OHIO STATE
OFFENSE:
QB Troy Smith - Game-breaking QB who has transitioned from an athletic machine to a pocket passing genius. First round status? Smith seems to be at his best when the pressure is on. Winner. 24-2 career record, is 9-1 against ranked teams with his only loss to a ranked team coming last year from Texas, which we can credit to Justin Zwick's dumb *** and Ryan Hamby's dropped TD.
QB Justin Zwick - Some people think he's got a future in the NFL. If this is true, then get him the water caddy, but make sure the lids are all capped because he's bound to fumble it.
TB Antonio Pittman* - A junior who said he'll be staying for his senior campaign. The best runner in the conference. Has an excellent blend of speed and power, and knows how to lay a shockwave on opponents with his fierce stiffarm.
FB Stan White Jr. - A talented blocker, this converted TE can catch passes as well. Pretty good player all-around. I imagine he could possibly be a late round pickup, or a good UDFA prospect. Limited athletically, he's pretty much at his peak right now as an unspoken blocker.
WR Ted Ginn* - One of the most electrifying players in the nation. Ted's speed is unmatched, and his skills are starting to get more and more honed. He's running much crisper routes, and catching the passes he should. If he came out this year, he'd be a top 10 pick just because of his upside.
WR Anthony Gonzalez* - A perfect complement to Ginn, Gonzo is a gritty competitor with the speed to make defenses respect him. Burned a Michigan DB two years back, i'm sure you guys recall that. Oh, and his clutch ability. Don't think I need to remind you of The Catch? 39 of his 45 receptions this year were for first downs.
LT/LG Tim Schaffer - A solid player, primarily a backup. Could project as a late 2nd day pick.
C Doug Datish - The unspoken leader of our offensive line, Datish has done it all. He's played every position the line has to offer, and has been very solid at center for us this year. Could sneak his way into the first day. All-American and Rimington candidate.
RG TJ Downing - Another solid performer who could find draft status if not for his lack of mental lapses.
RT Kirk Barton* - EXTREMELY solid. Will be a first day pick next year, no question in my mind. An excellent blocker and fierce competitor. Knows what it takes to win.
DEFENSE:
DE Jay Richardson - A fairly solid player, good run stopper. Can pressure the passer. Knows the position well. Possible draft pick.
DT Quinn Pitcock - Leader of our defense, excellent player. Should be one of the first DTs taken. Has outstanding strength, and relentless pursuit. Once chased down Laurence Maroney from behind. True story.
DT David Patterson - Steady performer who doesn't make many mistakes. Not too much shines about him, but he doesn't have many glaring weaknesses either.
DT Joel Penton - Has looked good in situations. Played his way into a swing role this year, and hasn't let up. Fiery competitor. Loves the game. Kinda guy you'd want on your practice squad. Never quits.
OLB John Kerr - Very average player. Has been pushed by coaching staff and freshman to perform, and hasn't lit up any highlight reels or stat sheets. Doesn't seem to be involved in many plays.
CB Antonio Smith - Has come a long way from a walk-on to a scholarship starter. Solid player who doesn't give WRs much to work with. I could see him sneaking his way into a middle round draft spot. Has soft hands for picks. Good speed. Excellent tackler. Doesn't tend to miss. 2nd on team in this stat, behind only King James.
SS Brandon Mitchell - An excellent safety. I don't know why he doesn't get talked about more. Ballhawk who knows where to be. At his best when he is left free to roam. Good tackler.
FUTURE:
RB Chris Wells*** - Extremely powerful. Fumbling is a concern.
FB Dionte Johnson* - Converted TB. Good runner. Blocking needs some work.
WR Brian Robiskie** - Great speed. Excellent hands. Can make tough catches. Son of NFL WRs coach.
WR Brian Hartline*** - Surprising speed. Good size. Solid hands. Been getting more reps.
WR Ray Small*** - Very fast. Quick and shifty. Reminds some of Ginn.
TE Rory Nicol** - More of a receiver than blocker. Good at both.
LT Alex Boone** - Potential is amazing. HUGE body. Physical freak. Can dominate.
LG Steve Rehring** - Solid starter. Has potential to get better.
DE Vernon Gholston** - Leading team in sacks. Excellent pass-rusher.
DE Lawrence Wilson** - Huge wingspan. Can get around OTs with quickness.
OLB Marcus Freeman** - Outstanding athlete. Solid performer. Can make plays.
MLB James Laurinaitius** - Leader of LBs. Fierce. Forces fumbles and makes plays when they count. Butkus finalist.
CB Malcolm Jenkins** - One of the nation's best CBs. Fundamentally sound. Can make plays.
CB Andre Amos*** - Converted WR. Good hands. Steady performer when given chances.
FS Jamario O'Neal** - Playmaker potential. Very fast. Converted CB. Lacks experience. Tackling suspect.
* = 06 Junior
** = 06 Sophomore
*** = 06 Freshman
I haven't gotten the chance to watch many OSU games, but that's my analysis.
Players to Watch During the GAME!!!!!
Linear Mode
