back to emerge to replace Tyrell Sutton.


7. MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS (7)

Tim Brewster joked that he fielded more questions about the new TCF Bank Stadium than he did about football this spring. Maybe it's because there isn't much new to report about the Gophers football team. Everyone is back.

Sure, Jack Simmons, Willie VanDeSteeg, and Deon Hightower were all major producers, but they’re the only ones missing from a team that started out last season so hot.

Everyone else is back, including quarterback Adam Weber, receiver Eric Decker, and eight other starters on offense, as well as nine starters on defense.


8. WISCONSIN BADGERS (9)

The Badgers might be tremendously flawed, and if they play like they did last year, they can be beaten by anyone, but the schedule works out relatively well with no Penn State or Illinois and plenty of winnable home games against teams like Wofford, Northern Illinois, and Purdue.

Another reason to get excited is the emergence of freshman quarterback Curt Phillips this spring. Although Dustin Sherer does have starting experience, Phillips' quick feet and running ability could give the Badgers offense the kick they so desperately need.


9. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (8)

The Wolverines had a promising spring but still have major concerns all over the field. Last season, the defense was the strength of the team and can be directly credited with all three of the Wolverines' victories, but the losses of Tim Jamison and Terrence Taylor on the line and Morgan Trent and Brandon Harrison in the secondary seem all the more devastating after the defensive unit struggled this spring.

The star this spring was undeniably freshman quarterback Tate Forcier, who struggled early on but had seemingly taken over as the leader of the quarterback race heading into the fall.


10. PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (10)

Danny Hope's first spring as Purdue's head coach is over, and while there is reason to be excited about a defense that returns its entire secondary—which led the Big Ten in pass defense—there is still reason for concern about an offense that lost everyone of significance from last season.

Hope looks to the fall when he can add talented freshmen Eric Williams, Gary Bush, and Gabe Holmes to the mix on offense. Al-Terek McBurse needs to step up this fall and show that he can carry the rushing load left by Kory Sheets.


11. INDIANA HOOSIERS (11)

The Hoosiers were last in the Big Ten in almost every meaningful defensive category, struggled offensively, and were blown out in every FBS game but two last season. Is the talent level there to improve?

Bill Lynch kicked Kellen Lewis, his best offensive player, off the team, and the defense, led by defensive end Jammie Kirlew, didn't show much growth in the spring. It's hard to see the Hoosiers improving on last season's 3-9 record.


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Why Terrelle Pryor Will Lead the Buckeyes to the BCS Championship

by Michael Periatt
BlockONation Analyst



I've been reading all the backlash from that recent Andy Staples article that basically said Pryor was better than Tebow and Bradford. And I have one thing to say...

WHO CARES!!!

Really, we can go back and forth all day and argue until we are blue in the face and still probably change no one's mind.

Why don't we talk about what really matters like oh I don't know, the BCS CHAMPIONSHIP?!

But we'll get back to that in a second.

I went up to the Ohio State Spring game a couple weeks go (along with the rest of Ohio) and just like everyone else, witnessed a vastly improved Terrelle Pryor.

His footwork, mechanics, and accuracy were all night and day compared to last year and it was really refreshing to see that the OSU coaching staff was doing what they're paid to do.

But then again, how hard can it be to teach a mix between LeBron James, Usain Bolt, and Ben Roethlisberger to do anything that involves athleticism?

It's like teaching Eva Longoria to be gorgeous or George Bush to epically fail when he was our President.

Anyway, it got me thinking about the potential of this team. They are young and somewhat inexperienced, but I think they are overall more talented than the 2007 and 2008 teams and pretty darn close to (if not better than) the 2006 team.

Both the 2006 and 2007 teams made it to the BCS championship and then got utterly embarrassed in front of the entire nation. Their reputation still has not recovered.

Don't get me wrong, both teams were very good, but I think think this team has something they didn't; Terrelle Pryor.

I think Terrelle Pryor is the piece in the puzzle that can put them over the top. In fact, I know it.

TP is so special that I guarantee the Buckeyes will win a BCS Championship.

Notice, I didn't say this year (it could happen), but before he graduates (or declares for the NFL Draft), TP will deliver the Bucks to the promised land.

And here's why...

1. As I was saying before, TP is one of the most naturally gifted athletes in the history of college sports.

Remember, this guy was a top basketball recruit, too.

But it's crazy to watch what Pryor did last year without really having the ability to consistently throw the ball. At times (especially when Beanie was out), Pryor was OSU's only offense.

He was getting by guys not because he was the most polished and skilled player, but because he was the most athletic.

