By: Doug Lesmerises (Cleveland Plain Dealer) -

Breaking down the best 20 Ohio State players on the roster right now as the Buckeyes prepare to report for preseason camp on Sunday.

No. 14: Senior tight end Jake Ballard

I happen to think Jake Ballard is very good at his job. Do you remember his one-handed touchdown catch as a freshman from Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith?

Do you know how many players have caught a touchdown pass from both Troy Smith and Terrelle Pryor?

Actually, none. But Ballard and Ray Small are the only two Buckeyes with a chance to do it if Pryor leads them into the endzone this Cheap Alli Online Without Prescription season.

But trying to put a tight end too high on a best players list in this offense makes no sense. I had Ballard higher originally, because I think he’s going to play in the NFL, I think he’s a great team spokesman and may very well be a captain and I think he brings a good combination of blocking and catching ability to the position. Then I was persuaded to come to my senses.

This is the time of year when stories about throwing to the tight end sprout like weeds. Optimism abounds. Last year, the tight ends combined for 11 catches - less than one per game.

When talk about that changing takes place this year, much of it centers on redshirt freshman Jake Stoneburner, who brings a receiver’s athleticism to the position, even if he’s still learning how to block. I talked with that Jake and will have something written about him coming up. When the Buckeyes do throw to the tight end, it might not be Ballard.

Still, I think he’s good, maybe very good. You just may not notice it that much.

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