Ex-Buckeye's allegiance switches to Bengals May 7, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Last fall, Stan White Jr. attended a Bengals game in Paul Brown Stadium -- wearing a Baltimore Ravens jersey.
White, a Baltimore native, went to that Bengals-Ravens game in November to work as a spotter for his radio-broadcaster father, former Ohio State All-American Stan White Sr..."
Notes: Rookies Pro Bowl May 5, 2007 Source: Bengals.com - "Fullback Stan White, a free agent out of Ohio State, remembers the first Bengals-Ravens game in Baltimore in 1996 at now defunct Memorial Stadium. He was in sixth grade when Doug Pelfrey kicked a last-play field goal that capped the Bengals’ 21-point comeback in the second half..."
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League added former Ohio State quarterback Justin Zwick to their "negotiating list" this week, along with East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pinkney and Notre Dame running back Darius Walker. Zwick worked out at the Indianapolis Colts' rookie camp last weekend but went unsigned.
Tryout long snapper Drew Norman from Ohio State looked small standing among all the offensive linemen. He was listed in college at 6-foot, 230 pounds, but he doesn't appear nearly that tall. What is certain, though, is that he's the only ex-Buckeye in camp.
The Indianapolis Colts grabbed their fourth Ohio State rookie, cornerback Antonio Smith, who will join draftees Anthony Gonzalez, Quinn Pitcock and Roy Hall.
"He fits their system and with (coach) Tony Dungy's obsession with Ohio State this year," said Smith's agent, Bradley Cicala. "They have a lot of cornerbacks, but some are between safeties and corners. I think he'll be a good nickel."
Buckeyes free safety Brandon Mitchell said he had a choice of "seven or eight teams" and signed with the Houston Texans. He'll head there May 14.
OSU defensive tackle David Patterson might have come out the best of the undrafted bunch as he joined the Atlanta Falcons.
"It was a feeding frenzy," said Patterson's agent, Jonathan Feinsod. "He ended up being the highest-paid (undrafted) free agent this year."
Feinsod said Patterson fared better by getting to choose from multiple offers rather than being the 240th player taken.
"Neither one is making the headlines as a strong possibility for rookie of the year and each has the same opportunity of making the team," Feinsod said. "We got the best of both worlds."
Adding Gonzalez makes Colts offense scary good May 4, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Gonzalez's acquisition might not draw the attention of the Moss move, but it can be every bit as important. The reason is Gonzalez plays the slot in three- or four-receiver threats. The slot receiver might not be as sexy to fans as split end or flanker, but the role can't be minimized. 'The last time we had that kind of threat from the slot was when Brandon Stokley was healthy in 2004," Polian said. "That was the year Peyton Manning threw 49 touchdown passes.'..."
Colts' Gonzalez has been serious athlete all his life May 5, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "When Eduardo Gonzalez watched his children compete in sports, he always sensed something different about his youngest son. Yes, all of his kids were successful, passionate and good students who embraced the games they played. But Anthony Gonzalez had an extra intangible. 'I'm proud of all my kids, but he always had this dedication to the sport to get to this level, a dedication the others didn't have,' Eduardo Gonzalez said. It's one of the traits that tempted the Indianapolis Colts to defy conventional wisdom and make the Ohio State receiver their first-round pick in last week's NFL draft..."
Learning Their Way May 4, 2007 Source: Colts.com - "Early Days of Rookie Mini-Camp Much Like Being a Freshman...Roy Hall got his star-struck moment out of the way quickly. 'I just walked past and had a conversation with Peyton Manning to say, 'Hey, how you doing,'' Hall said. 'It’s just getting the overall view and getting to know everybody - coaches and everyone affiliated with the Colts,' said Quinn Pitcock, a defensive tackle from Ohio State. 'You try to get comfortable and get settled in.'
Pitcock and Hall were two of four Ohio State players acquired by the Colts last weekend. One of the others was first-round wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, and the other was a defensive back, Antonio Smith. Gonzalez said a lot of faring well this weekend is about studying, paying attention and budgeting time. He studied the Colts’ playbook into the night Thursday, and got together with teammates at their hotel to walk through some plays. 'So far, I haven’t been overwhelmed with the playbook or anything,' he said..."
