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Looking at tight end
Written by Duane Long   
Sunday, 07 June 2009 14:44
I think offensive line is the more important area but I would say it is #2 as far as need is concerned. Tight end is about Defcon 2. Ballard is a senior. I will believe Fragel will play tight end when I see it. That means 2 scholarship tight ends, one of which, Jake Stoneburner, needs to prove he can be an in-line blocker. I think the position is screaming for 2 despite the small class. We are not going to get the guys you really want. Fugeddaboutit. To see how low we have sunk with TE recruiting, look at what we did last year. It just hit me as I was writing this. We had to offer a kid who just about everyone else was only recruiting as an OL. We give other programs the business for offering kids at their preferred position rather than their best position. We dogged Illinois last year for doing it with Greene. We did the same thing with Fragel just to get him. Forget about the top kids recently from the state, nice run of tight ends in Ohio the last few years by the way, who have said no to the Buckeyes and went on to other major programs.reality check. We used a tactic that is generally considered an admission of not being able to compete. Losing Smith to Cincinnati closes the case. The kind of tight ends that end up on SportsCenter highlight films is not coming here. The tight ends who are special receivers don't want to play in this offense. That is not bad news. It is just reality. Not have a great back the way we play the game is bad news. Not having an elite receiver is bad news. Not having a human highlight film at tight end is a bit of a yawn actually. We will always go after one of the elite guys but landing one is extra. What we do with the tight ends now is what we are always going to do with the tight ends no matter who is lined up there. Our offense runs it between the tackles and throws it down the field to the wide outs. Tight end will never be more than a third option.
Think about the players who played tight end effectively here. They had several things in common. They were solid tenacious blockers and they had skills. They were not elite guys because they did not have the athleticism and speed that it takes to rate elite. They could catch the ball and run the route tree. We have a guy like that right now with Nic Dilillo. Taking these kinds of guys is a net plus for the offense.We will get almost as much out of the passing game because of the tight ends role in our pass offense, and more out of the run game because of the tight ends role in the running offense with these kinds of guys. These are the kinds of tight ends that fit our offense. It looks like Dan Schneider could be next on the Buckeyes board. I think he is a great looking player. Tenacious blocker but a natural receiver. I am concerned about his size. He does not look like he is 6-5. Looks more like 6-3. There are some other kids I like better. Brad Harrah from Marion Pleasant is a kid with a great frame, maybe eventually an offensive tackle body, but is a really good athlete right now. Great blocker and has a nasty streak. Harrah is a very good defensive end. At a MAC school he may get a look at a defensive lineman. I don't think many of those programs are going to find many more athletic bigs in their locker rooms than Harrah. Solid MAC offer list plus Indiana and Iowa State. I hope we take a look. Michael Dennis is another that I really would like to see get a good look at camp. He is a very athletic 6-7 260. He looks better right now as a defensive end. He runs great. He uses his long arms well. He plays the whistle and has a mean streak. He is just so long and lean you have to believe he is going to get alot bigger. Dennis is already at 260 as a junior in high school. You have to think 280 is just around the corner. It is a matter of deciding whether he is going to stay right there or just go on and take him down to tackle. None of these kids are going to be making national top 20 lists but they will fit into the offense nicely.

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Comments (22)Add Comment
Dan Schneider?
written by darth, June 07, 2009
Duane - do you see the possible offer to Dan Schneider coming because of Avon Lake's run-oriented offense? Unlike other TEs that are actually a prime aspect of the offense, Schneider could come in and play a role comparable to what he does at Avon Lake.

