Coach Urban Meyer gave one last update on his team’s progress Wednesday in the Big Ten’s spring coaches teleconference. Here are the highlights:
• Three keys: Meyer said the offense emphasized pass protection, accuracy on deep plays and finishing plays this spring.
• Cornerback depth: Meyer called junior Denzel Ward the team's best cornerback. He said redshirt sophomore Damon Arnette has had a good spring.
Kendall Sheffield, a junior college transfer with three years of eligibility remaining, is ahead of the freshman cornerbacks: Shaun Wade, Jeffrey Okudah and Marcus Williamson.
“You would expect that because he’s an older, veteran guy who’s been out of high school for two years,” Meyer said.
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• Improved players: Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones has gone from good to very good, Meyer said. All the defensive ends have had outstanding springs. Senior safety Damon Webb is one of the most improved players on the team.
Meyer also raved about junior wide receiver Parris Campbell and redshirt sophomore running back Mike Weber.
• Freshman impact: Freshman J.K. Dobbins has played well enough this spring that Meyer said, "He's going to play in the fall. He's had a very good spring."
• Guest speaker: Ohio State will hold its 86th annual coaches clinic Thursday and Friday. Among the speakers is New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
“We love our coaches in state, and we try to make this a great clinic for them,” Meyer said. “It’s Easter weekend, so we understand it’s probably not the ideal weekend because of family commitments. We just wanted to swing for the fences. He’s arguably not only the greatest coach in pro football history but all professional sports, and he’s a very good friend. He’s got a lot of respect for Ohio State football. That’s how we were able to pull that off. Him and Greg Schiano are very close, too.”
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