JON HALL
Star Beacon
October 12, 2008 02:02 am
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COLUMBUS — Thepersonnel changes the Ohio State Buckeyes have made this year would drive a chameleon crazy. However, there is good reason for that. If you don’t produce, you get replaced.
OSU head coach Jim Tressel usually relies on and favors seniors. The replacement of captain Todd Boeckman at quarterbaci with freshman Terrelle Pryor, as well as shifting players around on the offensive and defensive lines is starting to pay dividends. With each game a learning experience for some of the freshmen and new faces, the 12th-ranked Buckeyes (6-1, 3-0) are still showing growth after their 16-3 win Saturday over Purdue while taking baby steps while trying to find their identity, something they thought they had in the beginning of the year. A couple of newcomers made a good showing victory versus Purdue.
Freshmen Lamaar Thomas, Etienne Sabino and DeVier Posey are players that are making it hard for OSU coaches to keep off the field and, in the process, adding depth at positions.
“I tried hard on the opportunities they gave me,” Thomas said with a grin. “Coming into preseason I was third on the depth chart. Last week they took me off returns for good. Then, all of a sudden, I got a text message from (wide receivers) Coach (Darrell) Hazell saying I was taking kickoffs this week. It felt good to be given the opportunity. I wanted to get back there and show what I could do. With Dane (Sanzenbacher’s) head injury and (Ray) Small’s bad knee, I got the reps in practice as a receiver and a kick returner.
I told them I would be ready,” Thomas said. “I thought I played well, though. I think the main thing I bring to the table is speed. I can really hit the hole and go.”
Thomas was put in to return kicks partially because of the injury to Dan “Boom” Herron, who got a concussion in last week’s Wisconsin win. In high school, teams would purposely kick away from Thomas, so he did not get many chances at returns. He opened Saturday’s game with a return of 36 yards. Thomas also is working up the depth chart at receiver and caught the only pass to him for 16 yards. Returnee Brandon Saine, counted on this year, has been hampered by injuries again, which has given Thomas a chance to prove himself.
Sabino has been a one-man wrecking crew on special team. His 20-yard return off a blocked punt by All-American defensive back Malcolm Jenkins was OSU’s only touchdown.
“We said if they get the ball on the left hash, we are going to go for the block on the first time they punt,” Sabino said. “We got after it and blocked it. When the ball landed in my hands, I just took off with it.
“It was a loud crowd and crazy. You can’t explain it. I can’t think of anywhere I have gotten that feeling before. It’s a team game. The three parts to a good football team are offense, defense and special teams. I was surprised it happened to me. It’s a team effort. You never really notice what one yard can make in a football game. It feels good to help out the team any way you can. You always hope it happens.”
Posey was used at wide receiver with the head injury to Sanzenbacher. As the third receiver, he caught two balls for 28 yards.
Laker in the house
Former Pymatuning Valley running back Clayton Kirby has made the OSU squad as a walkon. Kirby is on the practice squad, dresses and wears No. 39.
The 2007 Star Beacon Ashtabula County Offensive Player of the Year helped the Lakers to an 8-2 record a year ago. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as he gained 1,157 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. He and backfield mate Josh Pilson who also went over 1,000 yards rushing, were the first duo in the Star Beacon area to do that since 1996.
Kirby gained special-mention Division V All-Ohio honors last year. He was also named first team All-Northeast Lakes district. The former Lakers stalwart was not made available after the game.
Defense continued
Defensive end Thaddeus Gibson was happy with his play and all as his teammates’ effort. The OSU defense held the Boilermakers to just a 53-yard field goal by Carson Wiggs which broke the school record of 51 yards.
Jenkins blocked punt was the first by a Purdue opponent since 2006 when Indiana State scored on one from 14 yards.
Gibson recorded a career-high six tackles. The Buckeyes defense has held opponents scoreless in 15 of 28 quarters. Gibson also jarred the ball away in the first quarter where Lawrence Wilson recovered the fumble by Purdue. Wilson left the game with an injured leg and was to have an MRI today.
“I think we could have done a better job, but you have to respect Purdue,” Gibson said. “They have a decent team and a good line. I think both teams came out and played. The outcome is what we wanted it to be by playing well. We held them to three points.”
Jenkins’ interception was his third of the year and the 11th of his career.
He also had four solo tackles and one pass break-up to add to his already great day.
“The defense fought all day long and made them (Purdue) take the long path to the goal line and kept them out of the end zone,” Tressel said. “We didn’t turn it over and that’s critical.
“I think the defense did a great job with their plan. I think the defensive guys prepared well. You could see that they diagnosed things well and broke on the ball, anticipated, knew the formations and just kept coming. Purdue made some plays but our defense never got flustered. They tried a couple of over-50-yard field goals was as close as they got. That’s pretty good, plus we came up with takeaways.”
Hall is a freelance writer from Andover.
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