SB Nation User Blog: Sean

Ohio State Preview on ESPN.com

Sean — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:28:19 -0000

ESPN.com has their Blue Ribbon preview of the Buckeyes up. It seems pretty solid to me. It was clearly written before Antonio Henton transferred, but that was the only major flaw I found. The analysis at the end was curious, however: they spent most of the article raving about the talent and experience, then rated the offense and the defense a C and a C+, respectively. If a defense made up mostly of returning starters from one of the top defenses in the country is only a C+, then what's an A+ defense? But maybe they're just really tough on everyone. Regardless, it's worth a read.

That's all you should expect from me today. I just picked up NCAA Football '09 for my XBox 360, so I expect I shall spend every waking moment playing it. I'll resurface with some thoughts on it Wednesday or Thursday.

And There Was Much Rejoicing

Sean — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:43:31 -0000

Billy Packer is done broadcasting Final Fours.

I don't know if this means he's done broadcasting altogether, done with the NCAA Tournament, or just done with the last few games, but regardless, less Billy Packer means better broadcasts. I always thought Packer knew his stuff, but he never seemed to enjoy the games the way, for example, Bill Raftery does. If you're a fan of college basketball, you have to see this as a good thing.

Packer will be replaced by Clark Kellogg. Kellogg's not a fantastic play-by-play guy, but I like him better than Packer. And not because he's a Buckeye. Well, not just because he's a Buckeye. Just getting someone that doesn't make me want to punch my TV is a step in the right direction for CBS. I think most people will agree; among Deadspin voters, only Jay Mariotti and Skip Bayless are more universally disliked. Considering those two are the Mount Everest and K2 of loathed media figures, that's quite the achievement for Billy.

Fun Facts About The Buckeyes

Sean — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:53:10 -0000

We've all been excited about the 2009 recruiting class, and with good reason: it's pretty awesome. However, let's not take anything away from the team that will take the field in 2008; they're great too. In fact, here's some interesting facts about the Buckeyes that you may not know. The Man will keep these out of the media guides and programs, but since I'm a beacon of truth and integrity*, I feel it is my duty to present these 100% true facts** to you. Maybe you'll learn something new about your favorite player, and you'll appreciate these student-athletes in a whole new light.

*Not true
** 100% not true

Junior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is no longer welcome in Italy, after an unfortunate stiff-arm-related dare resulted in severe damage to what was formerly known as the "Perfectly Normal Tower of Pisa."

In the event that Bruce Willis and a colorful group of oil rig workers are not available, sophomore linebacker Brian Rolle will be Earth's first, last, and only line of defense against killer asteroids. Scientists and military officials alike put the Rolle Plan's chances of success at 110%, because Brian Rolle always gives 110%.

Senior punter A.J. Trapasso is in talks with several private firms to assist with satellite launches. Not because his punts reach the exosphere (though they do), but because he is a rocket scientist.

In the offseason, junior center Jim Cordle works for a top-secret government agency. He spent last summer in CENSORED when the situation turned ugly as his cover was blown and he was attacked by CENSORED. Armed only with a spork, ten feet of rope, and the remains of an old boot, he successfully CENSORED, then proceeded to CENSORED along with CENSORED, only to discover he had left the monkey behind. He CENSORED for CENSORED days, until CENSORED. Today that monkey is president of CENSORED, but nobody knows it but Jim. And now you.

One day, senior cornerback Malcolm Jenkins' brother upset Malcolm. At the dinner table that night, he asked for someone to pass him the salt. To this day, nobody has successfully completed a salt pass to Malcolm's brother.

Sophomore offensive lineman Connor Smith accidentally invented the mullet one afternoon. He went on to develop several theories that revolutionized the field of linguistic anthropology, but all anybody ever wants to talk about is the mullet, much to Smith's chagrin.

Senior linebacker James Laurinaitis hunts Bigfoot (or "Sasquatch") in his spare time. Laurinaitis admits that his technique of calling "Hey, Bigfoot, I'm going to tackle you" is not likely to be successful, though Brent Musberger considers Laurinaitis "the best Bigfoot hunter in the game today."

