Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports Curtis Samuel was a serviceable backup during Ohio State’s run through the College Football Playoff last year, but the talented all-purpose back is gearing up for a bigger role in 2015. And as the Buckeyes approach the midway point of spring practice, Urban Meyer is scheming to get his rising sophomore more involved. “The days of Curtis Samuel playing 10 plays are over,” Meyer said, according to Tim Moody of The Lantern. “It’s our job to get him on the field for 40 or 50 plays.” Samuel’s sudden emergence is one of the few bright spots for the Buckeyes in what has been a sluggish spring camp in Columbus. On Tuesday, Meyer declared that his team was “not very good right now,” but he couldn’t stop singing Samuel’s praises. Jamie Sabau/Getty Images Curtis Samuel only had one game (Kent State) where he registered more than nine touches. “He’s a guy that we’ve ID’d as a top-five playmaker right now in our program,” Meyer said, via Moody. That’s a big deal because the Buckeyes have to replace some key contributors on offense. For four years, Devin Smith filled the role as the team’s deep threat in the passing game. He was sensational during his senior season last year, leading the country in average yards per reception (28.2) as he registered 931 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, according to CFBStats.com. The Buckeyes also need to replace Evan Spencer, who provided the team with not only great leadership but also plays that didn’t show up in the stat sheet. With those two gone, Meyer and the Buckeyes coaching staff see an opportunity to shift Samuel from running back to the hybrid H-back position. With his blend of speed and power, they think he’ll thrive on the perimeter. “He has good hands, he can run routes so his role can be a lot of different places,” co-offensive coordinator Ed Warinner said, according to Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: What Curtis Samuel's Emergence Means for the Buckeyes
