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Football
Redshirt Forecast: On the Bubble
By Brandon Castel

COLUMBUS — In our first two “Redshirt Forecast” pieces, we looked at the freshmen most likely play and most likely to redshirt in 2010, but that only accounted for two-thirds of the recruiting class.

What about the other guys?

We’re early enough in the year that all of the freshmen are technically on the bubble, but some definitely more than others. In our final part of the series we look at the freshmen on the redshirt bubble this fall and what they might have to do to get on that first list of guys who are going to contribute in 2010.

For some strange reason, we also included the thoughts of Tony Gerdeman.

Six Newcomers on the Redshirt Bubble for 2010

1.WR T.Y. Williams – He hasn’t shown as much of an instant impact as the other two freshmen wideouts, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Williams at the top of this list. The Buckeyes have plenty of options at wide receiver right, but only three players with game experience, and Taurian Washington barely qualfies for that. Corey Brown and James Louis might get more reps during fall camp, but if neither of them can pass Chris Fields or Washington on the depth chart then Williams becomes the most likely from the group to play in 2010. At 6-foot-7 he can provide a completely different kind of matchup problem, especially in the red zone, but he hasn’t had a lot of playing time because of injuries. The way Jim Tressel handles it, however, is if Williams can catch one pass for a touchdown in a meaningful game then it’s worth it to play him.

Gerd on Williams: There's nobody like him on the roster. He can definitely help this team if he's ready. Tressel doesn't seem to mind true freshman receivers playing, but only getting limited snaps. Williams could fall in that group.

2. DE David Durham – Another guy on the bubble probably trending towards playing in 2010 is David Durham. He was recruited as a linebacker and even grabbed James Laurinaitis’ old number, but Durham has been playing the Leo position during fall camp. It’s a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position anyways, but Durham seems to have the kind of motor Tressel and his staff like to see, especially on coverage teams. He might not be the fastest guy on the field, but seems to play to the whistle on every snap, which is critical when covering punts and kicks.

Gerd on Durham: This could just as easily be J.T Moore. Redshirt the “loser.”

3. WR James Louis – Similar to Corey Brown, Louis might have his best chance to play as a return man this fall. He has great speed and excellent vision, but trust is always the major issue with freshmen being return men. Let’s not forget how long it took Tressel to put Lamaar Thomas back as the kick returner two years ago. With very little experience at the receiver position after the first two, there’s a good chance that either Brown or Louis will get a chance to play in 2010, but probably not both of them. Brown has been the more impressive during open practices this fall, but only the coaches know who they like better right now. Brown was the guy who got a chance to play with the twos Saturday while Louis stayed with the threes.

Gerd on Louis: Still want to see more before I think he should definitely play. Especially with the overall number of receivers that will definitely play, and the lack of balls that will find them.

4. DL Darryl Baldwin – Based on looks alone, Baldwin would be a lock to play in 2010. Size-wise, already looks like a guy who has been in the program for a few years, and he has the ability to play both tackle and end on the defensive line. The problem for Baldwin right now seems to be bringing it on every play. He looks intimidating but gets pushed around a little bit too much for a guy his size. That could change as he builds strength and learns to play with better technique, but right now he’s on the outside looking in at the rotation on the defensive line.

Gerd on Baldwin: Let him work for a year and find his place. Plus, there's just too many people in front of him.

5. CB Bradley Roby – Another guy who hasn’t gotten a lot of publicity in this recruiting class is Roby, but that hasn’t stopped him from impressing this fall. He wasn’t very highly regarded as a wide receiver prospect, but it’s easy to see why teams jumped on him as a cornerback. He has good size and an excellent knack for the football. He runs well and has shown good hips and awareness during practice this fall. The one thing keeping him from playing is the depth in front of him. Unlike classmate Christian Bryant, Roby isn’t a big hitter, so he is going to have to show enough coverage skills to move past guys like Corey Brown (aka Corey Black) and Dominic Clarke, who have both been in the system for a year now.

Gerd on Roby: I really, really like him. I just don't know if there's enough room. Plus, I don't think both he and Bryant need to play.

6. OT Andrew Norwell – We saved maybe the most important player in the 2010 class for last because it’s too early to tell what’s going to happen with Norwell. The kid looks like a monster and definitely has a mean streak in him (he’s been here less than a week and already has one fight under his belt), but he’s also competing at a deep position. At 6-foot-7, he can play either tackle spot but has been repping on the right side this fall behind J.B. Shugarts and Marcus Hall. Even with his size, it’s hard to imagine him cracking the two-deep at right tackle. He could be a dark horse to compete for the starting left tackle spot, or at least the backup position, but it’s hard to imagine a guy who has been around for a few weeks can step in and handle one of the toughest positions on the field better than senior Andy Miller, junior Mike Adams or Hall for that matter.

Gerd on Norwell: If he's one of the top four tackles, then play him. If not, try to sit him.

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