Title: Ohio State Buckeyes Special Teams Battles: Replacing Ruggles, Finding Returners, and a New Long-Snapper
Introduction
The Ohio State Buckeyes had a heartbreaking end to their season when kicker Noah Ruggles missed a crucial 50-yard field goal in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Georgia. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Buckeyes are faced with the challenge of replacing Ruggles and finding new returners and a long-snapper. In this article, we will discuss the potential replacements for Ruggles, the depth at returner positions, and the new face at long-snapper.
Who will replace Ruggles?
Noah Ruggles had an outstanding career at Ohio State, making 37 field goals in two years and missing just 1-of-21 kicks during the 2021-22 season. The Buckeyes have two players vying for the position this season: Parker Lewis and Jayden Fielding.
Both Lewis and Fielding possess powerful legs and have shown promise during their time at Ohio State. Fielding handled all kickoff duties last season and even made a 50-yard field goal as a senior at IMG Academy in 2021. Lewis, on the other hand, brings experience as a two-year starter at USC, where he made 26-of-35 field goals in 19 games. The competition between Lewis and Fielding will continue into preseason camp, where their ability to handle pressure situations will be evaluated.
Depth at returner positions
The Buckeyes have some uncertainty surrounding the kick returner and punt returner positions but have several options to consider. Xavier Johnson led the team with 12 kick returns last season, while Emeka Egbuka led with 11 punt returns. One possibility is to utilize both Johnson and Egbuka in the same spot, especially considering Johnson’s success with returns longer than 40 yards.
However, finding the right balance is crucial for a returner. Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming emphasized the importance of having the right player for all the necessary tasks. Other players to watch for next season include Chip Trayanum, who showed explosiveness during the spring, and running back Evan Pryor, provided he remains healthy. Receiver Jayden Ballard and Carnell Tate also showcased their potential during the spring. Different situations may call for different returners, depending on the game’s context and requirements.
New face at long-snapper
With Mason Arnold’s departure to Michigan State via the transfer portal, the Buckeyes needed to find a new long-snapper. Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming believes they have found their answer in transfer John Ferlmann. Last season, Ohio State faced adversity at the long-snapper position when starter Bradley Robinson suffered a season-ending injury against Iowa. Arnold stepped in and held the position until his transfer during the offseason.
Fleming expressed confidence in Ferlmann’s abilities, suggesting that it would be challenging for anyone to unseat him as the starter. Having a reliable long-snapper is crucial for successful field goal and punt attempts, and Ferlmann’s arrival brings stability to this position.
Conclusion
As the Ohio State Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season, they face the challenge of replacing kicker Noah Ruggles, finding new returners, and introducing a new long-snapper. Parker Lewis and Jayden Fielding are competing to fill Ruggles’ shoes, both showcasing powerful legs and promising performances during their time at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have depth at the returner positions, with Xavier Johnson and Emeka Egbuka leading the way but several other players showing potential. Lastly, John Ferlmann is expected to take over as the new long-snapper, providing stability to this crucial role. With these changes, Ohio State aims to build a strong special teams unit capable of making significant contributions to their success in the upcoming season.