Spring has virtually sprung — no less than meteorologically and within the case of Ohio State soccer. That’s as a result of OSU’s spring practices are set to start on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and the Woody Hayes Athletic Heart is about to be buzzing.

Final season was not profitable for Buckeye requirements. There was no Huge Ten title and no Faculty Soccer Playoff look to talk of. There was a shared division title and Rose Bowl victory, however that’s not how issues are measured on the banks of the Olentangy. That’s extremely profitable for different packages, however not the blue blood that’s the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Coming into the offseason, there are many issues to look at for. Although the offense returns loads of talent place gamers, the protection is being reworked and there are a ton of contemporary faces on the teaching workers.

You possibly can’t lose a soccer season within the spring, however you positive can get off on the incorrect foot and never hold tempo with different packages, particularly if you end up the one everybody appears to be chasing.

So, we’ll hold our eyes on all of the shenanigans happening over there on the Woody. Listed here are 5 storylines to look at because the helmets and pads go on in Columbus.

The protection, the protection, the protection …

Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles watches throughout soccer apply on the Sherman Smith Coaching Heart. Credit score: The Oklahoman

Why we have an interest

It was clearly the sore level of the workforce final yr. Certain, there have been instances when it appeared a number of the leaks within the defensive dam had been plugged, however towards higher groups, the cracks appeared and resulted in a raging gush of yards and factors allowed. The Ohio State protection has not been as much as championship degree for a few years now, and it’s an important factor that wants fixing.

Ryan Day went out and acquired one of the best man he might in former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to repair all of it, and everyone seems to be anxious to see how issues change, who will get taking part in time, and what sort of distinction his presence in tradition, scheming, and recreation planning could make.

Story continues

Who wins the backup quarterback job?

Sep 25, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Kyle McCord (6) drops to throw through the first quarter towards the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. Credit score: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports activities

Why we have an interest

Beginning quarterback C.J. Stroud goes to be a number one Heisman candidate heading into the 2022 season, however what about behind him. It’s a must to assume that Kyle McCord will get the primary crack on the backup job, particularly with Quinn Ewers and Jack Miller transferring to greener pastures, however will Devin Brown enter the fray?

You don’t should look too far up to now to see how necessary the blokes are behind the starter, and it’ll be doubly necessary to have guys that may sling it if Stroud is unavailable in any respect. Our cash is on McCord turning into a playmaker and exhibiting off that 5-star expertise, however we’ll see who pushes him.

How does the offenisve line piece collectively?

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Harry Miller (76) juggles the ball throughout soccer coaching camp on the Woody Hayes Athletic Heart in Columbus on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. Credit score: USA TODAY Sports activities

Why we have an interest

The offensive line was unbelievable at instances, however acquired bullied towards groups like Oregon and Michigan, particularly when making an attempt to run the ball. Having an influence operating recreation is within the DNA of the Ohio State program, and to win a championship, it must be sooner or later as effectively. This unit was good when in move safety, however Justin Frye got here in from UCLA to enhance the room’s capacity to push the protection round as effectively.

With some key departures, we’ll should see how this unit items collectively. There are gifted guys there that ought to be capable of type a dominant unit, however the tradition might want to change a bit with all the blokes plugged into the proper spot. We gained’t utterly know the reply to all of this within the spring, however we’ll see the shadow maybe of what it’d develop into.

Who else will emerge on the extensive reciever place?

Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes extensive receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) seems again to Utah gamers after a reception through the fourth quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Recreation between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes on the Rose Bowl. Credit score: USA TODAY Sports activities Community

Why we have an interest

So, we really feel fairly good about what returning sensation Jaxon Smith-Njigba goes to present the passing recreation, and there was additionally quite a bit to love with what we noticed from Marvin Harrison, Jr., however what different pass-catchers emerge from there? If Julian Flemming can keep wholesome, he’s a dynamic menace that’s a former five-star prospect, however there may be additionally Emeka Egbuka who additionally had 5 stars hanging round his neck when he got here to Columbus.

The choices are lots, however there are three spots that may get the majority of the snaps. We’ll get an thought of the early pecking order through the spring as a base of what we could be taking a look at.

What’s going to the operating again rotation appear to be?

Ohio State Buckeyes operating again TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs previous Penn State Nittany Lions defensive finish Arnold Ebiketie (17) through the fourth quarter of the NCAA soccer recreation at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Credit score: USA TODAY Sports activities

Why we have an interest

There isn’t a doubt that TreVeyon Henderson is essentially the most dynamic and explosive possibility out of the backfield. Nonetheless, there have been instances when Miyan Williams additionally got here in and confirmed what he can do. You at all times have to have the opposite man that may are available in and provides somebody like Henderson a break and supply a change of tempo.

Will the teaching workers work the run in additional, and in the event that they do, will Williams be extra part of issues again there? It’s onerous to take Henderson off the sphere, but it surely’s an extended season and you must take into consideration accidents and drained physique and legs as issues progress.

[listicle id=72167]

Contact/Comply with us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our web page on Fb to observe ongoing protection of Ohio State information, notes, and opinion. Comply with Phil Harrison on Twitter.

Tell us your ideas, touch upon this story beneath. Be part of the dialog in the present day.

1

1