The challenge for Ohio State is massive. Then again, given the rankings of recent recruiting classes, so is the talent. The Buckeyes lost 12 players to the NFL draft, five in the top 20 of the first round: Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliott, Eli Apple, Taylor Decker and Darron Lee. Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer said that what’s keeping him up at night is wondering how to prep his players for game-like situations without risking injuries that would further affect the Buckeyes’ two-deep. “This is our most critical month,” he said of practices in August. “We have to get these guys ready. Half of them have never played in a game.” Making matters more critical, Bri’onte Dunn was dismissed from the team, leaving Curtis Samuel as the only experienced tailback. Redshirt freshman Mike Weber is expected to be the starter. “Depth is a concern,” Meyer said. “How many times we have Weber and Samuel get hit, that remains to be seen.” What’s not a concern – the quarterback position. J.T. Barrett returns and won’t have to worry about sharing reps with Cardale Jones, a fourth-round pick by the Bills. “I anticipate he’ll be as good a quarterback as we’ve had,” Meyer said…
Continue Reading: Talent exodus to NFL puts Ohio State in the crosshairs
