Erik McKinney/ESPN.comESPN 150 tight end Marcus Baugh hopes to battle for playing time in 2013.With national signing day in the books, the next big date on the Ohio State calendar as it continues working toward an encore for an undefeated season in 2013 is spring practice. Before those workouts begin, BuckeyeNation will take a look at each position to see where the roster is at — and where it’s going.
TIGHT ENDS
- Who’s back: The Buckeyes had enough confidence in two young guys to make one slight adjustment in moving Jake Stoneburner from tight end to wide receiver. That move paid off so well, the coaching staff made an even bigger change thanks to the development and contributions of Jeff Heuerman and Nick Vannett, handing them additional responsibilities formerly held by fullback Zach Boren when the senior was shifted over to linebacker in the middle of the year. The young tight ends proved to be stout blockers and were reliable targets in the passing game in complementary roles, and with two years of eligibility left for Heuerman and three for Vannett, that position is in great shape moving forward with the spread offense.
- New face: After a year on the sideline, former three-star recruit Blake Thomas doesn’t qualify as new to the program, but he’s looking at perhaps his first real shot to try to crack the rotation this spring. The Buckeyes landed a signature from ESPN 150 tight end Marcus Baugh on signing day, but he won’t be on the field with the team until fall.
- Projected depth chart: Ohio State bracketed Heuerman and Vannett throughout last fall on the two-deep, and without much separation between them, that will continue to be the case as the coaches use them depending on matchups and play to their strengths. At a minimum, Thomas will provide some backup insurance.
Continue reading this article: Spring forward: Tight ends breakdown
