Toledo native Jack Mewhort expects to play in his first Ohio State football game next month. Mewhort, who arrived in Columbus in 2009, worked at several positions on the offensive line until the coaching staff settled on his position as a back-up to senior guard Bryant Browning. In The Toledo Blade: "We need Jack to be a solid member of...
Coach Jim TresselToledo native Jack Mewhort expects to play in his first Ohio State football game next month. Mewhort, who arrived in Columbus in 2009, worked at several positions on the offensive line until the coaching staff settled on his position as a back-up to senior guard Bryant Browning.
"We need Jack to be a solid member of the first eight or nine guys," Coach Jim Tressel said about his plans for the Ohio State offensive line.
"Progression is so important, and Jack has been steadily progressing since he got here. That's what you hope for from all of your guys. You hope you never see the guy you saw last week. You want them to get better and better and really seize that opportunity to play when it comes along."
Ready to fill in
Orhian Johnson will compete for one of the starting safety positions this summer for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Johnson, a sophomore, hopes to replace 2009 captain Kurt Coleman.
Reporter Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch:
"I am just going out there trying to gain the trust of the defense, to let them know I am back there to help them out," Johnson said.
There is one way of doing that, he said. "By making those plays in the back."
Asked whether the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Johnson was ready to step into a starter's role, Jermale Hines didn't hesitate.
"Orhian is a real good player," Hines said. "He's got smarts; he's got the physical tools. He's ready."
Power Rankings
Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com has Ohio State No. 1 in his conference power rankings. That was the easy part. He lists Iowa and Wisconsin second and third in the conference, respectively.
If OSU falters, Iowa and Wisconsin are ready to take over the top spot.
1. Ohio State: There isn't a glaring weakness on this team. History shows the defense will be extremely stingy, and if quarterback Terrelle Pryor continues to develop, the offense should be more than capable of putting up points. A bona fide national title contender.
2. Iowa: The core from the Orange Bowl championship team returns, led by defensive end Adrian Clayborn and quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Iowa must reload at offensive line but has a strong tradition there. A Week 3 test at Arizona could be tricky, but Iowa will be a BCS bowl contender if it defends its home turf.
3. Wisconsin: No Big Ten team returns more individual stars than the Badgers. A balanced offense led by one of the nation's best lines could be unstoppable if John Clay, Scott Tolzien and others can stay healthy. The defense is young in spots but talented, and safety Jay Valai promises me they'll lay the wood. Can head coach Bret Bielema take this program from very good to great?
Coming back
Former Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent hopes to return from injuries with the Cincinnati Bengals. Nugent started his NFL career five years ago with the New York Jets. Nugent tore his quad two years ago while attempting a kick.
Nugent, who had not missed a game in three seasons, dating to his rookie year of 2005, has appeared in only six games since the injury.
"It was tough sitting on the couch and watching football on Sundays when you want to be out there kicking," Nugent said.
"I feel like I've come back stronger after an injury like that."
After the departure of Bengals mainstay Shayne Graham to the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, Nugent is competing with veteran Dave Rayner for the position.