The Buckeyes arrived at camp today, and they practice for the first time on Friday.
Tackles J.B. Shugarts, left, and Mike Adams arrive at the team hotel for the beginning of Ohio State's preseason camp today.The Ohio State Buckeyes checked in for the start of preseason camp, with the first practice tomorrow and the Buckeyes putting on full pads for the first time next Tuesday.
Some notes from check-in and early interviews:
* Incoming freshman running back Roderick Smith was the only player expected who didn't report by the first meeting early this afternoon. Smith is expected to arrive from his home in Indiana either tonight or tomorrow. He was finishing some academic work and didn't come to campus for summer workouts with the rest of the freshmen in June.
Sophomore running back Jaamal Berry* The players had a late-night workout on Tuesday in one final time with the strength and conditioning staff. It started at 10 p.m. and went until midnight and included the players pushing a van around a track in groups of five or six players. It was meant to represent the miles the team will travel for its roadtrips this season. Linebacker Brian Rolle said it started off as a crazy assignment was wound up being pretty fun.
* Left guard Justin Boren said the fight for the left tackle spot could go into the season in his mind. Mike Adams, Andrew Miller and maybe Marcus Hall are the contenders there.
* Kicker Devin Barclay said he'd like to win the kicking job all to himself, but he understands if what it best for the team is a split of the job with freshman Drew Basil. Jim Tressel said in Chicago that if the season started today, Basil would handle the kickoffs and field goals 43 yards and beyond, and Barclay would kick the field goals 42 yards and closer.
Sophomore defensive tackle John Simon, who should move into the starting lineup this season, arrives at Ohio State's team hotel.