Football
The-Ozone Note and Quotebook
By John Porentas

Tyler Moeller

One More Backer: The linebacker at Ohio State is a bit crowded with quality players literally stacked up waiting for playing time. The OSU coaching staff has begun raiding that player pool some by moving two linebackers to defensive end. Additionally, there is talk that freshman Andrew Sweat may get a look at fullback. The linebacker numbers however are anything but depleted, and it appears that one more has stepped up.

"Tyler Moeller is looking good, he's a little playmaker that runs around and makes plays for us," said OSU defensive coordinator Jim Heacock this week of Moeller's play thus far in fall camp.

Another Position Change: Defensive end is not the only position where some players are being shuffled some this spring. There is a little of that going on in the defensive backfield as well. Talented sophomore to be Eugene Clifford played at corner last season, but finds himself at new position this spring.

"He moved to safety and he"s playing a backup role but he's really coming on," said defensive coordinator Jim Heacock.

"He's matured and he's fighting for position this year when last year he was fighting for his life, there's a difference," Heacock said.

Clifford did not make the trip to New Orleans for the National Championship game due to undisclosed disciplinary reasons. Heacock was asked if Clifford is back in good graces with the OSU coaching staff.

"As far as I know," relied Heacock. "He's in my good graces."

Ends on Ends: Lawrence Wilson and Cameron Heyward are expected to be OSU's bookends on the defensive line this fall. Wilson is a big fan of Heyward.

Lawrence Wilson

"I noticed that Cam would be a real good player," said Wilson.

"He’s got a motor. We call him little Ironhead for a reason. He likes to blow stuff up.

"Cam’s done a great job this past year. I expect great things from Cam. He’s young. He loves to play the game, loves to study the game. He cares about his teammate. He doesn’t want to let any of us down. Cam’s going to be good, a real good player."

Wilson was also a big fan of Vern Gholston.

"Vern and I talked last year all the time," said Wilson.

"We had a goal last year of 27 sacks from the both us. I’d have to do it myself now. He did a good job getting 14. I know what I can do and our team knows what it can do."

Putting on the Pounds: Doug Worthington moved from defensive end to defensive tackle last season, and was a bit undersized for that position. He also played with a knee problem.

Doug Worthington

Worthington's knee issues are resolved, and he has begun the process of getting his size up to where it needs to be to be an effective interior defensive lineman.

"I’m 282. That’s about eight pounds (up) from the bowl game," Worthington said.

"I still want to be 290 for the season so I can play that defensive line and defensive tackle position and that three-technique position when I have to.

"I’m trying to put on good weight.

"I’ve got two seasons to be a 300 pounder. I want to be a 300-pound defensive tackle by the time I leave but there’s no rush for it."

Better in the Middle: Does OSU have to get better in the middle of the defensive line? At least one of the guys who is playing there thinks there is is evidence to that effect.

Todd Denlinger

"LSU took it to us," said OSU defensive lineman Todd Denlinger.

"That kind of raises the bar for us as a defensive lone to get better to know that in any game we have to bring our best."

Denlinger says it's pretty clear where the Buckeyes defensive interior needs to improve.

"We’re working on our pass rush," said Denlinger.

"Inside guys had maybe five sacks, where each one of us should have five sacks this year. There’s no reason we shouldn’t. We should triple or quadruple our numbers from last year," Denlinger said.

Denlinger says that this spring he has seen the makings of a defensive line unit that can do just that.

"We’re all coming back this year with the exception of Vern," Denlinger said.

"This spring has been a lot of fun working with this unit.

"Last year we all we’re fighting for a spot. This year it’s more of we’re all trying to help each other and we’re all trying to improve because we all have that common goal."

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