The Ohio State Buckeyes wrapped up spring football last month with one of the most exciting scrimmages in recent memory.
Not only did fans get their first glimpse at what new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's scheme will look like, but they also got to see newcomers Will Howard, Quinsion Judkins, Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs take the field for the first time as a Buckeye.
But there were plenty of other standout players in this match beyond those four, and it's possible that new impact players could emerge on both the offensive and defensive ends.
So who exactly will be on the field when the Bucs take on Akron on Aug. 31?
BuckeyesNow.com decided to try and predict how Ohio State's roster will look after the spring break from an offensive standpoint.
1. Will Howard Sr.
2. Devin Brown, RS sophomore
3. Father Julien Sain
We believe Howard will take the starting spot first and never give it up unless he gets injured. He is more experienced and has a proven track record than the other candidates, so he is unlikely to lose the spot. The real battle, though, will be when a backup is needed. If it is a short-term issue, Day could use Brown. If the Buckeyes need a longer-term solution, Kelly and Day could use Sain. Either way, we believe Brown will enter the season with a slight edge at QB2.
1. Tre'Veyon Henderson, RS Jr. or Quinsion Judkins, Jr.
2. Father James Peoples
3. Father Sam Williams Dixon
The Buckeyes might have the best one-two punch of running backs in college football. Depending on how they start, either Henderson or Judkins could start. Peoples is likely to be the next starter after them. But Williams-Dixon is also worth considering after an impressive spring game.
WR-X
1. Father Jeremiah Smith
2. Jayden Ballard, RS Jr.
WR – Slot
1. Emeka Egbuka Sr.
2. Brandon Innis, sophomore
WR-Z
1. Colonel Tate
2. Bryson Rogers or Mylan Graham
Marvin Harrison Jr. may be gone, but Howard still has plenty of weapons to throw the ball to. Jeremiah Smith is already a star player, Egbuka brings back significant experience and Carnell Tate looks ready to make an impact as a starter for the first time. On the second line, sophomore Brandon Innis should make an impact, and five-star true freshman Mylan Graham is also a big contributor.
1. G Scott Jr. Sr.
2. Will Kacmarek Jr.
3. Jelani Thurman, sophomore
With Cade Stover leaving for the NFL, the Buckeyes have a big hole at the position and they're hoping Scott can fill it, but Thurman could emerge and take some attention down the line.
Left tackle
1. Josh Simmons Jr.
2. George Fitzpatrick, sophomore
Left Guard
1. Donovan Jackson, RS Jr.
2. Father Austin Schiefeld
center
1. Seth McLaughlin Sr.
2. Father Josh Padilla
Right Guard
1. Tegra Tshabola, RS Soph. or Carson Hintzman, RS Soph.
2. Luke Montgomery, sophomore
Right Tackle
1. Josh Fryer, RS Sr.
2. Zen Michalski, R.S. Jr.
The biggest question mark on the Buckeyes' offensive line is the right side, where there has been a battle at guard. For now, we think Tsavola wins the battle with Hintzman, but it's not over yet. If that happens, Hintzman will become the primary backup at both right guard and possibly center. Elsewhere on the line, Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin should be an upgrade at the center position.
