QB Pryor says he's healthy, ready to go

Published Jul. 23, 2010 10:35 p.m. ET

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Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor can't wait for the preseason to start next month.

The junior pronounced himself 100 percent healthy after surgery in February to repair some damage in his left knee.

''It was minor surgery,'' he told The Associated Press. ''It's never going to be 100 percent ever again for anybody who gets any type of surgery or anything like that. But you should definitely bounce back and be a high percentage and keep going. That's where I am right now, I feel pretty good.''

Pryor also said he's lost 10 pounds this year, down to 225 on his 6-foot-5 frame.

Pryor conceded that he was limited by the knee injury in the last few games of last season, but said he has been working out with his receivers this summer and is anxiously awaiting Aug. 5, when the Buckeyes report to camp.

He said he won't be limited in any way.

''No, because once my mind gets in the game and I'm focused, nothing's going to get in my way and nothing's going to get in my mindset,'' he said. ''Not a leg injury.''

Coach Jim Tressel said he has no concerns about Pryor's health. Tressel, going into his 10th year, says his biggest concern is that Pryor - considered by many as one of the top contenders in the Heisman Trophy race - spends too much time working out and watching film.

''The only reservation I have is I'm not so sure he doesn't train too much,'' Tressel said. ''It seems like he's there all day. He's just a worker.''

Tressel said he felt the injury might just make Pryor a better player - and the Buckeyes a better team.

''It was valuable for him that back third of the season, when he was injured,'' he said. ''He really couldn't take off and run and do some of the things that maybe he had counted on (before). I think the rest of the guys knew he was a little bit limited and they stepped up and our running game and our offensive front came along.''

Ohio State, coming off an 11-2 season that included a fifth straight Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, opens its season Sept. 2 at home against Marshall.