Colts' camp will have Buckeye feel May 5, 2007 Source: Indianapolis Star - "...It's not surprising the Colts liked the talent pool at Ohio State, which lost the college national championship game to Florida. As Polian reminded on the second draft day, the Buckeyes were in that game because of solid players..."
"It makes that transition a lot easier, to be there with a couple of people you're comfortable with. You don't have to look around the locker room in awe of Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison all the time," said Roy Hall, after being drafted by the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. (Quote: Columbus Dispatch) The Colts also drafted teammates Anthony Gonzalez and Quinn Pitcock; Antonio Smith signed as an UDFA and Justin Zwick was invited to tryout with Indianpolis.
Colts Prospect: DT Quinn Pitcock May 2, 2007 Source: ColtsScout.com - "Every year, Colts fans beg and plead for a big, run-stopping defensive tackle. Well, Pitcock's not the biggest guy around, but he did a great job stifling rushing attacks for Ohio State. And he appears to have the stuff to do it in the pros as well..."
QB Zwick to try out at Colts minicamp May 2, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Justin Zwick might be a little nervous going through a three-day minicamp tryout with the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. But at least Ohio State's backup quarterback from Massillon Washington High School will be throwing to familiar targets. The defending Super Bowl champion Colts drafted Buckeyes receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Roy Hall, along with defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock. They also signed cornerback Antonio Smith as a free agent. 'Hopefully they'll make me look good,' Zwick said of Gonzalez and Hall. 'It's a chance to show I can play.'..."
Gonzalez flying high over pick by the Colts April 30, 2007 Source: Indianpolis Star - "Owner Jim Irsay's sleek black helicopter landed in front of the Indianapolis Colts' complex on Sunday morning, which this time of year means another first-round pick has arrived and is eager to take the ride of his NFL life. Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, chosen with the 32nd overall pick in Saturday's NFL draft, emerged from the helicopter to meet with his new employers and media. The humble Ohio State star, expected to take the Colts' No. 3 receiver slot vacated by the released Brandon Stokley, stood at the podium with an awe-struck expression. 'To come here to the defending Super Bowl champions is really something I couldn't have imagined in my wildest dreams,' the Cleveland native said..."
Ginn unsure he'll be ready for Dolphins' training camp April 30, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Top draft pick Ted Ginn Jr. says he's unsure whether he'll be healthy for the start of training camp. Ginn paid a visit to the Dolphins' complex Sunday and said his sprained left foot will be in a boot for about a month. Rehabilitation will follow, and Ginn said there's no guarantee he'll be ready to practice when camp begins in three months. 'It's whatever the training staff says,' the speedy Ohio State receiver-returner said. 'I hope that I'm going to be able to be there day one.'..."
Ginn needs Beck to be good April 30, 2007 Source: Sun Sentinel - "'I guarantee the fans will come around and say, `This was a great pick, and this is what we needed,'' Ginn said. 'And with my guy coming in at the quarterback (BYU QB Beck's progress might take pressure off first-round pick) and doing what he needs to do, you won't hear no more Brady Quinn. You'll just hear Miami Dolphins winning the Super Bowl.'..."
Controversial pick Ginn might not be ready for start of camp April 29, 2007 Source: CBSSportline.com - "Ginn paid a visit to the Dolphins' complex Sunday and said his sprained left foot will be in a boot for about a month. Rehabilitation will follow, and Ginn said there's no guarantee he'll be ready to practice when camp begins in three months. 'It's whatever the training staff says," the speedy Ohio State receiver-returner said. "I hope that I'm going to be able to be there day one.'..."
Ginn Jr.'s injury is no worry to team April 30, 2007 Source: Miami Herald - "The Dolphins are not concerned about Ted Ginn Jr.'s midfoot sprain that has nagged him since January and will keep him out of the team's minicamp. But questions about the injury remain..."
