This fall, Ohio State fans hope to see the J.T. Barrett who set 19 school or Big Ten records as a redshirt freshman quarterback for Ohio State in 2014.(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) I was talking with J.T. Barrett for a feature piece I’m writing on him for USA Today’s college football preseason magazine (shameless plug) when I joked about all the recent buzz about Ohio State quarterbacks. And how none of it was about him. It was about the projected starter in 2018, 2019, 2020 … like recent five-star commit Tate Martell from Las Vegas. Just goes to show that the most important position in the most important sport at Ohio State is always a hot topic — in season, out of season, any season. “That’s how big a quarterback is around here … there’s always talk. It’s all good,” Barrett, a fourth-year junior, said. “It’s one of those things where it’s definitely a privilege. I’m appreciative for those things that come with it. It’s not something that should be taken lightly because not a lot of people get that opportunity.” Barrett lost the opportunity to open last season as the starter. And that was after a brilliant 2014 when he finished fifth in Heisman Trophy balloting and broke 19 school or Big Ten records, including 3,772 total yards (school mark) and 45 total touchdowns (league mark). A broken ankle against Michigan ended Barrett’s season and triggered Cardale Jones’ rise from backup QB to folk hero in leading the Buckeyes through a three-game post-season…
Continue Reading: He's No. 1: Buckeyes ranked high because of their QB
