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Football
Two-Minute Drill: Meyer Provides Post-Spring Updates
By Brandon Castel

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer made one thing abundantly clear to his players before the start of spring practice.

Urban Meyer
Photo by Jim Davidson

Meyer’s first spring was not just about skill development and installing his new system on offense. It was about earning a spot in the two-deep, and ultimately the starting lineup.

With a few exceptions at some positions of need, spots are set heading into the fall, according to Meyer, who was very deliberate in selecting his first depth chart at Ohio State. He made sure to let the players know exactly where they stand before handing them over to the strength staff for summer conditioning.

Here is a rundown of what Meyer had to say Wednesday.

Depth Chartin’

* Meyer said his No. 1 surprise on offense this spring was Corey Linsley. Called him a journeyman before this spring.

* Meyer said Michael Bennett was biggest surprise on defense. "He's listed as a backup, but it's hard for me to say he's not one of 4 best."

* Freshman Taylor Decker is right on the heals of senior Reid Fragel's at RT. "He's in a dogfight for that position."

* Asked if there's a guy not on the 2-deep who could make an impact, Meyer responded, "No, I would have put him on there."

* Meyer thinks Noah Spence will be in immediate contention for playing time because they need more pass rushers.

* Meyer also said David Perkins, Jamal Marcus and Kyle Dodson could be intriguing because of depth issues.

Offensive Updates

* Meyer said early in the spring, the offense was a clown show. Around the 3rd week it started to resemble an offense.

* Meyer said Braxton Miller was kind of the "cool guy" before. Great high school player who didn't always push himself. Not anymore.

* Meyer: "I like Kenny Guiton. Can't believe I am saying that."

* Zach Boren has lost 12 pounds and they plan to hand him the ball this fall.

* Meyer said addition of Taylor Decker made the offensive line "functional." Called it nonfunctional in winter.

* Meyer said WR's aren't functional yet. Some talent, but called them "most unprepared group" he's dealt with.

Defensive Updates

* Senior DE Nathan Williams is running the pool. Meyer said Luke Fickell thinks he could be their best D-lineman.

* Meyer said Kenny Hayes was dealing with headaches this spring. Still in class, but been away from football.

* Meyer said Chris Carter showed good promise after switching sides. If he can get his weight down, he might be a player.

(Not) Talking Anzalone

* Meyer not permitted to speak specifically about Alex Anzalone situation, but called it "alarming." Said "first thing you worry about is safety."

* Meyer said he learned about "situation with a recruit" when he stepped off a plane. Had no idea what was happening.

* Meyer said the most frustrating things in recruiting are things like this, which are beyond a coach’s control.

Play On, Playoff

* Meyer is still against a playoff/plus-one system because of workload for coaches/players.

* He said the players will be celebrating after first win, but head coach will be yelling at his assistants to fix mistakes before title game.

* Meyer admitted he would have liked a playoff at Utah, but said he loves the system they have had for last decade.

* Meyer said it would be a problem for the southern teams he coaches to come play a game in Columbus in December.

Depth chart

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