Just one more practice, then OSU spring game
But before that, a certain Super Bowl-winning coach speaks at the Buckeyes’ annual coaches clinic.
The Ohio State COLUMBUS — Buckeyes held their second-to-last practice before the spring game. They’ll practice again Friday.
Then the Buckeyes will perform in front of something close to 80,000 people at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Ohio Stadium. It would be more, but 20,000 seats won’t be in use because of a restoration project.
Coach Urban Meyer gave one last update on his team’s progress Wednesday in the Big Ten’s spring coaches teleconference. Here are the highlights:
Three keys: Meyer said the offense emphasized pass protection, accuracy on deep plays and finishing plays this spring.
Cornerback depth: Meyer called junior Denzel Ward the team’s best cornerback. He said redsh irt sophomore Damon Arnette has had a good spring.
Kendall Sheffield, a junior college transfer with three years of eligibility remaining, is ahead of the freshman cornerbacks: Shaun Wade, Jeffrey Okudah and Marcus Williamson.
“You would expect that because he’s an older, veteran guy who’s been out of high school for two years,” Meyer said. Improved players: Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones has gone from good to very good, Meyer said. All the defensive ends have had outstanding springs. Senior safety Damon Webb is one of the team’s most improved players.
Meyer also raved about junior wide receiver Parris Campbell and redshirt sophomore running back Mike Weber. Freshman impact: Freshman running back J.K. Dobbins has played well enough that Meyer said, “He’s going to play in the fall. He’s had a very good spring.” Guest speaker: Ohio State will hold its 86th annual coaches clinic today and Friday. Among the speakers is New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
“We love our coaches in state, and we try to make this a great clinic for them,” Meyer said. “It’s Easter weekend, so we understand it’s probably not the ideal weekend because of family commitments. We just wanted to swing for the fences. (Belichick is) arguably not only the greatest coach in pro football history but all professional sports, and he’s a very good friend. He’s got a lot of respect for Ohio State football. That’s how we were able to pull that off.”