|
|
Terry is the latest linebacker to get a tryout at fullback, following the lead of Austin Spitler, Andrew Sweat, Ryan Lukens and a number of walk-ons. The Buckeyes are trying to fill the only glaring hole on offense, although it's fairly significant - serving as the lead blocker to Beanie Wells, perhaps the top tailback in the country.
Terry has worked extensively at fullback the last two weeks, including Saturday's jersey scrimmage. He is in position to replace Larry Grant at outside linebacker, but he might ultimately fit nicely at fullback, too.
"I feel like I'm a defensive player, but we need a fullback," Terry said. "If I can help, I'll do it."
Terry missed all of last season with an ankle injury. Upon being granted a fifth season, Terry joined a crowded mix at linebacker that includes James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Ross Homan, Tyler Moeller, Brian Rolle and Andrew Sweat.
Ironically, it might be Terry's flexibility on defense that makes him a good fit at fullback.
"He can play any of the three linebacker positions, so those are usually the guys the fullback is assigned to block," Coach Jim Tressel said. "He knows what they're doing."
Tressel said he wanted Terry to get time at fullback now, so if the situation becomes dire in the fall, he won't be forced to learn a new position in a month. With the annual spring game a week away, no final decisions will be made on fullback until the fall.
"That's something we have to assess when spring ball is over," Tressel said.
For now, old habits are hard to break. While trying to block defenders, Terry keeps tackling them.
"That's what I'm used to doing," Terry said. "Arms out, drive my hips and run into them. Spitler doesn't like it, because he's been the victim most of the time. I'm trying to get better. It's just a different feeling."
Offense wins
For what it's worth, the offense won the jersey scrimmage, 55-44. The scrimmage uses an intricate and confusing scoring system, but the end result is the offense gets to hold onto the scarlet jerseys until the next scrimmage during fall camp.
Brandon Saine and Brian Hartline both had big plays for the offense, which didn't turn the ball over.
"The offense is typically going to win that scrimmage if there aren't turnovers," Tressel said. "But that's the same deal in a game. The team that doesn't make the turnovers is probably going to win the game, and the team that doesn't get any takeaways probably won't."
War of words
Tressel seemed surprised at the verbal feud that has erupted between himself and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez over his "gentleman's agreement" crack made last week.
At a spring football preview luncheon, Tressel was asked if a gentleman's agreement exists between Big Ten coaches after a recruit verbally commits to another school within the conference.
"I guess only between the gentlemen," Tressel said.
It was interpreted as a shot at Rodriguez, since the new Michigan coach snatched receiver Roy Roundtree away from Purdue. Roundtree had previously verbally committed to the Boilermakers, which steamed Coach Joe Tiller.
Rodriguez fired back at Tressel, telling Michigan reporters, "If not being a gentleman is recruiting guys until the end, until signing day, particularly after all visits - guilty as charged."
Tressel tried to end the spat Saturday.
"It wasn't even something we were a part of," he said. "I guess it just reminds you you're part of everything, whether you like it or not."
Tressel said Ohio State backs off once a player has verbally committed.
"If a guy is not interested in coming to Ohio State and he says that, we have to move on," Tressel said, adding that he doesn't have any beefs with Rodriguez. "I've known Rich for a long time. He'll do a good job. I've said that all along."
Trouble brewing
Eugene Clifford and Jamario O'Neal were held out of Saturday's scrimmage for disciplinary reasons, while starting cornerback Donald Washington played with the third team.
It was the same trio who were forced to run during practice on Friday. Tressel confirmed the three are in the doghouse without elaborating.
"Sometimes when you don't do what you're supposed to do, you lose your car keys," Tressel said. "That's as simple as I can put it."
A lot can happen between now and September. As of now, though, Tressel said he didn't expect any sort of suspensions in the fall.
Notes
Wells was held out of the scrimmage and will be held out of next week's spring game as he continues to heal from wrist surgery ... Todd Boeckman will be off-limits to hitting during the spring game.
