He was projected as a C by recruiting services, but, he's never actually played a game at that position. He was a LT and DT in high school. I think he can adapt to play that position, but, he does not have any actual game experience there.
RB is correct, in this scenario. His entire highlight film is LT and DT. But recruiting sites projected his body type best at C. I don’t think he has ever played C in a game, but has been practicing there in a backup fashion while at OSU. The bucks have pretty good success of kicking experienced guards into Center
I'd keep him at guard. With Jackson on the other side you'd bring back two starters on both sides of the line to give you more stability as you fill out those other 3 spots. I don't think its ever a good idea to rebuild a whole side, unless you have to..
Depends on the 2 deep whether to keep him @ guard. They’ve been talking up Jakob James as a possibility @ center. James,Jackson and Jones sounds like a pretty good start for the interior, now we just have to find a couple tackles. Was never really impressed with Dawan, thought he just slowed the whole line down in the run game. Gotta keep the team speed up, first thing Meyer said when he got here was to improve the overall team speed, Wilson’s schemes involve pulling guards and tackles sometimes to throw off the defenders keys @ the snap. At least we did under Meyer. Really surprised none of the portal tackles signed with starting spots wide open. That’s a little troubling, or is just NIL again?
Not a fan of moving guards to center after how that experiment didn't work with Michael Jordan in 2018 but it is always better to go with the experienced guy at that position. I imagine Jakob James will also be considered for center.
Vimahi seems to have been a front runner for the last couple years but has never really solidified his position on the field. One has to wonder if he just might get passed next season by an underclassman. IF Jackson moves out to LT that would open up a second interior position at guard, especially if Jones goes to Center.
In a Perfect world, besides both Tackles coming back, OSU picks up a LT and Center in the portal that can start.
Everything I’ve heard or read says the coaches are completely confident in James being a good center. Now they may see the best combination is with jones to center for one year but I don’t see a portal center coming in.
Good, knew he’d come back. Move him to C. That problem would be solved. Think with all his experience and being a former highly rated C that position would fit him best. Plus boost his draft stock having that flex ability. Now wonder if Jackson will stay at G or slide to T. If he moves to T we can insert Tegra in the inside. Whatever the case, we need our starting OL esp the Ts to stay healthy next year.
Best news we've had in a while. Coach Frye has his work cut out for him. 3/5 of the O-line gone. R & L tackle the biggest holes. Assume Josh Fryar will fill one of them
Saw him running with no shirt on in Atlanta before the Peach Bowl. Dude has a six pack. No chance he ever plays O-line again. He’d make a nasty TE though.
Someone posted that Dawand Jones is playing in the Senior Bowl. That would signify that he is going pro. Also, projected by some to be a late first round pick so he is gone.
This is a huge opportunity for Jones. He was unlikely to substantially impact his draft stock by playing another season at guard, but if he has a good year at C, he can show NFL GMs that he has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior. A great opportunity for a great young man!
"There is a force that makes us all brothers, no one goes his way alone." --Woody Hayes
I don't think it's a coincidence that Jones announced he is coming back a day after Wypler announced his intentions. If Wypler came back, I believe Jones would have left. Jones probably wants to play Center and realized that is the best way to get noticed by the NFL. He sees what Linsley, Myers, and now Wypler are doing, and wants to show what he can do.
Sets up various scenarios depending on what happens with the spring portal and how the various guys perform in spring practice. Not as ideal as if Wypler had stayed also but more manageable now.
So the line will probably look like this next season:
LT: Zen Michalski (unless he struggles in the spring, then they'll look to the portal or possibly kick Donovan outside)
LG: Donovan Jackson
C: Matt Jones
RG: Enokk Vimahi
RT: Josh Fryar
I'm lukewarm about how inexperienced most of that group is but I have more faith in Frye to develop them than I would have if Stud were still here. That being said missing out on Kingston in the portal sucks. Ohio State needs to get their act together in regards to NIL and being more aggressive in the portal.
A healthy Jones will be huge for this team going forward, especially since they are replacing two starters already on the line. Good luck with the Scarlet and Gray next year, Matt
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Idc, what position he plays, I’m glad he’s back. He never cried or put himself first. Man of few words, but big humble fella. This season depended on him, and when he got hurt, I think we slowed down some. Just my opinion on things. I also was amped when we recruited him outta New York
Boom for sure! Great to have Jones coming back. He’s always been team first with such humility. A high caliber young man and just what the line will need to set the right example. It doesn’t matter … guard, center … he’s back.
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Boom!!
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
Run it back, big guy!
HUUUUUUGE!!
"We'd wipe the floor with them" - Evan Spencer
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
this is awesome news, especially on the heels of Wypler's declaration
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
Big time. Depending on the rest of the interior OL, it might be best served for him to play C.
I want a fall Saturday in Ohio Stadium..
with a new QB, this definitely is the best play
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
100% That was projected as his position coming out of HS .
Muck Fichigan
agree as well
Thank God for this. Replacing 4 OL would've been an absolute nightmare.
