Buckeye Bits: TreVeyon Henderson building motivation in 2021 class, Miyan Williams’ intense workout and diet plan, more

Good evening,

If I had to suffer through this thread of college football coaches as girls, then so do you:

I am absolutely cackling at this one:

I can’t unsee it. Excellent Photoshop work.

Alright, let’s jump into today’s headlines.

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From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

Madden NFL 21 trailer features Chase Young

Tia Johnston, LGHL

The SB Nation theme of the week is “Video Games” and, coincidentally, EA Sports released its highly anticipated trailer for Madden NFL 21 on Tuesday. I, a video game expert, tell you all about the new game and what people are saying about the new features.

Video Game Week: Predicting top Buckeyes and rookie ratings in Madden 21

Gene Ross, LGHL

Speaking of Madden, Gene took a stab at predicting the ratings of some of the top Buckeyes in the game, and how the rookies will stack up in their first ever appearance.

Play Like a Girl podcast: Systemic racism in college football

Tia Johnston and Meredith Hein, LGHL

Systemic racism is alive and well in college football (as we’ve been seeing more and more in the media lately) and the only way to change the system is to bring awareness to it. No more turning a blind eye, friends.

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From around the gridiron...

College football’s possible upsets during the 2020 season

Brad Crawford, Bucknuts

Crawford listed some potential upsets that could occur within the Power Five this season, and Nebraska at Ohio State made the list. Here’s his reasoning:

“The Buckeyes have several tough games this season that, at least on the surface, appear more challenging than this one. It was foolish to include this game in last season’s preseason upset alert list, but the conditions were ripe — prime-time home game for the Huskers, lots of build-up in Scott Frost’s second campaign. Then Nebraska flatlined quickly against the eventual Big Ten champs. What makes the 2020 installment of the one-sided rivalry any different? For starters, Nebraska goes to Columbus last in the year coming off what should be a win at Rutgers. Ohio State plays at Penn State the previous week, one of those nationally-ranked showdowns Buckeyes coaches hope doesn’t linger should they falter in Happy Valley.”

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Five-star RB TreVeyon Henderson’s commitment influenced why Ohio State football’s 2021 class ‘shoots for high goals’: Buckeyes Recruiting Roundup

Stephen Means, Cleveland.com

Ohio State 2021 RB commit TreVeyon Henderson has been giving Mark Pantoni a run for his money. Every day, it seems, Henderson takes to Twitter to recruit guys to Ohio State. He’s hyped up his recruiting class so much so, that the new agreement between all 18 commits is “three championships.” I can get on board that goal.

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“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever worked with”: The story of why and how Miyan Williams underwent a substantial seven-month physical transformation

Zack Carpenter, Eleven Warriors

Perhaps one of the best photos from the players returning to the Woody Hayes facility last week was of Miyan Williams and his insane transformation:

Williams dropped 21 pounds (240 to 219) without losing muscle mass or size. Carpenter has the story on what motivated him and how he did it—including his workout splits and diet plan (which is laid out very specifically if you’d like to follow it) (you will not want to follow it).

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Finebaum, Kellerman sound off on Buckeye players signing waivers

Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

A few days ago, Ohio State’s football players were asked to sign waivers stating that they will follow all safety protocol, and if they do still contract the coronavirus, the university is not liable. Obviously, there was mixed feelings about this in the media. Obviously, all the criticism is coming from the likes of Paul Finebaum.

“(Athletic director) Gene Smith and Ohio State is saying we’re responsible and we’ll make it safe for you when you’re in our place. But if you go out into the community, if you go into a nightclub, if you go to a bar, that’s not on us,” Finebaum said.

It’ll be interesting to see whether or not Finebaum changes his tune once the inevitable happens and, as Biddle mentions, most college football programs (if not all) follow suit.

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C.J. Saunders can do more than lead for Buckeyes

Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

From his voice within the Black Lives Matter movement, and his efforts as team captain last season, there’s no doubt that C.J. Saunders is a born leader.

Last year, he was forced to lead from the sideline due to injury. This year (his sixth year of eligibility) he is healthy and more than ready to lead his team both on and off the field.

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DI Council approves college football preseason model

Ohio State and the rest of the college football scene will be allowed to return to the practice field in some capacity next month, as the NCAA Division I Council has approved a six-week preseason model beginning on July 13. Formal practices will resume on Aug. 7. As of right now, the first game of the year is still scheduled for Sept. 5.

From around the hardwood...

ESPN lied again.

Despite there being rumors across the Twittersphere (caused by ESPN— a so-called “reputable” sports network) that former Michigan point guard Trey Burke would be joining Carmen’s Crew in TBT this season, Burke put them to rest on Twitter Wednesday morning.

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From everywhere else...

Four Ohio State Women’s Soccer commits have been named Gatorade State Girls Soccer Players of the Year.

Lauren Brown, senior forward/midfielder from Wisconsin; Chloe DeLyser, senior forward from New York; Kailyn Dudukovich, junior forward from Ohio; and Zoe Vidaurre, junior defender/midfielder from DC have all been named 2019-2020 Gatorade State Girls Player of the Year honors in their respective home states.

All four are up for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award, being announced next week. Previous winners of the national award have combined for 17 gold medals and eight national championships.

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Yeah because that’s what the world needs right now...