I have watched the Penn State game again. Not the entire game. Just the defense. I wanted to watch Cam Heywards performance one more time. I will say that his performance in this game was better than Gohlston versus Michigan because of the across the board domination. He lined up at both end spots and at tackle. He played as well versus the pass as Gohlston did but much better against the run. I can't remember a better performance by a Buckeye lineman. I know there have been alot of games between now and when Big Daddy destroyed Washington in a nationally televised night game but off the top of my head that is the last time I can come up with a performance to match Heyward on Saturday.

His time at tackle is what stands out. It is going to be remembered by NFL people. He can play the weakside pretty well at the college level but it is as strong side, whether base or five-technique, where Heyward is getting looked at. That he showed he could slide down to tackle is huge for him. That versatility is going to make him that much more appealing to the NFL. That he can play very well down there was important, but just as important, he was willing to make the move for the team. An NFL team could draft him to play strong side end and move him to tackle on certain downs, or move him to tackle a few years down the road when he slows down a little. It appears he is not going to complain.

I hear he is leaning toward staying but I doubt he has all the facts yet. The problem for us is someone is going to explain the new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players union to the draft eligible third year players and we are going to see players leave because of it. The good news is we will see less players leave early to make the money after the new rookie salary cap is put in place. The incentive to leave will be cut. How dramatically remains to be seen but the NFL players association is not going to bat for guys who have never played a down in the NFL. The owners want it and the players could not care less. It is just a bargaining tool right now. This will be the last draft before the new agreement gets hammered out. For this reason I think we need to hold our breath until the deadline passes.

I still believe in the current depth chart. I think we have the rotation with Larimore, Simon, Goebbel and Bellamy. I hear he is coming along nicely. Don't forget Robert Rose. He could be back. I wrote him off too quickly. He always gets my attention when he is in the game. He is looking fully recovered and is playing well. The lack of reps shows. he may never be what he could have been if he could have stayed healthy but sticking around is in his best interest and ours.

What we have seen this year, magnified by the performance by Heyward from the tackle spot, is how important it is to have strong tackle play. Worthington and Denlinger never were ideal sized but I thought they could do what they did this year because of experience. Larimore is a bear to deal with. We are talking about Heyward and Gibson and Williams with the big plays and the pass rush but those three in the middle is why this defense has become so stout. We need to maintain that. I have always said there is no such thing as too many bigs who can run.

I love what I am hearing about Hankins and Floyd. I keep hearing the negatives about Hankins. All I know is his tape is very impressive. He plays with a motor. That he takes plays off is overblown. He will get in better shape and be able to stay in the game longer but the simple fact is we see everyone wanting a rotation on the defensive line because it is so tiring. Hankins was talking alot, including saying repeatedly that Ohio State was his favorite. He has gone silent. Players with grade issues tend to do that. Look at Ty Williams this year. If he makes the grade I feel confident that Hankins will be a Buckeye.

Things have gone from solid to good to now, which I would call great, for Floyd. If he does not visit Penn State, that will tell us something. Get very excited about him if Penn State is not one of his final two visits.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

Comments (14)

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment