I’ve always been one to look into the future when it comes to sports.
I read all of the mock drafts for the three major sports, pick the winners of each NFL game and I am an avid fantasy owner.
With that said, I can’t be more excited about the 2010 Ohio State Buckeyes. After watching quarterback Terrelle Pryor blossom in front of a national audience, it’s difficult not get hyped about spring practice.
Offense
Ohio State returns nine starters on a unit that finished ninth in the Big Ten in total offense (364.8).
Led by Pryor and an experienceed offensive line, I expect the offense to take a huge step forward in 2010. It seemed coach Jim Tressel found comfort in opening the gates for Pryor to excel during the Buckeyes’ 26-17 win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
Pryor accounted for 338 yards and two TDs in the Rose Bowl victory, but went through an up-and-down sophomore season. I see him carrying this impressive bowl performance into 2010.
Pryor should have plenty of help in the backfield, too.
Two major contributors in 2009, Brandon Saine and Daniel Herron, return for their senior years. The two combined for 1,620 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Also expected to compete will be sophomore Jordan Hall, redshirt freshman Jamaal Berry and incoming freshman Roderick Smith.
The receiving crop stays the same, with the exception of Ray Small, as DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher and Duron Carter return. Posey put together one of the best sophomore seasons in Ohio State history with 60 catches, 828 yards and eight touchdowns.
The offensive line lost veteran Jim Cordle to graduation, but the remainder of the group remain intact. Guards Justin Boren, Bryant Browning and center Michael Brewster lead the charge as the Buckeyes look to become more consistent at the line of scrimmage.
Ohio State must fill both tackle spots with unproven players like J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tressel decides to move one of his proven linemen to tackle.
All in all, I see the offense becoming a dependable group in 2010.