By: Sean Jackson (Examiner.com) — The Buckeyes kick off spring camp today. Spring camp consists of 15 practices and culminates with the Scarlet and Gray game on Saturday April 24. The camp serves as a learning tool for both players and coaches.

For coaches it gives them an idea of what they have. While spring camp won’t finalize the depth chart it gives coaches a clearer picture of who stands out going into the summer.

For players this is a crucial time. Not only will they learn new plays and drills; it will also give them a chance to show coaches what they have. A strong showing in spring camp can put them in prime position for playing time come the fall.

This is even more crucial for players on defense as there are some holes to fill. Here are players that could have the biggest impact on the defense coming into this season.

Defensive lineman Nathan Williams could be an impact player. Williams was in the tackle rotation last season and looks to be more of an anchor player. With the return of Cameron Heyward; offenses are going to be putting a lot of their attention on Heyward allowing someone like Williams to step in and make big plays. The better he and the defensive line can become the less pressure there will be on the linebackers and secondary.

The linebacker unit should be one of the strongest in the Big Ten. With the returns of Brian Rolle and Ross Homan, the Buckeyes possess a lot of talent and experience in the middle. What is not known is who will fill the coveted third back. Etienne Sabino has the ability to be the player. He is quick, athletic, and has caught the coaches’ attention. His development will be critical should he fill that role.

The safety position leaves the biggest hole. With the departures of Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell the Buckeyes where to buy prescription drugs without prescription need players to step up. Some of the players in the mix are Jermale Hines, Nate Oliver, and Orhian Johnson. Should Tyler Moeller be able to participate in contact drills in the fall he would be another name to throw in the mix. Hines has experience at safety and will be the frontrunner. Still this will be one of the fiercest position battles going into the fall.

While the defense has some gaps, the offense remains mostly in tact.

The offense will be loaded. The offensive line is more experienced, the running back position is loaded, the receiving core is talented and dynamic, and Terrelle Pryor could have his breakthrough year.

The offense should be more balanced this year as there are many talented players to go to. In order for this to be effective the Buckeyes could rely on the following players to come through this season.

Marcus Hall came in as a freshman and played well. Coaches were impressed with his poise and his ability to jump into what was a tough situation. The offensive line had to shuffle a lot early last season due to injury and it left guys playing positions they wouldn’t usually be playing. Hall was able to step in and play well. This experience, along with a strong camp, could give him the edge over Mike Adams for a tackle position.

Brandon Saine and Dan “Boom” Herron may have to look over their shoulders this year; the competition has kicked up a notch. The Buckeyes may have the most talented and versatile stable of running backs in Jim Tressel’s era as coach. While Saine and Herron will be sharing the majority of the carries, they will also have to serve as leaders to a young but talented group of running backs. Their role off the field in shaping their replacements may be just as important as what they do on the field.

While the Buckeyes return a solid receiving core in DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher and Duron Carter, sophomore tight end Jake Stoneburner could be an x factor in this offense. Stoneburner has the speed and ability to be a deep threat. The Buckeyes could use him to stretch defenses and create mismatches. Should the Buckeyes decide to throw to their tight ends more, Stoneburner could have a breakthrough season. His development in camp could be vital in determining how much the Buckeyes use him in the fall.

The success of the offense will come down to how well Pryor can play. The Buckeyes won’t require Pryor to have a Vince Young type of season, they just need for him to be consistent. There is so much talent to account for on this offense that Pryor will have his pick of targets. If he can manage the game well, continue to make plays with his feet, and allow his playmakers to create in space, the Buckeyes should have no problem moving the ball and scoring points.

Special teams will also be interesting to watch. While the kicking positions are set with Devin Barclay kicking field goals and Ben Buchanan punting, the coverage teams could provide playing time for incoming freshman and back-up players. Both the coverage and return teams should improve with all the talent the Buckeyes possess.

This will be a team high on talent and expectations. For now it’s enough for Buckeye Nation to marvel at the potential of this team. If they can live up to it, this fall could be very entertaining.

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