Meyer names Barrett, Elflein, McMillan Ohio State captains for...

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is wasting no time getting ready for the 2016 season and moving past the loss of nine players — and a number of seniors — who are leaving the program early to enter the NFL draft.

Asked Thursday in a press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center how he will replace so much leadership, Meyer said he has already named three captains: quarterback J.T. Barrett, who was a captain last season; offensive lineman Pat Elflein; and linebacker Raekwon McMillan.

Those are three of the seven returning starters on offense and defense. Meyer said Ohio State plans to name more captains down the line.

Meyer praised the group of players who are leaving early — Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa, Cardale Jones, Darron Lee, Tyvis Powell, Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall, Vonn Bell and Eli Apple — for handling their business professionally. He compared the upcoming 2016 season to the 2014 season when the team was also dealing with many losses and new starters.

In Other News

NFL Draft: Rams choose Beavercreek native in first round

Bengals draft massive offensive tackle with first pick

McCoy: Reds blanked by Phillies in series finale

Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. taken fourth overall in NFL Draft

High school football: Northmont, Miamisburg on the move as OHSAA...

About the Author

David Jablonski

David Jablonski covers the Dayton Flyers and other sports for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal News.