Last year’s starters, Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline are back.  This time, Robiskie will not be nursing a season long injury as he was last year.  But paradoxically, he may get fewer total yards.  That isn’t because he has taken a step back as a player, but rather because everyone around him has taken a step up, and I’m not just talking about at receiver.

There is going to be a lot of pressure to get Chris Wells the yards he needs running the ball to be considered for the Heisman.  As such, you may see a few more runs on third and four when the OSU coaching staff senses that the opposing defensive line is tired.  Further, if the OSU running backs start ripping off six and seven yards at at time (not all the time of course, but let’s just say they do it more this year than they did last year) that takes away more passing downs.

As for receivers to compete with Robiskie, Hartline is going to be a year smarter, stronger and faster.  We have a strange fellow coming in (though he has an injury to his left leg of indeterminate nature right now).  His name is Jake Stoneburner.  He has tight end size but will not be playing Tight End.  He will be playing receiver because his speed is a match for anyone.  Sort of a Terrell Owens without the attitude might best describe him. 

Taking big steps also in practice this year have been Taurian Washington and newcomer Devier Posey.  Posey looks like the real deal to a great many OSU commentators.  OSU defensive back Kurt Coleman has said that Grant Schwartz has also made great strides, and don’t forget that much heralded Dane Sanzenbacher, who caught a touchdown pass in his first game for OSU against YSU will be back as well. 

Left out of many people’s calculations is Ray Small.  No small talent out of Cleveland Glenville and a true sophomore last year, he played well.  But he has fallen out of favor with the coaching staff recently, to the point where they made him give up his number 4 and switch numbers.  He is still thought of as a class punt returner, but if he works his way back to time with the Ones, then he will do some special things in some big games.

So loaded at wide receiver is OSU that they are going to move Devon Torrence, recruited as a wide receiver out of Florida, to cornerback.  If he can make the transition, he will be a good one.  I have a feeling that Tressel may reward that move with some two way play if and when the opportunity presents itself.

One thing is for sure about the receiving corps at OSU this year.  No one is going to get tired, and if anyone gets injured or slacks off, there will be someone better to replace him.  If Todd Boeckman can get the ball to them rather than to the opposing DBs in big games, these guys are going to pile up a bunch of yards.

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