Ohio State's first two practices of the year went down as planned today. The freshmen (minus Johnnie Dixon and Raekwon McMillan, who practiced with the big boys), got their first taste of life as Buckeyes in the morning, and the team's veterans got at it in the afternoon.
Here are some of the observations, insight, news, analysis, and other miscellaneous info from around the Ohio State beat from those who were in attendance at today's briefly opened afternoon practice session and post practice Urban Meyer press conference:
Urban Meyer addressing the team at practice. Stressed the importance of leverage. #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/N1VtVKHoMI
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) August 4, 2014
No Michael Hill or Gareon Conley this afternoon. Guessing they were with the AM'ers.
— Tony Gerdeman (@GerdOzone) August 4, 2014
Sam Hubbard is back at LB, wearing #49. I think that's his third number so far as a Buckeye. Has to be a record before a 1st practice.
— Tony Gerdeman (@GerdOzone) August 4, 2014
Urban's message to players before start of 1st practice, about the past and 2 losses to end season, "Who gives a (bleep)?" #OhioState
— toddporter (@toddporter) August 4, 2014
WR Johnnie Dixon was one of the few true
Former Texas quarterback Major Applewhite was working with Ohio State's offense. He's a friend of Urban Meyer's.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 4, 2014
freshman on the practice field for the afternoon session at the WHAC. pic.twitter.com/epgTd84537— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) August 4, 2014
Among early OSU Training Camp observations, co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash was very, very vocal early on, as was Urban Meyer. #Buckeyes
— The Lantern TV (@LanternTV) August 4, 2014
A look at #buckeyes practice with RBs loosening up, Urban giving team a pointed message and @BraxtonMiller5 throwing. pic.twitter.com/MB4p0qQ481
— toddporter (@toddporter) August 4, 2014
Coach Urban Meyer at the podium following the first Ohio State football practice of the 2014 season. #Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/tqV9bsx4j9
— The Lantern TV (@LanternTV) August 4, 2014
Urban Meyer at the podium: "I’m really, really impressed with this freshman class."
— Eric Seger (@EricSeger33) August 4, 2014
Urban Meyer said that the Buckeyes aren't using last year as motivation. Denies referencing it during his opening remarks to the team.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 4, 2014
Urban Meyer confirms that Tommy Brown is transferring because of lack of playing time.
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) August 4, 2014
Meyer says Tracy Sprinkle is back on the team because charges were dropped, drug tests came back negative.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 4, 2014
Tracy Sprinkle suspended for the Navy game. Off scholarship for the summer.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 4, 2014
Urban Meyer on Braxton Miller: "I think every great player is measured by championships."
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) August 4, 2014
Meyer said Braxton Miller's shoulder is 100 percent. Said he didn't throw great today but isn't a concern.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) August 4, 2014
Urban Meyer says that the most intriguing position battle to him is left guard.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 4, 2014
Tony Underwood, Chase Farris, Joel Hale, Billy Price all up for the left guard position.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 4, 2014
Meyer said CB Gareon Conley missed practice because of flu-like symptoms. Hopes he'll be back tomorrow.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) August 4, 2014
Marshon Lattimore's name came up as a possible punt returner for Ohio State. Wilson, Corey Smith and Jalin Marshall were back there today.
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) August 4, 2014
Smile comes across Meyer's face when subject turns to punt returners. "We have a nice group out there." Dontre Wilson will be No. 1 guy.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 4, 2014
Freshmen Raekwon McMillan and Johnnie Dixon earned their right to practice with the veterans this afternoon, according to Meyer. #Buckeyes
— The Lantern TV (@LanternTV) August 4, 2014
Armani Reeves will likely be Ohio State's starting nickelback, per Urban Meyer.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) August 4, 2014
"He's a good, good guy I can bounce some things off of." -Urban Meyer on Major Applewhite
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) August 4, 2014
Safety is a three-man race (Powell, Burrows, Bell) for two spots. Meyer: "All three think they're going to play."
— Ryan Ginn (@RyanGinnBSB) August 4, 2014