Ohio State's first midweek practice post Daylight Savings Time came to a close on Wednesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The No. 5 Buckeyes are knee deep in preparations for the Maryland Terrapins.
Urban Meyer's team is coming off its most complete performance of the 2016 season, a 62-3 shellacking of then-No. 10 Nebraska.
The head coach met reporters briefly upon conclusion of practice in the team room.
NOTES:
- Meyer hopes Ohio State hires backup safety and PhD candidate Jarrod Barnes: "When he speaks and people listen."
- There isn't too much of a challenge for someone like Mike Weber who won't do any contact this week but wants to be ready to go on Saturday: "Earlier in the year, yeah. But now, no."
- Weber has been dealing with his shoulder sprain for 3-4 weeks.
- K.J. Hill's development is what is expected for someone in his second season: "He's getting better and has a nice talent to him. He's earned his time."
- Meyer tells Weber to "go be Zeke," just like they do every other position: "Go be Vonn Bell. Go be Joey Bosa."
- Curtis Samuel will be Ohio State's punt returner on Saturday.
- Demario McCall is "making a move right now." With Weber a little dinged up, he could see more time. Asked about Antonio Williams, Meyer said he won't get time because he is also dealing with a little shoulder soreness.
- On balancing reps with backups this late in the season, especially at quarterback: "J.T. needs all the reps and it's clear the progression with the receivers right now. But that needs to keep happening."
- On Dwayne Haskins, Meyer likes the quarterback's development: "I love his skill set. My challenge to him is don't accept your role."
- Asked about if he ever sits back and thinks about how Haskins, a Maryland native, could be the Terrapins starting quarterback: "No. Beat Maryland." When pressed about it, Meyer said again, "Beat. Maryland."
- Asked if he has any reaction to the election, Meyer said, "That was yesterday? No reaction."
- Meyer doesn't talk about the College Football Playoff with his team: "Just beat Maryland."
