Buckeye Bits: Running back predictions, Chase Young’s still a monster, the fabled “bullet” position, and more

Welcome to Buckeye Bits — your one-stop shop for all of the latest Ohio State news. The weather’s been great, and sports are on the horizon. Also, it’s Friday, which means hopefully you’re gearing up for a nice relaxing weekend. With all that being said, let’s kick things off with some updates on the Buckeyes and the greater sporting world.

From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

• Ohio State’s top targets update their recruitments
  (Caleb Houser, LGHL)

It’s that time in the recruiting cycle where a lot of the big names are getting ever so much closer to making their college decisions, and as usual, Ohio State is involved with many of the remaining top prospects. Two guys in particular — OL Rocco Spindler and WR Emeka Egbuka — gave updates on where they are at in the process, and how the Buckeyes feature into their plans.

• How will playing in TBT impact Kaleb Wesson’s draft chances?
  (Connor Lemons, LGHL)

With the NBA Draft being postponed due to COVID-19, it has given players like Kaleb Wesson a chance to participate in this year’s TBT, which will basically help serve as an addition scouting combine for the Ohio State big man. Connor looks into Wesson’s current draft projections, and predicts how his play in the summer tournament could improve that stock.

• Opinion: Ryan Day appreciation post
  (Tia Johnston, LGHL)

There’s never a bad time to praise the work Ryan Day has done in his short time as Ohio State’s head coach, and so Tia decided to do just that on this fine Friday afternoon. Ranking about Sporting News’ top college coaches after just one season at the helm, Day has been brilliant in both his on the field game planning and on the recruiting trail. He had enormous shoes to fill, and he’s far exceeded any expectations thus far.

From around the gridiron...

• Five bold prediction for revamped Buckeyes running backs
  (Austin Ward, Lettermen Row)

Ohio State’s running back room is really the only question mark on what should be an otherwise stacked offense in 2020. Justin Fields is a Heisman frontrunner, the offensive line is maybe as strong as ever, and the wide receivers are incredibly deep, but the RBs are beat up and largely inexperienced. Even still, the guys over at Lettermen Row are bullish on this year’s unit, especially when it comes to the newest addition in Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon.

• No empty nests for Kerry Coombs, Larry Johnson
  (Tony Gerdeman, Buckeye Scoop)

College coaches become almost like parents, helping their student-athletes to grow before sending them off into the world. Both Coombs and Johnson have had their fair share of talented pupils they’ve sent off to the NFL in recent years, and at a place like Ohio State, once one guy goes its time to develop the next man up. While they’d both love to keep players around forever, that strong bond and communication is something that remains even after they move on to the next level.

• Tatgate was stupid when it happened and has only gotten more absurd over time
  (Johnny Ginter, Eleven Warriors)

At its core, there should be absolutely nothing wrong with what Ohio State’s players did that resulted in the firing of Jim Tressel and the program sanctions that followed. The NCAA continues to cling to its amateurism clause in order to rule over it’s unpaid athletes with an iron fist. Luckily, the rules seem to be trending towards a change for the better, but with each passing year, Tatgate looks more and more ridiculous.

• In case you had forgotten in the time period since the end of the 2019 season, Chase Young is an absolute monster of a human being...

• He’s also already made a few fans...

• Kourt Williams prepared to play any role amid uncertainty on his position
  (Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors)

Heading into this past season, we heard a ton of talk about a fabled new position called the “bullet.” Functioning as a sort of linebacker/safety hybrid, it appeared to be the perfect position for someone like Brendon White. Instead, the position was almost rarely used if at all, and as a result White hit the transfer portal. LB Kourt Williams had been hyped up as a surefire candidate to fill the bullet position, but remains ready to go whether that becomes a bigger part of the Buckeyes’ defense moving forward or not.

From around the hardwood...

• Ohio State basketball recruiting developments
  (Bucknuts Staff, Bucknuts)

The football recruiting gets all the attention, but Chris Holtmann has been putting in his own work to try and continue to bring the Ohio State basketball program to the forefront. The staff is reportedly building some momentum with power forward Mason Miller, the No. 52 player in the 2021 class. The son of former Florida and NBA pro Mike Miller, the 6-foot-9 big man previously indicated that Ohio State, Indiana and Creighton are his top choices.

From everywhere else...

• Well that is... not great. It’s certainly going to be tough this offseason as different states peak at different times, but hopefully this has run its course by the time things start to ramp up before the season.

• MLB owners continue to stink and not give the players the one thing they actually want: 100% prorated pay. There is absolutely no reason there shouldn't be an 82-game season with full prorated pay. It isn’t the players’ fault there won't be fans in the stand, so they shouldn’t have to pay the consequences to make up for minimal losses for their billionaire franchise owners.

• In a rare positive move by the NCAA, the association will make it a mandatory off day on Election Day this Nov. 3, allowing its student-athletes and staffs to go out and complete their civic duty to vote. You should make sure you do the same.