Why is this news?: Former Ohio State transfer Verlon Reed shining at Findlay, Billy Price maturing in Columbus

"I am cherishing every moment. To be able to lead a team at a university like this and be that guy that everyone looks up to and is called upon to step up and make plays, it's an honor."

- Verlon Reed, via David Briggs, Toledo Blade

You might remember former Ohio State player Verlon Reed. Recruited as an athlete in the class of 2010, Reed would earn playing time during the 2011 season, in which Luke Fickell was the interim head coach for the Buckeyes. In fact, Reed was one of the players that stood out among the receivers that year, and looked to be in the mix for playing time when coach Meyer made his way to Columbus.

Unfortunately, during the 2012 season, Reed wasn't able to get much playing time and recorded only one catch the entire year. Reed would then decide to transfer to the university of Findlay, where he would instantly compete for a job as the team's quarterback. One year later, and Reed has risen expectations for the program.

"Drawn to the rebuilding Oilers by a promise he could play his high school position, Reed helped lead Findlay to its best season in more than a decade last year and is delivering a better encore. Through two games, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior from Columbus has completed 38 of 63 passes for 505 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 220 yards and five scores."

I urge you to read the whole story, as it's great to see Reed having the success he is, at the position he clearly enjoys.

"Two years ago, Billy Price was a defensive lineman at Austintown Fitch High School near Youngstown. One year ago, he was a newly converted Ohio State offensive lineman who redshirted. This spring, Price played mostly center. This summer, he took the lead to start at left guard. Three weeks ago, Price made his college debut as a starter — at right guard."

- Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Clearly, Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price has had some vast changes to the way he sees the football field since he's been a part of the program. Now, with a starting spot on an offensive line that has received plenty of criticism, Price may eventually blossom into a leader later on in his career. Price's teammates speak very highly of him, and he's a workhorse in the weight room, as he bench-presses 475 pounds, has done 34 reps at 225 pounds and has a vertical jump of 30 inches.

Price is a humble fellow when it comes to discussing his work in the weight room. "It was my personal way of dealing with things — just go in the weight room and get bigger, stronger and faster. It’s nice, but it doesn’t mean anything on the football field if you can’t block a 3-technique (defensive tackle). You can bench 800 and squat 900, but if you can’t block a 3-tech, it’s useless.'"

"2. Ohio State DE Joey Bosa: He's tied for the league lead with two forced fumbles, in addition to 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Also receiving votes: Ohio State LB Joshua Perry"

- Brian Bennett, ESPN

The Big Ten awards race tracker for ESPN released their week 3 lineup for the offensive and defensive player of the year awards. There weren't any mentions of an Ohio State player for the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year, which is led by Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah thus far, followed by Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

For the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year, however, two Buckeyes were able to at least be mentioned. The front-runner remains Penn State defensive tackle Anthony Zettel for now, but Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa has made his case for second place with three weeks of the season completed. Bosa is tied for the league lead in forced fumbles and has 3.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks. Making the "also receiving votes" category is Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry.

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