Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

Ohio State begins spring football practice this week and Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle on today's show to talk all about it.

Also, Helwagen was in Indianapolis for the NFL combine the last several days. What stood out the most? Which OSU players helped themselves the most? Who had a bad week?

All of that and more on the Monday extravaganza.

What will Ohio State's starting offensive line look like in 2019?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle for his usual Friday visit to discuss that, plus:

* JBook gives his thoughts on how the former Buckeye players are measuring in at the NFL Combine.

* Will Dwayne Haskins be taken higher than Kyler Murray, or no? How high will they go in the draft?

* In what round will some of the other former OSU players be selected?

* Ohio State's men's basketball team is an underdog at Purdue tomorrow. Can the Buckeyes upset the Boilermakers for the second straight year in West Lafayette?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

This podcast at times tries to help you get to know prospects Ohio State has on its 'Most Wanted List.'

These two names are written in ink: Turner Corchran and Nathan Ransom.

Both Class of 2020 standout sit high on the Buckeyes recruiting board for the class. 

Both are interested in the Buckeyes. Both will be a challenge to add to the class.

Where does Ohio State stand as of now?

247Sports Director Steve Wiltfong is here with knowledge and he's willing to share. 

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters!

It is an action-packed show as The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss the following:

* Ohio State's men's basketball game with a crucial 90-70 victory over Iowa Tuesday night in Columbus, which will be remembered as the coming-out-party for Justin Ahrens. The freshman sharp-shooter exploded for 29 points for the Buckeyes. He had scored just 38 all season entering play.

* By every metric available, the Buckeyes (18-10, 8-9 Big Ten) are projected to make the NCAA Tournament.

* On the football front, what will Jonah Jackson's role be? Will the Rutgers transfer definitely start at guard, or might he compete with Josh Myers for the starting center spot? He will be a starter at one position or the other, but which will it be?

* Even after landing Jackson, Ohio State might not be done on the offensive lineman grad transfer market. Parker Braun from Georgia Tech is interested in OSU, and his father told our Bill Kurelic that Braun will visit Ohio State in March. And if he picks Ohio State, the plan might be to redshirt in 2019 and then play as a fifth-year senior in 2020. What a unique situation, and we talk all about it.

* Ohio State redshirt freshman offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has already gained 16 pounds since enrolling (272 to 288). Can he add another 16 pounds or so before the season starts without losing his agility?

* The Buckeyes are now two over the scholarship limit. Who could be on "transfer watch" for OSU this spring?

All of that and more is coming at you on the Wednesday extravaganza.

The haters were certain Ohio State's ability to attract talent would wane with Urban Meyer's exit.

But you know haters. They're not reliable. Too emotional.

What is reliable? Ohio State's ability to attract talent. Still.

Despite similar overtures from Oklahoma and Texas, coveted Rutgers transfer offensive lineman Jonah Jackson chose Ohio State yesterday.

It's a huge addition to an offensive line in need of quality depth. Jackson is expected to be a plug-and-play starter. 

What will the front five look like come August 31 when Florida Atlantic comes to town? Who better to opine than our very own Duane Long, who knows a thing or two about the big dudes.

We go into depth on Jackson's transfer to Ohio State, preview the NFL Combine starting tomorrow at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and more!

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters!

The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up (OK, well maybe not that) and spring ball is just around the corner for Ohio State.

In fact, the Buckeyes kick off spring ball exactly one week from today, which is March 4 on your calendars. 

What are the biggest items of interest for the Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day this spring?

Patrick Murphy joins Dave Biddle to discuss that and more on the Monday extravaganza.

We have a real treat for you today on the Bucknuts DraftCast.

NFL Draft guru extraordinaire Dane Brugler joins us to preview NFL Scouting Combine, which kicks off Tuesday in Indianapolis. We have a detailed breakdown of all 10 Buckeyes invited to the league’s biggest offseason talent show. 

Dane offers expert insight on: 

*Nick Bosa*Parris Campbell*Johnnie Dixon*Dwayne Haskins*Dre’Mont Jones*Mike Jordan*Terry McLaurin*Isaiah Prince*Kendall Sheffield*Mike Weber

What are the strengths? Weaknesses? NFL scouting vibes heading in? 

Sit back and enjoy, ‘Nutters!

Running back Darvon Hubbard decommitted from Ohio State on Thursday -- largely because the Buckeyes had cooled on him.

Ohio State still wants to sign two running backs in its 2020 recruiting class. Who might those RBs be?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle for his usual Friday visit, and JBook has plenty of suggestions and insights.

Also, spring practice begins for OSU a week from Monday. Yes, March 4 is when spring ball kicks off. What will JBook be looking for the most on each side of the ball?

All of that and more on the Friday extravaganza.

The idea Ohio State recruiting fell off last season is a bit of myth. The Buckeyes finished the 2019 cycle with the nation's No. 14 class. But there's a hook.

Recruiting classes gain favor for quantity. Ohio State only took 17 prospects in the class - the fewest among the top 27-ranked programs. But the the Buckeyes' average ranking per recruit was good for No. 3 nationally behind Alabama and Georgia. Still, there was angst about 'No. 14.'

That angst is basically gone with the ushering in of the Class of 2020 cycle. This from 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong on the effort:

'In 2020, the Buckeyes should be back where everyone is used to seeing them in the 247Sports Composite Rankings, competing for the nation’s No. 1 class. OSU is currently No. 5, led by two of the country’s best offensive linemen in top-ranked offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and top-ranked center Luke Wypler. Quarterback commit Jack Miller was one of the more coveted signal-callers in this class and he has two talented wide outs to go to work with in Top247 recruit Gee Scott Jr. and one of the Lone Star State’s best in Jaxon Smith-Njigba who had 1,819 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns including 267 and three in a state playoff game against national powerhouse Allen.'

So who better to join us today for extended recruiting chatter? Yep, Steve is here with wisdom.

Spend 5ish with us today, 'Nutters!

Ohio State has three proven quality playcallers on the offensive side of the ball. They include head coach Ryan Day, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, and first-year passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich.

Who will be the primary playcaller out of that group? Yes, it will be a collaborative effort, but who will be making most of the calls?

The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, joins Dave Biddle to discuss that and much more on the Wednesday extravaganza.