Article published April 15, 2008
Buckeyes rich with wealth of tight ends
250-pounders Nicol, Ballard often on field at the same time
By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
COLUMBUS - When Ohio State pounds the football down the field and stacks up the yardage and the points, the reputations of its marquee players are enhanced. Quarterbacks, wide receivers and tailbacks collect the accolades, the media saturation, and the Heisman Trophy campaigns.
But those in the spotlight readily admit that they need the guys with the scraped and scarred knuckles, those guys with the beat-up, old metal lunch buckets and the blue collar work ethic, to accomplish anything.
At Ohio State, the tight ends labor in that shadow, blocking like linemen, catching passes like receivers, and comfortable in their obscurity. They play a critical position that receives precious little recognition.
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OHIO STATE AT MICHIGAN
• When: Saturday, Nov. 22
• Where: Columbus
• Series: UM leads 57-41-6
 VIEW: Past OSU-Michigan Big Game photo gallery
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LAST THREE
 2007: OSU 14, UM 3
PHOTOS: 2007 slideshow
2006: OSU 42, UM 39
PHOTOS: 2006 slideshow
2005: OSU 25, UM 21
2007 UM RESULTS
• Sept. 1 - APPALACHIAN ST., L 32-34
• Sept. 8 - OREGON, L 7-39
• Sept. 15 - NOTRE DAME, W 38-0
• Sept. 22 - PENN ST., W 14-9
• Sept. 29 - at N'western, W 28-16
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• Oct. 13 - PURDUE, W 48-21
• Oct. 20 - at Illinois, W 27-17
• Oct. 27 - MINNESOTA, W 34-10
• Nov. 3 - at Michigan St., W 28-24
• Nov. 10 - at Wisconsin, L 37-21
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2007 OSU RESULTS
• Sept. 1 - YOUNGSTOWN ST., W 38-6
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• Sept. 29 - at Minnesota, W 30-7
• Oct. 6 - at Purdue, W 23-7
• Oct. 13 - KENT ST., W 48-3
• Oct. 20 - MICHIGAN ST., W 24-17
• Oct. 27 - at Penn St., W 37-17
• Nov. 3 - WISCONSIN, W 38-17
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• Nov. 17 - at Michigan, W 14-3
HOME GAMES in BOLD
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"Those guys are so important in everything we do," Ohio State senior quarterback Todd Boeckman said about the Buckeyes' tight ends, and their role in his success and self-preservation.
Ohio State had the luxury last season of using formations that called for two tight ends, and its running and passing attacks benefited. Tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells rushed for more than 1,600 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry, while Boeckman led the Big Ten in passing efficiency and was sacked just 19 times in 13 games. Both made first-team All-Big Ten, and Boeckman credits his tight ends with a considerable assist.
"Their blocking helps make our running game so effective, and I can't count how many times they've bailed me out by making a big catch, and keeping us from taking a sack," Boeckman said. "Just by their defined roles, they have to be some of the most versatile players on this team."As the Buckeyes go through a final week of practice in advance of Saturday's spring game, tight end is one of a multitude of positions where this deep, veteran team is secure. Rory Nicol (6-5, 250) will be a senior in the fall and returns as the primary starter, although his contact work this spring has been limited due to a tender hamstring.
Junior Jake Ballard (6-7, 255) was used a lot in 2007 in the two tight end sets, and has plenty of big-game experience. Seniors Brandon Smith (6-3, 240) and J.D. Larson are the backups.
"We've got a really veteran group," said Nicol, who had 16 receptions for 84 yards as the Buckeyes won a third straight Big Ten title in 2007. "I have stepped into the leadership role, but our whole group is on the old side. We have three seniors, and Jake is a junior."
Ballard had 13 catches for 149 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season, and he likes the way the Ohio State tight ends have been pushing each other this spring.
"We are always competing," Ballard said, "but we cheer each other on and hope we all do well. There are only four of us, so we have to stick together."
Ohio State tight ends coach John Peterson said Ballard has the potential to become a real standout at the position. Ballard was a two-way star at Springboro High near Dayton, where he caught 22 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns as a senior, and was Ohio's 2005 Division II defensive player of the year with 77 tackles, 10 for loss, and three sacks.
"Jake has the tools to be a dominant blocker physically," Peterson said. "He has great hands and is a good route runner. That is a great combination for a tight end."
Nicol was elevated to the starting role in August of 2006 when Marcel Frost was suspended for the season for violating team rules, and subsequently transferred. Nicol said the Buckeyes' tight ends know Ohio State has been a dominant team in its conference by first running the football, and he has grown to cherish his role in that approach.
"This is a power team - we play in the Big Ten and you have to be," the Beaver, Pa. native said.
"When we line up in the I-formation with two tight ends and it is man on man, those are some of my favorite times."
Contact Matt Markey at:
mmarkey@theblade.com
or 419-724-6510.
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