By the way - Schneider's background info was impressive. He's president of the National Honor Society and ranked # 5 in his class.
...
written by Adam, June 07, 2009
If we could recruit a Ballard every two years or so, I'd be more than happy with that. Perfect fit for what we're trying to do. If another athlete who grows out of his position gets slotted in as a more athletic option at the TE spot -- like a Stoneburner -- then that is icing on the cake.
TIGHT ENDS
written by dbuckeye44, June 07, 2009
Great analysis Duane! It has been pointed out in other articles that we are a team that recruits to our system and you are right on. We need TEs that are first blockers, second nasty and thirdly athletic. I agree with you on Harrah and hope he gets offered even there have been those that have indicated he is not ready for our level. The dimensions of Dennis would seem to make him attractive as well. I further support you suggestion that we take two TEs this year if at all possible. Though Schneider might be a bit short of 6'5" I think he would still be good to take. He is definitely athletic and a good blocker and plays good competition.
...
written by Bobby Haines, June 07, 2009
We have three freshmen in Stoney, DiLillo, and Fragel. And you say they dont know what to do with Zack Boren and could make Homan an TE. We are looking at Fied, Schneider, Fua, and Harrah; what is everyone freaking out about.
Tressel might surprise all of us and just put some H Back formations in this year and utilize that talents.
We have Ballard Stoney and Dilillo to carry us this year and showcase our new offense to open up the position for new recruiting in the future.
I think Tressel recruiting philosopy is changing due to the talent he is recruiting (TP). I am really looking forward to what he will be recruiting in 2011 and 2012.
Camp
written by tophand, June 07, 2009
We might get to hear something from some of the guys Duane mentions in a week. First Advanced Camp is in one week, the 14th.
...
written by a guest, June 08, 2009
Not sure what you are talking about with the kid we got this year Duane. By all the accounts I have read he does not care what position he plays
reddman22
written by lac pham, June 08, 2009
DL, oh what might have been had Irizary (and possibly Marcel Frost) would have stuck around.
re:
written by Duane Long, June 08, 2009
Not sure what you are talking about with the kid we got this year Duane. By all the accounts I have read he does not care what position he plays



It is not about what position he wants to play. It is about the fact that his body has already taken another step toward that of a tackle. The buzz is he is already a tackle. He is not going to be ready to play this year. He is not a push his way into the lineup because he is that good kind of talent. After a year in the weightroom he is likely going to be pushing closer to 300 than the 280 he is supposed to be carrying right now.
re: reddman22
written by Duane Long, June 08, 2009
DL, oh what might have been had Irizary (and possibly Marcel Frost) would have stuck around.



They have the potential to make more out of the balls they would have had thrown to them but I don't think we would have seen too many more balls in their direction. It is just not what we do.
...
written by bigdog3300, June 08, 2009
Indeed, word has been that Fragel's frame can get him to 300 no problem....and there's no such thing as a 300 lb. TE.

And to the person that said make Zach Boren a TE.....why? From everything reported, it doesn't matter what spot this kid plays, he won't be on the field......unless he focuses on being a long snapper, hey, there's an idea!
...
written by O-State, June 08, 2009
Duane, you've said you've seen signs of the coaches' recruiting philosophy changing(speed over size on defense, Jordan Hall). Is TE one position you think will never change?

It's going to really piss me off if we don't get Stoneburner 20-25 catches a year. He is not a blocker but from all accounts he's an amazing receiver for a TE. It would be unforgivable to use him the way we've used Ballard and Nicol.
...
written by Drew Howard, June 08, 2009
No mention of the tight end from Illinois....if he commits it destroys your whole argument...
...
written by a guest, June 08, 2009
fuck you
re: re:
written by a guest, June 08, 2009
Not sure what you are talking about with the kid we got this year Duane. By all the accounts I have read he does not care what position he plays



It is not about what position he wants to play. It is about the fact that his body has already taken another step toward that of a tackle. The buzz is he is already a tackle. He is not going to be ready to play this year. He is not a push his way into the lineup because he is that good kind of talent. After a year in the weightroom he is likely going to be pushing closer to 300 than the 280 he is supposed to be carrying right now.


