DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Returning starters generally play no more than about two quarters in Ohio State's spring game for fear of injuries, but Buckeye coaches won't have an easy time turning All-American cornerback Malcolm Jenkins into a spectator.

"If they take me out, they'd better take my helmet because I'll probably sneak back into the game," he said.

Given the size of the crowd — a record 75,301 last year — Jenkins has trouble looking at the spring game as a meaningless exhibition.

"Whenever you get in that atmosphere and are playing in front of a lot of people, you've gotta get amped up," he said. "I feel obligated to put on a show."

But coach Jim Tressel, still haunted by quarterback Mike Tomczak's broken leg in the spring game 25 years ago, has only one objective Saturday: "That we stay healthy."

Actually, Tressel sees some merit in the outing because it gives backups a chance to shine.

"I like that they get to play in front of people," he said. "We have guys who, when practice is over, they don't get to play (in the games). This is a day where they'll get 30-40 snaps, and they'll remember that," he said.

OSU to play at night

The Buckeyes will play at least twice at 8 p.m. this fall — at Wisconsin on Oct. 4 and at home against Penn State on Oct. 25 — and a September game at Southern Cal also is expected to be a prime-time affair.

Asked if he minds playing at night, Tressel shook his head and said: "That's part of what we do. I'd rather not play every game — especially away games — (at night) because of the back end. You're home at 5 in the morning. Rest is so important to what we do. But other than that, no, because you love to be on a national stage."

Coleman coveted

Kurt Coleman, a junior-to-be from Northmont, was the first non-senior safety taken in the spring draft — chosen ahead of even All-Big Ten selection Anderson Russell.

"I feel privileged," Coleman said. "It's good to know somebody wants me."

Gholston drops by

NFL-bound defensive end Vernon Gholston showed up at the spring draft and wrote his name down on the giant greaseboard with others on the Gray roster.

Tressel told the Gray captains they could insert Gholston for one play. He was kidding (we think).

Spring game notes

• Tomczak and former Buckeye great Cris Carter will serve as honorary captains.

• The game will consist of four 11-minute quarters. Limits will be placed on both the offense (restricted playbook) and defense (no blitzing except on third downs).

• Running back Chris Wells, receiver Brian Robiskie, offensive linemen Ben Person and Steve Rehring, defensive lineman Rob Rose and defensive back Donnie Evege (Wayne High School) are sitting out the game because of injuries.

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