Ohio State Football: Interesting QB situation, Martell embraces competition

One quarterback may be leaving the Ohio State football program, another might be coming in and Tate Martell says he isn’t going anywhere.

There is a strong Possibility Dwayne Haskins will be leaving the Ohio State football program and enter the draft. If that is the case, many speculate that Justin Fields will transfer from Georgia and join the team.

It has been widely reported that Fields will look to get a waiver from the NCAA transfer rules so he may be eligible to play next year. Tate Martell apparently isn’t bothered with that scenario and said he will stay at Ohio State and compete for the starting quarterback job.

Just another interesting quarterback situation for the Buckeyes.

Now that Justin Herbert has said he will return to Oregon for his senior season most draft “experts” have Haskins as the top QB prospect in the draft, and why not?

He is a big armed accurate pocket passer with decent mobility. And the stats he has put up are off the chart.

This season Haskins has completed 70 percent of his passes for over 4,500 yards and 47 touchdowns. He is going to be a high draft pick if he decides to come out and I believe he will.

Now a look at the guy who may be transferring in.

Justin Fields is listed at 6 ft. 3, 221 pounds. He was the top dual threat quarterback in the 2018 recruiting class and the No. 2 player overall.

He will be coveted by every football program if he chooses to leave Georgia whether he will be eligible to play next year or not.

Tate Martell doesn’t seem concerned about the situation. Here is what he had to say concerning his chances of earning the starting quarterback job as reported in an article by Dave Biddle of 247Sports. 

"“I’ll go 100 percent sure on that,” Martell said. “It will be me.”"

Mr. Biddle also reported Martell thinks he is ready to handle the role.

"“Yeah, that’s why I came here,” Martell told Bucknuts. “I’ve waited two years, and I know everything I need to know. I’m ready to go.”"

More from Ohio State Football

• Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season
• Ohio State Football rolling into form at the perfect time
• How Ohio State football has done historically versus new Big 12
• Ohio State Football: We need to see “Killer Ryan Day” at South Bend
• Ohio State Football vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4

As usual, Dave Biddle’s article is a good read and if you want to check it out click here.

It shouldn’t surprise anybody that Martell is embracing competition and not running from it. Just look at his situation when he was a top recruit.

Martell was the Gatorade National Player of the Year his senior season in high school. He was also the No. 2 dual threat quarterback in the 2017 recruiting class.

He could have went to several schools where he would have had an opportunity to play as a true freshman but instead chose to play for the Buckeyes who had a crowded quarterback room

J.T. Barrett was in the process of shattering Big Ten records, Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins were battling for the backup spot. He would have to compete hard to move up the ladder and he eventually did.

This year he performed well in limited action.  He completed 82 percent of his passes for 269 yards and 1 touchdown. He also rushed for 128 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and two scores.

I’m sure we will find out soon how the quarterback situation will shape up heading into next season. It looks like it will be an interesting one to say the least.