By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) –

Breaking down the best 20 Ohio State players on the roster right now as the Buckeyes take in their second day of preseason camp.

2. Senior safety Kurt Coleman

On and off the field, no Buckeye handles himself better than Coleman, maybe the most obvious leader on the team. And he’s a hitter, too. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he delivers just like you’d want a safety to, and preparing for his third year as a starter, he could garner some All-American consideration with another good season. He briefly considered the NFL, but the Buckeyes are glad he’s back.

But this is also an interesting point about this Ohio State team, that Coleman is No. 2 on this list. I’m sure people could disagree with his placement here, but a year ago, a player like Coleman wouldn’t have been nearly this high on a preseason Viagra whithout prescription OSU list.

Now, behind Mr. Obvious No. 1, who really is the second best player for Ohio State? It may soon be the guy who’s currently 19th on this list, or 13th or ninth or sixth. Or maybe somebody who’s not on the list.

Among the players in the discussion in my head who didn’t make this version of the top 20 were linebackers Austin Spitler and Brian Rolle, defensive end Nathan Williams and defensive tackle Dexter Larimore. And then there are players like offensive tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts who have played few, if any, consequential minutes and couldn’t possibly make a list like this now but could be top 20 players shortly.

No related posts.