We'll have more tomorrow (Thursday, Aug. 8), but here's some of what we've picked up after the first few days of camp, keeping in mind they just started practicing in pads.
First, the overseas game ... we told you a service academy in London was one of the possibilities on the table, but it's not the only one. Dublin is also in play and so is Rutgers, though they're a definite plan B candidate. We're still not sure of the year, but we'll try to get some more details tomorrow.
On offense, senior right guard Mike Onwenu has been really good. His weight loss has improved his footwork and stamina, but he's still the fourth best lineman on this team. They have (what they believe to be) three, first-team All-Big Ten linemen in Jon Runyan Jr., Ben Bredeson and Cesar Ruiz.
The right tackle battle wages on. Andrew Stueber is absolutely huge and much improved, but Jalen Mayfield is playing well, too. These guys are bringing out the best in each other. Frosh Nolan Rumler is as good as advertised and will be in the two-deep. Ryan Hayes is improved, but still a year away. He's going to be a good one, though. The line is in good shape going forward.
Sean McKeon has really elevated his game. He's the No. 1 tight end right now and without question the best blocking tight end on the team, though frosh Erick All might have the best hands of anyone on the roster. He will play, both at TE and WR in situations. Frosh Mike Sainristil will start at slot.
Junior Donovan Peoples-Jones is practicing but still knocking off rust. Nico Collins has been the best receiver in camp (and not really close). We haven't heard much about Tarik Black, but we'll ask Josh Gattis about him today.
Tru Wilson is still holding his own at running back, though it's really early. He's elevated his game.
On defense, safety Josh Metellus is a stud. He's been a great leader and knows the defense in and out, is really directing traffic. No. 2 corner is an issue. Ambry Thomas hasn't done much at all, Jaylen Kelly-Powell is a question mark (still struggling with speed of the game). Brad Hawkins might be the best bet to start at safety, and Dax Hill is getting acclimated. Some of the freshmen are missing some time due to classes.
Josh Ross and Devin Gil have separated themselves at linebacker. Donovan Jeter is more than holding his own and could be a stud ("not getting pushed around by the best O-line in years"). But the DL right now is Aidan Hutchinson, Carlo Kemp, Mike Dwumfour and Kwity Paye, at least for now. Frosh Chris Hinton is making a great early impression and Mike Danna and Jeter provide incredible depth.
DL is not going to be an issue (they believe).
Josh Uche has been great wherever he's lined up. He's a stud and plays fast no matter where he is. Kicker ... Jake Moody is in the lead, has improved his range.
They are doing something for OSU every day and have already started preparing for Army. They won't be caught off guard by the triple option ... analysts have been working on this film since January.
First, the overseas game ... we told you a service academy in London was one of the possibilities on the table, but it's not the only one. Dublin is also in play and so is Rutgers, though they're a definite plan B candidate. We're still not sure of the year, but we'll try to get some more details tomorrow.
On offense, senior right guard Mike Onwenu has been really good. His weight loss has improved his footwork and stamina, but he's still the fourth best lineman on this team. They have (what they believe to be) three, first-team All-Big Ten linemen in Jon Runyan Jr., Ben Bredeson and Cesar Ruiz.
The right tackle battle wages on. Andrew Stueber is absolutely huge and much improved, but Jalen Mayfield is playing well, too. These guys are bringing out the best in each other. Frosh Nolan Rumler is as good as advertised and will be in the two-deep. Ryan Hayes is improved, but still a year away. He's going to be a good one, though. The line is in good shape going forward.
Sean McKeon has really elevated his game. He's the No. 1 tight end right now and without question the best blocking tight end on the team, though frosh Erick All might have the best hands of anyone on the roster. He will play, both at TE and WR in situations. Frosh Mike Sainristil will start at slot.
Junior Donovan Peoples-Jones is practicing but still knocking off rust. Nico Collins has been the best receiver in camp (and not really close). We haven't heard much about Tarik Black, but we'll ask Josh Gattis about him today.
Tru Wilson is still holding his own at running back, though it's really early. He's elevated his game.
On defense, safety Josh Metellus is a stud. He's been a great leader and knows the defense in and out, is really directing traffic. No. 2 corner is an issue. Ambry Thomas hasn't done much at all, Jaylen Kelly-Powell is a question mark (still struggling with speed of the game). Brad Hawkins might be the best bet to start at safety, and Dax Hill is getting acclimated. Some of the freshmen are missing some time due to classes.
Josh Ross and Devin Gil have separated themselves at linebacker. Donovan Jeter is more than holding his own and could be a stud ("not getting pushed around by the best O-line in years"). But the DL right now is Aidan Hutchinson, Carlo Kemp, Mike Dwumfour and Kwity Paye, at least for now. Frosh Chris Hinton is making a great early impression and Mike Danna and Jeter provide incredible depth.
DL is not going to be an issue (they believe).
Josh Uche has been great wherever he's lined up. He's a stud and plays fast no matter where he is. Kicker ... Jake Moody is in the lead, has improved his range.
They are doing something for OSU every day and have already started preparing for Army. They won't be caught off guard by the triple option ... analysts have been working on this film since January.