Miami takes OSU's Ginn at No. 9 May 2, 2007 Source: CentralOhio.com - "The Miami Dolphins were a lock to take an Ohio guy with the No. 9 pick in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft. OK, maybe not THAT guy. Despite assurances from ESPN's talking heads that Notre Dame quarterback (and Dublin native) Brady Quinn's name would be called by the Dolphins, the team pulled off a huge stunner when it chose Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. 'I though they were going to take Brady,' Ginn said. 'It's a great situation for me.'..."
Dolphins fans boo selection of Ginn over Quinn April30, 2007 Source: USA Today - "Thirty minutes after selecting Ginn with the No. 9 pick, Cameron made a three-minute appearance at a draft party in the Dolphins' indoor practice bubble. Fans greeted him with boos and continued to jeer as he spoke, and some made a thumbs-down gesture..."
Smith debuts with Ravens rookies May 4, 2007 Source: SportingNews.com - "On his first day as a professional football player, Troy Smith was merely one of 29 rookies trying to land a job with the Baltimore Ravens. 'I'm at the bottom of the totem pole right now," he said. "I have that understanding.'..."
Smith: Heisman hype won't affect role with Ravens May 4, 2007 Source: Baltimore Sun - "After being drafted in the fifth round by the Ravens last weekend, Troy Smith knows he has to quiet the critics who say he won't make it as a pro quarterback...today at the team's rookie minicamp, Smith learned of another hurdle to overcome -- history...Few Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks survive in the NFL, much less thrive. 'It won't put any pressure on me," Smith said...'the Heisman Trophy has nothing to do with it.'..."
Ravens heed Tressel, take Smith in fifth April 30, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Smith was considered a third- or fourth-round pick heading into the weekend but waited until the final pick of the fifth round (174 th overall) to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. Two punters, an Ivy League long-snapper and a player from Troy University were picked ahead of Smith...The drop will hurt Smith financially. Had he been selected in the third round, he likely would have received a signing bonus between $750,000 and $1 million. A late fifth-round player is likely to receive approximately $125,000..."
Baltimore a nice landing spot for Smith April 29, 2007 Source: ESPN.com - "Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith probably went about a round later than most pundits anticipated,..But the Ohio State quarterback, the fourth Heisman Trophy winner in the past 10 years to not be chosen in the first round, might actually have fallen into some good fortune..."
Smith thrilled to put on purple April 30, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Troy Smith left the NFL draft party at Glenville High on Saturday as the banquet tables were being folded up, while Antonio Pittman sat through three rounds with his family at an Akron restaurant, shocked to go home without a team. Sunday, the two former Ohio State stars finally found NFL homes..."
Pittman taken in fourth round by Saints April 30, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Ohio State junior tailback Antonio Pittman was shocked Sunday that he landed in a New Orleans Saints backfield that already features Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. 'I hadn't talked to the Saints at all,' Pittman said on a conference call. 'I think I met with them in Indianapolis one time, but other than that I haven't heard from them until not too long ago.'..."
Pittman Shocked & Thrilled to Be a Saint April 29, 2007 Source: NewOrleansSaints.com - "Antonio Pittman, the Saints' first fourth round draft choice, was shocked when his phone rang and the Black and Gold informed him that they were going to select him with the 107th pick overall. Pittman, who many draft experts considered one of the top three or four running backs in the 2007 Draft, was aware of the depth the Saints have at running back with Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush..."
Raiders Take OSU's Richardson April 29, 2007 Source: Raiders.com - "The Oakland Raiders used the first pick in the 5th round (#138 overall) to select Ohio State DE Jay Richardson..."
OSU, Beechcroft product signs with Colts May 1, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "With Antonio Smith comparing his football career to playing poker, it's fair to say the former Ohio State cornerback has worked his way to the final table. The Beechcroft graduate signed a free-agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, shortly after the NFL draft concluded..."
Stark duo pick their NFL teams May 1, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "After the long, arduous NFL Draft ended, T.J. Downing and Justin Zwick got their shots. Zwick and Downing, two of the better high school football players from Stark County, went undrafted during the two-day draft over the weekend..."
