JeffHCross
10-23-2014, 12:15 PM
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Coming off a national championship run that surprised everyone, coaches, players, fans and, yes, journalists included, Ohio State returns most of their weapons for 2015. But, for the first time in Coach Jeff HCross's tenure, some key pieces were lost to graduation. Can Ohio State replace a missing All-American? Will the offense overcome any defensive deficiencies?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Sacks
Sack Rate
Yards/
Att.
Marcus Avery
QB
6'5”, 220
SR
88
239
305
2760
31
14
78.4%
13
4.1%
9.0
Jason Roberson
QB
6'1”, 236
SO
82
Redshirt
Leroy Harris
QB
6'3”, 210
SR
80
3
4
28
0
0
75.0%
1
20.0%
7.0
Marcus Crosby
QB
6'2”, 212
JR
62
Marcus Avery replaced Leroy Harris last season as the starting quarterback, and while everyone expected improvement from the quarterback position, I don't think anyone expected a third-place Heisman campaign from the JUCO transfer. Recalling visions of Cam Newton, Avery ran first and threw later, to the tune of over 4000 yards total offense.
Harris accepted the role of a backup, but not even he imagined that he'd only throw three passes on the entire year. Now Harris falls to third-string, with JUCO Jason Roberson, who redshirted last season and is the heir apparent to the starting job, taking over as this season's backup quarterback.
Running Backs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
HB
6'0”, 211
SO
76
166
1135
9
6.8
30.7%
David Edwards
HB
5'11”, 211
SR
78
99
678
9
6.8
18.3%
Nathan Jackson
HB
5'11”, 210
JR
77
35
184
1
5.3
5.0%
Cory Rivera
FB
6'2”, 233
FR
63
For the second season in a row, Ohio State returns all of their rushing yards from last year. Yet again, the leading rusher on the team was their quarterback. But among the running backs, freshman Kris Davis went from a unknown third-stringer to a starter to a star, running for over 1000 yards in his debut season. David Edwards tacked on an additional 678 yards, almost matching his team-leading total from 2013, and will return as the top backup. Nathan Jackson will be the third back in the rotation.
Receivers
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Catches
Yards
TD
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Catches
% of Team
Yards
Mike Luke
WR
6'0”, 188
Grad
56
524
7
9.4
23.1%
18.8%
Josh White
WR
6'2”, 209
Grad
32
396
1
12.4
13.2%
14.2%
Tim Herron
WR
6'4”, 196
SR
84
13
177
2
13.6
5.4%
6.3%
David Little
WR
6'2”, 212
JR
82
47
592
4
12.6
19.4%
21.2%
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 190
FR
73
Redshirt
Jake Overstreet
WR
5'11”, 183
JR
74
20
307
6
15.4
8.3%
11.0%
Garrett Baker
WR
6'3”, 194
SO
78
Redshirt
John Matthews
WR
6'4”, 229
SO
75
Redshirt
Larry Williams
TE
6'4”, 237
SR
79
26
230
1
8.8
10.7%
8.2%
Lonnie Tidwell
TE
6'7”, 244
SO
68
3
35
1
11.7
1.2%
1.3%
Ohio State's ability to threaten with the passing game was lost just two games into the season with the season-ending leg injury to Tim Herron. Mike Luke, David Little and Josh White both provided some threat in the passing game, mostly on short passes and in space, but the Buckeyes lacked the deep threat that Herron could theoretically provide. Herron has returned and looked impressive in the spring, but Luke and White have both graduated, taking their 88 combined catches with them. With a new offensive philosophy this fall, look for Herron and Little to line up outside the numbers, with Jake Overstreet and converted halfback Louis Rhodes lining up in the slots. Larry Williams and Lonnie Tidwell will still be the only tight ends on the roster, though their use is expected to decrease with the offensive changes this fall.
