Spring Game 2010

A spring game star emerged on April 24, 2010 - Kenny Guiton. The 3rd-string QB appeared to be a viable alternative to even TP to read the bloggers following the game Saturday. Will Guiton turn into the next Bam Childress who seemed to blossom every April only to wilt like my un-watered garden come fall? Or will Guiton truly emerge to fill the shoes of Joe Bauserman, who's 2nd-string status seemed increasingly troubled even before the spring game through tidbits coming from practice. Kenny Guiton showed a nice, accurate arm and the moves to elude tacklers. He led the Gray to a 17-14 victory over the TP-led Scarlet with TP playing sparingly.

And also emerging on the offense was Taurian Washington, a receiver who considered transferring after last season due to a bit of a logjam at the position. Well, with Duron Carter sitting in the stands, still trying to get his academic house in order, it looks like T-Wash, as he's known, is trying to secure the #3 receiver spot behind Dane Sanzenbacher and Devier Posey.

And TP did show flashes ... he was orders to limit his scrambling and was limited to playing only in the first quarter. He led the Scarlet for 2 touchdowns, including a crisp 4-play, 78-yard drive - all passing. The TD was to Sanzenbacher. TP was 8 of 12 on the day.

But who is the best player on the Buckeye team going into the fall ... his initials are not TP but rather CH - Cameron Heyward. He was a consensus late 1st round pick had he opted to skip his senior season but there is something so compelling about this young man. You need only hear him speak to know that he is a man and a leader on this team. And while many worried that the cupboard might be bare on the D after losing so many to graduation including leaders like Kurt Coleman, Doug Worthington, and Lawrence Wilson, one only need watch a replay yesterday to know that Cam Heyward anchors a D-line that will have a lot to say this fall, in front of 3 linebackers who are ready to play.

On the D-line, Nathan Williams emerged last year and flashed at various times, but he was a beast taking on Mike Adams much of the game one-on-one (more on Big Mike later). Among the LBs, you know that Brian Rolle and Ross Homan mean business but who would emerge to replace Austin Spitler? The answer appears to be Etienne Sabino who led both squads with 7 tackles yesterday. The secondary remains in the hands of Chimdi Chekwa and a supporting cast. The drama might be in the secondary, but overall, the defense is loaded. Again.

Great drama has emerged in the battle for the decidedly critical position of left tackle. Many observers think that Big Mike Adams made a bit of a statement yesterday, but one couldn't help notice that Nathan Williams had his way with Big Mike on more than a couple of occasions. Big Mike is battling Andrew Miller and the battle will likely extend into the fall. Also emerging on the line was Jack Mewhort at right guard. While Shugarts, Browning, Brewster and Boren appear pretty set with the LT spot up for grabs, it was good to *finally* see some depth emerge on the O-line.

And speaking of O-line, another name that has come up plenty from spring practice observers has been Jake Stoneburner. Now say what you want about Tight Ends getting involved in the offense outside of the spring game, but those here who have been fans of suburban C-bus high school football, knew Stoneburner could be a star. A lot depended on Stoneburner giving up his dream of becoming a wide receiver and accepting his natural role as Tight End. The kid can catch. Can he block? And can the other starting 5 on the O-line gel enough to give that chapter in the offensive playbook an opportunity?

And speaking of hands and seldom-used pages in the playbook, another suburban C-bus kid, Zack Boren, showed that he too can catch the ball from the fullback spot. Again, will this part of the playbook be dusted off in the fall?

The running back stable is full, but banged up ... again. Plenty of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron will hopefully be on the menu in the fall but crowd-favorite from last season, Jordan Hall continues to impress as does Jaamal Berry who appeared to have been held out for precautionary reasons. He's had a hamstring issue that sidelined him all of 2009 but again spring practice observers rave about the kid. In addition, Jermil Martin was an early pick by the team seniors on "draft day" which says something for what the teammates see in practice. Carlos Hyde showed a bit Saturday, as well. Many are liking Jordan Hall as a returner. It might be an option to get him more touches in a crowded backfield where he has some room to show his burst.

The main worry coming from spring has been the kicking game, specifically punting. And Saturday did not give anyone comfort. Between Ben Buchanan and Derek Erwin, it was pretty ugly in the kick scrimmage 2 weeks ago. And the more seasoned Buchanan did nothing Saturday to establish a starting role for himself.

Based on my observations following spring practices and the spring game, it appears to me too that several solid leaders have emerged in Dane Sanzenbacher, Justin Boren, and Devier Posey on the offense and Cam Heyward on the defense. It will be interesting to see how the team vote goes for captain and how Terrelle Pryor fares and where the defense goes for a 2nd guy - I'd guess Brian Rolle or Ross Homan but Chekwa might be right in there. There is a certain maturity in this team that reminds me a lot of 2002 ... no worries, I am not getting ahead of myself ... but I see similarities ... and there is the enigma (much as 2002 had its enigma in MoC) in TP. I am not yet convinced that what we saw in the Rose Bowl will carry through the season to come. If it does ... well, it will be a very successful season.

The first game approaches - the rare Thursday night game vs. Marshall awaits (Big Ten network). I trust I will see you all in August as fall camp gets underway!

GO BUCKS from JennyBucks!