Ginn & Gonzalez Drafted in the 1st Round
Ted Ginn Jr., WR - First Round, No. 9 overall, Miami Dolphins
Anthony Gonzalez, WR - First Round, No. 32 overall, Indianapolis Colts Quinn Pitcock, DT - Third Round, No. 98 overall, Indianapolis Colts
Antonio Pittman, RB - Fourth Round, No. 107 overall, New Orleans Saints
Jay Richardson, DE - Fifth Round, No. 138 overall, Oakland Raiders
Roy Hall, WR - Fifth Round, No. 169 overall, Indianapolis Colts Troy Smith, QB - Fifth Round, No. 174 overall, Baltimore Ravens Doug Datish, C - Sixth Round, No. 198 overall, Atlanta Falcons
All Draft Eligible Buckeyes
Here's what former Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. had to say about becoming the Dolphins' 2007 first-round pick.
Ted Ginn, Jr. April 28, 2007 Source: Miamidolphins.com
The Perfect Replacement April 28, 2007 Source: Colts.com - "Gonzalez an Ideal Replacement for Stokley, Polian Says..."
Colts Love The Buckeyes April 28, 2007 Source: OhioStateScout.com - "With a long history of taking Big Ten players, the Colts picked up wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez’s with the 32-nd selection and last but not least defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock in the third round (98-th overall)..."
Saints in 4th Round Select Antonio Pittman April 29, 2007 Source: NewOrleanSsaints.com - "The Saints selected 5-11, 207-pound RB Antonio Pittman out of Ohio State. Pittman is a hard inside runner who is known as a tough runner to tackle because of his low style of running. Pittman has been an extremely productive running back and has soft hands and is an above average receiver out of the backfield..."
Ohio State Players Continue to Dominate Colts Draft April 29, 2007 Source: Colts.com - "Roy Hall, a wide receiver from Ohio State University, became the Colts' seventh selection of the draft when they selected him around 2:20 Sunday afternoon 169th overall, the 32nd selection of the fifth round..."
Ravens Select Heisman-Winning Draftee for First Time Ever April 29, 2007 Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - "The Ravens looked to the future of the quarterback position in the fifth round, taking one of the top signal-callers in the draft with the 174th-overall selection. Heisman Trophy and first-team All-American Troy Smith is coming to Baltimore..."
Ravens nab Heisman-winning QB Smith Source: Baltimore Sun
Gonzalez's selection lifts OSU to top spot April 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "When Anthony Gonzalez slipped underneath the coverage yesterday to become the last first-round pick of the NFL draft he pushed Ohio State to the top of a list. The Buckeyes now are No. 1 in all-time No. 1s..."
Players' stock rises, falls as NFL draft draws nearer April 26, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Antonio Pittman wavered at first: Return to Ohio State for his senior year or jump to the pros and support his family?..."
Troy Smith Falling to Sixth Round? April 26, 2007 Source: AOL Sports - "How far is the draft stock of Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith falling? NFL analyst Dan Pompei said on this morning's Cold Pizza that from the NFL insiders he's talked to, the Buckeyes quarterback is looking like a sixth-round pick..."
Pitcock won't watch draft April 27, 2007 Source: AOL Sports - "Piqua native and standout Ohio State defensive tackle is forecast to be a late first-day pick and a productive pro..."
Gimpy Ginn wows scouts April 12, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Speed obvious despite being just ‘75 to 80 percent’..."
Re: Ted Ginn: Size Matters April 18, 2007 Source: Yahoo Sports - "Ohio State wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. makes football coaches and scouts respond the same way a wine connoisseur reacts to a new vintage. The reactions are strong, visceral and fall into two distinct camps: love or hate..."
Character guys worth considering April 5, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "I am a big believer in the Ohio State receiver...The football world likes Gonzalez, who has a great football IQ and has tested well on every mental challenge administered by coaches and general managers. He was a team leader for the Buckeyes. Nobody worked harder or practiced longer than Gonzalez..."
NFL Combine Audio: Troy Smith Source: NFLExpertsScout.com - "Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith addressed the media at the NFL Combine..."