Offensive Line
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Career Starts
Matt Taylor
LT
6'4”, 297
Grad
25
Tyler Gordon
LG
6'2”, 293
Grad
25
Will Fellows
LG
5'11”, 287
SR
69
0
Joshua Newman
LG
6'6”, 288
SO
71
13
Nate Moore
C
6'1”, 285
FR
79
0
Nate Newberry
RG
6'4”, 266
SO
72
13
Bryan Lacey
RT
6'5”, 295
SO
73
13
Casey Herring
LT
6'5”, 300
SO
73
0
Dwayne Rice
C
6'5”, 309
FR
71
Redshirt
Danny Outlaw
RT
6'4”, 308
FR
68
Redshirt
Going into the spring, Ohio State was expected to replace four starters on the offensive line, including two players that returned this year but were expected to play backup roles. Instead, the returns from the spring were felt across the entire line, leading to a completely different starting lineup as the Buckeyes exited fall camp. Will Fellows, who most recruiting experts thought would merely be permanent depth after transferring to Ohio State as a JUCO, will instead line up at Left Tackle. The three returning starters will all be part of the starting lineup again, though Josh Newman shifts to left guard to allow Nate Moore, the top rated freshman in this year's Ohio State class, to start at Center from day one.
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Mike Walters
DT
6'2”, 321
Grad
11
2.2%
4
1
0
0
0
0
Thomas Mason
DT
6'4”, 276
Grad
5
1.0%
1
1
0
0
0
0
Brent McCoy
DT
6'1”, 310
FR
75
Redshirt
Aaron Shaw
LE
6'2”, 255
FR
76
Redshirt
Brandon Walker
RE
6'1”, 232
SO
76
16
3.2%
9
4
0
0
0
0
David Murray
DT
6'3”, 289
SO
56
Redshirt
Chris Hayford
DT
6'3”, 271
SR
54
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Todd Pace
RE
6'5”, 265
SR
76
6
1.2%
1
0
0
0
0
0
Marcus Harrell
LE
6'4”, 271
SR
71
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kenneth Holmes
RE
6'1”, 244
JR
69
1
0.2%
1
0
0
0
0
0
Redshirt freshman DT Brent McCoy will finally take his place in the middle of the Ohio State 3-4 defense, and will be expected to contribute on almost every snap, as the talent drop-off to his backups is significant. Another redshirt freshman, Aaron Shaw, is expected to start at defensive end alongside McCoy. All-Freshman selection Brandon Walker will start at the opposite defensive end spot and hopes for a repeat of last year's impressive deput season.
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Matt Charles
MLB
6'1”, 232
Grad
76
15.4%
17
5.5
1
0
1
0
Barry Lloyd
OLB
6'3”, 234
SR
74
14
2.8%
4
3
0
0
0
0
Ryan Perkins
OLB
6'1”, 240
SR
74
13
2.6%
4
1
0
0
0
0
Desmond Hamby
MLB
6'1”, 218
JR
77
JUCO
Randy Williams
MLB
6'1”, 208
JR
82
51
10.3%
17
5
0
2
0
1
Brandon Frederick
OLB
6'3”, 224
JR
74
10
2.0%
2
0
0
0
0
0
Daniel Miller
OLB
6'1”, 218
FR
70
Redshirt
Paul Hawthorne
MLB
6'0”, 238
JR
69
1
0.2%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Maurice Walker
MLB
5'9”, 223
SO
65
1
0.2%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Barry Lloyd has made the full-time switch to OLB this season, and is expected to start at LOLB, allowing top OLB Randy Williams to slide inside to MLB full-time. Williams played mostly MLB last season, but was still officially listed as an OLB. Ryan Perkins earns the other OLB starting job this year, after a surprising 2014 that saw him start only two games, yet notch more tackles in those two games than his competition, Brandon Frederick, did all season. Perkins has a nose for the ball that Ohio State will need after losing 2nd-team All-American Matt Charles to graduation. Desmond Hamby will join Ohio State from the JUCO ranks and complete the 3-4 defensive scheme at the other MLB spot.