BOATS and HOES.
Am I the only one thinking a move for him to Center sounds like a plan? Pretty sure I read thats what he played in HS, but could be wrong.
He's never played C, but has apparently practiced at that position since he's been at OSU. That's as good an option as anyone we have returning.
He was the number 1 center in his class so it makes sense that he'd be the center next year
He was projected as a C by recruiting services, but, he's never actually played a game at that position. He was a LT and DT in high school. I think he can adapt to play that position, but, he does not have any actual game experience there.
RB is correct, in this scenario. His entire highlight film is LT and DT. But recruiting sites projected his body type best at C. I don’t think he has ever played C in a game, but has been practicing there in a backup fashion while at OSU. The bucks have pretty good success of kicking experienced guards into Center
Maybe not at OSU but I thought he was expected to play center in his recruitment
Yea he did. He didn’t start; but Urban brought him in as billy price back up.
Naaaayyyy!!!!
I'd keep him at guard. With Jackson on the other side you'd bring back two starters on both sides of the line to give you more stability as you fill out those other 3 spots. I don't think its ever a good idea to rebuild a whole side, unless you have to..
Go Bucks!!!
Depends on the 2 deep whether to keep him @ guard. They’ve been talking up Jakob James as a possibility @ center. James,Jackson and Jones sounds like a pretty good start for the interior, now we just have to find a couple tackles. Was never really impressed with Dawan, thought he just slowed the whole line down in the run game. Gotta keep the team speed up, first thing Meyer said when he got here was to improve the overall team speed, Wilson’s schemes involve pulling guards and tackles sometimes to throw off the defenders keys @ the snap. At least we did under Meyer. Really surprised none of the portal tackles signed with starting spots wide open. That’s a little troubling, or is just NIL again?
MICHIGAN STILL SUCKS
Not a fan of moving guards to center after how that experiment didn't work with Michael Jordan in 2018 but it is always better to go with the experienced guy at that position. I imagine Jakob James will also be considered for center.
11 Strong.
Great News! Helps with the line rebuild
JWilly3
Damn. Now what am I supposed to do today? I have nothing new to complain about. I guess I can circle back to the defense.
Still an ofer in the portal.
Justice delayed is justice denied....#FTP
You need to be humble or you will get humbled. - Jocko Willink
We needed this...
very glad to see him back for another season.
"I don't want to be around average, why be around average!" -UFM
Brooklyn in da house!!!!
MICHIGAN STILL SUCKS
Ok. Well that's some good news!
"A man is always better than he thinks." -Woody Hayes-
Pretty sure Jones was a C in high school. Either way, great to have him back.
I am the only one wondering whether a sweeter NIL deal might be what persuaded him to stay another year? Too cynical?
Number 1 center in his class sounds like we got our center for next year
Hells yeah. Glad to have you back Mr. Jones!
MASSIVE news after Wypler declaring yesterday! Glad to see Jones back to anchor a mostly new offensive line and a new Qb!
This one makes me happy. He’s always had a great attitude, hoping for continued great play from him.
Great news!
“If trees could scream, would we be so cavalier about cutting them down? We might, if they screamed all the time, for no good reason.”
-Jack Handey
Thank goodness!!
Down the middle golf
Whew was starting to wonder WTF is up
Welcome back Matt we need you
They really needed this. I was hoping he and Wypler returned but that adds some more stability to the line. He may move to center.
Have some talented young guys but they are going to need big offseasons replacing tackles and pretty much most the stuff outside of maybe two spots.
Great news. Jones could be at center or remain at guard. Real competition probably between Vimahi at guard or James at center.
RT or LT Fryar
Guard Jackson
Center Matt Jones
need a tackle and guard and two or three good back ups.
Stay gold, Ponyboy.
DJ to tackle and tegra as a road paver?
Love hearing this! Stay healthy and that’s a spot with no worries. Could he be a center? Yes. Will he be? Who knows but it helps one way or another.
The middle of the line could be nasty next season.
LG - Donovan Jackson 6'4" 300 lbs
C - Matt Jones 6'4" 315 lbs
RG - Enokk Vimahi 6'4" 310 lbs
Just need to figure out the tackles. I'm pretty sure Josh Fryar will be one of them.
"going to hang 100 on them." -Ryan Day
Josh Fryar and Zen Michalski
Vimahi seems to have been a front runner for the last couple years but has never really solidified his position on the field. One has to wonder if he just might get passed next season by an underclassman. IF Jackson moves out to LT that would open up a second interior position at guard, especially if Jones goes to Center.
In a Perfect world, besides both Tackles coming back, OSU picks up a LT and Center in the portal that can start.
Sani
Everything I’ve heard or read says the coaches are completely confident in James being a good center. Now they may see the best combination is with jones to center for one year but I don’t see a portal center coming in.
Nice!!
CBus love
Good, knew he’d come back. Move him to C. That problem would be solved. Think with all his experience and being a former highly rated C that position would fit him best. Plus boost his draft stock having that flex ability. Now wonder if Jackson will stay at G or slide to T. If he moves to T we can insert Tegra in the inside. Whatever the case, we need our starting OL esp the Ts to stay healthy next year.
