DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman may have to prove himself against Youngstown State to hang on to the starting spot, but he's already won the confidence of his teammates.

"I've always respected Todd," senior tackle Kirk Barton said. "He's a good person, well brought up. The way he's played the last month, a lot of guys respect him. He's got a powerful arm. He's become a more vocal leader. We're excited to see him in action."

For Boeckman, a St. Henry native, becoming the starter "is a dream come true."

He was jittery at the start of preseason camp but has been steady since then.

"At first, I was a little too tense," he said. "I was overly excited to do the right things at all times. But as I started to get out there, I began to relax and take it one step at a time — and tried not to be too overwhelmed."

Coach Jim Tressel said the Buckeyes will script some series for sophomore back-up Rob Schoenhoft. As for whether redshirt freshman Antonio Henton will see any playing time, Tressel said, "We'll have to see how it unfolds."

Barton family covered

Kirk Barton isn't sweating whether the Big Ten Network can reach an agreement with the big cable companies in time for the first two Ohio State games to be aired.

"My mom and girlfriend are accounted for (with comp tickets)," he said. "My dog's at the vet right now — he's sick — and he won't be able to watch it. My sister's a (recruiting) host, so she's accounted for. And everyone else is going to have to go to BW3's until they get this thing worked out."

Barton, who attended the season-opening press luncheon in a suit borrowed from ex-teammate T.J. Downing, just bought a Yorkshire Terrier for $500.

Asked what's wrong with it, Barton said, "He ate potpourri."

Saine to see action

Freshman Brandon Saine moved ahead of classmate Daniel Herron in the battle for third-string tailback. And Tressel expects the Piqua native to be in the backfield rotation against Youngstown State.

Asked if he's designed any special plays for the speedy Saine, Tressel said: "At this point, we're just trying to progress in who we are as a whole group. But there's no question, there will be a day that you'll have to know where No. 3 is."

Small out

Sophomore Ray Small, the Buckeyes' primary kick returner and third receiver, will miss the opener and is questionable for the Sept. 8 game against Akron.

Junior Maurice Wells will return kicks and junior Bian Robiskie punts. Freshmen Dane Sanzenbacher and Taurian Washington will see action in multiple-receiver sets.

Tressel comes cheap

Florida is offering a dinner with coach Urban Meyer for $1 million. When Tressel was asked what OSU could get for a meal with him, he replied: "A buck fifty."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com