DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State safeties coach Paul Haynes sometimes has to deal with fragile egos, but he doesn't have to soften any messages to crocodile-skinned sophomore Kurt Coleman.

"You can coach him tough — because he can take it," Haynes said. "He's very critical of himself, which is a good thing."

Coleman had four tackles while starting the Buckeyes' opener last Saturday against Youngstown State, including one behind the line of scrimmage. The Northmont High School product soared up the depth chart by repeatedly making impact plays in practice, predicting the movement of the offense as if he were the Amazing Kreskin.

While giving the media a report after one scrimmage in August, OSU head coach Jim Tressel pointed out that Coleman had an interception, and the coach felt the need to add "as usual."

"He's a very instinctive football player," Haynes said. "Some guys just have it. I can't take any credit for it — it's nothing I've taught him. He just has the ability to make plays."

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Coleman blocked a field goal against Bowling Green last year and blocked another in the Buckeyes' preseason kick scrimmage.

"It's definitely been a gift," he said of his playmaking skills. "It's not just me. It's the defensive line and the pass rushers.

"But I've been able to do that throughout my whole career. I guess you could say I've been put in fortunate situations to get the ball."

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