Plain Dealer beat writer Doug Lesmerises answers questions about the Ohio State Buckeyes.
View full sizeIt's easy to forget how good Ted Ginn Jr. was as a returner during his time with the Buckeyes.Q: Hey, Doug: Ohio State under Jim Tressel has always counted on special teams as a key component to victory, yet for the last few years, after Ted Ginn Jr., the kickoff return unit has been near the bottom of the NCAA rankings. What can be done to get this back up to the levels that are needed to get us to another national championship game? -- Mike Brusky, Omaha, Neb.
A: Hey, Mike: For as great as Ginn was as a Buckeye, he may be the OSU player I've most learned to appreciate in his absence. You knew he was fast, but watch his highlights on YouTube sometime, and you'll realize just how much more explosive he is than any of the Buckeyes who have followed him.
In 2005 and 2006, when Ginn handled the kick returns, the Buckeyes ranked 18th and 34th in the nation, with Ginn returning one kick for a touchdown each season. In the past three years, Ohio State has ranked 117th, 108th and, last season, 45th in kick returns. Have the Buckeyes forgotten how to block under a coach who emphasizes special teams so much? No, though there were too many missed assignments in 2007 and 2008.
What the Buckeyes really need is another returner with the instincts and speed of Ginn. Ray Small had his moments, but he wasn't quite Teddy. Going into camp, running backs Brandon Saine and Dan Herron are at the top of the depth chart in the return game, but I'm hoping some potentially more explosive guys, such as Devon Torrence, Chris Fields or James Jackson, get a shot.
But the Buckeyes didn't rank higher than 41st in any aspect of special teams -- kick or punt return, or kick or punt coverage -- last season, and all aspects of the special teams need to improve.
-- Doug