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Robert Ellis
CB
6'1”, 180
SR
77
46
9.3%
3
0
5
0
0
0
Derrick Thomas
CB
5'11”, 201
SO
80
JUCO
Craig Smith
FS
6'2”, 180
SO
80
62
12.6%
3
0
3
4
0
0
Rashad Alston
SS
6'1”, 194
SR
82
63
12.8%
5
0
2
4
0
0
Lee Gore
STAR
5'9”, 166
SO
80
48
9.7%
7
2
0
3
0
0
Eric Henry
CB
6'1”, 177
JR
76
Redshirt
Edward Wood
CB
6'1”, 196
SR
72
12
2.4%
0
0
1
0
0
1
Michael Busch
CB
6'1”, 199
JR
70
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Austin Davis
FS
6'3”, 209
SR
74
1
0.2%
0
0
0
1
0
0
Derrick Hall
FS
6'1”, 190
SO
76
Redshirt
Jerome Thomas
SS
6'2”, 212
FR
77
Redshirt
For the second consecutive year, Ohio State adds a JUCO cornerback that will immediately see a starting role in the fall. For 2015, that JUCO is Derrick Thomas, a four-star prospect in HS that played last season at Monterey Peninsula College near his hometown. Thomas will be the #2 cornerback opposite of Robert Ellis, who led the team a year ago with five interceptions. All three safeties return, led by Rashad Alston at SS, who is the leading returning tackler. Craig Smith will provide centerfield help from the FS spot and Lee Gore will probably play practically every defensive snap from his STAR position.
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
I20
Dan Pierce
P
5'10”, 227
Grad
67
23
95.8%
5
41.4
0
3
Carl Bentley
P/K
6'2”, 180
FR
80
Redshirt
Spencer Cox
K
6'0”, 176
SO
70
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dan Pierce was the sole kicking specialist for Ohio State last season, but he's now demonstrating his talents in the Arena League. Pierce was again responsible for three game-winning field goals last season, including the game winner against Alabama to win the national championship. That production will look to be replaced by redshirt freshman Carl Bentley, who will take over kicking, punting and kickoff duties.
Coming off a national championship run that surprised everyone, coaches, players, fans and, yes, journalists included, Ohio State returns most of their weapons for 2015. But, for the first time in Coach Jeff HCross's tenure, some key pieces were lost to graduation. Can Ohio State replace a missing All-American? Will the offense overcome any defensive deficiencies?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Sacks
Sack Rate
Yards/
Att.
Marcus Avery
QB
6'5”, 220
SR
88
239
305
2760
31
14
78.4%
13
4.1%
9.0
Jason Roberson
QB
6'1”, 236
SO
82
Redshirt
Leroy Harris
QB
6'3”, 210
SR
80
3
4
28
0
0
75.0%
1
20.0%
7.0
Marcus Crosby
QB
6'2”, 212
JR
62
Marcus Avery replaced Leroy Harris last season as the starting quarterback, and while everyone expected improvement from the quarterback position, I don't think anyone expected a third-place Heisman campaign from the JUCO transfer. Recalling visions of Cam Newton, Avery ran first and threw later, to the tune of over 4000 yards total offense.
Harris accepted the role of a backup, but not even he imagined that he'd only throw three passes on the entire year. Now Harris falls to third-string, with JUCO Jason Roberson, who redshirted last season and is the heir apparent to the starting job, taking over as this season's backup quarterback.
Running Backs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
HB
6'0”, 211
SO
76
166
1135
9
6.8
30.7%
David Edwards
HB
5'11”, 211
SR
78
99
678
9
6.8
18.3%
Nathan Jackson
HB
5'11”, 210
JR
77
35
184
1
5.3
5.0%
Cory Rivera
FB
6'2”, 233
FR
63
For the second season in a row, Ohio State returns all of their rushing yards from last year. Yet again, the leading rusher on the team was their quarterback. But among the running backs, freshman Kris Davis went from a unknown third-stringer to a starter to a star, running for over 1000 yards in his debut season. David Edwards tacked on an additional 678 yards, almost matching his team-leading total from 2013, and will return as the top backup. Nathan Jackson will be the third back in the rotation.