Junior wide receiver Brian Hartline is regarded as a hero in Sweden. Hartline doesn't like to talk about it and the Swedes only discuss him in metaphorical songs and poetry, so nobody is quite sure why.

Senior defensive tackle Nader Abdallah once played a day-long banjo solo, with one short break nine hours in to freeze a charging rhinoceros in its tracks with an icy stare.

Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor is the prophesied one who will bring balance to the Force.

Strong with the Force he is.

Eugene Clifford Throws Punches, Throws Self Off Team?

Sean — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:26:30 -0000

As you've probably heard, Eugene Clifford has been charged with assault for allegedly punching two men over the weekend (HT: Eleven Warriors). Clifford has already served a couple suspensions for violations of team rules (read: positive drug tests, or so the rumors say), so, barring any unexpected developments, this is probably the end of Clifford's time as a Buckeye.

I wasn't going to mention this, since it's already been covered nicely by Eleven Warriors and Our Honor Defend, among others. However, EDSBS has a great post up that's related to this (though prompted by the far more tragic shootings of Louisville's Trent Guy and former Marshall Player Donte Newsome). It's worth reading in its entirety, and worth thinking about next time you're about to get up in arms about a player getting a second chance from a coach.

This is, however, Clifford's third chance, and assault is a significant step up from the previous violations of team rules. Based on what we know now (admittedly, not all that much), I can't see Tressel keeping him on the team. Here's hoping Clifford learns from this and shows better judgement from here on out.

Michigan Football: Where Amazing Happens. Only not really. HT: Black Heart Gold Pants I'm gonna ...

Sean — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:35:38 -0000

Michigan Football: Where Amazing Happens. Only not really. HT: Black Heart Gold Pants

I'm gonna be an hour late for work watching this one over and over.

Blink and You'll Miss It: Jonathan Newsome Commits to the Buckeyes

Sean — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:13:40 -0000

These kids do realize they aren't committing to play this fall, right? Apparently the marathon that is recruiting is being run as a sprint by the Buckeyes. Ohio DE/LB recruit Jonathan Newsome became the latest Buckeye commit, announcing he'll play for the scarlet and gray in 2009.

Newsome's regarded as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout, but that's irrelevant, because he's a Glenville product. At 6'3" and 230ish lbs., he has some work to do if he wants to play DE in the Big 10. I imagine he's almost certainly going to redshirt and spend his freshman year in the weight room. A lot of people expect he'll play at the leo position for the Buckeyes, and I'm inclined to agree. His measurables aren't stunning, but most of what I've read about him indicates that he's been impressive in camps and whatnot, playing like a guy bigger and faster than he is. Based on recruiting rankings and measurables, he's not a terribly impressive prospect, but with offers from Illinois, Michigan State, and West Virginia, among others, it's safe to assume he's a solid prospect. Plus, he's from Glenville, and it's the rare Glenville commit that doesn't contribute to the Buckeyes before his career's over. This is a good pick-up.

The Buckeyes' commitment list now stands at 23. Almost [I can't do basic math, as it turns out. -Ed.] As many as Penn State and Michigan combined. The 2009 class is just a few players away from being complete, and we're still two months away from the start of the season. If that's not cause for a dancing banana, nothing is.

Larry Grant Interview on SBN's Niners Nation

Sean — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:55:48 -0000

Larry Grant Interview on SBN's Niners Nation

SBN's San Francisco 49ers blog, Niners Nation, scored an interview with former Buckeye Larry Grant, who was drafted by the Niners in the seventh round. He's from San Francisco, so he's playing for his hometown team, and sounds pretty excited about it. It's a good read.

The End of the MZone

Sean — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:34:34 -0000

The End of the MZone

The MZone, one of the top Michigan blogs, has shut its doors after almost three years of service. They were pretty anti-Ohio State, but generally entertainingly so. It was a quality, funny blog, and will be missed.

Commits? Yeah, We Got Commits

Sean — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:04:54 -0000

As Pfef brought up yesterday, the Buckeyes picked up commits from Duron Carter and Carlos Hyde over the weekend. But apparently Ohio State recruiting is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it sort of thing. While Pfef was busy breaking down the Carter and Hyde commitments, Kentucky DB Justin Green was busy committing to the Buckeyes. That was followed by commitments today from OH DB Bradley McDougald and PA DB Corey Brown.

