DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Receiver Ray Small discovered something about football while being sidelined for Ohio State's first game.

"It's harder to watch than play," he said.

Small hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained ankle Aug. 11. After going through some rigorous non-contact drills Monday, he believes he'll be cleared to play Saturday against Akron.

"The ankle is feeling real strong," he said.

The sophomore from Cleveland Glenville is expected to be the Buckeyes' third receiver this season as well as their top punt and kick returner.

"He may have a chance to play this game and give our guys some relief there," coach Jim Tressel said.

Depth an issue at defensive end

Junior defensive end Lawrence Wilson broke his right leg in the second quarter of the opener and could seek a medical redshirt year, but Tressel said the team hasn't ruled out having the Akron product back this year.

While Wilson mends, the Buckeyes will rely on freshmen Robert Rose and Cameron Heyward.

"It really hurt us from a depth standpoint because when you get into those games where you're rushing the passer 45 times, you need as many guys as you can get," Tressel said. "And not only that, but Lawrence is a big-play guy."

Kennedy lands on feet

Akron's top tailback originally intended to be a Buckeye.

Dennis Kennedy of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., committed to OSU in 2004, but the scholarship offer was withdrawn by the school for reasons that were never made public. He signed with Akron and rushed for 914 yards in just 10 games last season.

"I'm kind of a believer in 'what usually happens ends up being the best thing,' " Tressel said, "and he's had a wonderful career right where he is."

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior — who was a preseason All-MAC selection — rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries (5.5 yards per rush) in Saturday's 22-14 win over Army.

Hines in limbo

OSU freshman linebacker Jermale Hines wasn't allowed to attend the opener because he's still working on his academic eligibility with the NCAA.

"I guess what I'm allowed to say is we're in the midst of an appeal situation," Tressel said. "He's going to be here, but we've got to get some T's crossed and I's dotted."

Tidbits

• The Buckeyes handed out their weekly awards after the Youngstown State game, but they didn't recognize an offensive lineman of the week. Tressel said line coach Jim Bollman "didn't feel as if there was anyone meriting that particular award."

• Former Buckeye star Pete Johnson, who played from 1973-76 and held the school record for career points until Mike Nugent broke it in 2004, will be inducted into the OSU Hall of Fame this weekend.

• Andy Hildreth, a junior from Northmont, is the second-string punter for Akron.