Thursday marked the Big Ten Leaders Division teleconference. Representing Ohio State was head coach Urban Meyer and offensive lineman Jack Mewhort. Each took part in a 10-minute question and answer session with media, covering myriad topics related to spring practice.
Highlights from Urban:
- "Front seven has shown tremendous improvement, but I want to see them do it in a game-like situation."
- "I want the mentality to be in spring ball you're trying to win a spot. During the fall, we're trying to win games."
- On Saturday: "We're going to throw a lot – get some pressure on the quarterbacks."
- On the play of Tyvis Powell: "I don't want to say he's shocked me. But I'm very glad he's a Buckeye."
- On multi-year scholarship policy: "I think that's all semantics. … We don't cut people."
- "The only way you can lose a scholarship is through a disciplinary issue or failing out of school. We've always given 4-yr ships."
- On the RB pecking order: "Carlos Hyde, followed by Rod Smith and then the other two, just depends on what day it is with Bri'onte and Ball."
- On Noah Spence: "He and Mike Vrabel have a really good thing going right now. Hoping he'll be an All-B1G candidate."
Mewhort:
- On a 50-point per game offense: "I sure hope so. It's based on our execution and it's something we're working on now."
- On right tackle: "I'm glad to see two young guys going out and working like that. It's been fun to see."
- On right tackle: "I'm glad to see two young guys going out and working like that. It's been fun to see."
Notes:
- The spring has been a success, according to Meyer. He said there’s a stark difference between Year 1 and Year 2. He’s happy with the progress.
- Wide receiver remains the position of need. Meyer said he wants 10 reliable receivers and right now the Buckeyes only have six. Unacceptable.
- Rod Smith likely will not play on Saturday due to a concussion. But Meyer said he’s one of the top 5 most improved players on offense.
- Mewhort lauded Braxton for his growth as a leader. At one point this spring, Braxton grabbed an offensive player by the collar to snap him out of a funk.