Ohio State Football: Battle example of competitiveness Urban requires
Two players on the Ohio State football team went toe to toe during the spring game. They epitomized the competitive spirit Urban Meyer has developed
Every year it’s fun to watch young players get after each other during the Ohio State Spring Game in an attempt to make an impression on the coaching staff. This year there was a terrific battle all game between two second year players. It was a perfect example of the competitive culture Urban Meyer has cultivated in his Ohio State football program.
The battle between cornerback Marcus Williamson and wide receiver Jaylen Harris was simply fantastic. The 6-5, 215 pound Harris was featured often in the passing attack but the 5-10, 185 pound Williamson wasn’t going to let him become the star of the game.
Each player had their moments, but the real winner of their battle was Urban Meyer. He loves to see that kind of competitiveness from his guys, and you know other players took notice.
Harris caught 3 passes for 39 yards but did most of his damage on one play. In the second quarter he got half of a step on Williamson and Duane Haskins dropped a perfect pass in his hands for a 21 yard touchdown.
For much of the game Williamson had him blanketed. And on one of Harris receptions after his touchdown catch, Williamson took him to the ground immediately, and not in a very friendly manner.
The corner stood over the receiver and it appeared the players may have exchanged words. I would have loved to have heard the conversation between the two. Each player had been playing very physical before that play so I’m not sure they weren’t best friends at that moment.
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There were plenty of other things to take away from the Ohio State Spring Game and I will get to them later. But as a guy who always had to scratch and fight for everything on the field, I appreciated the battle between Williamson and Harris as much or more than any big plays made by others.
Especially when I considered the starting point for each of these two young men when they were recruited.
The athletic Harris was expected to be a star from the time he signed his name on National Signing Day. Williamson was a four-star recruit but he was overshadowed by Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade. They were the top two corners in the country and his new teammates.
On Saturday those things didn’t matter.
The battle between Harris and Williamson epitomized the competitive culture that Urban has fostered on the Ohio State football team. It also proves that recruiting rankings, and preconceived notions, are set aside once you enter coach Meyer’s program. Everyone will be evaluated on their abilities and willingness to compete from there on out.
Next: Only spring rules can slow down Buckeye offense
That competitive spirit is why the Buckeyes are always in contention for a national title. And it’s also why it’s so much fun to watch them play.