Huge news!!! And needed.
Best news we've had in a while. Coach Frye has his work cut out for him. 3/5 of the O-line gone. R & L tackle the biggest holes. Assume Josh Fryar will fill one of them
http://URLWoody 1
This is a boom for me for sure. Likely the Buckeyes starting center next year.
The Excellence of Execution, the Best there is, the Best there was, the Best there ever will be!
Any chance Harry Miller decides to play again?
I would say no. He ran out on senior day introductions. And he looked like he’s a healthy 205 pounds now.
Saw him running with no shirt on in Atlanta before the Peach Bowl. Dude has a six pack. No chance he ever plays O-line again. He’d make a nasty TE though.
This is huge! BOOM
Great news after Wypler’s somewhat surprising declaration.
Right now, I expect our line in 2023 to be:
LT - Jackson
RT - Fryar
C - Jones
G - Vimahi, Tshabola
Zen Michaski, Jacob James, Ben Christman top backups. Maybe some other guys from last yea
You win with people.
And so forth...
9 Units Strong!
Jackson at LT? I never thought of that. He is really athletic. Did he play any tackle in High school?
Yes
He’s about the same size as Jamarcus Jones (6’4”), only he’s more athletic and has a bigger wingspan.
Highly intelligent, quick feet. I think he could transition over there well. Would make a lot more money in the NFL showing that versatility, too.
You win with people.
And so forth...
9 Units Strong!
This is huge news, especially after Wypler declaring. This was a must!
PeruBuckeye
Has Dawand offically declared? I know he will but just curious
Gatt_Daddy
Someone posted that Dawand Jones is playing in the Senior Bowl. That would signify that he is going pro. Also, projected by some to be a late first round pick so he is gone.
Dawand officially declared today.
This is big!
New Day for OSU. Same noon for TTUN.
Huge! Assuming he slides to center and Jackson has the LG spot, anybody have a clue who will play tackle? lol
Ohio Against the World
Great news!
You Got Barbecue Back There!?!?!?!
This is big news from every angle
Always try to look for the positive ........... in the midst of a crisis !!
This is a huge opportunity for Jones. He was unlikely to substantially impact his draft stock by playing another season at guard, but if he has a good year at C, he can show NFL GMs that he has the versatility to play anywhere on the interior. A great opportunity for a great young man!
"There is a force that makes us all brothers, no one goes his way alone." --Woody Hayes
I don't think it's a coincidence that Jones announced he is coming back a day after Wypler announced his intentions. If Wypler came back, I believe Jones would have left. Jones probably wants to play Center and realized that is the best way to get noticed by the NFL. He sees what Linsley, Myers, and now Wypler are doing, and wants to show what he can do.
Phew!
Wonder if Applebee's increased his $NIL$ deal?
"We're going to give the ball to dumb-ass and grind meat"--Woody Hayes
Good news! Thank goodness!!!
Boom!!!
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
Woody Hayes
rebuild the Oline ? rebuild the D ? what? i thought OSU Reloaded not rebuilt ?? my how things have changed over the last few years ....
Weird, WCMH just posted an hour ago that Jones declared for the draft...
Dawand did, Matt is coming back
Yeah, I submitted a correction to them and the changed shortly thereafter
Great news to have Matt coming back!!
Bucks fans in Mass
BOOM! I'll bet McCord is dancing a jig.
Sets up various scenarios depending on what happens with the spring portal and how the various guys perform in spring practice. Not as ideal as if Wypler had stayed also but more manageable now.
Bobcat66
Faster, tougher, and more violent...
So the line will probably look like this next season:
LT: Zen Michalski (unless he struggles in the spring, then they'll look to the portal or possibly kick Donovan outside)
LG: Donovan Jackson
C: Matt Jones
RG: Enokk Vimahi
RT: Josh Fryar
I'm lukewarm about how inexperienced most of that group is but I have more faith in Frye to develop them than I would have if Stud were still here. That being said missing out on Kingston in the portal sucks. Ohio State needs to get their act together in regards to NIL and being more aggressive in the portal.
11 Strong.
A healthy Jones will be huge for this team going forward, especially since they are replacing two starters already on the line. Good luck with the Scarlet and Gray next year, Matt
When telling the truth becomes a revolutionary concept, it’s wise to join the revolution
Hell Yea!
HUUUUGE BOOM!!!!!
TG Proud Buckeye alumnus.
Idc, what position he plays, I’m glad he’s back. He never cried or put himself first. Man of few words, but big humble fella. This season depended on him, and when he got hurt, I think we slowed down some. Just my opinion on things. I also was amped when we recruited him outta New York
Boom for sure! Great to have Jones coming back. He’s always been team first with such humility. A high caliber young man and just what the line will need to set the right example. It doesn’t matter … guard, center … he’s back.
Kieren
Welcome back double nickel!!