OSU this Season

There are high expectations for Terrelle Pryor, as he was selected as preseason player of the year in the Big Ten. That is a high honor for a sophomore, especially considering some of the other more more experienced players up for the award like PSU QB Daryll Clark and Illinois QB Juice Williams. Pryor will have to improve as a passer, which may be tough considering the losses at receiver. Boom Herron will carry the ball for the bulk of the running backs, but he will split time with Brandon Saine. Herron showed during the season and in the Fiesta Bowl that he can produce yards and touchdowns, but he is not a bruiser like Beanie. Saine provides speed and a nice change of pace running attack. Expect at least a couple true freshman to have an impact on offense, Zach Boren at fullback and Duron Carter at wide receiver. Duron Carter is the son of former OSU and NFL great Chris Carter. Boren committed to Ohio State after his older brother Justin transferred from Michigan. Justin Boren had some knee troubles in August, but he is set to start at left guard. The O-line needed a facelift and Boren is seen as the new face of this O-line. Mike Brewster continues to impress, as he holds his spot at center for a second year as a true sophomore. Senior Jim Cordle did not get his old position at center, which he also did not get back last year when he returned from an injury. Cordle will be at left tackle. DeVier Posey will up his game this season, and Dane Sanzenbacher will need to adjust to defenses now focusing on him.

On defense, OSU should be solid at D-line with all eyes on Thaddeus Gibson. Cameron Heyward should also have a dominating season on the other end. Lawrence Wilson hopes to avoid injuries, having missed most of the past two years. Attempting to fill the holes at LB are Austin Spiller and Ross Homan. Kurt Coleman is the leader in the secondary at safety. Andre Amos attempts to fill the void of Malcom Jenkins, and Chimdi Chekwa will be a great corner although not yet to the level of Jenkins.

Aaron Pettrey returns to fulltime duty as the place kicker, after Pretorius did most of the place kicks over the last two seasons. Pettrey has shown leg strength with long FGs, but he has missed some short ones. Senior Jon Thoma, a former walk-on, will fill the punting spot left by A.J. Trapasso.