Receivers
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Catches
Yards
TD
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Catches
% of Team
Yards
Mike Luke
WR
6'0”, 188
Grad
56
524
7
9.4
23.1%
18.8%
Josh White
WR
6'2”, 209
Grad
32
396
1
12.4
13.2%
14.2%
Tim Herron
WR
6'4”, 196
SR
84
13
177
2
13.6
5.4%
6.3%
David Little
WR
6'2”, 212
JR
82
47
592
4
12.6
19.4%
21.2%
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 190
FR
73
Redshirt
Jake Overstreet
WR
5'11”, 183
JR
74
20
307
6
15.4
8.3%
11.0%
Garrett Baker
WR
6'3”, 194
SO
78
Redshirt
John Matthews
WR
6'4”, 229
SO
75
Redshirt
Larry Williams
TE
6'4”, 237
SR
79
26
230
1
8.8
10.7%
8.2%
Lonnie Tidwell
TE
6'7”, 244
SO
68
3
35
1
11.7
1.2%
1.3%
Ohio State's ability to threaten with the passing game was lost just two games into the season with the season-ending leg injury to Tim Herron. Mike Luke, David Little and Josh White both provided some threat in the passing game, mostly on short passes and in space, but the Buckeyes lacked the deep threat that Herron could theoretically provide. Herron has returned and looked impressive in the spring, but Luke and White have both graduated, taking their 88 combined catches with them. With a new offensive philosophy this fall, look for Herron and Little to line up outside the numbers, with Jake Overstreet and converted halfback Louis Rhodes lining up in the slots. Larry Williams and Lonnie Tidwell will still be the only tight ends on the roster, though their use is expected to decrease with the offensive changes this fall.
Offensive Line
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Career Starts
Matt Taylor
LT
6'4”, 297
Grad
25
Tyler Gordon
LG
6'2”, 293
Grad
25
Will Fellows
LG
5'11”, 287
SR
69
0
Joshua Newman
LG
6'6”, 288
SO
71
13
Nate Moore
C
6'1”, 285
FR
79
0
Nate Newberry
RG
6'4”, 266
SO
72
13
Bryan Lacey
RT
6'5”, 295
SO
73
13
Casey Herring
LT
6'5”, 300
SO
73
0
Dwayne Rice
C
6'5”, 309
FR
71
Redshirt
Danny Outlaw
RT
6'4”, 308
FR
68
Redshirt
Going into the spring, Ohio State was expected to replace four starters on the offensive line, including two players that returned this year but were expected to play backup roles. Instead, the returns from the spring were felt across the entire line, leading to a completely different starting lineup as the Buckeyes exited fall camp. Will Fellows, who most recruiting experts thought would merely be permanent depth after transferring to Ohio State as a JUCO, will instead line up at Left Tackle. The three returning starters will all be part of the starting lineup again, though Josh Newman shifts to left guard to allow Nate Moore, the top rated freshman in this year's Ohio State class, to start at Center from day one.
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Mike Walters
DT
6'2”, 321
Grad
11
2.2%
4
1
0
0
0
0
Thomas Mason
DT
6'4”, 276
Grad
5
1.0%
1
1
0
0
0
0
Brent McCoy
DT
6'1”, 310
FR
75
Redshirt
Aaron Shaw
LE
6'2”, 255
FR
76
Redshirt
Brandon Walker
RE
6'1”, 232
SO
76
16
3.2%
9
4
0
0
0
0
David Murray
DT
6'3”, 289
SO
56
Redshirt
Chris Hayford
DT
6'3”, 271
SR
54
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Todd Pace
RE
6'5”, 265
SR
76
6
1.2%
1
0
0
0
0
0
Marcus Harrell
LE
6'4”, 271
SR
71
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Kenneth Holmes
RE
6'1”, 244
JR
69
1
0.2%
1
0
0
0
0
0
Redshirt freshman DT Brent McCoy will finally take his place in the middle of the Ohio State 3-4 defense, and will be expected to contribute on almost every snap, as the talent drop-off to his backups is significant. Another redshirt freshman, Aaron Shaw, is expected to start at defensive end alongside McCoy. All-Freshman selection Brandon Walker will start at the opposite defensive end spot and hopes for a repeat of last year's impressive deput season.
