Thankfully, it won't be long before July turns to August and preseason camp opens for the Buckeyes. I have a feeling you, too, are aching for some actual on-field news, happenings and speculation. I'm damn near sporting a choad picturing Tressel, the media etc. giving us those little nuggets like which newcomers are turning heads, who made the most of the off-season, how Pryor is throwing the football and how Tressel plans to use him this fall. Ahh. Glorious.
While waiting for those days, there were at least a few happenings this past week that are worth a mention.
MATT TERWILLIGER IS A PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER Well, those are seven words I never contemplated typing. In the best news of the off-season, 11W's all-time favorite player has signed a $110k contract to play with Euro League Amsterdam. Insert pot/hooker comment here.
Butler to Italy After a pulled hammy ended the already slim chances Jamar Butler had of making an NBA team as a free agent, Butler has signed a contract to play in the A1 Italian league for Pepsi Caserta. The one year deal has a base salary of $150-200k.
Devoe Torrence Off the Hook In a one day trial held last Wednesday, former Buckeye recruit Devoe Torrence was acquitted of sexual misconduct after being accused of doin' the dirty with a 6th grader last November. As we discussed in February, the accusations cost Torrence a scholarship offer from OSU.
He had his day in court so I'll defer to the judge but I find it pretty hard to believe he wasn't, at minimum, at least partially involved in these sexcapades with kids so I'll just say I'm glad we don't have to worry about him living in Columbus for the next four years. 6th graders?...
Pre-Season Award Hype In news closer to the field, numerous Buckeyes are popping up on watch lists for the various national awards.
Playboy party veteran Malcolm Jenkins was recently placed on the Thorpe Award watch list and hopes to become the second Buckeye to claim the trophy (Antoine '98).
The Maxwell Award also has a lengthy watch list that includes Beanie Wells, Todd Boeckman and Brian Robiskie. After 2006, I think this is the most meaningless of all the annual CFB awards. I mean, how can you give this one any credence after Brady Quinn was named the 2006 winner over Troy Smith? That's not Buckeye bias - it's just a fact that Smith was a far superior college QB that season. Count Frank Irizzary as someone who agrees. Even with the 2006 robbery, Ohio State players have claimed four Maxwell's over the years - all were running backs. Beanie's obviously got a great shot to make it five.
Comments
Nobody's discussed it yet, but now that Devoe Torrence is cleared, is there a chance he will end up a Buckeye? Do we want that to be the case? Under what circumstances could that happen? When? Dunno, but seems ripe for discussion....
Dan - not a chance. Tressel didn't withdraw the scholarship because of a pending juvie trial, he withdrew it because there are multiple stories of the same variety in this county (Stark, where I'm from).
The kid got off on this count, but he's clearly bad news. He won't be in a Buckeye uniform ever.
Agreed there were other issues with Torrence...I read he was in numerous fights, argued with coaches, had bad grades and was generally an ass. Still, I'd like to think the pending juve trial had plenty to do with Tressel pulling the offer.
I love when someone that lives in the "same county" thinks they know whats up. I've played with nba basketball players does that make me a superstar?
If that story had any truth to it he would be in jail bottom line.
I think there is room for him in 09'.
I don't see the staff touching Torrence with a 10' pole. I hope the best for the kid, but I'd be pretty darn surprised to see him in Columbus.
Great news about Terwilliger and Butler. It may not be the NBA, but they're getting paid to play ball and that's always a good thing.
Good for the Wiggler and Butler. These guys will always be two of my favorites, as they lead the transition of the hoops program to what it is today. I might have to travel to Amsterdam to catch a couple games.
I don't see Torrence being a Buckeye either, too much baggage. I have heard about this kids attitude problem since he was a junior. I have said this before, but word is he transferred before his senior season, because his old HS coach would not "guarantee" he would start at RB.
Tampa Buckeye - living in the same county as Torrence doesn't qualify me to know this.
But maybe being a former sportswriter in this county?
Maybe being a former player in this county?
Maybe knowing about half the high schools' current coaches?
Maybe having a few friends inside the current Ohio State locker room?
Do any of those qualify me, jackass?
anyone know the reason for terwilliger's notoriety? he is legendary around the troy area
Do tell...