Mike Adams, OT
The time has come for Mike Adams to sink or swim. The 6-foot-8-inch, 300-pound offensive lineman is entering his third year in the Ohio State football program and has yet to make a significant impact on the field. Adams, a former five-star recruit, according to Scout.com, is in contention for the starting left tackle position this spring. Though expected to make an immediate impact on the program, Adams has struggled with injuries throughout his OSU career. Finally healthy, Adams is in position to have a strong spring and establish himself as the starting left tackle.
-Blake Williams
Jordan Hall, RB
A freshman who still managed to get many carries last season, Hall is looking to steal the spotlight from starters Brandon Saine and Dan Herron. With questions on whom the starting running back should be, Hall is the youngster with the hunger to put his name atop the list. With his versatile running style and athleticism, he is looking to erase any doubts in the running game and come forth as the main contributor in the backfield.
-Michael Willis
Nathan Williams, DE
Many people will look for John Simon to be the young player to breakout on the defensive line but Williams is poised to have a big season. When he has played in the past two seasons, Williams had made his presence known. He has a nose for the ball and at 6-feet-3-inches, 260 pounds, he was made to play Ohio State’s LEO position. He is extremely strong but doesn’t lack any speed. With Cameron Heyward drawing more of the attention on the line, Williams could have a breakout spring and 2010 season.
-Doug DiLillo
Orhian Johnson, FS
The athlete Ohio State signed as an insurance policy in case quarterback Terrelle Pryor chose elsewhere will finally get the chance to prove his worth. The likely replacement for Kurt Coleman at safety oozes athleticism, so much in fact that he could have played several other positions, including quarterback, wide receiver or defensive back. At 6-feet-2-inches, 180 pounds he has the ability to not only cover but also lay hits in run defense. He should have a good spring to solidify his standing as the starter the secondary.
-Doug DiLillo
Etienne Sabino, LB
Like Jaamal Berry, Sabino came to Columbus from Miami, and has been a solid contributor since his freshman year in 2008. He may be best known for delivering a huge tackle on Michigan’s Darryl Stonum last season. According to coaches, Sabino has become much more focused in bowl game preparations, and performed much better in practice. With an open starting job at outside linebacker, Sabino is the early favorite to get the job. A great spring can go a long way to lock up the job.
-Tim Bielik
Jake Stoneburner, TE
The redshirt freshman tight end only has two career catches, but will probably fill the open void left at tight end due to the departure of Jake Ballard. Stoneburner was a wide receiver in high school, and thus has spent the better part of the last two years bulking up. OSU’s tight ends are normally glorified offensive linemen, but that could change this season thanks to Stoneburner’s pass-catching skills. If he impresses in the spring, look for him to catch plenty of balls from quarterback Terrelle Pryor in the fall.
-Grant Freking
John Simon, DT
As a freshman, Simon saw more and more playing time over the incumbent Todd Denlinger as the season progressed, and with other defensive tackles Doug Worthington and Robert Rose now gone, it’s Simon’s time to shine. He’s possibly the strongest guy on the team, and while he may not be physically imposing, his strength and tenacity makes him a menace for opposing offensive lineman. When he’s not blowing up running plays or collapsing the pocket, look for Simon to make things easier for guys like Cameron Heyward, and Nathan Williams to do the same.
-Nick Hiltbrand
Jaamal Berry, RB
A 5-star recruit in Ohio State’s 2009 class, Jaamal Berry should be ready to display his talents after a year in which legal troubles and a hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines. Berry, a 5-foot-10-inch, 200-pound running back out of Miami Palmetto High School, is expected to show the explosiveness and speed that made him the top running back recruit out of Florida in 2009. While there is a stable of running backs this year, including Brandon Saine, Dan Herron, Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin, Berry has the size, speed and hands to earn time on the field and become an instant contributor this spring.
-Kirk McElroy
