By: Adam Rittenberg (ESPN.com) —
Ohio State’s Week 1 depth chart came out today (scroll to Page 10) and heralded freshman Terrelle Pryor is listed as the third-string quarterback behind senior Todd Boeckman and redshirt freshman Joe Bauserman. Pryor’s passing progress impressed coach Jim Tressel throughout the preseason, but Bauserman retained the backup spot behind Boeckman. You’d still have to think Ohio State will make a strong effort to get Pryor in the game Saturday against Youngstown State.

Tressel doesn’t address the media until Tuesday, but here are some more depth chart notes:

* Sophomore Brandon Saine isn’t listed on the depth chart at running back, possibly the result of a hamstring injury he battled throughout the preseason. Saine is listed as a starting kickoff returner with Dan “Boom” Herron, but Herron and Maurice Wells are slotted behind starting running back Beanie Wells on the chart. The Buckeyes won’t waste a talent like Saine, who has top-end speed and can be a weapon as a receiver, but they would be wise to wait until he’s fully healthy.
* Fifth-year senior Nader Abdallah is listed as the team’s starting nose tackle ahead of Doug Worthington, a returning starter who was arrested last month and charged with driving while intoxicated. It wouldn’t surprise me if Worthington doesn’t play in the opener.
* Sophomore cornerback Chimdi Chekwa will start the opener and likely the second game against Ohio as starter Donald Washington serves a two-game suspension.
* Heralded freshmen offensive linemen Mike Adams, Mike Brewster and J.B. Shugarts are listed as third-teamers at left tackle, center and right tackle, respectively.
* Fifth-year senior Brandon Smith will start at fullback and be backed up by Ryan Lukens.
* Tight end is the only spot with two potential starters — senior Rory Nichol or junior Jake Ballard.

No related posts.