Ohio State's top 10 spring performers
1. Nathan Williams
The senior defensive end made sure the players working at offensive tackle got plenty of good work this spring. He made life rough for anyone who tried to take him on, showing the blend of speed and power that has made him a contributor since his freshman year. He looks poised to be one of the defense's leaders and spoke confidently of leading a young group through the summer and into preseason practice.
2. Andrew Norwell
All-America center Mike Brewster identified Norwell, a sophomore from Cincinnati who saw some duty in relief last season, as the most impressive of the young linemen this spring, and who are we to argue? Working at both guard and tackle, Norwell displayed the impressive strength and tenacity that made him a five-star recruit despite missing much of his senior season with a broken leg. Norwell entered the spring looking like a candidate to start somewhere, be it in place of suspended left tackle Mike Adams or one of the graduated guards inside, and he did nothing to dampen those expectations.
3. Braxton Miller
Though starting at the back of the pack in a four-man derby to replace Terrelle Pryor as the starting quarterback for the first five games of the season, the freshman impressed with his rocket arm and quick feet. His grasp on the offense grew through the month, and he generally looked calm and collected regardless of the situation. Miller led a 92-yard touchdown drive in the spring game and was the only one of the four quarterbacks to complete more than 50 percent of his passes both that day and overall in the three extended scrimmages open to the media.
4. John Simon
Some have wondered if the rising junior has the speed to play outside in the Buckeye defense, but he erased many of those doubts by schooling more than one OSU tackle with his combination of quickness and strength. He had a strip-sack in one of the scrimmages, showing he knows how to finish a play, and he is comfortable sliding back inside to tackle at any time. He figures to do that regularly with defensive coordinator and line coach Jim Heacock liking to use his pieces interchangeably when possible.
5. Rod Smith
While there is no shortage of talent in the Ohio State running back stable, this redshirt freshman was the player everyone wanted to see most. He did not disappoint, either, as he left little doubt he is more than just another big bodied-back. The 6-3, 230-pounder displayed good vision and impressive ability to cut and accelerate while unofficially totaling 88 yards on 20 carries in the Buckeyes' three scrimmages. He punished a few tacklers along the way, although his hands left something to be desired.
6. Andrew Sweat
A senior linebacker, Sweat stood out as his move back to his more natural position of Will linebacker became complete. At his best when he can trust his instincts and pursue to the ball, Sweat had 10 tackles in the spring game and will be an important presence both on the field and in the locker room this fall as he replaces Ross Homan. If he can demonstrate Homan's knack for dropping into passing lanes, Sweat should be in line for a big finish to his Ohio State career.
7. Jack Mewhort
Confirming insider reports that Mewhort developed nicely while backing up senior guards Bryant Browning and Justin Boren last season, the third-year sophomore looks ready to step in for one of them this fall. He was not so much noticeable as the big holes he kept leaving behind him for his running backs this spring, and he might have the same type of mean streak that fans loved in Boren. The Toledo native also displayed some versatility as he picked up some reps at tackle.
8. Travis Howard
He was hardly a newcomer as he went through his third spring in Columbus, but the redshirt junior cornerback gave every indication he is ready for his closeup this fall after the graduation of seniors Devon Torrence and All-American Chimdi Chekwa. Quick and instinctual, Howard possesses everything coaches want in a cornerback, including the confidence and desire to prove to everyone his time as a starter was worth the wait.
9. Verlon Reed
The redshirt freshman emerged late from a muddled wide receiver picture by grabbing a pair of passes in the spring game, including a 17-yarder for a touchdown. A former quarterback, Reed is still learning the finer points of receiver but is shifty and strong with good moves in the open field. He could be an important piece this fall if he continues on his upward trajectory because question marks remain about this position group as a whole.
10. Bradley Roby
This redshirt freshman may still have to wait to move into the starting lineup at cornerback, but he gave every indication he can be counted on at some point. He picked off a pair of passes in one of the scrimmages, and his teammates rave about his ability to take on receivers in single coverage. Long arms and a competitive streak are assets for the Georgia native.
