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Ohio State Spring Game: Young Bucks Ready to Make First Impression

By Charlie Lockhart

Apr 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer watches as the Scarlet and Gray teams runs tackle drills prior to the game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer watches as the Scarlet and Gray teams runs tackle drills prior to the game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Freshmen for Ohio State who are about to hit the field.

Several members of the outstanding 2017 Ohio State recruiting class will have their first opportunity to play in front of a huge crowd in Ohio Stadium today. I know Buckeye fans will be excited to see them on the field for the first time, but what a thrill it must be for these young boys who should still be in high school.

If my math is any good, and I haven’t missed something lately, there should be 9 of the 10 early enrollees available to play. Linebacker Baron Browning is recovering from surgery and will miss the spring game, but is expected to be fine for fall camp.

Let’s take a look at the young players who will take the field, starting with the outstanding group of defensive backs in the 2017 class.

Jeffrey Okudah: The No. 1 high school cornerback apparently is living up to the hype. Okudah has performed well in the spring, and is usually at or near the top in Ohio State’s weekly speed trials. It was reported in an article by Dave Biddle of 247Sports, Okudah was recently clocked at 23.2 miles per hour.

Shaun Wade and Marcus Williamson: The two cornerbacks evidently are performing well so far, I just haven’t heard a ton of news about either of them, except that they are talented and fast. The two will have a chance to make a splash though in the spring game.

Isaiah Pryor: He is already battling for a backup spot, and Pryor has shown great speed for a safety.

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Kendall Sheffield: The No. 1 JUCO CB in the country is in the hunt for a starting job and it appears he will at least be in the nickel package. Sheffield has been impressive so far in his short time at Ohio State.

J.K. Dobbins: Look out, the fun is about to begin. I can’t wait to watch Dobbins, this young running back could be a star.

Josh Myers: He has been impressive for a freshman offensive lineman so far. Who knows, if Myers has a good spring game, he could get in the mix for the right guard spot.

Tate Martell: He may not see much playing time due to the battle for the backup QB position between Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins. But I’m sure he will play some, and it will be fun to see if he is ready to run around and make plays at the college level yet.

Brendon White: He was projected by many to play defense at Ohio State but will be lining up at wide receiver. White is one of the young guys I pick to make an impact in some way next season. Just think if he becomes as fine of a football player as his father William, a former captain for Ohio State.

Next: Will Urban Land These Outstanding Cornerbacks?

I always enjoy watching the spring game even if it is just a glorified scrimmage. Whether it’s a guy like Nick Conner being the defensive star of the game, or Eli Apple showing his makeup speed after being beat on a pass route, it’s fun to watch the young players for the first time. And it gives a guy a little fix while waiting for the real thing in the fall.

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