I remember one play against Michigan State last year in particular. It was a PA fake roll out to the right. Right when Pryor turned from the PA fake, an unblocked DE was right in his face.

Pryor's raw athleticism took over as he brought the ball back like he was going to throw, jabbed forward leaving the defender in his dust, ran toward the sideline, and threw the ball across his body to Brian Robiskie in the end zone.

No one else in the entire nation could have made that play. And that's what makes him so great. He has the ability to do things no one else can.

2. Have you ever heard Pryor talk?

The guy expects perfection.

Pryor lost two games as a starter last season. After the Penn State loss (in which his fourth quarter fumble lead the games only score and interception ended the game) Pryor said,

"When you turn over the ball two times in a game, everyone can say that it's not my fault, but if you really look at it, it is."

Later when talking about the interception he said,

"I should have known not to throw the ball there. I should have known to throw somewhere else. I mean, that's the game. I feel it's on me."

I like seeing a guy take responsibility for his mistakes. That shows character and maturity. It shows he's ready to handle the pressure that comes with being a top flight athlete.

My favorite TP quote, however came right after the the Fiesta Bowl loss to the Texas Longhorns. He said,

"We got to get better. We got to improve. Next year, we got to throw points up on the board. Point blank. Period."

Minutes after a heart breaking loss and the end to the longest football season of his life, Pryor was already thinking about next year and getting better.

This kid expects to win and has the motivation and the work ethic to accomplish just that. Mentally, TP is wired to win.

Point blank period.

3. There have been super athletic players in college before, but not all of them won it all.

Why?

Because they didn't have the supporting cast. But the Buckeyes have proven year in and year out that they bring in quality players that can win games.

Pryor will have a supporting cast and they're going to be pretty darn good. OSU is bringing in top ten recruiting classes year after year. They have the talent to build a great team around TP. Pryor will be what makes the ultimate difference, but his talented group of teammates will be right there with him.

Also, Pryor plays QB. No position has more of an impact in football. Great athletes at RB and WR can only make so much of an impact because they can only get so many touches.

But at QB, Pryor has the ball in his hands every play ready to change the game.

The Ohio State nation has gone through some tough times as of late. They're seen as a slightly above average team in a below average conference.

But Terrelle Pryor is going to change all that. He's going to EARN the respect back.

So sit back and enjoy—I know I will!

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2009 Ohio State Football NEW Movie Trailer - Redemption II

Once again, Kitchel22130 has created a sweet video in the style of a movie trailer for the upcoming 2009 football season.

Check out the video right here and check out Kitchel's channel and other videos by clicking here!

Best of the Best Non-Traditonal OOC Games for 2009: Week 1

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com



There are out of conference matchups that are an annual tradition and many of them are huge games and some even potentially have national title implications.

Games such as Michigan—Notre Dame, Notre Dame—USC, Georgia—Georgia Tech, and Florida—Florida State come to mind.

In this era of college football, it seems that these regular season meetings between many of the traditional powerhouse programs are few and far between.

That being said, all is not lost in 2009.

There are a handful of noteworthy inter-conference games this coming season and I'm going to highlight the best of them for you between now and the start of the season.

The opening week of the season offers, by my count, six OOC games very much worth watching!

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Virginia Tech Alabama

Both teams are projected to be in or near the top ten teams to start the year. This could and should be one of the best games of the week! Who moves up and who drops down after this one?

If Tyrod Taylor is legit like all the hype suggests, the Tide may get rolled much like they did by Utah in the Sugar Bowl last season but if not, VT might get "Hokied", whatever that means!


Oklahoma BYU

BYU is a very good mid-major program that should be ranked in the top 20 to open the year. They have a solid veteran QB in Max Hall but Oklahoma, who will very likely be ranked in the top three, has a guy named Sam Bradford you may have heard of.

This one could play out like an actual Big 12 conference game as we could see a lot of points scored in this one, but with the majority of them being scored by OU.


Oklahoma State Georgia

Oklahoma State was a surprise team a year ago and returns quarterback Zac Robinson, wideout Dez Bryant and tailback Kendall Hunter. Georgia, the preseason No. 1, was a flop.

OK State, who some view as this years Texas Tech, looks to make a statement for the Big 12 vs. the SEC's Bulldogs who lost QB Matthew Stafford and star running back Knosean Moreno. OK State will be favored but don't give them the "W" just yet!


Oregon Boise State

Boise State, led by Sophomore QB Kellen Moore, looks to pull the upset again this time on the blue turf over the Ducks. They'll have to do it without running back Ian Johnson who finally graduated after what seemed like forever.

Oregon however is thinking payback and they do have the skill players to possibly pull out a win in Boise in the form of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back LeGarrette Blount, but will they?


