Recently, Urban Meyer said this about his quarterback, JT Barrett. "I don't have to preach much to J.T., he's smarter than I am ... He understands what we're trying to do.”
What is the difference between a truly “smart” player and everyone else?
Some of it's raw intelligence – some of it's instincts – some of it's pure effort - some of it's leadership - and a lot of it comes from experience. Wrap it together in to one package – and you get what many coaches like to call “football smart” - or a “high football IQ”. Ohio State's team in 2016 will be blessed with some smart football players in some key positions.
Of course, in any discussion of this nature, JT Barrett immediately comes to mind - as he should. Anyone who's ever heard him interviewed knows he has a calm, cool and somewhat intellectual demeanor. Barrett became a team leader practically from the moment he arrived on campus. In fact, he was the first Ohio State player to ever be named as a captain in only his (rs) sophomore year. And he'll begin this campaign with nearly two seasons of experience under his belt. Plus, his instincts on the field are second to none. Check, check, check, check and check.
Urban Meyer has been known to say, “This is an offensive line-driven team”. At the college level, center is probably the most important position on the line. In conjunction with the quarterback's pre-snap calls, the center is responsible for making the line calls and adjustments.
This season, the Buckeyes are fortunate to have an all-conference, fifth-year senior at center. Pat Elflein has been so impressive, there has been practically no debate whether he'll make the move from guard to center successfully or not. He's on a clear trajectory to be a first round NFL draft choice in 2017, as well. Obviously, he qualifies.
Incidentally, right guard, Billy Price, looks like he may be on a similar career path. And early enrollee, Michael Jordan's surprising rise through the ranks of the o-linemen is undoubtedly largely due to his noteworthy intelligence.
Barrett and Elflein are two of the players Meyer has named as captains this off-season. Raekwon McMillan is the third.
A lot of coaches believe, for a middle linebacker, the ability to read plays as they develop is more important than raw athletic ability. McMillan brings the entire package. The strength to defeat blocks, the speed to get where he needs to be - and now, heading in to his junior season, an improved ability to read what the offense is trying to do.
Typically, the middle linebacker has a leadership role on any defense. There is little doubt who the leader of Ohio State's defense will be this season. That leadership will be needed with a group comprised of many new starters – including both outside linebackers.
Speaking of new faces, the defensive secondary is returning only one starter from last season. Gareon Conley is coming off an extremely impressive sophomore year. But it's very difficult to be an effective leader on the field while playing corner by the very nature of the position. (Of course, that doesn't mean he can't be a leader off the field).
On-the-field leadership in the secondary really has to come from the safeties. Both of Ohio State's starting safeties from 2015 will be playing on NFL teams this year. There is no way those losses will not be felt. And being “football smart” may be more important at safety than at any other position. As the last line of defense, a mistake by a safety can easily result in a big play for the opposition – even a score.
Ideally, players who have been at the position for a while, like Erick Smith and Cam Burrows would be able to slide rather seamlessly in to place. However, Smith is currently rehabbing a season ending injury suffered in '15. Burrows was hurt, too – although, it appears, he's already nearly fully recovered.
Malik Hooker is a tremendous athlete – and he has been in the system a couple of years, now. By all accounts, he's looking pretty good. Plus, this Spring, Damon Webb was moved from corner to safety. But these players are missing that valuable experience component. This is an area where somebody is really going to have to step up.
A quick note here. Many fans have heard the coaches say Ohio State's safeties all have to be able to cover like a corner. In the “quarters coverage” (for example) so frequently used, that requirement should be obvious. But just because every safety has to be able to cover like a corner – that shouldn't be taken to mean that every corner can automatically play safety effectively.
Of course, a high football IQ is helpful at any position, but it's an absolute necessity at safety. Safeties have to know exactly what's going on – and they usually have to be able to communicate it to others. In addition to superb instincts, it requires extra film study, etc. Naturally, they need to be among the surest tacklers on the field, too.
In spite of all the new starters, the Buckeyes will be returning some very smart players at some critically important positions this season. That should serve them particularly well as the less experienced players settle in -
