Receiving tight end could be key to OSU’s success

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 12:37 AM Thursday, September 2, 2010

When the Ohio State football team opens its season tonight, Sept. 2, most folks will be looking to see whether Terrelle Pryor has developed into a more polished thrower, whether the running backs show signs of becoming consistent contributors of if there are any holes in the defense that might be troublesome down the road.

When I tune in, though, I’ll be watching the tight end.

Jake Stoneburner, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound sophomore, reportedly has great speed and is considered a legitimate downfield threat, something the Buckeyes haven’t had at the position since, well, Jim Tressel became head coach in 2001.

In Tressel’s system, the tight end basically has been just another blocker. That may have paid off in the running game over the years, but having a big brute with good hands and sizzling 40-yard dash time in the passing attack could have made OSU much more potent.

You can’t argue with Tressel’s success. But I’ve never understood why the Buckeyes utilize the tight end about as often as they call a flea-flicker pass with a lateral thrown in.

That style can’t be good for recruiting, either. If you’re a tight end with NFL aspirations, why would you go to OSU and become another offensive lineman?

The Buckeyes already have enough weapons to win another Big Ten crown, but if Pryor mixes in some long passes to Stoneburner, defensive coordinators around the league would know they’ll spend at least one week this season absolutely stumped.

ontact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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