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The road to Ohio State's 2013 spring football game rages on, with today marking another instance in which the media met with OSU head football coach Urban Meyer. The second year of the Meyer era inches closer, but with it come high expectations. Each day is an opportunity for the team to get better, but it's a slow process getting from March 26th to August 31st, 2013 and the season opener against Buffalo.
The biggest news from this session was official confirmation that former Michigan 3-star defensive end Chris Rock had joined the football program as a walk on. He practiced with the team today. Rock, a native of Columbus, Ohio from DeSales High, was a 3-star prospect out of high school in the class of 2011. At 6'5" 250, he adds depth to a unit that wasn't exactly hurting for it based on those that are expected to be there come summer football (but is somewhat green none the less).
You often hear with media sessions like this a bunch of platitudes saying the guys looked good and continue to get better and the like. But Meyer didn't mence words that the second team wasn't up to snuff in his mind just quite yet. While expected starter at the pivot position, Jordan Hall, was sidelined with both injury and academic issues, it did sound like the Buckeyes three top backups at tailback were in full effect.
Here are some of the highlights from those in and around the Ohio State beat from Tuesday's practice:
Big play of OSU practice today: Miller to Heuerman 90-yard TD pass on 1st play of scrimmage
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) March 26, 2013
We saw some base defense today with Luke Roberts at Sam LB. Shazier still out. Perkins WLB, Grant MLB
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) March 26, 2013
Staff pushing some guys with extra reps such as Chris Carter, Cardale Jones
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) March 26, 2013
Meyer unhappy with progress of second units
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) March 26, 2013
Former Michigan DE Chris Rock has joined the OSU football team & practiced today. One guy not there: Jordan Hall (hamstring/academic issue)
— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) March 26, 2013
Asked about "The Chase," Ohio State safety Christian Bryant said that he's chasing a national championship.
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) March 26, 2013
Rod Smith was working as the #2 RB today behind Carlos Hyde today. Smith took most of the first team snaps.
— Brandon Castel (@BCastOZone) March 26, 2013
Buckeyes done with a very physical practice with an emphasis on short-yardage situations. Lots of hitting today.
— Austin Ward (@BuckeyesBeat) March 26, 2013
Pittsburgh Brown and Armani Reeves were two players that caught Urban's eye. Each made several big plays.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) March 26, 2013
Everett Withers told me he thinks Vonn Bell could be another guy at the star position this fall.
— Brandon Castel (@BCastOZone) March 26, 2013
They want someone at Star who can cover but also play physical. That's where Tyvis Powell fits in.
— Brandon Castel (@BCastOZone) March 26, 2013
Ohio State had crisp hard hitting practice this afternoon, with RBs Rod Smith, Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball doing some nice things.
— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) March 26, 2013
The D-line remains a concern for Meyer. Said the lack of vets is an issue. Bennett stepping into that role.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) March 26, 2013