Meyer has big holes to fill as Buckeyes begin 2016 campaign

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has reason to feel a little unsettled as his team begins preparations for the 2016 season. He has to find replacements for his best offensive player, his best defensive player and other key parts of a squad that finished 12-1 last year and ranked No. 4 in the nation. Ezekiel Elliot, one of the best running backs in Buckeyes history, departed early for the NFL, as did defensive end Joey Bosa. Both were stalwarts in the 2014 national championship run and right on through last season. Just six starters from last year will be in camp this fall. The good news: Quarterback J.T. Barrett enters a season as the undisputed starter for the first time after taking over for Cardale Jones at mid-season last year. In 2014, Barrett led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record before breaking his ankle in the Michigan game and giving way to Jones, who led the team to the national title. “I anticipate he will be as good a quarterback as we’ve had,” Meyer said. “It’s his show and he knows it, and he’s prepared.” Middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan, a second-team All-American who was one of the Big Ten’s top…

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