Ohio State Navy

This game at first glance seems like it should be an easy win to open the season in Columbus. But upon further review, it will be tougher than expected for a couple of reasons.

First, Navy is a decent program and an excellent rushing team. Last years featured running back Shun White is gone but the Midshipmen have a star QB in the making in Ricky Dobbs, who can both run and throw very well.

Secondly, it's impossible for the OSU players to not be thinking about week 2 when USC comes to town. Terrelle Pryor and the Bucks have not forgotten the embarrassing loss in the L.A. Colisuem last September and that's another reason why the Navy game could end up a thriller, a-la Ohio vs. OSU 2008!


Illinois Missouri

No Chase Daniel and no Jeremy Maclin for Mizzou takes away some of the luster but Illinois and Missouri have both fielded quality teams over the past few seasons and have very entertainingly scored a lot of points in the process! Even if they aren't top 25 teams to open the year, Illinois could eventually get there and this game is still worth tuning in for!

Senior QB Juice Williams and Coach Ron Zook will try to lead the Illini to a bounce back season after a disappointing 2008 which followed 2007's Rose Bowl season, although Illinois was crushed by USC in that game. What's new right?

It all starts with the Missouri game but will the Illini have enough Juice to tame the Tigers?

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So there you have them. The best non-traditional OOC games week one has to offer.

But wait, there's more!

Over the next few weeks, this series will continue to will highlight more of the games you MUST see!

The 2009 college football season absolutely promises to be as exciting as ever and it's going to be a great ride, so stay tuned and remember, it will be September before you know it and I'll do my part to help you survive until then!

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Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is No Terrelle Pryor

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com



In case you are not a Buckeye fan. hold on a second and hear me out.

Bradford is an excellent pocket quarterback and he didn't win the 2008 Heisman trophy based on his looks, but rather the nearly 4800 passing yards and 50 touchdowns he tossed. Winning the Big 12 conference didn't hurt either!

So before the OU fans and/or OSU haters come out in droves to attack me, let me reiterate that Bradford is a great player and as of right now, he's obviously a couple of notches above Terrelle Pryor in the grand scheme that is college football.

So how can I write an article titled Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is No Terrelle Pryor, you ask?

That's easy—Because it's 100% true!

As a pocket passer, Bradford is what Pryor aspires to be—fluid, efficient, accurate and confident in the throws he makes.

But Pryor adds a whole other dimension to the quarterback position. He's a freak of an athlete. He has 4.3 speed and he makes it look effortless as he flies around and past would-be defenders. He has a long stride and fast feet.

I've never seen anyone gain twenty yards with less effort and more speed in all my days as a college football fan. I've also never seen a quarterback, until Pryor, with a stiff-arm comparable to that of former OSU running back Chris Wells!

When you consider how great of an athlete and threat he is as a ball carrier, the fact that he has just barely scratched the surface as a passer and the valuable experience he gained playing as a true freshmen instead of being red-shirted or relegated to clipboard duty, it's clear just how amazing and exciting this kid could and will end up being.

These intangible attributes and God-given athletic ability Pryor possesses have led many, including Espn's college football analyst Shaun King and myself (albeit I am admittedly biased), to believe when his Ohio State career is over, he will be considered one of the best to have ever played the game at the collegiate level.

Forget me in that equation for a second and consider that Shaun King is not a Big Ten guy. He's from Alabama and he played at Tulane and most importantly, his current employer is the TV Network giant that secretly despises the Big Ten and OSU, ESPN.

Unless you've been stranded with Tom Hanks and "Wilson" on a tropical island in the Pacific the past four years, you know ESPN has been over-critical of the Big Ten and specifically Ohio State. So, for any one of their analysts to project Terrelle Pryor as potentially the best to have ever played, as King did, is quite a statement.

Bottom line here is, while Pryor has been inconsistent as a passer, he has a strong arm and is progressing very well. He can make the same throws that Sam Bradford, or Tim Tebow, or Colt McCoy can make, even if not every time, yet.

In a way, it's like comparing apples to oranges to grapes to bananas.

Here's what I mean:

Bradford is your atypical pocket passer that the NFL generally covets. McCoy can throw from the pocket but is more your classic roll-out / scrambling passer. Tebow is a halfback / quarterback hybrid "do a little bit of everything" passer. Pryor is a dual-threat run first, throw second "in the mold of Pat White" passer.

They are all good players and they are very different from one another.

I expect Pryor's passing game to develop and improve much like Vince Young's and Troy Smith's did and when it does, and it will, he will be as good or better than all of them when his college days are over.

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