My 2011 Standout: A Prediction

Still hurts

Ohio State has a tradition of having great tight ends, tight ends who sometimes don't get the credit or catches they deserve to see...Ben Hartsock, Ryan Hamby, John Frank, Fred Pagac, Sr., and Jake Ballard. Yes, we all remember Hamby's drops in the lost to Texas in Columbus, but he still came through in other moments we needed him.

The player I see having the most potential as a big impact player this season is Tight End Jake Stoneburner. After having a break out year from 2009 (2 receptions, 30 yards) with 21 receptions for 222 yards a year ago and 3 receptions for 39 yards in the Sugar Bowl, the fire has been stoked. Add in a 5 game suspension for your leading wide-receiver and the loss of Dane Sanzenbacher, and you have a situation that might just come unglued.

Jake came from nearby Dublin Coffman High School where he played receiver. He wasn't coming to Ohio State to be a tight end but was moved there as more of a flex tight end than a true tight end (as Senior Jake Ballard was in the starting position).

During the past few years, I have watched as Tressel has utilized the tight end more in passing situations, sometimes on long down yardage. It will be interesting to watch what Fickell does during his time as interim head coach with the play calling. I also wonder if the coaches have been thinking about a 5 game stint at WR for Stoney....it couldn't hurt to take a look!

I hope I didn't just give Jake the Corso Curse!