The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Knee issue still bothering Fields
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. >> Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields may not be fully healthy when the secondranked Buckeyes face No. 3 Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.
Fields said Dec. 24 his left knee is only 80 to 85% heading into the Dec. 28 College Football Playoff semifinal in Glendale. He plans to wear a small brace during the game and brought a larger one in case anything happens.
“My knee’s probably not where I want it to be right now,” Fields said. “But I think with treatment every day and just resting it every day, hopefully, it will be better by the game.”
Fields aggravated a previous injury against Penn State on Nov. 23 and again the following week against Michigan when a teammate rolled into his knee. He struggled in the first half of the Big Ten championship game against Wisconsin before throwing two touchdown passes as the Buckeyes rallied for a 34-21 victory.
Fields has been practicing in the buildup to the Fiesta Bowl but with limited mobility.
“I try to get as many reps as possible,” he said. “I really haven’t missed any reps, I’ve just been getting in there and playing. I just can’t really move like I want to.”
Fields finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting and was named the Big Ten offensive player of the year after throwing for 2,953 yards, 40 touchdowns and one interception.
The winner of Saturday’s game will face No. 1 LSU or No. 4 Oklahoma in the national title game Jan. 13 in New Orleans.
Stellar class
Ohio State’s 2017 recruiting class was one of the best in program history, coming in second nationally to Alabama in the 247Sports composite. High-ranking classes don’t always pan out, but this one sure did.
Signed by previous coach Urban Meyer, the class from three years ago represents the core of this year’s team under first-year coach Ryan Day.
Edge rusher Chase Young, rated No. 2 at his position nationally out of high school, was a Heisman Trophy finalist and an Associated Press All-American after leading the nation with 16 ½ sacks.
Guard Wyatt Davis was No. 1 at his position as a recruit and named an AllAmerica this season. Running back J.K. Dobbins wasn’t as highly rated but went on to become one of the nation’s best running backs, rushing for 1,829 yards and 20 TDs this season.
Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade were Nos. 1 and 2 at their positions as recruits and make up arguably the nation’s best cornerback combo.
“Obviously, every recruiting class is going to hit top to bottom, but you see how the guys have really developed,” Okudah said.