Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

What are the biggest takeaways from Ohio State's spring practices thus far?

How does J.T. Barrett look throwing the deep ball?

What starting spots are up for grabs, and who will win those jobs?

Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle to discuss all of that and much more on this 15-minute version of the podcast with the misleading title: The Bucknuts Morning 5.

We've pined for years - literally - that Taron Vincent needed to become a Buckeye.

Mission accomplished!

We revel in that commitment for a few ... but then what?

Who is the next must get for the Buckeyes on defense in the Class of 2018?

Who better to bring in for navigation that Duane Long? 

And we didn't stop there. After the recruiting chatter we move on to the current team and the return game, especially. Who will see catching punts and kickoffs and will we see improvement?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

Ohio State finally got over the 5-star defensive tackle hump when the Buckeyes landed Taron Vincent on Sunday.

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss all things Vincent, plus:

* What current OSU DTs might surprise fans this season?

* Thoughts on Parris Campbell taking over at the H-back spot.

* That plus more on the Monday spectacular.

What is the main improvement Ohio State running back Mike Weber is focused on this spring?

What did Tony Alford have to say about Weber, Demario McCall, J.K. Dobbins and the Buckeyes' situation at RB?

Patrick Murphy joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus the highlights from Kerry Coombs' interview. The Buckeyes are planning on using a deep rotation at cornerback this season, and might even rotate the safeties.

We have that and much more as you kick off your Friday the right way.

The best offensive prospect in Ohio. The best defensive prospect in Ohio.

Will both head elsewhere to play college football?

There was time we thought Class of 2018 in-state standouts Jackson Carman and Dallas Gant were certain to be Buckeyes.

No longer.

We bring in 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong to offer some clarity. He was in Toledo yesterday hanging with Gant and reports back.

Wiltfong also shares knowledge gained over the weekend in Atlanta where he rubbed shoulders with prospects like Emory Jones and Michael Harris.

Spend 5ish with us today!

Yes, you’ll never hear “Percy Harvin role” again. Well, except for that time.

The H-back in Urban Meyer’s offense is now forever known as the "Curtis Samuel role."

Filling that void this season will be fourth-year junior Parris Campbell.

Brandon Castel joins Dave Biddle to discuss Campbell being Ohio State's No. 1 H-back, plus:

* J.K. Dobbins moving up the depth chart.

* Kendall Sheffield impressing the coaching staff and getting his black stripe removed.

* How the injuries suffered thus far during spring will affect the Buckeyes.

Bucknutters had plenty of questions. Thankfully, they also have Duane Long.

Our faithful users here at Bucknuts submitted a litany of questions for Duane on myriad topics. The result was an overflow of football wisdom not seen by many mortals prior to today.

Start your day with Duane, you'll be a better Buckeye for it ... 

A handful of Ohio State players are making position switches this spring, and Alex Gleitman joins Dave Biddle to discuss how each of the moves are going.

The group includes reserve players Eric Glover-Williams, Joshua Alabi and Wayne Davis, plus starters Billy Price and Chris Worley.

Also, how are the Buckeyes going to find enough playing time for all of their excellent defensive ends?

On the recruiting front, what are two things that an OSU fan absolutely needs to know?

All that and more is covered on the Monday extrava

This will be a big recruiting weekend for Ohio State, and we bring in the Dean of Ohio State Football Recruiting, Bill Kurelic, to tell you everything you need to know.

Is anyone on commit watch this weekend? Who?

Also, what are takeaways from the Buckeyes' pro day on Thursday?

That plus more is covered on the Friday version of the 5ish.

You know the names: J.T. Barrett, Joe Burrow, Dwayne Haskins, Tate Martell, Emory Jones ... Michael Johnson, Jr.?

Yes, Ohio State will continue to add quarterbacks to the mix and the latest name is only the top-rated signal caller in the Class of 2019.

247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong is here to let us know all about Michael Johnson, Jr., his coach father, Jim Harbaugh and Paul Feinbaum. What's the link? We discuss.

Also:

* Does Ohio State actually have a chance with Zamir White, the No. 1 running back in the Class of 2018?

* IMG Academy standout Houston Griffith is visiting Ohio State this weekend. What's the latest there?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m., 'Nutters!