The Ohio State football team has completed eight practices this spring and coach Jim Tressel said the coaching staff is pleased with the team’s effort so far.

Tressel and senior center Mike Brewster spoke to the media today during a Big Ten Leaders division teleconference. He said the eight practices have been solid and there has been a lot of competition throughout the spring at multiple positions.

Tressel addressed the progression of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and his participation in spring practice following foot surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left foot.

“He’ll be back running around at the first of May and he can kind of stand still throwing the ball,” Tressel said.

He said Pryor’s development as a quarterback should help him get drafted at the same position in the NFL Draft, disagreeing with ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who said he thinks Pryor will be an NFL tight end.

Tressel also spoke about the quarterback battle and said there is no pecking order for who will start for the Buckeyes in the first five games. Tressel said he wishes someone would jump out and take the job.

“I kind of vacillate each day,” Tressel said of the choices at quarterback.

“No matter who is in, it’s not really affecting our play,” Brewster said.

Junior linebacker Jonathan Newsome was expected to play a part in the Buckeye defense this season, however, Tressel said Newsome has been in his doghouse throughout the spring.

“I don’t expect him to be in it long, but sometimes we have to do what we think will help a young person learn,” Tressel said.

Brewster said this was one of the best springs he has been a part of at OSU and the team is staying focused on spring ball and not paying attention to outside distractions.

He has been working on making himself more of a complete player and has also been helping the younger guys on the team.

“It’s been great to get back on the field and get the feeling back,” Brewster said.

Tressel joins suspended players Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas for the first five games of the upcoming season.