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Matt Charles
MLB
6'1”, 232
Grad
76
15.4%
17
5.5
1
0
1
0
Barry Lloyd
OLB
6'3”, 234
SR
74
14
2.8%
4
3
0
0
0
0
Ryan Perkins
OLB
6'1”, 240
SR
74
13
2.6%
4
1
0
0
0
0
Desmond Hamby
MLB
6'1”, 218
JR
77
JUCO
Randy Williams
MLB
6'1”, 208
JR
82
51
10.3%
17
5
0
2
0
1
Brandon Frederick
OLB
6'3”, 224
JR
74
10
2.0%
2
0
0
0
0
0
Daniel Miller
OLB
6'1”, 218
FR
70
Redshirt
Paul Hawthorne
MLB
6'0”, 238
JR
69
1
0.2%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Maurice Walker
MLB
5'9”, 223
SO
65
1
0.2%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Barry Lloyd has made the full-time switch to OLB this season, and is expected to start at LOLB, allowing top OLB Randy Williams to slide inside to MLB full-time. Williams played mostly MLB last season, but was still officially listed as an OLB. Ryan Perkins earns the other OLB starting job this year, after a surprising 2014 that saw him start only two games, yet notch more tackles in those two games than his competition, Brandon Frederick, did all season. Perkins has a nose for the ball that Ohio State will need after losing 2nd-team All-American Matt Charles to graduation. Desmond Hamby will join Ohio State from the JUCO ranks and complete the 3-4 defensive scheme at the other MLB spot.
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Robert Ellis
CB
6'1”, 180
SR
77
46
9.3%
3
0
5
0
0
0
Derrick Thomas
CB
5'11”, 201
SO
80
JUCO
Craig Smith
FS
6'2”, 180
SO
80
62
12.6%
3
0
3
4
0
0
Rashad Alston
SS
6'1”, 194
SR
82
63
12.8%
5
0
2
4
0
0
Lee Gore
STAR
5'9”, 166
SO
80
48
9.7%
7
2
0
3
0
0
Eric Henry
CB
6'1”, 177
JR
76
Redshirt
Edward Wood
CB
6'1”, 196
SR
72
12
2.4%
0
0
1
0
0
1
Michael Busch
CB
6'1”, 199
JR
70
0
0.0%
0
0
0
0
0
0
Austin Davis
FS
6'3”, 209
SR
74
1
0.2%
0
0
0
1
0
0
Derrick Hall
FS
6'1”, 190
SO
76
Redshirt
Jerome Thomas
SS
6'2”, 212
FR
77
Redshirt
For the second consecutive year, Ohio State adds a JUCO cornerback that will immediately see a starting role in the fall. For 2015, that JUCO is Derrick Thomas, a four-star prospect in HS that played last season at Monterey Peninsula College near his hometown. Thomas will be the #2 cornerback opposite of Robert Ellis, who led the team a year ago with five interceptions. All three safeties return, led by Rashad Alston at SS, who is the leading returning tackler. Craig Smith will provide centerfield help from the FS spot and Lee Gore will probably play practically every defensive snap from his STAR position.
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
I20
Dan Pierce
P
5'10”, 227
Grad
67
23
95.8%
5
41.4
0
3
Carl Bentley
P/K
6'2”, 180
FR
80
Redshirt
Spencer Cox
K
6'0”, 176
SO
70
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Dan Pierce was the sole kicking specialist for Ohio State last season, but he's now demonstrating his talents in the Arena League. Pierce was again responsible for three game-winning field goals last season, including the game winner against Alabama to win the national championship. That production will look to be replaced by redshirt freshman Carl Bentley, who will take over kicking, punting and kickoff duties.