If Green's name is familiar to you, that's probably because "Justin Green" is a pretty typical name. However, Justin is the younger brother of former OSU defensive lineman Marcus Green, so if you've been stalking Marcus Green, you may recognize his brother from your travels. Green is Rivals' #6 cornerback and Scout's #21 CB and is a four-star recruit to both services. With offers from Illinois, Louisville, Miami (FL), Tennessee, and West Virginia, among others, it's safe to say he's a pretty big-time recruit. At 5'11" and 180 lbs., he possesses decent size for a corner. His speed is his most significant attribute, and by most accounts he's pretty impressive with the ball in his hands. Don't be surprised if he sees time as a return man or even moves to the offensive side of the ball if numbers require it.

McDougald is a local boy, from Dublin Scioto High School. Rivals has him as a four-star recruit and their #10 safety, while Scout has him as a three-star prospect and the 47th-best safety in the class. He had offers from a variety of mid-major programs, but has also picked up offers from Wisconsin and West Virginia, suggesting he's a rising prospect. Considering the coaching staff's track record in plucking quality defensive backs seemingly out of the ether, I don't worry about his rankings or offers that much. He's 6'1" and 190 lbs. with good speed, and he looks to be a safety all the way.

Seemingly minutes before McDougald committed, the Buckeyes received a commit from Brown. He's Scout's #8 CB and Rivals' #5 ATH, with offers from Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, WVU, and plenty of others. He's the teammate of OSU commit (and star of OSU's class so far) Dorian Bell. Brown has decent size (6'1", 180 lbs.), but his speed is so-so (4.58 forty on Scout). However, he makes up for any lack of top-end speed with great instincts and body control. He could play either side of the ball for the Buckeyes.

At this point, commitments from four-star prospects aren't even interesting anymore. "Oh, another talented recruit has committed? Very well, bring out the banana of celebration. *Yawn*" I'm beginning to understand how Hugh Hefner must feel.

Another gorgeous blonde? Whatever. Put her with the rest of them.

If you're thinking that the Buckeyes have an awful lot of commits at this point, you'd be right. They currently stand at 22 commits. According to BuckeyePlanet's handy-dandy scholarship breakdown, the team has space for 23 players in this class. However, I don't think that number is quite right, as it counts Justin Boren and Joe Bauserman against the scholarship limit. Both are paying their own way and (I think) won't count against the 85-scholarship limit. Subtract them out, and the class can number as high as 25. Assume that Beanie Wells isn't crazy enough to turn down the NFL (or that someone else will leave early if he doesn't) and we can safely assume space for 26 players. That's four additional commits. Who could they be? Here's the top four on my wishlist:

1. Marcus Hall - OL - 6'5", 290 lbs. - One of the top recruits in Ohio and a Glenville product. The latter makes him a must-get in my book.
2. Marlon Brown - WR - 6'5", 205 lbs. - A five-star recruit, a receiver in the Calvin Johnson mold. The Buckeyes are pretty well set on receivers, I think, but you make room for a guy like this.
3. Jaamal Berry - RB - 5'11", 190 lbs. - Arguably the top running back in Florida, and one of the top backs in the country. Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall could do a thunder-and-lightning thing for this class, but Berry could be both in one package.
4. Corey Adams - DT - 6'3", 275 lbs. - One of the top DT's in the country. Not a position of major need, but after the team had to press Doug Worthington into DT duty (and after expecting the worst from that move), I'm a little paranoid about having enough defensive tackles.

If the Buckeyes could get two of the above four, I'd be happy. Heck, even if they don't, this is already one of the top classes. Who do you guys want to see commit next?

FYI, I'm vacationing

Sean — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:54:44 -0000

Just so you all know, I'll be on vacation until June 14th or thereabouts, so there won't be any posts from me this week. How does this differ from my usual offseason posting habits, you ask? Shut up, that's how.

Anyway, try not to wreck up the place while I'm doing the fun in the sun thing. Should any major Buckeye-related events take place in my absence, please try to contact me by homing pigeon. I'm not sure how those work, but I assume you just address a message to me, tie it to a pigeon, and it works itself out.