The notion that Urban Meyer is obsessed with speed is more of a fact than it is an opinion. A year ago, I was watching high school prospects run 40-yard dashes at Ohio State’s summer camp when a recruiting reporter turned to me following a particularly impressive showing.
“Urban’s not going to be able to help himself,” the reporter said with a smile.
No more than 10 minutes later, wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes.
But while Meyer’s need for speed may be the worst-kept secret in Columbus, circumstances have diverted the attention of the third-year Ohio State head coach elsewhere for the foreseeable future. Because after the Buckeyes’ disastrous defensive showing in 2013, it’s clear that it’s been “D” and not speed that’s been on Meyer’s mind lately.
So much so that when Meyer was asked to name a few breakout players for the upcoming season two weeks ago, the first three that came to mind were from the defensive side of the ball. Sure, some offensive options followed, but when it comes to what Meyer has had his eyes on this offseason, the message was clear: Beware of the Buckeyes defensive backfield.
What follows are the five (really, six) players Meyer mentioned when asked which Buckeyes will have breakthrough seasons in 2014.
Vonn Bell
A former 5-star prospect, as per 247 sports, Vonn Bell served as one of the headliners of Ohio State’s highly touted 2013 class. A rangy safety with a knack for making the big play,…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Urban Meyer’s 5 Breakout Players to Watch in 2014
