Good info from Eggers here.

Every year we hear the same comments. “Pro offense needs more balance”, “hoping for development in the off-season”, “offensive line is a weak point”, etc. I mean this article could be from 2008, 2009, 2010, etc etc.

Agree with Riley that Ryan Nall can start now. It’s just a matter of which position. I had Nall ranked as the 2nd best player in the 2014 class. Now is there more need at LB or TE? I’d argue LB. Eggers writes:

Tight end remains a position of strength, with veterans Connor Hamlett, Caleb Smith and Kellen Clute, incoming freshman Ryan Nall and Cal transfer Jacob Wark.

Between Hamlett, Smith, and Clute TE is solid. The group of LBs is so so. Eggers feels it’s the strongest position, writing “Linebacker is OSU’s strongest position, with returning starters D.J. Alexander, Michael Doctor and Jabral Johnson and capable backups Rommel Mageo, Caleb Saulo and Darrel Songy.”

First off, Mageo, Saulo, and especially Songy have showed nothing. Not sure why they are even mentioned. They are all 1-star talents. Mageo maybe a 2+, but definitely not a guy I’d list as a strong point. Alexander is very good but always has nagging injuries, Doctor has weakness (finishing tackles/size), and Johnson looks the part but hasn’t put up numbers. Nall would be a great addition this year and looking forward. Also, why not consider playing Nall on both sides of the ball? OSU never seems to think outside the box and do something like that, but this guy has the frame and agility to play LB and TE, so why not do it?

Newest commit Hunter Mattox

Film here.

Summary:

(a) Has no major conference offers

(b) Father played for the San Diego Chargers

Hmm. ;)

What I see: guy who gets pushed backward a lot and is slow.

Conversely, Beavs pick up a nice looking safety prospect. He runs like Steven Jackson.

Richard Mullaney is a good receiver, but lacking game changing ability like Cooks, he’s more of a complimentary receiver than a true #1. When Markus Wheaton moved on to the NFL, Cooks was the clear successor. With Cooks moving onto the NFL, the situation is more murky.

My candidate is Hunter Jarmon

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/448909/highlights/11418374

I had him ranked as a 5-star recruit and the #2 guy in the 2013 class.

There hasn’t been much written about him over the past year plus, but I’m thinking that changes this Fall. Many people like Victor Bolden, but I think Bolden is more suited as a 3rd WR/slot guy than a #1 guy on the outside. Jarmon, Mullaney, and Bolden is the best lineup. Malik Gilmore is listed #1 on the depth chart right now, but he’s not a game changer. He’s more of a large, possession WR in the Kevin Cummings mold. What makes Mullaney great, over say someone like Gilmore (who has the same size), is that the former has tremendous body control/agility. Gilmore doesn’t have any exceptional skill set. He is a fine backup but Jarmon is the better talent. Riley needs to groom Jarmon to take Cook’s role, which means he very likely will not.