Ohio State’s Top Priority in Spring is Fixing Offensive Line Issues
What in the world is going on with the Ohio State offensive line?
With four starters and several backups returning, there was hope that last season was a developmental year for the big uglies at Ohio State. All they needed was another offseason workout program to get the protection issues fixed. I might be wrong.
I thought the trouble was serious when Billy Price was asked to move to center, but now depth and production are so bad that coach Urban Meyer had to switch Joshua Alibi from defensive line to offensive tackle last week.
Players switching positions are not shocking. It happens, but generally not from one line to the other. That’s a serious sign that all is not well.
Either the evaluation and recruiting process is flawed or the player development is deteriorating, but there is no reason why a program so rich in tradition at the offensive line is suddenly in the ditch and lacking depth.
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For all of Buckeye Nation’s griping about J.T. Barrett’s accuracy and the lack of playmaking ability at receiver, the most glaring problem heading into the 2017 season is the offensive line.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson talked about earning the trust of his players last week as a top priority. That is important, but developing five players that can dominate the trenches is imperative.
Urban Meyer can stockpile all the best defensive and skill players he wants, but the team will never reach the top of the mountain without the road graders up front.
Wilson should consider asking Orlando Pace and the 2013 version of the SLOBS to come work with this group. They desperately need the help.
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Just as the Silver Bullets lost their title in 2013 for abysmal play, the boys up front should no longer be the SLOBS until they prove they are worthy. They have 169 days to find their identity.