Draft and Combine tidbits February 16, 2007 Source: NFL.com - "Name the three schools with the most players drafted since 1936...Over the past 10 drafts (1997-2006), 2,522 players have been drafted from 243 different schools. Fourteen schools have had 38 or more players selected in that time frame: ..." Where does Ohio State rank?
The Wonderlic Personnel Test If you follow the NFL draft, you've heard of the Wonderlic Test...see how you score on some examples from a Wonderlic IQ test. The Wonderlic taken at the Combine takes 12 minutes and contains 50 questions. (More on the Wonderlic & The Combine)
Prospects from OSU ready to turn heads February 21, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "After training for the NFL Scouting Combine with Ohio State assistants Eric Lichter and Butch Reynolds, Antonio Pittman wasn't inclined to make a bold prediction. The junior tailback did hint that he might turn some heads when he runs the 40-yard dash Sunday during the NFL's annual meat market at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. 'The 40's going to be good,' Pittman said with a grin..."
Pittman gains respect quickly Apr 23, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "A week before the draft, it's about time for former OSU running back to get noticed. His time of 4.4 flat in the 40-yard dash matched any running back coming out in the draft this year..."
Scouts must wait to see Ginn February 21, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ex-OSU receiver will miss workouts because of foot injury..."
Knee will keep D’Andrea out of OSU’s pro day February 22, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Five months after major surgery on his right knee, Mike D’Andrea still isn’t ready to undergo a full-scale workout..."
Anthony Gonzalez WR, Ohio St. Hands: Shows excellent hands to easily make tough catches. Is at his best adjusting to and catching off-target throws; excels at catching overthrown passes. Will drop easy passes at times because he takes eyes off ball to look upfield to find running room. Grade: 8.0
Patterns: Runs sharp, precise routes. Uses quickness to cut and gain separation. Mostly ran short routes at Ohio State, and must improve on downfield routes. Is excellent at finding openings in zones. Grade: 7.5Source- SI.com
OSU has edge on Florida...in draft The NFL draft is six days away. Some fans view draft day as the second biggest football day of the year - behind only Super Bowl Sunday. Others would rather put down mulch. Regardless, it's time to get the conversation started. In the past 10 drafts, 2,522 players have been picked from 243 schools. Fourteen schools have had 38 or more players selected in that period. They are: 1. Miami (Fla.) 67; 2. Florida State and Ohio State 66; 4. Tennessee 61; 5. Georgia 54; 6. Florida 53; 7. Nebraska 52; 8. Southern Cal and Virginia Tech 45; 10. Michigan and Wisconsin 43; 12. LSU 40; 13. Oklahoma 39; 14. Arizona State 38.
The three schools with the most players drafted since 1936 are Notre Dame (472), Southern Cal (404) and Ohio State (354).
The school with the longest consecutive streak of having at least one player drafted is Texas, at 69 years (1938 to 2006).Source: Dayton Daily News
The Ohio State University will host "Pro Day", giving Ohio State players a chance to showcase their skills for NFL Scouts, at the WHAC on Saturday March 10.
Post-2007 draft tidbits Source: NFL.com - NFL.com Senior Analyst Gil Brandt writes:
"The 2007 NFL Draft has ended, but the analysis didn't stop when pick No. 255 was announced. Here are some facts about this year's draft and how it compares to drafts of the past..."
1. JaMarcus Russell QB, LSU 2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin 3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma 4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech 5. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson 6. Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
7. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame 8. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
9. Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss 10. Reggie Nelson, S, Florida 11. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California 12. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
13. Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Ohio State 14. Laron Landry, S, LSU 15. Levi Brown, OT, Penn State 16. Michael Griffin, S, Texas
17. Anthony Gonzalez WR, Ohio State 18. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas 19. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska 20. Aaron Ross, CB Texas 21. Paul Posluszny, OLB, Penn St.
22. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville 23. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU 24. Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fl) 25. Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State 26. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh 27. Leon Hall, DB, Michigan 28. Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State 29. Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn 30. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan 31. Jon Beason LB, Miami (Fl) 32. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State
Drated 1st Round