I misunderstood you then, because the way I read it in order to get the Kid we promised him he could play TE.
re:
written by Duane Long, June 08, 2009
Duane, you've said you've seen signs of the coaches' recruiting philosophy changing(speed over size on defense, Jordan Hall). Is TE one position you think will never change?

It's going to really piss me off if we don't get Stoneburner 20-25 catches a year. He is not a blocker but from all accounts he's an amazing receiver for a TE. It would be unforgivable to use him the way we've used Ballard and Nicol.



I just don't see it. We have not had elite guys but we have had some solid guys. It does not matter. We use the tight end in the traditional role. Block and move the chains. A tight end that catches 25 balls a year and helps a back to a 1500 yard rushing year is what we look for in a tight end.
...
written by marksgforce, June 08, 2009
I'm pulling for Delillo to become the next Hartsock. 30 receptions and win the battle at the LOS.
...
written by BOBBY HAINES, June 08, 2009
All I heard last year was that everyone thought Stoney needed to put on 20 lbs to pay TE. He was too light. He was to play WR. Now I'm hearing all this weight is pushing everyone to OT. Seems alittle confusing to me. Do we put weight on these guys or NOT?
Do we want these TEs catching passes or blocking for the RBs?
These Buckeye Fans sure are fickle arent they?
re:
written by Bobby Haines, June 08, 2009
Indeed, word has been that Fragel's frame can get him to 300 no problem....and there's no such thing as a 300 lb. TE.

And to the person that said make Zach Boren a TE.....why? From everything reported, it doesn't matter what spot this kid plays, he won't be on the field......unless he focuses on being a long snapper, hey, there's an idea!


You guys blow me away. The kid is 18 years old, and you have the audacity to tell us he will NEVER PLAY anything in the next 5 YEARS here. I want to know who's money you are betting with?

You are coming close to losing credibility here.
He has been through one spring camp with no practice due to injury. So give me some credible evidence, or show me what a complete jack*** you are!

I want to know who is making these profound statements, because I am ready to jump off this blog with these utterly obnoxious premature perceptions. So far I have read nothing but the most interesting and educated football philosophy from Duane, I certainly hope that this is not coming from you Duane.
Fiedo
written by DHOS, June 08, 2009
Ohio State is in very good with Fiedorowicz. It would be a mistake to write him off.

And it's hard to "lose" a kid who you never offer. And it's not like Smith is going to end up at UC. If OSU wanted in, they could easily get in.

Alani Fua is another one who could get in this class.
...
written by Bobby Haines, June 08, 2009
Duane,
With all due respect to you,
You may want to discern what you hear from your sources alittle bit. And as far as bigdog3300, pleaseeeeeeeeeee little boy. You believe every thing you read?
Zach Boren hasn't played one dime of Buckeye football yet. He has been injured. He was recruited because he started both ways for 4 years for a solid D-1 program who went very far in the state the past couple years due very much because of him and Jamie Wood. He is known as a head hunter laying the wood at LB and was recruited as a LB - not to be hidden at LB. Some one needs to get their f***** facts together Duane. Your associate is misguided. I am not sure about Zach Boren making All State, but I would like someone to go back and check out the All State, All City, or All Conference Teams last year. He and Jamie Wood came in together from a great program and you guys want to slam him? He's not coming in here off his brother's coattails!
He has played his way in here.
Long Snapper my a**.
Go home little dog.
Maybe you can check with Huddle on these records, he will probably have the stats.
Sorry for the rant, but bigdog just flat out pissed me off for dissing a young 18 year old that hasnt even had a chance yet, and he's probably just a 300 lb couch potato himself...LOL.
Will need to season - but will be an asset
written by Boren family friend, June 09, 2009
Maybe there are a few on the fence with little Boren.
Give him some time and he will flourish as a solid player and team mate that may surprise a few.
...
written by a guest, June 09, 2009
poop poop poop fiz fiz fiz oh what a relief it is. :evil:

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