Meyer sends message to suspended players
Urban Meyer has a way of making statements without actually making them. Wednesday’s depth chart did just that.
The Ohio State coach listed the four players that were suspended for the Week 1 game at Virginia Tech — Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson — but none were named outright starters.
Bosa, who was tabbed a unanimous preseason All-American, was listed along with Sam Hubbard as the possible starters at defensive end. An ‘or’ was placed in between their two names. Hubbard played well in Bosa’s absence, recording 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
Still, it’d be a shock to see anybody but Bosa starting on Saturday against Hawaii.
Bosa was the only one of the four suspended players that even received a co-starter nod in the depth chart. Jalin Marshall, who many expected could start at H-back, was listed behind freshman Parris Campbell. Campbell did not have a touch in the opener.
Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith were also slotted in reserve roles for Week 2. Wilson was listed behind freshman Johnnie Dixon at one of the wide receiver spots while while Smith was No. 3 at the other.
Against a team like Hawaii, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Meyer stick to his guns and give his skill position players limited reps. It’s a not-so-subtle way of saying they have to earn their coach’s respect back before they can move up the depth chart.
If Bosa isn’t out there for the first series, however, cue up the #FreeBosa tweets.