Knox’s start earns praise from Meyer
Demetrius Knox’s second chance at significant playing time went better than his first.
Knox was thrust into the lineup during last year’s College Football Playoff semifinal game against Clemson when left guard Michael Jordan was injured. It did not go well. Jordan had to return at less than full strength.
Knox appeared to be down in the pecking order during the spring and fall camp, but the junior from Fort Worth, Texas, got his shot last week against Nebraska after right guard Branden Bowen was lost for the season with a broken left leg suffered against Maryland. The offense didn’t miss a beat with him in the 56-14 victory over Nebraska.
In Tuesday’s Big Ten coaches teleconference, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said that Knox was graded as a champion in video review, “which is excellent for his first career start at Ohio State.
“It comes at the right time. He certainly has the skill set to play. If he decides that this is the time to jump-start his career, we’re all in if he can do that.”
Knox, 6 feet 4 and 308 pounds, got the start ahead of Matt Burrell, who took over for Bowen against Maryland, because of a more consistent week of practice. But Meyer was complimentary of Burrell.
“Matt Burrell is certainly right in the middle of this thing,” Meyer said. “We’re developing him to be a future starter, which he has all the tools to do. He also has to get bigger. To really play offensive guard at this level, he has to get bigger and stronger to hold his own in there.
“He had a good week last week. He just needs to have a consistent few weeks. We’re certainly counting on him to be one of the future players here.”
Injury update
Meyer said that he expects the three starters who were injured against Nebraska to be back for next week’s game against Penn State. Receiver Parris Campbell, defensive end Jalyn Holmes and left tackle Jamarco Jones left the game after taking hits to the head.
“All are very probable,” Meyer said. “They’ll all be ready by next week.”
The loss of any of them would be a big blow, with perhaps Jones being the most essential because the Buckeyes have more depth at receiver and defensive line than at offensive tackle.
Campbell is the Buckeyes’ leader in receiving yards — he has 405 on 28 catches, with two touchdowns — and is a major threat as a kickoff returner. Holmes is an integral part of OSU’s defensive line, in part because he also has been effective as an interior lineman. Jones has been an underrated and consistent fixture at left tackle.