BONUS: 6 Things We'll Be Watching Inside Buckeye Football Practice

This bonus episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast features hosts Tony Gerderman and Tom Moore previewing what they'll be watching during Ohio State's annual student appreciation football practice. With the spring season halfway through and the spring game just two weeks away, the duo breaks down six key areas of focus: offensive line positioning and player movement, tight end depth and development, quarterback Tavian St. Clair’s progression as a true freshman, defensive line alignment and new personnel, safety group dynamics, and running back depth amid injuries. They emphasize the importance of observing player combinations, cohesion, and physical readiness, especially with key transfers and developmental players like Hunter Welsing, Mason Williams, and Kwe Roussau. The hosts also reflect on how the team’s schemes have evolved beyond traditional formations, signaling a more versatile and complex defensive approach. The episode concludes with a reminder to follow BuckeyeHuddle.com and YouTube.com/buckeye-huddle for full post-practice coverage and analysis. Key takeaways include: 1) Monitor offensive line rotations to predict fall starters, especially Ian Moore’s potential move to left tackle; 2) Evaluate tight end cohesion over individual plays, as their role in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense is critical; 3) Assess Tavian St. Clair’s command and decision-making under pressure as the backup quarterback; 4) Watch defensive line alignments for new looks beyond the traditional four-down scheme; 5) Track the integration of new safeties like Terry Moore and Jay Timmons; and 6) Use spring practice to gauge running back depth despite limited tackling in drills. The overall tone is optimistic and inquisitive, reflecting excitement for the team’s development and upcoming season.