College Football Preview: 19. Ohio State Buckeyes

19. Ohio State Buckeyes Returning Starters: 18 Returning Star: DL John Simon Key Loss: DeVier Posey Player to Watch: QB Braxton Miller Ohio State welcomes in Urban Meyer and hopefully better football after last season's disappointment. Meyer has a lot of talent on this team and it all starts at quarterback with sophomore Braxton Miller. Miller struggled at times last season but will improve with more stable scenery. He is basically Terrelle Pryor with a little less hype. He has great mobility and a big arm but his passing game is still improving. The backfield isn't very flashy but is still good with the return of senior tailback Jordan Hall. Hall is a hard runner who Meyer will rely on heavily if Miller can't get the passing game going. Also back is fullback Zach Boren and backup junior Carlos Hyde. The receiving core is pretty good headlined by tight end Jake Stoneburner. Stoneburner is big with large hands and can withstand tons of hits from Big Ten defenders. Junior Chris Fields, Corey Brown and Verlon Reed must step up to help Miller improve a passing game that was 117th in the nation last season. Sophomore Reed is the least experienced but may have the best potential. The offensive line is okay but losing leader Mike Brewster definitely doesn't help. Guards Marcus Hall and Jack Mewhort will head the way for Hall. This defense is good especially on the line and in the secondary. Linemen John Simon is an intimidating force for these Buckeyes. The senior can rush in from the end and can play tackle and stuff up plays. Junior tackle Jonathan Hankins is a prospect but didn't play fantastic in 2011. Hankins has the size and athleticism to have a big season. Junior end Adam Bellamy can make great plays on Simon's other side. These linebackers are athletic and will make plays. Senior Storm Klein can hit hard and is a sure tackler. Few units are better then Ohio State's secondary. Back is All Big Ten safety C.J. Barnett and cornerback Travis Howard. Sophomore Bradley Roby showed he has the potential to become a shutdown corner last season. With kicker Drew Basil back and senior punter Ben Buchanan this special teams should be good. Heisman Hopeful: Braxton Miller Big Ten Rank: 4th